Arc Raiders Stench of Corruption Quest Guide
This guide explains how to start and complete the “Stench of Corruption” quest in Arc Raiders, including where to find the required items and how to survive the encounter. You need to locate a specific corpse in the Exclusion Zone, extract its data, and return it to the lobby to finish the quest.
Background: What Is the Stench of Corruption Quest?
The “Stench of Corruption” is a main story quest in Arc Raiders that introduces you to the Corruption mechanic and the threat of the ARC. It appears early in the game, usually after you complete the first few tutorial missions and have access to the full map. The quest asks you to investigate a site where a strange, corrupted entity has been reported, and to retrieve a data core from a dead raider. This quest is a key step in unlocking further story missions and the ability to craft certain anti-corruption gear.
How to Start the Quest
To begin, open your mission terminal in the main hub (the lobby) and select the “Stench of Corruption” mission from the list. It will show a recommended power level and a map location, usually in the northern part of the first zone, near the old industrial complex. If you don’t see it, make sure you have completed the previous story mission, “Signal Lost,” and that you are at least level 5. The quest is available in both solo and co-op modes, but it is significantly easier with a squad of three.
Step-by-Step Walkthrough
Once you deploy into the mission, follow these steps to complete the objective:
- Reach the marked area: The quest marker will point to a ruined building with a large hole in the roof. Inside, you will find a dead raider lying next to a broken console.
- Scan the corpse: Use your scanner (hold the scan button) on the body to extract the data core. This takes about 5 seconds and will trigger a warning that Corruption is spreading nearby.
- Defend the area: After the scan, a wave of corrupted enemies will spawn, including a large brute. Kill them all while staying near the body to complete the upload.
- Extract: Once the upload is done, a new objective appears: extract with the data. Head to the nearest extraction point (marked on your map) and call the dropship. Defend the point for 90 seconds until the ship arrives, then board it.
If you die during the extraction, you will lose the data core and must restart the mission. It is recommended to bring medical syringes and a weapon with high burst damage for the brute.
Rewards and Unlocks
Completing “Stench of Corruption” rewards you with:
- 1,500 XP
- 500 Credits
- A unique weapon skin for the SMG
- Unlocks the next story mission, “The Source”
- Unlocks the Corruption Resistance module in the crafting bench
The Corruption Resistance module is a passive item that reduces the damage you take from corrupted zones, which are common in later missions. It is a very useful early-game upgrade.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many players fail this quest on the first try due to a few common errors:
- Not bringing enough ammo: The enemy wave includes a brute that takes a lot of shots. Carry at least two full magazines of your primary weapon.
- Scanning too early: If you scan the body before clearing the room, you will be interrupted by enemies. Clear the immediate area first, then scan.
- Ignoring the corruption meter: The area around the body is corrupted, and standing in it for too long will drain your health. Move in and out to avoid taking damage.
- Extracting at the wrong point: The extraction point is not always the nearest one. Check your map and pick the one that is not overrun by enemies.
If you are playing solo, consider using the stealth approach: sneak past the initial enemies, scan the body, and run to extraction without fighting the brute. The brute will follow you, but you can outrun it if you sprint and use obstacles.
Comparison: Solo vs. Co-op
Playing this quest solo is challenging but doable with a good loadout. In co-op, the enemies scale in health and number, but you have more firepower and can revive each other. If you are struggling, matchmaking with random players is usually faster than going solo. The quest is designed to teach you the importance of teamwork, as the extraction phase is much easier when one player covers the point while others kill the approaching horde.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is the dead raider located?
The dead raider is in the building marked by the yellow quest icon. It is a two-story structure with a collapsed roof. Enter through the ground floor, go up the stairs to the second floor, and you will find the body near a broken window. The exact coordinates vary slightly each time, but the marker is always accurate.
Can I do this quest with a lower level character?
Yes, but it will be harder. The enemies scale to your level, so a level 3 character will face weaker enemies, but your damage will also be lower. It is recommended to be at least level 5 and have a weapon with a damage rating of 50 or higher.
What happens if I fail the extraction?
You will lose the data core and the mission will restart from the beginning. You do not lose any items or progress, but you will have to redo the entire mission, including the scan and the defense phase.
Is the Corruption Resistance module worth crafting?
Yes, it is very useful for later missions that have large corrupted areas. It reduces damage taken by 20% at the base level, which can be the difference between life and death. You can craft it at the bench using 10 iron, 5 plastic, and 1 data core (which you get from this quest).
Can I skip this quest and come back later?
Yes, you can leave the mission at any time and return later. The quest will remain in your log, and you can restart it from the terminal. However, you will need to complete it to progress the story, so it is best to do it as soon as you are ready.
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