Arc Raiders Untended Garden Quest Guide (March 2026) Ultimate Guide

Updated by Nikhil Desai
January 8, 2026
Gaming

Are you struggling to complete the Untended Garden quest in Arc Raiders? You’re not alone. This quest takes you deep into the dangerous Hydroponic Dome Complex in Dam Battlegrounds, an area swarming with ARC machines and potentially hostile Raiders. But don’t worry – I’ve completed this quest dozens of times and I’m here to share everything you need to know to breeze through it efficiently.

Quest Element	Details
Quest Giver	Celeste (Trader)
Location	Dam Battlegrounds – Hydroponic Dome Complex
Previous Quest	A Balanced Harvest
Next Quest	The Root Of The Matter
Difficulty	Medium
Estimated Time	10-15 minutes
Required Items	None (free loadout recommended)

What is the Untended Garden Quest?

The Untended Garden quest is part of Celeste’s questline in Arc Raiders. According to the quest description, researchers who set up the hydroponic domes in the swamp were actually cultivation researchers. Celeste believes these domes might hold overlooked information about their failed cultivation project.

This quest serves as a bridge between “A Balanced Harvest” and “The Root Of The Matter” in Celeste’s storyline, providing crucial data about what went wrong with the hydroponic experiments in the Dam Battlegrounds area.

Preparation and Strategy

Loadout Recommendations

One of the best things about this quest is that you don’t need to extract to complete it, which means you can safely use a free loadout. I highly recommend this approach because:

The Hydroponic Dome Complex is a high-traffic area
You’ll encounter other Raiders frequently
ARC machines are abundant in this location
No need to risk your valuable gear

Essential Items to Bring

Even with a free loadout, consider these items:

Basic weapon for self-defense
Bandages for emergency healing
Map marker tool for navigation

Best Time to Attempt

Based on my experience, the best times to attempt this quest are:

Off-peak hours (early morning or late night)
Weekday afternoons when server traffic is lower
Avoid weekend prime time when the area is most contested

Step-by-Step Walkthrough

Step 1: Go to the Hydroponic Dome Complex

The Hydroponic Dome Complex is located in the northwestern part of Dam Battlegrounds. Here’s how to find it efficiently:

Pin your map marker before leaving your spawn point
Use your compass at the top of the screen for navigation
Stick to cover when moving through open areas
Avoid stopping in the open to check your map

Pro Tip: The complex is clearly marked on your map with a distinct border, making it relatively easy to spot once you’re in the right area.

Step 2: Access the Data Archive in One of the Domes

This is where many players get confused, but I’ve got you covered. The Hydroponic Dome Complex contains multiple domes, and you can access the data archive in several of them:

Location Details:

Primary location: Northern side of the complex
Target buildings: Two massive domes on the northern edge
Alternative options: Several other domes may also contain accessible terminals

Inside the Dome:

Enter any of the large dome structures
Look for computer terminals – they’re typically in the center of the building
Interact with the terminal to download the research data
Watch your surroundings – this area attracts both ARC and other Raiders

Important Note: Based on multiple sources and my own testing, it appears that several domes in the complex contain the same terminal, giving you flexibility in your approach.

Step 3: Upload the Data to the Computer Terminal in Any Field Depot

Once you have the data, you need to upload it to a Field Depot. You have several options:

Closest Field Depot:

Location: Southwest of the left dome (when facing north)
Distance: Just a few steps from the dome complex
Identification: Look for a trailer with a satellite tower on top

Alternative Field Depots:

There are multiple Field Depots throughout Dam Battlegrounds if you prefer a different location. However, the nearby depot is your most efficient option.

Upload Process:

Enter the Field Depot building
Find the computer terminal – typically located next to the door along the back wall
Interact with the terminal to upload the data
Quest complete! You can now extract if desired

Quest Rewards

Completing the Untended Garden quest provides valuable rewards:

Reward Item	Quantity	Usefulness
Advanced Mechanical Components	3x	High – Essential for weapon crafting
Heavy Gun Parts	3x	High – Valuable for heavy weapon modifications
Canisters	5x	Medium – Useful for various crafting recipes

These rewards are particularly valuable if you’re focused on weapon crafting and modification. The Advanced Mechanical Components and Heavy Gun Parts will set you up well for creating powerful weapons.

Advanced Tips and Strategies

Navigation Mastery

Having completed this quest numerous times, I’ve developed some navigation strategies:

Landmark approach: Use the distinct dome shapes as visual landmarks
Compass reliance: Keep an eye on your compass more than your map
Cover utilization: Move from cover to cover, especially near the dome complex
Sound awareness: Listen for ARC machine sounds and other player movements

Combat Considerations

The Hydroponic Dome Complex is a hot zone. Here’s how to handle combat:

Against ARC Machines:

Prioritize threats: Large ARC units should be your primary concern
Use the environment: Dome structures provide excellent cover
Conserve ammunition: Only engage when necessary

Against Other Raiders:

Avoid confrontation: This is a data-gathering mission, not a combat one
Use stealth: Move quietly and avoid drawing attention
Have escape routes: Always know your nearest exit point

Extraction Strategy

While you don’t need to extract to complete the quest, you’ll want to get out safely:

Recommended Extraction Points:

Central Swamp Lift – Closest to the dome complex
Alternative lifts – If Central Swamp Lift is contested

Extraction Tips:

Check the map before heading to extraction
Approach cautiously – extraction points are often camped
Have backup plans – know alternative extraction routes

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Based on my experience and community feedback, here are the most common mistakes:

Navigation Errors

Not using map markers – leads to getting lost
Stopping in open areas – makes you vulnerable to attacks
Ignoring compass directions – wastes time wandering

Combat Mistakes

Engaging unnecessary fights – this isn’t a combat quest
Wasting valuable ammunition – save resources for when they matter
Ignoring ARC patrol patterns – predictable movements can be exploited

Strategic Errors

Using expensive loadouts – unnecessary risk for a simple data mission
Not checking extraction status – some lifts may be closed
Looting during the quest – focus on objectives first

Platform-Specific Considerations

PC Players

Use keyboard shortcuts for quick map access
Higher frame rates can help with tracking moving targets
Custom keybinds for more efficient inventory management

Console Players (PS5/Xbox)

Utilize controller vibration for environmental awareness
Use aim assist if available for defensive situations
Quick menu access for rapid item use

Cross-Platform Tips

Communication is key when playing with mixed-platform teams
Account for different input methods when coordinating strategies
Be patient with platform-specific limitations

Troubleshooting and FAQ

Why can’t I find the data terminal?

This is the most common issue players face. Here are solutions:

Try different domes – multiple domes contain accessible terminals
Check the center of each dome structure
Look for computer screens with interactive prompts
Wait for other players to clear the area if it’s contested

What if the Field Depot is camped?

If the nearby Field Depot is being camped by other players:

Try a different Field Depot – there are several on the map
Wait for server reset – player populations change regularly
Go during off-peak hours – fewer players means less competition

Can I complete this quest solo?

Absolutely! In fact, I recommend going solo for this quest because:

Smaller profile – less likely to attract attention
Faster movement – no need to coordinate with teammates
Stealthier approach – easier to avoid unwanted encounters

What happens if I die during the quest?

Since you’re using a free loadout:

No gear loss – you didn’t risk valuable items
Quest progress saves – your data download is recorded
Can retry immediately – just jump back into another match

Is this quest worth the time?

Definitely! Here’s why:

Valuable rewards – crafting components are always useful
Story progression – advances Celeste’s questline
Relatively quick – can be completed in 10-15 minutes
Low risk – free loadout means no gear loss

Pro Tips from Experience

After completing this quest dozens of times across different server conditions, here are my top professional tips:

Timing Strategies

Server reset timing – try playing right after daily resets for fewer players
Weather advantages – some weather conditions reduce visibility, helping stealth
Event awareness – avoid times when major in-game events draw crowds to the area

Movement Techniques

Peek movement – use dome structures for cover while scanning
Bunny hop strafing – if you need to engage in combat
Silent running – crouch movement in dome interiors

Resource Management

Ammunition conservation – only shoot when absolutely necessary
Healing efficiency – use bandages strategically, not reactively
Inventory management – keep essential items accessible

Community Insights

From monitoring community discussions and player feedback, here are additional insights:

Popular Player Strategies

The “Ghost” approach – complete the quest without any combat engagement
The “Opportunist” method – use the quest as cover for looting the area
The “Team” strategy – coordinate with squadmates for area control

Common Player Complaints

High competition in the dome complex area
ARC density can be overwhelming for new players
Extraction camping at nearby lift points

Community Solutions

Off-hour scheduling for peaceful quest completion
Alternative route discovery by experienced players
Shared intel about server population patterns

Conclusion

The Untended Garden quest in Arc Raiders is a well-designed mission that offers good rewards for manageable risk. By following this comprehensive guide, you should be able to complete it efficiently and safely, regardless of your experience level.

Remember these key takeaways:

Use a free loadout to minimize risk
Navigate carefully through the dangerous Dam Battlegrounds
Focus on objectives rather than combat or looting
Extract safely using the Central Swamp Lift or alternatives

The rewards you receive will significantly boost your crafting capabilities, making this quest well worth your time. Plus, you’ll advance Celeste’s storyline and unlock the next quest in the series.

Good luck out there, Raider! The hydroponic domes await, and with this guide, you’re well-prepared for whatever challenges the ARC machines and other Raiders throw your way.