How to Finish Armored Transport Missions in ARC Raiders BluePrints
ARC Raiders, the gritty third-person extraction shooter from Embark Studios, throws players into a post-apocalyptic world where humanity struggles to survive against the hostile machine faction known as the ARC. Among its most pivotal missions is Armored Transports, a late-game quest from the battle-hardened gunsmith Tian Wen that tests your stealth, combat, and resourcefulness. This guide breaks down every step to complete the ARC Raiders BluePrints mission smoothly, whether you're tackling it solo or with a squad.
1. Understand the Mission Objectives
Before diving into the field, clarify the core goals of the Armored Transports quest. The mission revolves around securing a key card and looting an armored patrol car, with four key objectives to follow:
First, reach the Checkpoint POI at the center of the Blue Gate map. Next, search the guard huts in this area to find the Armored Patrol Key Card. Then, navigate to the traffic tunnel near the Checkpoint. Finally, locate an intact armored patrol car and unlock its rear door to claim the loot inside.
Keep in mind: this is an extraction mission-you must survive long enough to extract after looting the car to keep your rewards and progress. Failing to extract means losing your hard-earned loot and starting over.
2. Prepare Your Loadout for Success
Preparation is critical for Armored Transports, as the Blue Gate map is teeming with deadly ARC enemies. Skip the free loadout and opt for a custom loadout-this is non-negotiable if you want to keep the Key Card safe.
Custom loadouts unlock access to a safe pocket, where you can store the Key Card to avoid losing it if you die. Newer players should prioritize purchasing a cheap kit with a safe pocket, while higher-level players can leverage their balanced gear for combat and mobility.
Essential gear to include: a reliable weapon (preferably one effective against armored enemies), a shield for defense, smoke grenades to create cover, and a defibrillator to revive yourself or teammates. Noisemakers are also highly recommended to distract patrolling ARC machines.
3. Locate the Armored Patrol Key Card
The Key Card is the mission's most critical item-losing it will derail your progress entirely. Start by heading to the Checkpoint, which is automatically marked on your map once you accept the quest from Tian Wen.
The Checkpoint sits between the residential area and the outer gate of the traffic tunnel, making it a natural chokepoint for ARC machines and other raiders. Proceed cautiously-this area is patrolled by powerful enemies like Bastions, Rocketeers, Wasps, and Hornets.
Look for a row of small guard huts near the toll booth area. These compact security booths have desks inside, and the Key Card spawns on top of a yellow folder on one of these desks. Most players find it in the leftmost hut, but spawns vary-check each booth systematically if it's not there immediately.
As soon as you pick up the Key Card, place it in your safe pocket. This ensures you won't lose it if you're downed, saving you from re-searching the guard huts.
4. Navigate to the Traffic Tunnel and Find the Armored Patrol Car
With the Key Card secured, your next goal is to reach the traffic tunnel north of the Checkpoint. This tunnel serves as a vehicle depot, where you'll find the armored patrol cars you need to loot.
The path to the tunnel is dangerous-expect to encounter Wasps, Hornets, Fireballs, and possibly a Bastion along the way. Use smoke grenades or a cloaking device (if available) to stay hidden, and throw noisemakers to lure enemies away from your path.
Once inside the tunnel, you'll see numerous patrol cars-but most are already hollowed out and looted. Look for an intact car, easily identified by its closed rear door with a glowing light shining on it. These cars spawn randomly throughout the tunnel, so you may need to check multiple spots.
5. Unlock the Armored Car and Secure the Loot
When you find an intact armored patrol car, approach its rear door and use the Key Card to unlock it. Inside, you'll find a gun case containing a random weapon (usually blue or green rarity) and other valuable resources.
Loot the car quickly but carefully-enemies may be drawn to the area by the sound of the door unlocking. If you're in a squad, assign one player to stand guard while others loot to avoid ambushes.
Remember: looting the car isn't enough. You must extract from Blue Gate to keep your loot and complete the mission. Plan your escape route in advance, and use cover to avoid ARC machines and other raiders on your way to the extraction point.
6. Avoid Common Mistakes
Many players fail Armored Transports due to simple errors. Avoid these pitfalls to increase your chances of success:
Never use a free loadout-without a safe pocket, you'll lose the Key Card if you die. Don't rush the buy ARC Raiders Armors Checkpoint or tunnel; stealth is often safer than a full-frontal assault. Don't ignore small enemies like Snitches-they don't attack directly but will call for reinforcements if not destroyed quickly.
If all armored cars in the tunnel are looted, don't waste time-extract safely and start a new session. The cars respawn randomly, so a fresh run will give you new chances to find an intact one.
