Arc Raiders On Deaf Ears Quest Guide (June 2026)
The On Deaf Ears quest in Arc Raiders sends you to four strategic locations across the dangerous Stella Montis map to gather research data for Lance. You’ll interact with three computer terminals and retrieve physical shipping logs from Assembly Workshops, all while navigating one of the game’s most hazardous PvPvE environments. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step with tactical strategies, bug workarounds, and expert tips to complete the quest efficiently.
Quick Reference
| Objective | Location | Interaction Type | Recommended Loadout |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guest Logs | Reception (Lobby POI) | Computer Terminal | Free Loadout Recommended |
| Lecture Notes | Auditorium (Business Center) | Computer Terminal | Shotgun/Stitcher/Bobcat |
| Prototype Info | Medical Research POI | Computer Terminal | Close-Range Weapons |
| Shipping Logs | Assembly Workshops | Physical Box/Envelopes | Extraction Ready |
Quest Overview and Preparation
On Deaf Ears is one of the trickier quests introduced with the Headwinds update in January 2026, available from Lance at Speranza. This quest exclusively takes place on Stella Montis, a maze-like map filled with valuable loot but also swarming with hostile ARC machines and aggressive Raiders.
Contents
Key Quest Features:
- Progress Saving: You don’t need to complete all objectives in a single raid
- Free Loadout Option: Since you’re only gathering data, no extraction is required
- Sequential Objectives: Each step unlocks only after completing the previous one
- High-Risk Environment: Stella Montis features intense PvP encounters at close quarters
Optimal Loadout Strategy
Given Stella Montis’s tight indoor corridors and confined spaces, close-range combat dominates. Here’s our recommended loadout configuration:
Primary Weapons:
- Shotguns: Excellent for corridor fights and stairwell ambushes
- Stitcher SMG: High fire rate for close-quarters dominance
- Bobcat: Compact automatic weapon for quick target acquisition
Tactical Approach:
- Use Free Loadout to avoid losing valuable gear
- Focus on mobility and rapid engagement
- Prioritize weapons that excel in 5-15 meter encounters
- Consider bringing healing items for extended survival
Step-by-Step Walkthrough
Objective 1: Find the Researcher’s Guest Logs
Location: Reception, Lobby POI (4th Floor)
Navigation Instructions:
- Spawn at Stella Montis and head to the Lobby POI
- Locate the Security Bridge area
- Find the Reception counter with multiple computer terminals
- Look for the highlighted computer with “Send Data to Lance” prompt
Tactical Considerations:
- The Lobby area is typically high-traffic with other Raiders
- Approach cautiously and check corners before entering
- The computer terminal is clearly marked by your quest marker
- Interaction takes approximately 3 seconds – ensure area is clear
Pro Tip: If you encounter heavy resistance, consider extracting and retrying in a new raid with a different spawn point.
Objective 2: Access the Researcher’s Lecture Notes
Location: Auditorium, Business Center Area
Detailed Navigation: From the Reception computer:
- Move straight ahead into the Business Center area
- Follow your quest marker through nearby doors and corridors
- Look for stairs going down (some guides mention going up – follow your marker)
- The Auditorium is located between Lobby POI and Cultural Archives POI
- Find the desk with the highlighted computer terminal
Alternative Route (Destructoid Method):
- Go straight through the open door from Reception
- Turn right to find stairs
- Go down and approach the door in front
- Instead of entering, turn left to find the second computer
Strategic Advice:
- This location is very close to the first objective
- Can often be completed in the same run as Objective 1
- The Auditorium provides decent cover from multiple angles
- Watch for Raiders using the area as a transit point
Objective 3: Gather Prototype Information
Location: Medical Research POI (Opposite Side of Map)
Approach Options:
Option 1: Direct Travel
- Navigate across Stella Montis from Business Center
- Expect multiple encounters along the way
- Use cover and move strategically between POIs
- Higher risk but maintains quest momentum
Option 2: Strategic Extraction
- Complete Objectives 1 and 2, then extract successfully
- Queue for new raid hoping for Medical Research spawn
- Lower risk but requires additional loading time
Terminal Location:
- Enter Medical Research via North Wing entrance (recommended)
- Head to the central chamber of the first platform room
- Look for computer near doorway or upstairs room
- Terminal will be clearly marked by quest objective
Combat Preparation:
- Medical Research features tight corridors and multiple engagement points
- Prepare for close-quarters battles
- Consider having escape routes planned
- The area is popular for loot runs, expect player traffic
Objective 4: Retrieve Printed Shipping Logs
Location: Assembly Workshops (North of Medical Research)
Navigation:
- Exit Medical Research and head north
- Follow your quest marker toward Assembly Workshops complex
- Enter the marked area and head for upper platform
- Look for the room in the right section of the upper area
Target Item:
- Physical cardboard box on top of a desk
- Alternatively, yellow envelopes on the same desk
- Look for “Search Box” interaction prompt
- Computer terminal may also be present nearby
⚠️ CRITICAL BUG WARNING: Many players encounter a completion bug where:
- Interaction animation resets without progressing the objective
- The box/envelopes cannot be properly searched
- Quest fails to advance despite successful interaction
Bug Resolution Steps:
- DO NOT surrender or get knocked out – this can permanently bug the interaction
- Extract successfully from the raid
- Start a new session and return directly to Assembly Workshops
- Retry only the final objective – previous progress is saved
- Complete the interaction and extract to finish the quest
Advanced Strategies and Pro Tips
Movement and Positioning
Stella Montis Navigation Mastery:
- Learn the three main routes between POIs
- Use verticality to your advantage – upper floors provide better sightlines
- Memorize common player traffic patterns and ambush points
- Utilize the map’s maze-like structure for flanking opportunities
Engagement Principles:
- Initiate fights on your terms when possible
- Use sound cues to track enemy movements
- Prioritize eliminating threats before interacting with objectives
- Have extraction routes planned from each objective location
Risk Management
When to Use Free Loadout:
- First time attempting the quest
- Learning objective locations
- Server population is high (more PvP risk)
- Testing new strategies without gear loss
When to Use Full Loadout:
- Confident in objective locations
- Server population is low
- Attempting to complete multiple objectives per run
- Well-versed in Stella Montis combat
Team Coordination
Squad Strategies:
- Designate roles: point person, rear security, objective handler
- Use pings and communication to coordinate movements
- Set up overwatch positions while teammates interact with objectives
- Plan rendezvous points if separated
Solo Survival Tactics:
- Move deliberately and avoid unnecessary engagements
- Use environmental audio to detect threats early
- Prioritize stealth over speed when approaching objectives
- Have multiple escape routes from each location
Quest Completion and Rewards
Turning In the Quest
After successfully completing all four objectives:
- Extract from Stella Montis (any successful extraction works)
- Return to Speranza hub area
- Locate Lance at his usual trading post
- Interact with Lance to complete the quest
- Claim your rewards from the quest completion screen
Reward Breakdown
| Reward Item | Quantity | Utility Value |
|---|---|---|
| Navy Blue (Warden Color) | 1 | Cosmetic customization |
| Lure Grenade | 3 | Tactical distraction device |
| Noisemaker | 5 | Sound-based diversion tool |
| Shaker | 1 | Utility item for crowd control |
Reward Analysis:
- The Navy Blue color is a valuable cosmetic for Warden class customization
- Lure Grenades and Noisemakers provide excellent tactical options for future raids
- The Shaker offers unique crowd control capabilities
- Combined value makes this quest worthwhile for tactical advantages
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Frequently Encountered Problems
Objective Not Updating:
- Ensure you’re interacting with the correct highlighted terminal
- Wait for the full interaction animation to complete
- Check that you received the “Data sent to Lance” confirmation
- If issues persist, extract and retry the specific objective
Spawn Point Frustration:
- Stella Montis spawn points are randomized
- If spawning far from your objective, consider extracting immediately
- Use the Free Loadout option to minimize losses from strategic extracts
- Learn which spawn points work best for each objective sequence
High Player Traffic:
- Stella Montis is popular due to valuable loot density
- Consider playing during off-peak hours for reduced PvP
- Use the extraction-retry strategy to avoid crowded areas
- Learn alternative routes to avoid common engagement zones
Technical Issues
Performance Optimization:
- Stella Montis can be demanding on system resources
- Lower graphics settings if experiencing frame drops
- Close background applications for better performance
- Consider playing on lower-population servers if available
Connection Stability:
- Ensure stable internet connection before starting
- Avoid playing during peak server maintenance times
- If disconnected during an objective, progress should save
- Reconnect quickly to maintain quest momentum
Community Resources and Official Channels
Official Game Resources
Official Discord Server: Join the ARC Raiders Discord
- Real-time player discussions and strategy sharing
- Direct developer communication and announcements
- LFG (Looking for Group) channels for team coordination
- Community-run events and tournaments
Official Website: ARC Raiders Official Site
- Latest patch notes and update announcements
- Official developer blogs and insights
- Server status and maintenance notifications
- Community highlights and featured content
Developer Twitter: @EmbarkStudios
- Real-time updates and announcements
- Developer insights and behind-the-scenes content
- Community spotlights and player achievements
- Quick patch notes and hotfix information
Community Platforms
Reddit Communities:
- /r/ArcRaiders – Main community hub
- /r/ARC_Raiders – Alternative discussion space
YouTube Resources:
- Numerous video walkthroughs available
- Visual guides for each objective location
- Speedrun strategies and optimization techniques
- Community-created tutorials and tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to complete all objectives in one run?
No, the On Deaf Ears quest features progress saving between raids. You can extract after completing any objective and continue from that point in a new session. This makes it much more manageable, especially on the dangerous Stella Montis map.
What happens if I die during the quest?
If you get knocked out or surrender during any objective, your progress up to that point is saved. However, for the final Assembly Workshops objective, dying can potentially trigger the completion bug. It’s safer to extract successfully if you encounter issues with the final objective.
Can I complete this quest solo?
Yes, the On Deaf Ears quest is completely solo-friendly. Each objective involves simple interactions with terminals or objects, requiring no special team coordination. However, be prepared for increased PvP risk when playing alone on Stella Montis.
What’s the best time to attempt this quest?
Consider playing during off-peak hours (early morning or late night) to reduce player traffic on Stella Montis. Weekends tend to be more crowded, while weekday mornings often have fewer players and less competition for objectives.
Are the rewards worth the effort?
Absolutely. Beyond the cosmetic Navy Blue color, the tactical items (Lure Grenades, Noisemakers, Shaker) provide valuable utility for future raids. These consumables can significantly improve your survival and success rates in subsequent missions.
How long does the quest typically take?
For experienced players familiar with Stella Montis, the quest can take 30-45 minutes if completing all objectives in efficient runs. New players should expect 1-2 hours accounting for navigation, potential combat, and learning the map layout.
Can I repeat this quest for additional rewards?
No, the On Deaf Ears quest is a one-time completion quest. Once you’ve turned it in to Lance and claimed your rewards, it cannot be repeated. However, the knowledge gained about Stella Montis layout will benefit future raids.
Conclusion
The On Deaf Ears quest represents one of Arc Raiders’ more challenging but rewarding experiences, combining exploration, tactical combat, and puzzle-solving elements. By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate Stella Montis’s dangers, overcome the completion bug, and claim your valuable rewards.
Remember that patience and strategic thinking are your greatest assets. Don’t hesitate to extract and retry if conditions become unfavorable, and always prioritize mission success over risky engagements. The rewards and knowledge gained will significantly enhance your future Arc Raiders experience.
Bookmark this guide for quick reference during your quest, and join our community discussions to share your own tips and strategies. Happy raiding, and may your data transmissions reach Lance safely!
