The Down To Earth quest in Arc Raiders serves as your introduction to Field Crates and Supply Stations—core mechanics that let you earn loot without intense combat. Given by Shani in Speranza, this tutorial mission teaches you how to locate mysterious crates dropped by ARC Probes, transport them safely, and unlock valuable rewards. Mastering this quest early opens up a reliable income stream throughout your Arc Raiders journey.
Table of Contents
Arc Raiders Quest Overview: What Is Down To Earth?
Down To Earth introduces the Field Crate system after Raiders report strange boxes falling from ARC Probes. Your mission: investigate Field Depots, retrieve Field Crates, and deliver them to Supply Stations for decryption and rewards.
| Quest Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Quest Giver | Shani (Speranza) |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Required Items | None |
| Recommended Map | Dam Battlegrounds |
| Rewards | Resources, gadgets, quest completion XP |
Step-by-Step Quest Completion Guide
Step 1: Accept the Quest from Shani
- Enter Speranza (your home base)
- Locate and speak with Shani
- Access the Quests tab
- Select “Down To Earth” and accept
Quest Description: Raiders have discovered odd-looking crates dropping from ARC Probes. Find and crack these boxes open to discover their contents.
Step 2: Visit a Field Depot
Field Depots are specific POIs where Field Crates spawn. The Dam Battlegrounds map offers the easiest access to multiple depot locations.
Identifying Field Depots:
- Look for large mechanical structures with industrial equipment
- Similar to locations from the “Off the Radar” quest
- Check your map for marked POI icons
- Listen for mechanical sounds indicating nearby machinery
For comprehensive map navigation strategies, visit our Arc Raiders map guide.
Step 3: Locate and Pick Up a Field Crate
Once at a Field Depot, search for an elongated crate with a distinctive shiny metallic cover.
Field Crate Characteristics:
- Elongated rectangular shape
- Reflective metallic surface
- Usually near Field Depot structures
- Interaction prompt appears when close
Critical Warning: Picking up the Field Crate occupies both hands, preventing weapon and gadget use. Clear all nearby threats before grabbing it.
Step 4: Transport to Supply Station
With the Field Crate in hand, navigate to the nearest Supply Station—a large machine with an open metal frame section.
| Transport Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|
| Cannot use weapons | Clear area before picking up crate |
| Slower movement | Plan shortest route to Supply Station |
| Vulnerable to attacks | Travel with squad for protection |
| No gadget access | Don’t pick up crate during active combat |
Pro Tip: Drop the crate temporarily (interaction key) if ambushed. Defend yourself, then retrieve it after eliminating threats.
Step 5: Deliver the Crate
- Approach the Supply Station machine
- Locate the open section in the metal frame
- Press interaction key (E on PC, X on Xbox) to deposit
- Wait for the decryption process to complete
The machine slowly pulls the crate inside for processing. This takes several seconds, during which you should maintain vigilance for enemy players or hostile AI.
Step 6: Collect Your Rewards
After decryption completes, move to the opposite end of the Supply Station machine.
Reward Collection:
- Look for two green indicator lights
- Interact with the container beneath the lights
- Claim resources, gadgets, and other loot
- Quest automatically completes
For gadget usage optimization and loadout tips, check our Arc Raiders gadgets guide.
All Field Depot Locations in Dam Battlegrounds
The Dam Battlegrounds map contains five primary Field Depot locations:
| Location | Difficulty | Enemy Density | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Broken Bridge | Easy | Low | Best for beginners |
| Hydrophonic Dome Complex | Medium | Medium | Multiple crate spawns |
| Scrap Yard | Medium | High | Contested area, high rewards |
| Red Lakes Balcony | Hard | Medium | Elevated position advantage |
| Water Towers | Easy | Low | Quick access to Supply Station |
Map Strategy: Field Crates typically spawn within 50-100 meters of their respective Field Depots. Use the Dam Battlegrounds map to plan efficient routes between depot and Supply Station.
Quest Rewards and Benefits
Completing Down To Earth provides:
- Immediate Rewards: Resources (metal parts, rubber parts, wires)
- Gadget Unlocks: Potentially including useful early-game gadgets
- XP Bonus: Progression toward higher levels
- System Knowledge: Understanding Field Crate mechanics for future farming
Long-Term Value: This quest teaches a repeatable loot method usable throughout the game. Field Crate farming becomes a reliable income source once you master the mechanics.
Advanced Tips for Efficient Completion
- Choose Water Towers: Shortest distance to Supply Station in Dam Battlegrounds
- Squad Coordination: Have teammates provide escort during transport
- Clear First: Eliminate all visible threats before picking up the crate
- Know Your Exits: Plan extraction route before committing
- Multiple Runs: Repeat the process to farm additional Field Crates for extra loot
For more quest walkthroughs and progression guides, visit the official Arc Raiders community.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Grabbing crates during combat: Always clear the area first
- Ignoring map knowledge: Learn Supply Station locations before starting
- Solo attempts in high-traffic areas: Squad play significantly improves success rate
- Not checking surroundings: Other players often target Field Crate carriers
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Complete the Down To Earth Quest Solo or Do You Need a Squad?
You can complete Down To Earth solo, especially on the Dam Battlegrounds map where Field Depots like Water Towers and East Broken Bridge have relatively low enemy density. However, having a squad provides significant advantages—teammates can clear threats, provide cover during transport, and defend you while carrying the crate. Solo players should prioritize low-traffic depot locations and clear all enemies before picking up Field Crates.
Do Field Crates Respawn After Completing the Down To Earth Quest?
Yes, Field Crates respawn continuously throughout raids even after completing the Down To Earth quest. This makes Field Crate collection a repeatable farming method for resources and loot. Once you complete the tutorial quest, you can return to any Field Depot location to find and transport additional crates to Supply Stations. This creates an ongoing income stream that doesn’t rely solely on combat encounters or risky PvP situations.
