Arc Raiders Movie Night Quest (March 2026) Complete Guide

Updated by Nikhil Desai
February 3, 2026
Gaming

The Arc Raiders Movie Night quest is one of the most engaging missions in Embark Studios’ extraction shooter, sending players into the dangerous Stella Montis map to help Apollo set up his perfect movie night. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, from finding the elusive movie tapes to locating a portable TV, while providing pro strategies to ensure your success.

Quest Element	Location	Difficulty	Required Items
Movie Tapes	Cultural Archives (Stella Montis)	High	Stack of Movie Tapes
Portable TV	Residential Areas	Medium	Portable TV
Quest Giver	Apollo (Speranza)	–	Both items delivered
Rewards	–	–	3 Showstoppers, 3 Smoke Grenades, 1 Fireworks Box

Understanding the Movie Night Quest

The Arc Raiders Movie Night quest represents one of the game’s more challenging undertakings, primarily due to its location in Stella Montis – widely regarded as the most dangerous map in the game. Apollo, your quest giver in Speranza, wants to kick back with some classic films, but he needs your help securing the proper equipment.

What makes this quest particularly interesting is its dual-objective nature. You’ll need to successfully extract with two separate items: the Stack of Movie Tapes (which has a fixed location) and a Portable TV (which spawns randomly in residential areas). This dual requirement makes proper preparation essential.

Essential Preparation Before Starting

Critical Loadout Recommendations

Before diving into Stella Montis for the Arc Raiders Movie Night quest, I strongly recommend the following preparations:

Must-Have Augments:

Two Safe Pockets Augment: This is non-negotiable. Since you need to extract with both items, having two safe pockets ensures you won’t lose your progress if your regular inventory gets compromised during combat.

Recommended Equipment:

Raider Key: Essential for accessing the Raider Hatch in the Eastern Tunnel below Cultural Archives
Mid-to-long range weapons: Cultural Archives is a large, open area where you’ll need engagement flexibility
Plenty of healing items: Stella Montis is unforgiving, and the Cultural Archives specifically is crawling with enemies

Enemy Types to Expect: Based on my research and personal experience, you’ll encounter:

Ticks: Small, fast enemies that swarm in numbers
Fireballs: Ranged threats that can corner you
Shredders: Heavy enemies that patrol the Archives’ main corridors

Step-by-Step Movie Tapes Location Guide

Navigating to Cultural Archives

The Stack of Movie Tapes has a fixed spawn location in the Cultural Archives on Stella Montis. Here’s how to get there:

Primary Routes to Cultural Archives:

From Atrium: Take the stairs down, the Archives will be on your right side
From Business Center: Use the zipline down past the Business Center
From Seed Vault: Follow the stairways connecting to the Archives

Pro Tip: The Atrium route is generally safer as it puts you closer to the movie tapes’ location and requires less exposure to open areas.

Finding the Movie Tapes

Once inside the Cultural Archives, follow these precise directions:

Head to the southwestern corner of the POI (Point of Interest)
Look for the distinctive landmark: a pile of furniture covered with a white sheet
Search for the blue X graffiti on the wall nearby (GamesRadar confirms this marker)
Interact with the furniture under the white sheet to collect the Stack of Movie Tapes

Visual Description: The movie tapes are located beneath a white sheet covering what appears to be a chest of drawers or small cabinet. The interaction prompt will read “search for VHS tapes” when you’re in the right position.

Extraction Strategy for Movie Tapes

After securing the movie tapes:

Immediately place them in your safe pocket if you have the augment
Head to the nearest extraction point – Seed Vault Airshaft is typically closest
Consider using the Raider Hatch in the Eastern Tunnel if you have a Raider Key
Be extra cautious – enemy patrols increase when you’re carrying quest items

Complete Portable TV Location Guide

Understanding Portable TV Spawns

The Portable TV is classified as a Rare Residential lootable item, meaning it spawns primarily in residential areas across all maps. Unlike the movie tapes, its location is not fixed, requiring some hunting.

Best Locations for Portable TVs

Based on comprehensive research from multiple sources, here are the most reliable locations:

Stella Montis (Same Run Strategy)

Cultural Archives edges: Check chairs, shelves, and small furniture pieces
Success rate: Moderate, but convenient if doing both items in one run

Buried City (High Success Rate)

Grandioso Apartments: Residential complex with multiple spawn points
Plaza Rosa: Central area with residential buildings
Santa Maria Houses: Southern residential zone
Buried Properties: Confirmed spawn location (though rare)

Blue Gate (Alternative Option)

Village: Largest residential looting zone in the game
Raider’s Refuge: Northern residential area
Ruined Homestead: Southern residential location

Dam Battlegrounds

Apartment buildings: Multiple complexes throughout the map

Pro Tips for Finding Portable TVs

Check residential areas first: Your odds are significantly higher in these zones
Search thoroughly: Portable TVs can spawn on shelves, chairs, or near entertainment centers
Consider separate runs: While possible to find both items in one Cultural Archives run, it’s often safer to do separate runs
Loot systematically: Work through residential areas methodically to avoid missing spawns

Advanced Strategies for Success

Combat Strategies in Cultural Archives

The Cultural Archives is notorious for its challenging combat scenarios. Here’s how to handle it:

Enemy Management:

Clear rooms systematically: Don’t rush through the Archives
Use verticality: Take advantage of different levels to gain tactical advantages
Listen for enemy patterns: Shredders have predictable patrol routes
Save heavy ammo for Shredders: These are the biggest threat in the area

Movement Tactics:

Use cover effectively: The Archives has plenty of pillars and obstacles
Maintain escape routes: Always know your path to extraction
Avoid getting cornered: The Archives’ layout can trap unwary players

Optimal Quest Completion Routes

Route 1: Single Run (High Risk, High Reward)

Gear up with two safe pockets
Head directly to Cultural Archives
Search for movie tapes first (guaranteed spawn)
Thoroughly search Archives for Portable TV
Extract with both items

Route 2: Two-Run Strategy (Safer)

Run 1: Focus solely on movie tapes in Cultural Archives
Run 2: Hunt for Portable TV in residential areas (Blue Gate Village recommended)
Benefit: Lower risk per run, less stressful

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem: Can’t find the movie tapes

Solution: Ensure you’re in the southwestern corner of Cultural Archives
Check: Look for the white sheet and blue X graffiti marker
Verify: You’re in the correct POI (Cultural Archives, not Business Center)

Problem: Portable TV not spawning

Solution: Try different residential areas
Check: Blue Gate Village has the highest spawn rate
Consider: Running during off-peak hours for less competition

Problem: Constantly dying in Cultural Archives

Solution: Upgrade your gear and bring better weapons
Consider: Running with a squad for support
Strategy: Learn enemy patrol patterns and timing

Quest Rewards and Completion

Once you’ve successfully extracted with both the Stack of Movie Tapes and Portable TV:

Return to Speranza
Speak with Apollo to turn in both items
Claim your rewards:
- 3 Showstoppers (powerful consumables)
- 3 Smoke Grenades (tactical equipment)
- 1 Fireworks Box (celebratory item)

Note: Unfortunately, Apollo doesn’t share the popcorn, but the rewards are well worth the effort!

Platform-Specific Considerations

PC Players

Take advantage of precise aiming for long-range engagements
Use keyboard shortcuts for quick inventory management
Consider graphics settings to spot enemies more easily

Console Players (PS5/Xbox Series X|S)

Utilize aim assist for consistent accuracy
Take advantage of haptic feedback for enemy detection
Use quick inventory wheels for faster item access

Cross-Play Considerations

Communication is key when playing with mixed-platform squads
Be aware of different control schemes when coordinating strategies
Take advantage of platform strengths in your squad composition

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Movie Night quest take to complete?

The quest typically takes 1-2 hours total, depending on your luck finding a Portable TV and your skill level in Stella Montis.

Can I complete the Movie Night quest solo?

Yes, but it’s significantly more challenging. I recommend bringing a squad, especially for the Cultural Archives portion.

What happens if I die with the quest items?

If you don’t have safe pockets, you’ll lose the items and need to find them again. With safe pockets, the items remain secure.

Is the Movie Night quest worth doing?

Absolutely! The rewards are valuable, and it’s a great way to learn Stella Montis for future expeditions.

Can I find multiple Portable TVs in one run?

Yes, but you can only carry one at a time. Extra TVs will remain for potential future runs.

Pro Tips from Experienced Raiders

Time your runs: Cultural Archives is less crowded during off-peak hours
Learn the map: Knowledge of Stella Montis layout is crucial for success
Bring a friend: Having a squad mate watch your back while you grab items is invaluable
Save your best gear: Don’t attempt this quest with underpowered equipment
Practice extraction routes: Know your escape paths before you need them

Conclusion

The Arc Raiders Movie Night quest is a challenging but rewarding experience that tests your skills in one of the game’s most dangerous environments. With proper preparation, the right strategies, and a bit of luck, you’ll help Apollo get his movie night setup while earning valuable rewards for your efforts.

Remember to bookmark this guide for future reference, as quest mechanics and optimal strategies may evolve with game updates. The extraction shooter genre rewards preparation and knowledge, and you’re now equipped with everything needed to master the Movie Night quest.

Happy raiding, and may your extracts be clean and your loot be plentiful!

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