Where to Use Spaceport Trench Tower Key ARC Raiders (January 2026) Guide

Updated by Sunny Kaushik
December 31, 2025
Gaming

If you’ve stumbled upon a Spaceport Trench Tower Key during your raids in ARC Raiders, you’re probably wondering where this mysterious item leads. You’re in the right place! As someone who spent countless hours exploring every corner of the Spaceport map, I’ve discovered everything you need to know about this valuable key.

The Spaceport Trench Tower Key is one of those rare finds that can completely change your raid’s outcome. These keys are incredibly valuable because they unlock secured areas filled with high-tier loot, weapons, and resources that can give you a significant advantage in future raids. But here’s the catch – the game doesn’t exactly tell you where to use it!

Quick Reference

Aspect	Details
Key Location	Spaceport map, Trench Towers (North & South)
Best Farming Spot	Ruby Residences, Dam Battlegrounds
Guaranteed Method	Complete “Switching the Supply” quest
Loot Value	50,000+ credits
Best Time to Use	Night Raid or Electromagnetic Storm
Quest Giver	Celeste (Trader)
Quest Rewards	Radio Renegade Outfit, 1x Trench Tower Key, 3x Synthesized Fuel

Understanding the Spaceport Trench Tower Key

Before diving into locations and strategies, let’s clarify what makes this key special. Unlike common keys you might find, the Spaceport Trench Tower Key opens specific high-security areas on the Spaceport map that contain some of the best loot in the game. These areas are designed to reward players who take risks and plan their raids carefully.

What makes these locations particularly valuable is their defensive positioning. Once inside, you’ll find yourself in an easily defensible position with limited entry points, making it perfect for holding down against other Raiders or ARC machines. The loot inside typically includes high-tier weapons, valuable crafting materials, and rare items that are difficult to find elsewhere.

Where to Use the Spaceport Trench Tower Key?

Primary Location: Spaceport Trench Towers

The Spaceport Trench Tower Key can be used on both the North and South Trench Towers located on the Spaceport map. These two towers are positioned right next to each other in the northern section of the map, making them relatively easy to find once you know where to look.

However, here’s the important detail: one key will only unlock one tower door. So if you have multiple keys or are playing with a team, you can potentially access both towers in a single raid. Interestingly, some community members have discovered a clever trick – if you bring two trench tower keys, you can use the first to get into one tower, then use the zipline from the top to reach the other tower without needing a second key!

Step-by-Step Directions to North Trench Tower

Based on my extensive experience, here’s the most reliable path to reach the North Trench Tower:

Spawn and head north – From your spawn point, make your way toward the northern part of the Spaceport map
Cross the open area – You’ll need to traverse a large, open gap – be prepared for potential enemy encounters
Locate the two towers – Look for the distinctive twin towers with metal staircases
Take the metal staircase up – This leads to the upper level of the tower
Enter the corridor – Once at the top, head into the corridor area
Take the first left – Look for the first set of stairs on your left side
Turn right to find the door – The locked door will be on your right side
Use your key – Interact with the keypad to unlock and enter
Head upstairs – Once inside, take the stairs on your right to access the main loot area

South Trench Tower Location

The South Trench Tower follows a similar layout but is positioned slightly to the south of its counterpart. According to official sources, the key unlocks an exterior door on the eastern side of the South Trench Tower. Both towers have nearly identical interiors and loot tables, so your choice between them often comes down to personal preference or strategic positioning based on the extraction points.

How to Get the Spaceport Trench Tower Key?

Method 1: Random Drops (The Farming Approach)

Keys in ARC Raiders are notoriously rare drops, but there are specific locations where your chances are significantly higher:

Best Farming Locations:

Ruby Residences (Dam Battlegrounds) – This is consistently mentioned across multiple sources as the most reliable location for finding the Spaceport Trench Tower Key
Research & Administration buildings – High-level loot areas across all maps
Residential areas – Any residential building has a chance, but Ruby Residences is your best bet

Pro Tips for Farming:

Focus on red-marked areas on your map – these indicate high loot value zones
Visit during off-peak hours to reduce competition
Consider playing during Night Raid events for increased drop rates
Check every container thoroughly – keys can be hidden in unlikely spots

Method 2: Complete the “Switching the Supply” Quest (Guaranteed Method)

This is by far the most reliable way to get a Spaceport Trench Tower Key. The quest is given by Celeste, a trader in the game, and guarantees you a key upon completion.

Quest Details:

Quest Giver: Celeste (Trader)
Previous Quest: Source Of The Contamination
Next Quest: A Warm Place To Rest
Rewards: Radio Renegade Outfit (Blue), 1x Spaceport Trench Tower Key, 3x Synthesized Fuel

Quest Objectives:

Find the tunnels under the Spaceport
Find and turn the valve in the tunnels under Spaceport

Step-by-Step Quest Walkthrough:

Finding the Tunnels:

Head to the Launch Towers – Make your way to the center of the Spaceport map around the Launch Towers area
Choose your entrance method:
- Direct Route: Drop down through broken land opposite the Launch Towers (dangerous but puts you right next to the valve)
- Safer Route: Look for small white structures with doors leading underground around the Launch Towers perimeter

Inside the Tunnels:

Navigate carefully – The tunnels are dark and patrolled by Raiders and Ticks
Find the valve – It’s located almost directly in the center of the tunnel system
Use your map – Mark the center point on your map and follow it straight to the valve
Turn the valve – Interact with it to complete the objective
Extract safely – Watch for ambushes while making your way out

Combat Tips for the Quest:

Bring a flashlight or use night vision if available
Move quietly to avoid attracting unwanted attention
Consider bringing a teammate for backup
Save your best weapons for the tunnel sections where enemies are harder to spot

Optimal Timing for Using Your Key

Best Map Conditions

Based on extensive testing and community feedback, the best times to use your Spaceport Trench Tower Key are during:

Night Raids – These events feature increased loot value modifiers, meaning everything you find inside will be worth more
Electromagnetic Storms – Similar to Night Raids, these conditions boost loot values and can make your key usage more profitable

Strategic Considerations

Why timing matters?

During special events, the loot value modifier can increase your haul by 25-50%
More players are distracted by the main objectives, giving you a better chance at the towers
Some enemies behave differently during events, potentially making your approach safer

When to avoid using your key?

During peak server times when competition is highest
When you’re low on resources and can’t afford a potential loss
If you’re unfamiliar with the Spaceport map layout

Inside the Trench Towers: What to Expect?

Loot Table and Rewards

Based on my personal raids and community reports, here’s what you can typically expect to find inside the Spaceport Trench Towers:

High-Value Items:

Crafting Materials – Advanced components for weapon upgrades
Weapons: Renegade II, IL Toro I (these are solid mid-to-high tier weapons)
Rare Items: Music Box Trinket (valuable collectible)
Consumables: Medical supplies, ammunition
Total Value: Typically 50,000+ credits worth of items

Defensive Advantages:

Limited Entry Points: Only two entrances, both located downstairs
High Ground Advantage: Upper position gives you tactical superiority
Cover Options: Plenty of obstacles for defensive positioning
Extract Planning: Multiple extraction options within reasonable distance

Combat Strategies

Defending the Tower:

Secure the stairs first – Control the vertical advantage
Set up crossfires – Use the multiple entry points to your advantage
Watch for zipline approaches – Other players might try to access from above
Listen for enemy movements – Sound cues are crucial in these confined spaces

Clearing the Tower:

Grenades are effective – The compact spaces make area damage weapons valuable
Check every corner – Loot can be hidden in less obvious spots
Move methodically – Rushing can lead to ambushes
Watch the timer – Don’t get so focused on loot that you miss extraction

Advanced Tips and Pro Strategies

Team Coordination

If you’re playing with a team:

Coordinate key usage – Multiple players with keys can access both towers
Set up overwatch – While one player accesses the tower, others provide security
Plan extraction routes – Have multiple escape plans ready
Share the wealth – Distribute loot fairly among team members

Solo Player Strategies

For lone Raiders:

Choose off-peak times – Less competition means safer looting
Bring stealth gear – Silence is your best friend when alone
Plan your escape – Know your extraction routes before entering
Consider the zipline trick – If you have two keys, you can access both towers solo

Economic Considerations

Maximizing profit:

Wait for bonus events – Night Raids and special events increase loot values
Combine with other objectives – Complete other Spaceport tasks in the same run
Save keys for valuable runs – Don’t waste keys on low-value raids
Track your ROI – Keep mental notes of which towers give the best returns

Common Mistakes to Avoid In 2026

Navigation Errors

Wrong Tower – Make sure you’re at the correct tower (North vs South)
Missing the entrance – The door can be hard to spot if you’re not looking carefully
Getting lost in the tunnels – During the quest, use your map to stay oriented

Combat Mistakes

Underestimating enemies – ARC machines in these areas are often higher level
Poor positioning – Don’t get caught in the open between towers
Wasting resources – Save your best ammo for the tower interior

Strategic Errors

Using keys too early – Wait for optimal conditions
Not planning extraction – Always know your escape route
Ignoring team coordination – If playing with others, communicate your plans

Platform-Specific Considerations

PC Players

Take advantage of higher frame rates for precision aiming
Use keyboard shortcuts for quick inventory management
Consider third-party tools for map planning

Console Players

Master the controller aiming mechanics
Use aim assist features effectively
Practice quick weapon switching for tower defense

Cross-Platform Tips

Communication is key when playing with mixed platform teams
Be aware of different control schemes when coordinating
Adapt strategies based on platform advantages

Community Insights and Meta Strategies

Current Meta (as of January 2026)

The community has developed several effective strategies for maximizing the value of Spaceport Trench Tower Keys:

Popular Strategies:

The “Tower Swap” – Use one key, then zipline to the second tower
The “Bait and Switch” – Create a distraction while teammates access the tower
The “Ghost Run” – Stealth approach during low-traffic times
The “Fortress” – Full team defense of a single tower for maximum loot

Community-Discovered Tips:

Some players report better luck finding keys during specific server times
The towers seem to have slightly different loot tables (anecdotal evidence)
Certain weapons perform better in the tower environments

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Key Not Working?

Possible solutions:

Wrong tower – Double-check you’re at the correct tower
Already used – Each key is single-use
Server issues – Sometimes keys bug out – try relogging
Wrong door – Make sure you’re at the correct locked door

Can’t Find the Tower?

Navigation help:

Use landmarks – Look for the Launch Towers as reference points
Check your map – The towers should be marked once you’re close
Follow other players – Other Raiders might lead you there (risky but effective)

Loot Disappeared?

Common causes:

Server desync – Sometimes loot doesn’t appear properly
Another player got there first – Towers are high-traffic areas
Timing issue – Make sure you’re accessing during active events

Future Updates and Speculation

Potential Changes

Based on developer patterns and community feedback, keep an eye out for:

New key types – Additional locked areas may be added
Quest changes – The Switching the Supply quest might be updated
Loot adjustments – Drop rates and values are frequently tweaked
New mechanics – Zipline usage might be expanded or modified

Staying Updated

Best sources for current information:

Official ARC Raiders Discord server
Developer Twitter accounts
Community Reddit threads
Patch notes and update announcements

Frequently Asked Questions

How rare is the Spaceport Trench Tower Key?

The Spaceport Trench Tower Key is considered one of the rarer keys in ARC Raiders, with an estimated drop rate of less than 1% from regular loot containers. Your best chances are in high-value areas like Ruby Residences or by completing the Switching the Supply quest for a guaranteed drop.

Can I use the same key on both towers?

No, each Spaceport Trench Tower Key can only be used once and will open only one tower door. However, if you bring two keys, you can access both towers, and there’s a community-discovered trick where you can use the zipline from one tower to reach the other without using a second key.

What’s the best time to use my key?

The optimal time to use your Spaceport Trench Tower Key is during Night Raid events or Electromagnetic Storms, as these conditions feature increased loot value modifiers. This can boost your haul by 25-50%, making your key usage much more profitable.

Is the Switching the Supply quest worth doing?

Absolutely! The Switching the Supply quest is one of the most efficient ways to get a Spaceport Trench Tower Key. Not only do you get a guaranteed key, but you also receive the Radio Renegade Outfit (Blue color) and 3x Synthesized Fuel, making it extremely valuable for the time invested.

What happens if I die after using my key but before extracting?

Unfortunately, if you die after using your key but before successfully extracting with the loot, you’ll lose both the key and any items you collected from the tower. This is why it’s crucial to plan your extraction route and be prepared for combat after accessing the tower.

Can other players steal my loot from the tower?

Yes, other players can access the tower after you’ve opened it (if they have their own key) or potentially kill you and take your extracted loot. This is why securing the area and planning a quick extraction is so important, especially on high-traffic servers.

Are the North and South towers identical?

While both towers have very similar layouts and loot tables, some players report slight variations in loot distribution. The main difference is their position on the map, which might affect your extraction strategy and approach route based on where you spawn and plan to extract.

How much is the loot inside actually worth?

Based on multiple community reports and personal experience, you can typically expect to find loot worth 50,000+ credits inside a Spaceport Trench Tower. This includes high-tier weapons, valuable crafting materials, and rare items like the Music Box Trinket.

Should I save my key for a specific event?

Yes, it’s generally recommended to save your Spaceport Trench Tower Key for special events like Night Raids or when you have a full team prepared. Using keys during these optimal conditions can significantly increase your return on investment.

Can I complete the Switching the Supply quest solo?

While technically possible, completing the Switching the Supply quest solo is quite challenging due to the dangerous tunnel areas and multiple enemy patrols. It’s highly recommended to bring at least one teammate for backup, especially when navigating the underground sections.

Conclusion

The Spaceport Trench Tower Key represents one of the best opportunities for high-value loot in ARC Raiders, but using it effectively requires knowledge, preparation, and timing. Whether you choose to farm for keys through random drops or complete the Switching the Supply quest for a guaranteed reward, understanding the optimal strategies can significantly increase your success rate.

Remember that the meta is constantly evolving, so stay connected with the community and keep an eye on official updates. The strategies that work today might need adjustment tomorrow, but the fundamental principles of preparation, timing, and execution will always serve you well.