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"A Lay of the Land" is one of the most iconic early-game quests in ARC Raiders BluePrints, tasking players with navigating the sprawling Spaceport map to collect key items and extract safely. Unlike quick, single-objective quests, this mission requires careful planning, survival skills, and efficient route management-all within a single run. Die or miss a step, and you'll have to start over. This guide breaks down every detail to help you complete the quest smoothly, whether you're a new raider or struggling with its trickier sections.
1. Quest Overview: What You Need to Know Before You Start
First, understand the core requirements of "A Lay of the Land." Assigned by Shani, the security officer in the underground hub of Speranza, the quest has three non-negotiable objectives that must be completed in one match: collect Shipping Notes from the Jiangsu Warehouse, locate a LiDAR Scanner in Control Tower A6, and extract safely to return the items to Shani.
The biggest challenge? The Spaceport map is vast, with hostile raiders, roaming ARC machines, and environmental hazards. Time is your enemy-wasting minutes on detours or unnecessary fights can derail your entire run. Prioritize efficiency over loot, and remember: survival always comes first.
2. Pre-Raid Preparation: Gear Up for Success
Before deploying to the Spaceport, spend time gearing up properly. This isn't the quest to test unproven loadouts-stick to what you know, and prioritize survival tools.
Start with weapons: Bring a reliable primary gun you're comfortable with (assault rifles or SMGs work best for mid-range combat) and a sidearm for close encounters. Ammo is scarce on the Spaceport, so pack extra magazines to avoid running out mid-fight.
Healing items are non-negotiable. Pack at least two medkits and a few adrenaline shots-you'll likely take damage from patrols or hostile players. For augments, choose one with a "Safe Pocket" if possible; this ensures you won't lose the LiDAR Scanner if you take heavy damage before extraction.
Finally, check your stamina upgrades. Holstering your weapon while running saves stamina, and investing in mobility skills will help you move between objectives quickly. Poor stamina management is a common beginner mistake-don't let it end your run.
3. Step 1: Collect the Shipping Notes in the Jiangsu Warehouse
The first objective takes you to the Jiangsu Warehouse, located on the northwestern side of the Spaceport map (some sources place it in the northern-central area, but the northwest entrance is the easiest to access). This area is relatively quiet, but don't let your guard down-patrols of raiders or small ARC drones often spawn nearby.
Approach the warehouse from the northeastern entrance for the safest path. Enter through the main doors, then head straight for the central stairwell. Climb to the top floor, where you'll find the Foreman's Office-a room with large windows and a desk in the center.
The Shipping Notes are on the desk, in plain sight. Interact with them to update your quest, then take a moment to clear any nearby enemies. A careless death here means restarting the entire quest, so scan the area before moving on.
4. Step 2: Locate the LiDAR Scanner in Control Tower A6
After grabbing the Shipping Notes, your next stop is Control Tower A6, located near the center of the Spaceport map-southeast of the Jiangsu Warehouse. The journey between the two locations is dangerous, so move quietly: crouch-walk to avoid alerting ARC machines, and use cover to hide from hostile players.
Control Tower A6 is one of the most contested areas on the map, so approach with caution. Enter through the main entrance, then push forward to the lobby, which features a central statue-this is your key landmark.
Walk behind the statue to find a door leading to a stairwell. Climb the stairs, then follow the hallway as it curves right. In the next room, look for yellow dividers and crates- the LiDAR Scanner is in an interactable box in this area.
Interact with the box to collect the scanner, then add it to your inventory immediately. Remember: You must extract with this item for the quest to count, so keep it safe at all costs.
5. Step 3: Extract Safely to Complete the Quest
Extraction is the final and most critical step. With both items in hand, your priority is to reach an extraction point without dying-lose either item, and you'll have to start over.
Choose your extraction point wisely. Elevators are reliable but loud, attracting enemies. Raider Hatches are quieter but require keys, which are rare early on. If you're playing solo, stick to elevators-they're easier to access and defend.
Before calling extraction, scan the area carefully. Listen for footsteps, gunfire, or ARC movement. If the area feels unsafe, relocate to a nearby cover spot and wait for the buy ARC Raiders Loot threat to pass. Once you're clear, call the extraction and defend the area until the timer runs out.
Once you're back in Speranza, deliver the LiDAR Scanner to Shani to complete "A Lay of the Land." You'll be rewarded with valuable gear, scrap, and progression points to help you tackle harder quests later.