Arc Raiders Bombing Run Quest Guide (March 2026)

The Bombing Run quest in Arc Raiders is one of the most challenging yet rewarding missions added in the Headwinds update (Patch 1.13.0). As a follow-up to the Combat Recon quest, Trader Shani needs you to take down the fearsome Bombardier and retrieve its cells. This massive ARC enemy strikes terror into even the most experienced raiders with its devastating mortar barrages that can obliterate you in seconds if caught in the open.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to complete the Bombing Run quest efficiently and safely. You’ll learn the best Bombardier spawn locations, multiple combat strategies for different playstyles and budgets, and pro tips that even veteran raiders might not know. Whether you’re running on a tight budget or have access to high-end explosives, this guide has the perfect strategy for you.

Quest Aspect	Details
Quest Giver	Trader Shani
Main Objective	Destroy a Bombardier
Secondary Objective	Deliver Bombardier Cell to Shani
Rewards	Finger Gun Emote + 30 Raider Tokens
Best Locations	Blue Gate, Buried City, Dam Battlegrounds, Spaceport
Added In	Patch 1.13.0 (Headwinds Update)

Where to Find Bombardiers?

Prime Spawn Locations

Bombardiers can spawn across most maps in Arc Raiders with the notable exception of Stella Montis. Based on extensive research and community reports, here are the most reliable locations to hunt these formidable enemies:

Blue Gate

• One of the most consistent spawn locations
• Bombardiers typically patrol the central plaza and surrounding buildings
• Look for Spotters near the main gate structures
• Multiple cover opportunities available for tactical positioning

Buried City

• Hospital area and Plaza Rosa are hotspots
• Bombardiers frequently spawn near the medical facility ruins
• Excellent cover opportunities in the destroyed buildings
• Community reports suggest this is the most reliable location for solo players

Dam Battlegrounds

• Check the dam structure and surrounding industrial areas
• Bombardiers often patrol the upper levels of the dam
• Vertical gameplay opportunities with multiple cover positions
• Good for players who prefer high-ground advantages

Spaceport

• Launch pad areas and hangar buildings
• Bombardiers tend to patrol the open spaces between structures
• Limited cover in some areas – requires careful movement
• Best for coordinated team play

How to Identify Bombardiers

Before engaging, you need to properly identify your target. Bombardiers are accompanied by Spotters – smaller drones that resemble Snitches but are distinguished by their distinctive blue underlights. These Spotters actively scan the area for raiders and will immediately alert the Bombardier if they detect you.

Key Identification Tips:

• Look for blue lights sweeping the area from above
• Spotters patrol in predictable patterns
• Take out Spotters first before engaging the Bombardier
• Use cover to avoid detection while scanning for the main target

Combat Strategies

Strategy 1: The Quick Method (High Budget)

This is the fastest way to eliminate a Bombardier but requires significant resources or in-game wealth.

Required Equipment:

• 4x Wolfpack Grenades (primary method)
• Alternative: 6-8x Blaze Grenades
• Backup weapon for Spotters
• Healing items for emergencies

Execution Steps:

1. Eliminate all Spotters with your primary weapon
2. Position yourself behind solid cover
3. Time your grenade throws between mortar barrages
4. Aim high above the Bombardier and let Wolfpacks rain down
5. Usually 4 well-placed Wolfpacks will destroy it instantly
6. If using Blaze Grenades, expect a longer engagement

Pros:

• Extremely fast (under 30 seconds)
• Minimal risk when executed properly
• Reliable success rate

Cons:

• Very expensive (Wolfpacks cost significant resources)
• Not sustainable for regular farming
• Wastes valuable resources on non-critical targets

Strategy 2: The Budget-Friendly Approach

Perfect for players without access to high-end explosives or those looking to conserve resources.

Required Equipment:

• Heavy weapon (Ferro or Anvil recommended)
• Multiple stacks of heavy ammo
• Healing items (bring extra)
• Any damage-based grenades you have available

Execution Steps:

1. Clear all Spotters in the area
2. Find solid interior cover
3. Target the yellow canisters on Bombardier’s legs and rear
4. Focus fire on one leg until it collapses (heavy weapons work best)
5. When Bombardier falls, unload into the rear canister
6. Repeat the process if needed
7. Use healing items between mortar barrages
8. Stay mobile and avoid open areas

Pros:

• Very cost-effective
• Uses commonly available equipment
• Teaches valuable combat skills
• Sustainable for repeated attempts

Cons:

• Longer engagement time (2-5 minutes)
• Higher risk of taking damage
• Requires more skill and patience
• Consumes more healing items

Strategy 3: The Trailblazer Method

This alternative strategy was discovered by the community and offers a middle ground between cost and speed.

Required Equipment:

• Anvil Revolver with Heavy Ammo
• 3x Trailblazer Grenades
• 3x Smoke Grenades
• Optional: Wolfpack for emergency
• Raider Hatch Key for quick escape

Execution Steps:

1. Load into Buried City raid
2. Locate Bombardier using Spotter patterns
3. Use Smoke Grenades to conceal your approach
4. Wait for Bombardier to turn its back to you
5. Throw all 3 Trailblazer Grenades simultaneously
6. The combined damage should destroy it
7. Use Raider Hatch Key for quick extraction

Pros:

• Balanced cost-to-speed ratio
• Trailblazer Grenades are cheaper than Wolfpacks
• Good for solo players
• Reliable when timed correctly

Cons:

• Requires precise timing
• Bombardier must turn its back
• Risky if timing is off
• Trailblazer Grenades may not be available to all players

Strategy 4: The Master Method (High Risk, High Reward)

For experienced raiders looking for the ultimate challenge and instant gratification.

Required Equipment:

• Lure Grenade
• Deadline mine
• Alternative: Electromagnetic Cloak
• Perfect timing and nerves of steel

Execution Steps:

1. Locate Bombardier and clear Spotters
2. Throw Lure Grenade to distract the Bombardier
3. Quickly approach while it’s distracted
4. Place Deadline mine directly on its back
5. Immediately retreat to cover
6. The mine will trigger and destroy it instantly
7. Alternative: Use Electromagnetic Cloak for approach (higher risk)

Pros:

• Instant kill when successful
• Extremely satisfying execution
• Minimal resource cost
• Impresses your squadmates

Cons:

• Extremely high risk
• One mistake means instant death
• Requires perfect timing
• Not recommended for beginners

Quest Completion and Rewards

Delivering the Bombardier Cell

After successfully defeating the Bombardier, you need to collect the Bombardier Cell and deliver it to Shani. Here’s what you need to know:

Important Notes:

• You only need one Bombardier Cell to complete the quest
• You can salvage multiple items from the Bombardier corpse
• Extra parts can be sold for coins or recycled for crafting components
• Use a Raider Hatch Key for quick extraction if available

Quest Rewards:

• 1× Finger Gun Single Shot Emote – Exclusive cosmetic reward
• 30× Raider Tokens – Premium currency for purchases
• Access to future quests and content
• Increased reputation with Shani

Pro Tips for Quest Success

Based on community feedback and personal experience, here are some additional tips to ensure your success:

Preparation Tips:

• Always bring extra healing items regardless of your chosen strategy
• Scout the area before engaging to identify all cover positions
• Check your ammo counts before starting the fight
• Consider bringing a secondary weapon in case your primary runs out of ammo

Combat Tips:

• Never fight in open areas – always use cover
• Learn the Bombardier’s attack patterns and timing
• Use the environment to your advantage
• Don’t get greedy – retreat and heal when necessary

Team Coordination:

• Assign roles before engaging (spotter, damage dealer, support)
• Communicate Bombardier’s position and status
• Coordinate grenade throws for maximum effectiveness
• Have an extraction plan ready before starting

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Based on community reports and personal experience, here are the most common mistakes players make during the Bombing Run quest:

Beginner Mistakes:

• Ignoring Spotters and getting detected early
• Fighting in open areas without cover
• Not bringing enough healing items
• Using wrong ammo types (light ammo instead of heavy)

Intermediate Mistakes:

• Wasting expensive grenades on weak targets
• Poor timing on grenade throws
• Not managing resources properly
• Overextending and getting cornered

Advanced Mistakes:

• Underestimating the Bombardier’s damage output
• Trying to show off with risky strategies
• Not having an escape plan
• Ignoring team coordination in squad play

Advanced Strategies and Meta Considerations

For players looking to optimize their Bombing Run completions, here are some advanced strategies:

Speed Running Strategies:

• Pre-position resources at spawn locations
• Use the fastest method available (Wolfpack spam)
• Optimize your route to minimize travel time
• Have extraction points pre-planned

Farming Strategies:

• Focus on the cheapest sustainable method
• Target multiple Bombardiers in single runs
• Maximize salvage value for profit
• Consider market prices for Bombardier parts

Team Composition:

• Support player with healing and buffs
• Damage dealer with heavy weapons
• Scout/spotter for target identification
• Flexible player who can adapt to situations

Platform-Specific Considerations

PC Players:

• Take advantage of precise aiming for grenade throws
• Use keyboard shortcuts for quick item switching
• Higher frame rates help with tracking fast movements

Console Players:

• Use aim assist features effectively
• Controller vibration can indicate incoming mortar fire
• Consider sensitivity adjustments for better tracking

Cross-Platform Play:

• Communication is key between platforms
• Account for different input methods in strategy
• Be patient with platform-specific limitations

FAQ

How long does the Bombing Run quest take to complete?

The time varies greatly depending on your strategy. The Wolfpack method can take under 30 seconds, while the budget method might take 3-5 minutes. Including travel time, expect 10-20 minutes total.

What’s the easiest way to complete Bombing Run?

The Wolfpack grenade method is technically easiest but requires significant resources. For most players, the budget method with heavy weapons is the most accessible.

Can I complete Bombing Run solo?

Yes, all strategies work solo, though the budget method requires more careful play. The Trailblazer method is particularly good for solo players.

Do I need to kill multiple Bombardiers?

No, you only need one Bombardier Cell to complete the quest. However, you can farm additional Bombardiers for valuable resources.

What happens if I die during the Bombardier fight?

You’ll lose any gear you brought into the raid and need to start over. Always bring gear you’re comfortable losing.

Can I complete Bombing Run in any map?

No, Bombardiers don’t spawn in Stella Montis. Stick to Blue Gate, Buried City, Dam Battlegrounds, or Spaceport.

How often do Bombardiers spawn?

Spawn rates vary, but they’re relatively common in the recommended locations. Check multiple spots if you don’t find one immediately.

What’s the best weapon for Bombardiers?

Heavy weapons like the Ferro or Anvil are best for the budget method. For explosive strategies, any weapon works for clearing Spotters.

Do Bombardiers respawn in the same location?

Spawn locations are consistent, but exact positions may vary slightly between raids. Check the general areas mentioned in this guide.

Can I get Bombardier Cells without killing them?

No, Bombardier Cells only drop from defeated Bombardiers. You must complete the combat objective to progress the quest.

Conclusion

The Bombing Run quest in Arc Raiders represents one of the most engaging challenges in the game, testing your combat skills, resource management, and tactical thinking. Whether you choose the explosive quick method, the sustainable budget approach, or the high-risk master strategy, this guide has provided you with the knowledge to succeed.

Remember that practice makes perfect – don’t be discouraged if your first attempts don’t go as planned. The Bombardier is a formidable opponent, but with the right preparation and strategy, you’ll be completing this quest efficiently and unlocking those valuable rewards in no time.

Keep this guide bookmarked for future reference, as I’ll update it with new strategies and information as the game evolves. Good luck out there, raider!