If you're running solo, move cautiously while searching. If you're in ARC Raiders Coins a squad, split up and sweep different sections to speed up the process.

Sometimes cooperation-even temporary alliances with random players-can help everyone get the door open faster. Once all three batteries are inserted, the locked room will unlock.

Search for Records of Project Heartwood

After the door opens, head inside and move toward the back of the room, where you'll see a large screen dominating the wall.

On the right side of the screen, there's a machine with an interaction prompt labeled "Play Recording."

Interact with it to:

Progress the quest

Trigger the next objective

Learn more about Project Heartwood

Once the recording plays, the mission updates and directs you to locate a new item nearby.

Good news: you won't need to leave the room.

Find the Dusty Film Reel

On the left side of the giant screen, you'll spot a searchable container.

Open it and look for the Dusty Film Reel inside.

Important:

After searching the container, make sure you interact again to actually pick up the ARCR Items. Simply opening the container isn't enough-you must confirm the pickup.

Once it's in your inventory, the objective updates to extraction.

Extract With the Dusty Film Reel

This is the most critical phase of the quest.

You must:

Successfully extracted from the map

Deliver the Dusty Film Reel back to Shani in Speranza

Immediately place the film reel into your safe pocket, if you brought one. This protects the item even if you die before extraction.

If you don't have a safe pocket, play carefully:

Avoid unnecessary fights

Take the safest route to extraction

Watch for ambushes near common extract zones

The underground facility can become a hotspot, especially if multiple players are attempting the same quest. Expect potential PvP encounters near the Security Wing and exits.

Once you successfully extract, return to Speranza and hand the Dusty Film Reel over to Shani to complete "A Dead End."

Extra Tips for Completing A Dead End Smoothly

Go Light but Prepared

Since you're heading underground, bring:

Mid-range weapons for tight corridors

A flashlight or visibility tool, if available

Healing items

You don't need full heavy loadouts unless you expect heavy PvP.

Move Methodically in the Security Wing

Because the area is compact, sound travels. Move slowly, listen for footsteps, and clear corners carefully.

Check the Door Before Hunting Batteries

Sometimes other players have already done the work. Always check the locked room first-you might save time and avoid unnecessary searching.

Plan Your Extraction Route Early

Don't wait until you have the film reel to decide where you're going. Before you even open the locked door, know your nearest extraction options.

Final Thoughts

"A Dead End" is less about raw combat difficulty and more about navigation and smart extraction play. The objectives themselves are straightforward:

Enter the underground Security Wing

Power the locked room with three batteries

Play the Project Heartwood recording

Retrieve the Dusty Film Reel

Extract safely and deliver it to Shani

With a safe pocket augment and a cautious approach, this quest is very manageable-even solo.

Just remember: the real danger isn't the locked room. It's getting out alive.

Good luck, Raider.

The "A Rising Tide" mission is the final quest in the Shrouded Sky update and takes players to a new area on Dam Battlegrounds known as the Controlled Access Zone. Before reaching that location, however, you must first investigate Buried City and track down clues related to a foreman connected to Project Heartwood. This walkthrough will guide you step by step through buy ARC Raiders Coins the entire quest so you can complete it without confusion.