Completing the Broken Monument quest in ARC Raiders represents a significant step in player progression, marking the transition from simple exploration to high-stakes tactical extraction. Unlike many early-game objectives where progress is cumulative across multiple deployments, Broken Monument demands that three specific First Wave relics—the Compass, the Video Tape, and the Old Field Rations—be collected and successfully extracted in a single raid. Failing to survive the extraction or missing even one item resets the entire quest progress, leading to frequent frustration for those who approach the Scrapyard without a methodical plan.

The quest, issued by Tian Wen at the Speranza trading hub, centers on the Scrapyard area within the Dam Battlegrounds map. While the items are physically located close to one another, the area is a high-traffic zone for both AI-controlled ARC machines and rival Raiders. Navigating this labyrinth of rusted steel and industrial debris requires more than just knowing where the loot boxes are; it demands a clear understanding of the environment and a disciplined approach to the extraction phase.

The Single-Raid Constraint and Preparation

The defining feature of Broken Monument is the requirement to finish all objectives in one round. If you find two items but are eliminated before finding the third, or if you find all three but fail to reach the extraction lift, you must start from zero in the next deployment. This creates a psychological pressure that often leads to hasty, fatal mistakes.

Before dropping into the Dam Battlegrounds, inventory management is the first priority. Each quest item occupies a single slot in the backpack. It is advisable to ensure at least three free slots are available before reaching the Scrapyard. Regarding loadouts, survival-oriented Augments are highly recommended. If access to the Looting MK. 3 augment is available, its three safe pockets can technically protect these items if things go south, though the quest usually requires a successful extraction to trigger completion. Bringing a reliable mid-range weapon, such as a calibrated rifle, is essential for clearing the Scrapyard's perimeter from a distance.

Navigating the Dam Battlegrounds Scrapyard

The Scrapyard is situated on the southern edge of the Dam Battlegrounds. It is characterized by dense clusters of derelict vehicles, large industrial pipes, and abandoned structures. Upon entering the zone, the quest objective "Reach the Hallowed Grounds by the Scrap Yard" will typically trigger. This area is not just a loot destination; it is a tactical kill box with multiple elevation levels and narrow corridors.

Approaching from the southeast is often the safest route, as it provides better concealment among the rock formations before entering the metal-heavy zone. Be aware that the Scrapyard is frequently patrolled by Drones and occasional Leapers. Noise management is critical here—firing unsuppressed weapons will draw nearby ARC units and alert human players to your exact position within the wreckage.

Locating the First Wave Compass

The First Wave Compass is generally found in the southern section of the Scrapyard, tucked away amidst a cluster of destroyed heavy vehicles. The primary visual anchor for this item is a large, rusted spherical tank. Near this tank, look for a group of broken-down cars arranged in a semi-circle.

The Compass is housed inside a small, yellow-highlighted toolbox-style container on the ground. A common pitfall for Raiders is interacting with the box but failing to actually pick up the item that drops. The interaction only opens the container; you must manually loot the Compass into your inventory. The Compass is often located near the "S" in the Scrapyard label on the tactical map, wedged between the chassis of a truck and a pile of scrap metal. Once secured, move immediately to cover, as the open space around the vehicle husks leaves you vulnerable to snipers.

Finding the First Wave Video Tape

From the Compass location, heading north-northeast deeper into the Scrapyard leads to the First Wave Video Tape. The environmental cue for this objective consists of several large cylindrical metal storage tanks lying horizontally on the ground. These containers are massive, looking like fallen silos or oversized pipes.

Between these cylindrical structures, there is typically a small alcove or a makeshift shelter created by the debris. The yellow quest box containing the Video Tape sits on the ground or a small crate in this shaded area. Because this location is more central to the Scrapyard, it is a high-risk spot for ambushes. It is suggested to scan the rooftops of nearby structures before approaching the tanks. Like the Compass, ensure the Tape is physically in the backpack before moving to the final objective. The proximity of this item to the center of the zone means that any combat noise here will likely bring unwanted company from the northern Raider camp.

Securing the Old Field Rations

The final piece of the puzzle, the Old Field Rations, is located further north within a small raider camp or an abandoned field depot structure. This is the only item of the three that is typically found indoors or within a semi-enclosed building. Look for a structure that resembles a modular trailer or a small field office.

Inside this building, check against the interior walls. The rations are usually inside a mounted or floor-seated box. This location offers the most protection during the looting process, but it also has limited exit points. If a rival squad approaches while you are inside, you may find yourself trapped. It is often wise to clear the immediate perimeter of the trailer before entering. Once the Old Field Rations are looted, the quest tracker should update to show all collection tasks as complete. At this point, the primary objective shifts from scavenging to survival.

The High-Stakes Extraction Strategy

With all three items in your possession, the Scrapyard becomes a liability. Every second spent in the area increases the risk of losing the entire quest's progress. The nearest extraction point is often the Water Treatment elevator to the northwest or the Red Lakes balcony lift to the northeast. The choice depends on current player activity and ARC density.

The Red Lakes balcony lift is a popular choice but is frequently watched by "exit campers." A more conservative approach involves moving along the eastern cliffside, using the natural terrain to mask your movement toward the extraction zone. If you encounter ARC units during this phase, it is often better to avoid the fight entirely. Using smoke grenades or distraction tools can provide the necessary window to call the lift and secure your exit.

If the extraction point is heavily contested, do not be afraid to rotate to a further, less obvious extraction zone. The time lost in travel is far less than the time lost by a full quest reset. Once the extraction countdown hits zero and you return to Speranza, the quest will automatically progress to the delivery phase.

Dealing with Common Fail States

Many Raiders report that the quest does not complete even after they have found the items. This almost always stems from the "single raid" rule or the interaction mechanic. If you extract with only two items and return in a second raid to find the third, the quest will not complete. The game tracks the presence of all three items simultaneously in the player's active inventory during a successful extraction.

Another frequent issue is the inventory being full at the moment of looting. If the quest item drops but your backpack is full, the item may despawn or be picked up by another player if you take too long to manage your slots. Always keep the bottom row of your inventory clear when operating in the Scrapyard. Additionally, if playing in a squad, note that quest-specific items in these boxes are usually limited. If three players all need the Broken Monument quest, you may need to run the mission three times or coordinate who takes the loot in which run, as the boxes do not always replenish for every squad member in a single instance.

Rewards and Tactical Utility of the Arpeggio I

Successful delivery of the items to Tian Wen yields several high-value rewards, most notably the Arpeggio I weapon and a Compensator II modification. The Arpeggio I is a versatile firearm that serves as a significant upgrade over starter gear, offering better stability and effective range for Dam Battlegrounds engagements. The 80 rounds of medium ammo provided alongside the weapon allow for immediate field testing.

Beyond the physical rewards, completing Broken Monument is a prerequisite for more advanced missions from the Speranza traders. It unlocks higher-tier gear blueprints and increases your standing with the factions, which is essential for surviving the late-game challenges of ARC Raiders. The quest serves as a rite of passage, teaching players the importance of route planning, inventory discipline, and the cold reality of the extraction genre: the loot isn't yours until you're back at the hub.

Tactical Summary for the Scrapyard Run

To maximize the chances of success, follow this sequence: enter from the southeast, hit the southern vehicle cluster for the Compass, move north to the cylindrical tanks for the Tape, and finish at the northern trailer for the Rations. This pathing minimizes backtracking and keeps you moving toward the northern and eastern extraction points. Avoid the center of the Scrapyard where possible, as the crossfire from AI and players is most intense there.

Prioritize stealth over speed. The items are not going anywhere, and the boxes are persistent throughout the raid session until looted. By treating the Scrapyard as a stealth mission rather than a combat zone, the Broken Monument quest shifts from a frustrating hurdle to a manageable tactical operation. Once you hand those relics over to Tian Wen, the Arpeggio I will be a well-earned addition to your arsenal for the tougher raids ahead.