If you've reached the Research Building and can't seem to find the seed vault - or just want to survive long enough to complete the mission - this guide will walk you through everything you need to ARCR Coins know.
Before You Begin: Come Prepared (or Don't)
Unlike many other quests in Arc Raiders, you don't need to extract to complete "Root of the Matter." Once you've interacted with the seed vault, your quest will automatically progress, even if you get eliminated afterward. Because of this, many players choose to bring free or low-value ARC Raiders Items to minimize risk.
That said, the Research Building and its surroundings are extremely volatile. Expect a mix of PvP chaos from other raiders and PvE encounters with aggressive ARC units. If you're feeling confident in your combat skills and loadout, go in armed to the teeth - otherwise, travel light and focus on stealth.
How to Start the Root of the Matter Quest
You'll receive this quest as part of the ongoing narrative progression tied to rebuilding Speranza. Once it's active, your objective will read:
"Find the Seed Vault in the Research Building."
The Research Building is located just east of Marano Park, in a heavily contested section of the map. It's one of the more recognizable structures in the region, a large multi-floor complex filled with hallways, labs, and debris - perfect for ambushes and firefights.
Step 1: Reaching the Research Building Safely
Approaching the Research Building can be just as dangerous as what's inside. The Marano Park side of the map is often patrolled by large ARC machines, and human players frequently engage in combat there. If you approach directly through the park, expect heavy resistance.
A smarter route is to flank from the north or west, using cover and elevated terrain to avoid direct line-of-sight. This way, you'll bypass most of the heavy patrols and arrive closer to your objective's general area - the west wing of the Research Building.
Step 2: Locating the "Room with a Great View"
Once inside, your goal is to find what the quest calls the "room with a great view." This is a reference to a specific west-facing room overlooking Marano Park through a large glass window. The room is easy to spot because of that massive window - one of the only clear views of the outside park from inside the building.
Move cautiously through the interior corridors and stay alert for both ARC drones and raider ambushes. These narrow spaces can quickly turn into death traps if you're not careful.
When you reach the western section, enter the large room with the panoramic window. Look for a cylindrical container along the wall - this is the seed vault you're looking for.
Step 3: Interacting with the Seed Vault
Walk up to the container and interact with it to secure the seeds. Once you've done this, the quest objective will automatically be marked as complete. You don't need to extract or survive afterward for the quest to register.
Still, it's often worth taking a few extra minutes to loot the surrounding area before you leave. The Research Building has several locked containers, data caches, and crafting resources scattered throughout. Just don't get greedy - reinforcements or other players may arrive at any moment.
Step 4: Optional – Extracting Safely
While you technically don't need to extract, making it out alive is always rewarding. If you decide to leave, your best extraction point is the Northern Station, located northwest of the Research Building.
This extraction site is relatively close, but approach with caution - the stairways and tunnels leading to the train station are often filled with Pod ARCs, which explode on proximity. A careless step can end your run instantly. Use grenades or ranged weapons to clear the path before moving in.
Once you've made it to the station, start the extraction process, watch for incoming raiders trying to ambush you, and wait for the timer to complete.
Tips for Surviving the Research Building
Bring a free loadout if you're new or under-geared. Since extraction isn't required, there's no reason to risk valuable ARCR Items.
Avoid direct routes through Marano Park. The open plaza is a death trap filled with both raiders and ARC patrols.
Use the environment. The building's multi-level layout gives you chances to hide, flank, or escape when overwhelmed.
Stick to the shadows. Lighting inside the Research Building is uneven, allowing stealthy players to cheap ARCR Coins sneak past enemies.
Before You Begin: Come Prepared (or Don't)
Unlike many other quests in Arc Raiders, you don't need to extract to complete "Root of the Matter." Once you've interacted with the seed vault, your quest will automatically progress, even if you get eliminated afterward. Because of this, many players choose to bring free or low-value ARC Raiders Items to minimize risk.
That said, the Research Building and its surroundings are extremely volatile. Expect a mix of PvP chaos from other raiders and PvE encounters with aggressive ARC units. If you're feeling confident in your combat skills and loadout, go in armed to the teeth - otherwise, travel light and focus on stealth.
How to Start the Root of the Matter Quest
You'll receive this quest as part of the ongoing narrative progression tied to rebuilding Speranza. Once it's active, your objective will read:
"Find the Seed Vault in the Research Building."
The Research Building is located just east of Marano Park, in a heavily contested section of the map. It's one of the more recognizable structures in the region, a large multi-floor complex filled with hallways, labs, and debris - perfect for ambushes and firefights.
Step 1: Reaching the Research Building Safely
Approaching the Research Building can be just as dangerous as what's inside. The Marano Park side of the map is often patrolled by large ARC machines, and human players frequently engage in combat there. If you approach directly through the park, expect heavy resistance.
A smarter route is to flank from the north or west, using cover and elevated terrain to avoid direct line-of-sight. This way, you'll bypass most of the heavy patrols and arrive closer to your objective's general area - the west wing of the Research Building.
Step 2: Locating the "Room with a Great View"
Once inside, your goal is to find what the quest calls the "room with a great view." This is a reference to a specific west-facing room overlooking Marano Park through a large glass window. The room is easy to spot because of that massive window - one of the only clear views of the outside park from inside the building.
Move cautiously through the interior corridors and stay alert for both ARC drones and raider ambushes. These narrow spaces can quickly turn into death traps if you're not careful.
When you reach the western section, enter the large room with the panoramic window. Look for a cylindrical container along the wall - this is the seed vault you're looking for.
Step 3: Interacting with the Seed Vault
Walk up to the container and interact with it to secure the seeds. Once you've done this, the quest objective will automatically be marked as complete. You don't need to extract or survive afterward for the quest to register.
Still, it's often worth taking a few extra minutes to loot the surrounding area before you leave. The Research Building has several locked containers, data caches, and crafting resources scattered throughout. Just don't get greedy - reinforcements or other players may arrive at any moment.
Step 4: Optional – Extracting Safely
While you technically don't need to extract, making it out alive is always rewarding. If you decide to leave, your best extraction point is the Northern Station, located northwest of the Research Building.
This extraction site is relatively close, but approach with caution - the stairways and tunnels leading to the train station are often filled with Pod ARCs, which explode on proximity. A careless step can end your run instantly. Use grenades or ranged weapons to clear the path before moving in.
Once you've made it to the station, start the extraction process, watch for incoming raiders trying to ambush you, and wait for the timer to complete.
Tips for Surviving the Research Building
Bring a free loadout if you're new or under-geared. Since extraction isn't required, there's no reason to risk valuable ARCR Items.
Avoid direct routes through Marano Park. The open plaza is a death trap filled with both raiders and ARC patrols.
Use the environment. The building's multi-level layout gives you chances to hide, flank, or escape when overwhelmed.
Stick to the shadows. Lighting inside the Research Building is uneven, allowing stealthy players to cheap ARCR Coins sneak past enemies.