Arc Raiders features a wide variety of narrative-driven quests, many of which gradually uncover the darker truths lurking beneath the surface. One such storyline revolves around the contamination of the local water supply, forcing players to investigate suspicious activity across multiple locations. After completing earlier steps in this chain, you'll eventually unlock A Toxic Trail, a quest that sends you back to ARC Raiders Coins familiar territory to uncover more evidence about who is responsible.

This guide breaks down every step of A Toxic Trail, explaining exactly where to go, what to interact with, and how to safely complete the quest while maximizing your rewards.

Preparing for A Toxic Trail

Before deploying, it's worth noting that extraction is not technically required to complete A Toxic Trail. However, extracting is still highly recommended-especially if you don't have an augment with a safe pocket. The quest rewards you with a key that isn't required for future quests but can be extremely useful for looting later on, particularly on the Spaceport map.

If you're able to safely extract with that key, it can provide extra value long after the questline is finished. Once you're geared up and ready, head into the Dam Battlegrounds map to begin.

Returning to the Water Treatment Drain

The first objective sends you back to a location you may already recognize from the Source of the Contamination quest. Your destination is the drain outside the Water Treatment Center, located on the Dam Battlegrounds map.

To reach it efficiently, approach the Water Treatment Center from the north, moving through the swamp. Near the edge of the facility, you'll find the drain where the contaminated barrel was previously discovered.

Unlike the earlier quest, you do not need to interact with the barrel this time. Instead, simply wade through the polluted water near the drain. After a brief moment, the quest will automatically progress, prompting you to search for clues about where the barrel originally came from.

Tracking the Source of the Contamination

Fortunately, the next objective doesn't require a long trek. From the drain, head west through the swamp. After a short walk, you'll come across a truck partially submerged in the murky water. It's positioned out in the open and is difficult to miss once you're close.

This truck is a critical piece of evidence in the investigation. Approach it and interact with the on-screen prompt to take a photograph. This confirms the vehicle's connection to the contaminated barrel and advances the quest to its final step.

Searching the Truck for Clues

After photographing the truck, your objective updates again, instructing you to search it for more information about who sabotaged the water supply. Interact with the truck's door to investigate further.

Inside, you'll discover a Spaceport Warehouse Key. ARCR Items provides confirmation that the contamination originated from Spaceport operations and ties the sabotage to a larger network rather than a random incident.

Once you pick up the key, make sure to place it in your safe pocket if you have one available. While the key is not required for future quests, it can unlock valuable loot during later Spaceport runs, making it a worthwhile item to keep.

Extracting Safely from the Swamp

With the Spaceport Warehouse Key secured, A Toxic Trail is effectively complete. At this point, your best option is to extract via the Central Swamp Lift, which is conveniently located nearby.

That said, be cautious. Extraction points in swamp areas are often prime ambush locations, and the Central Swamp Lift is no exception. Before initiating extraction, take a moment to scan your surroundings, check sightlines, and listen for enemy movement. Keeping your weapon ready could mean the difference between a successful extraction and losing your newly acquired key.

If everything goes smoothly, extract and return to Speranza to turn in the quest.

Quest Rewards and What Comes Next

Upon completing A Toxic Trail and reporting back, you'll unlock the next quest in the storyline: The Stench of Corruption. This follow-up continues the investigation into the poisoned water supply and is required if you want to earn the Warden outfit, one of the standout cosmetic rewards tied to this questline.

While A Toxic Trail is relatively short, it plays an important role in advancing the narrative and setting up future objectives. It also rewards attentive exploration, encouraging players to revisit earlier locations and re-examine clues with fresh context.

Final Tips for Completing A Toxic Trail

Extraction isn't required, but highly recommended if you want to keep the Spaceport Warehouse Key.

You don't need to interact with the barrel-just standing in the contaminated water progresses the quest.

The truck is nearby, so avoid unnecessary combat or risky detours.

Always check the Central Swamp Lift for campers before extracting ARCR Items.

A Toxic Trail may not be the longest quest in Arc Raiders, but it delivers meaningful story progression and a useful reward if you play it smart. Stay alert, follow the clues, and you'll be one step closer to uncovering the truth behind the water contamination.

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