Arc Raiders On Deaf Ears Quest Guide (March 2026) Complete Walkthrough

Are you struggling with the On Deaf Ears quest in Arc Raiders? I’ve got you covered! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, location, and potential pitfall for this tricky Headwinds update quest. Whether you’re a seasoned Raider or new to the game, my detailed walkthrough will help you complete this quest efficiently and avoid common frustrations.
| Quest Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Quest Giver | Lance |
| Required Map | Stella Montis |
| Update Added | Headwinds (1.13.0) |
| Number of Objectives | 4 |
| Completion Time | 15-25 minutes |
| Difficulty | Medium |
| Known Bugs | Final objective may not complete properly |
On Deaf Ears Quest: Complete Walkthrough
The On Deaf Ears quest is one of the seven new missions introduced in the Headwinds update (version 1.13.0) in January 2026. This quest requires you to investigate a researcher’s activities across the Stella Montis map, making it a challenging but rewarding experience.
Quest Prerequisites & Preparation
Before diving into the quest, I recommend preparing properly:
Recommended Loadout:
- Primary Weapon: Shotguns, Stitcher, or Bobcat (excellent for close-range combat)
- Secondary: Any medium-range weapon for backup
- Tactical Items: Noisemakers, Smoke Grenades
- Healing: Adrenaline Shots, Sterilized Bandages
Important Notes:
- This quest doesn’t need to be completed in one run
- If you get knocked out, you keep your progress on completed objectives
- Stella Montis is a high-traffic PvP area, so stay alert
Objective 1: Find the Researcher’s Guest Logs on the Reception Computers
Location: Business Center, 4th Floor, Reception Area
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Spawn into Stella Montis and head to the Business Center
- Navigate to the 4th floor via the main elevator or stairs
- Look for the Reception area near the main entrance
- Find the long panel of computers behind the reception desk
- Interact with the highlighted computer to send data to Lance
Pro Tips:
- The reception area is often contested, so approach with caution
- Use your map to locate the Business Center quickly
- If the area is busy, consider waiting for other players to clear out
Objective 2: Find Where the Researcher Held Their Lecture and Access Their Notes
Location: Business Center, Ground Floor
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- From the Reception computer, go straight ahead through the open door
- Turn right to find the stairs leading down
- At the bottom, you’ll see another door in front of you
- Don’t take that door – instead, turn left
- You’ll find the second computer terminal in this area
- Interact with it to send the lecture notes to Lance
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Don’t go through the door at the bottom of the stairs
- Don’t waste time searching multiple rooms – the computer is right there
- Be prepared for close-quarters combat in this tight space
Objective 3: Find Information About the Prototypes on the Medical Research Computer
Location: Medical Research Lab
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Head to the Medical Research area (marked on your map)
- I recommend approaching via the North Wing entrance for easier access
- Enter the building and go straight ahead
- Look for a computer terminal near one of the doors
- Interact with it to download the prototype information
Strategic Tips:
- The Medical Research area has multiple entry points – North Wing is usually safest
- There are several computers in this area, so any will work
- This area tends to have fewer players, making it relatively safer
Objective 4: Find the Printed Shipping Logs in the Assembly Workshops
Location: Assembly Workshops
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Navigate to the Assembly Workshops (marked on your map)
- Look for a computer terminal near one of the doors
- Beside the computer, you’ll find a box that can be searched
- Interact with the box to collect the printed shipping logs
- IMPORTANT: If the animation resets and the objective doesn’t complete, extract successfully and retry
Known Bug Fix: There’s a known bug with this final objective. If searching the box doesn’t complete the quest:
- Extract successfully from the map
- Return to Stella Montis in a new session
- Complete only the final objective again
- Don’t surrender or get knocked out, as this may cause the bug to persist
Quest Rewards & Completion
Once you’ve completed all four objectives, return to Lance in Speranza to claim your rewards:
Rewards Include:
- Navy Blue (Warden Color) – Cosmetic item for your Warden outfit
- Lure Grenade x3 – Tactical items for distracting enemies
- Noisemaker x5 – Essential for stealth and distraction
- Shaker – Unique tactical item
Advanced Strategies & Pro Tips
Combat Strategies
Since Stella Montis is a high-traffic area, here are my combat recommendations:
For PvP Encounters:
- Use headphones to detect enemy movements
- Stick to cover and avoid open areas
- Use Noisemakers to distract or locate enemies
- Shotguns excel in the close-quarters environments of this quest
For ARC Enemies:
- Prioritize Leapers and Shredders as they can disrupt your progress
- Use environmental advantages like high ground
- Save your best ammunition for player encounters
Navigation Tips
- Learn the Stella Montis layout before attempting the quest
- Use ziplines and vertical movement to avoid ground-level threats
- Plan your route between objectives to minimize exposure
- Know the extraction points in case you need to retreat
Time Management
- Complete objectives 1-2 together since they’re in the same building
- Save Medical Research for when the area is less populated
- Attempt the final objective when you have time for potential retries due to the bug
Platform-Specific Information
PC Players
- Use keyboard shortcuts for quick item access
- Take advantage of higher frame rates for better combat performance
- Consider using third-party tools for map awareness
Console Players
- Familiarize yourself with controller layouts for quick weapon switching
- Use aim assist features to your advantage in close quarters
- Optimize your sensitivity for the building environments
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the On Deaf Ears quest take to complete?
On average, it takes 15-25 minutes to complete all objectives. However, this can vary based on player traffic in Stella Montis and whether you encounter the final objective bug.
Can I complete the On Deaf Ears quest solo?
Yes, you can complete it solo, but be prepared for potential PvP encounters. The quest doesn’t require teamwork, but having a squad can help with security.
What happens if I get knocked out during the quest?
You keep progress on completed objectives. You’ll only need to retry any incomplete objectives when you return to Stella Montis.
Is the On Deaf Ears quest worth doing?
Absolutely! The rewards are valuable, especially the Navy Blue cosmetic and tactical items. It’s also a great way to learn the Stella Montis map layout.
Why won’t the final objective complete?
This is a known bug. The solution is to extract successfully and retry only the final objective in a new session. Avoid getting knocked out or surrendering during this attempt.
What’s the best weapon for this quest?
I recommend shotguns, the Stitcher, or Bobcat due to the close-quarters combat situations you’ll encounter in the buildings.
Can I do the objectives in any order?
No, you must complete them in the specified order. Each objective unlocks the next one in the sequence.
Do I need to complete all objectives in one run?
No, you can complete them across multiple runs. Progress is saved after each objective completion.
Conclusion & Final Tips
The On Deaf Ears quest is a fantastic addition to Arc Raiders that rewards careful exploration and strategic thinking. While the final objective bug can be frustrating, following my guide should help you complete it efficiently.
Remember to:
- Save this guide for future reference
- Check for game updates that might fix the known bug
- Practice your Stella Montis navigation skills
- Stock up on recommended weapons and items before attempting
Good luck, Raider! And don’t forget to check out our other Arc Raiders guides for more tips and strategies to dominate in the Rust Belt.
Related Quests & Content
If you enjoyed the On Deaf Ears quest, you might want to try these other Headwinds update quests:
- Eyes In The Sky – Another investigation quest with multiple locations
- Untended Garden – Focuses on the Dam Battlegrounds area
- Baron Husk – Combat-focused quest with unique rewards
For more general Arc Raiders content, check out our comprehensive quest guide covering all 72 missions, or our best PvE weapons list to optimize your loadout.
