The A Prime Specimen quest is one of the first new missions introduced in the Headwinds update for ARC Raiders. Given by Shani, the Security Trader, the task sends players to the Blue Gate map to investigate an ARC Deforester, but the game does not clearly explain where to go or what to do once you arrive.
A Prime Specimen Quest Requirements
To complete A Prime Specimen, all objectives must be finished in a single raid:
Obtain 2 ARC Powercells
Interact with an ARC Deforester
Loot the ARC Deforester cache
Extracting before looting the cache will reset the quest.
Where to Get ARC Powercells
ARC Powercells drop from ARC enemies. Wasps and Hornets are the fastest and safest options, especially around the outer areas of Blue Gate. First Wave Husks also guarantee power cell drops if encountered.
Players can also bring ARC Powercells from their stash before deploying, which skips this step entirely.
ARC Deforester Locations on Blue Gate
ARC Deforesters are not marked on the map, but they spawn in two known locations on Blue Gate.
The ARC Deforester is a large industrial structure with exposed machinery. A sparking console on the exterior confirms it is active and usable for the quest.
Important
If no console is sparking or interaction fails, the instance may be bugged. Extract and load into a new raid.
How to Complete the ARC Deforester Puzzle
Once you reach the Deforester with two ARC Powercells, the puzzle begins.
Interact with the exterior console first. This consumes one power cell and activates flame barriers. Wait and watch the flame cycle, then run through when the fire shuts off.
Inside, interact with the second console using your remaining power cell. Exit the structure using the same timing, then climb up the Deforester’s metal framework to reach the upper platform.
The final step is running through another flame barrier on the upper level and breaching the container. Looting it completes the quest, after which you can extract safely.
Prime Specimen Quest Rewards
After completing the quest, players must return to Speranza and speak with Shani.
Quest Rewards:
1× Patrol Car Key
3× Door Blockers
The Door Blockers offer basic defensive utility, but the Patrol Car Key is the main reward.
Tips to Avoid Failure
The flames operate on predictable cycles, but the upper and lower sections do not share the same timing. Always watch at least one full cycle before moving.
If the console does not activate or the Deforester cannot be interacted with, the instance may be bugged. Extract and reload into a new raid.
For more Arc Raiders, check out our best skill tree builds for efficient progression and our how to beat every ARC breakdown for tougher encounters.