Struggling to find Supply Drops in Arc Raiders? You’re not alone. The ‘A Better Use’ quest seems simple until you realize you don’t know where to look for those elusive Call Stations. This guide reveals all Supply Call Station locations and shows you exactly how to complete the quest efficiently without wasting time wandering around aimlessly.
Key Takeaways
- Supply Drops are called from Call Stations, which look like tall towers with panels in front of them
- Main locations are spread across two maps: Dam Battlegrounds and Buried City
- Quest rewards include three valuable weapon attachments: Extended Light Mag I, Compensator I, and Stable Stock I
- The process is simple: Find station → Call drop → Loot crate → Complete quest
- You need to wait about 45 seconds after calling for the Supply Drop to arrive
What Are Arc Raiders Supply Drops?
Arc Raiders Supply Drops are special loot containers that you can call into the game world using Call Stations. These drops contain rare and valuable items that you can’t find in regular loot containers. Think of them as care packages from above that give you better gear and resources.
Supply Drops are different from regular loot because they contain higher-quality items and specific quest rewards. When you interact with a Call Station, it sends up a flare, and after a short wait, a supply crate parachutes down to your location. These drops are especially important for the ‘A Better Use’ quest, which requires you to successfully call and loot one.
The loot inside Supply Drops is rare, which makes them valuable targets. However, this also means you need to be prepared for enemy encounters while trying to collect them. Make sure you have your best weapons and shield ready before attempting to call a Supply Drop.
Where to Find Call Station Locations in Dam Battlegrounds?
Dam Battlegrounds is one of the main maps where you can find Supply Call Stations. Here are all the locations you need to know:
- South of Water Treatment Control: Look for a tall tower near the water treatment facility. The station is clearly visible from the main road.
- South of Loading Bay: There are actually two Supply Call Stations in this area. Check both the east and west sides of the loading bay area.
- East of Control Tower, near the Leaper: This station is close to one of the Leaper spawn points, so be ready for a fight.
- In the jungle, between Small Creek and Testing Annex: This one is hidden in the dense jungle area. Look for the antenna sticking up above the trees.
- Near the Raider cache to the west of Red Lakes: Check near the Raider cache location. The station is on a small hill overlooking the lake area.
- Hydrophonic Dome Complex: Two Supply Drops are available in this area. The Call Stations are on opposite sides of the dome structure.
- Power Generation complex: There are two stations here—one in Power Control (south of the Underpass) and another inside the main complex building.
When searching for these stations, remember they appear as tall antennas with a small radio device at the base. They’re usually marked on your map when you get close to them, making them easier to spot.
How to Locate Supply Call Stations in Buried City?
Buried City is the second major map where you can find Supply Call Stations. The urban environment makes these stations blend in more with the surroundings, so here’s exactly where to look:
- West Village complex: In the southern part of West Village, look for buildings with yellow markers. The Call Station is in the complex on the south side.
- Center of the map, beside the highway: This station is located on top of a building right next to the main highway. You’ll need to climb up to reach it.
- East of the map, near buried buildings: Check the eastern section where buildings are partially buried. The station is in a clearing among these structures.
- South of New District, near Security: This location is close to the Security area in the southern part of New District. The station is easily visible from the main road.
The Buried City locations can be trickier to navigate due to the urban environment. Keep an eye out for the distinctive antenna shape, and use the map markers that appear when you’re nearby. The buildings in this area provide good cover, but they also mean enemies can ambush you from multiple directions.
How to Complete the A Better Use Quest Step-by-Step?
The ‘A Better Use’ quest is given to you by Tian Wen, one of the traders in your base camp. While it seems straightforward at first, many players get stuck trying to figure out exactly what to do. Here’s a complete step-by-step guide:
- Accept the quest: Talk to Tian Wen in your base camp and accept the ‘A Better Use’ quest. She’ll explain that she needs you to request and loot a Supply Drop.
- Choose your map: You can complete this quest on either Dam Battlegrounds or Buried City. Choose the map you’re more familiar with.
- Travel to a Call Station: Using the locations provided above, travel to any Supply Call Station. Remember, these look like tall towers with a panel at the base.
- Call the Supply Drop: When you reach a Call Station, press the E key (or the equivalent button on your console) to interact with it. This will send up a flare signal.
- Wait for the drop: After calling the drop, you’ll need to wait about 45 seconds for it to arrive. You’ll see a parachute descending in the distance.
- Locate the Supply Drop: Follow the flare in the air to find where the Supply Drop will land. It usually drops relatively close to the Call Station.
- Loot the Supply Drop: Once the crate lands, approach it and press the E key to open it and collect the contents.
- Return to base: After successfully looting the Supply Drop, return to your base camp and talk to Tian Wen to complete the quest.
The most common mistake players make is not waiting long enough for the Supply Drop to arrive. Be patient and keep an eye on the sky for the parachute. Also, make sure you’re prepared to defend yourself, as the flare and the arriving Supply Drop can attract enemy attention.
What Rewards Do You Get from Supply Drops?
Completing the ‘A Better Use’ quest gives you three valuable weapon attachments that can significantly improve your combat effectiveness. These rewards are:
- Extended Light Mag I: This attachment increases the magazine capacity of light weapons, allowing you to fire more shots before reloading. It’s perfect for weapons where you want to maintain continuous fire without frequent reloads.
- Compensator I: This muzzle attachment reduces weapon recoil, making your shots more accurate, especially during automatic fire. It’s particularly useful for weapons that tend to jump around when you hold down the trigger.
- Stable Stock I: This stock attachment improves overall weapon stability, reducing sway and making it easier to aim accurately. It’s great for both close-quarters combat and longer-distance engagements.
These attachments are marked as “I” (level 1), which means they’re the basic versions of these upgrades. However, they still provide significant improvements to your weapons and are definitely worth the effort of completing the quest. As you progress in the game, you may find higher-level versions of these attachments, but these will serve you well in the early to mid-game.
Pro Tips for Efficient Supply Drop Farming?
Once you’ve completed the ‘A Better Use’ quest, you might want to continue using Supply Drops to get better loot. Here are some professional tips to make your Supply Drop farming more efficient:
Best Loadouts for Supply Drop Runs
- Bring a balanced loadout with both close-range and long-range weapons
- Always have a good shield equipped to protect yourself while waiting for the drop
- Pack healing items in case you get into a tough fight
- Consider bringing grenades to clear out enemies quickly around the drop zone
Optimal Times to Attempt the Quest
- Try to play during off-peak hours when there are fewer players competing for resources
- Early morning or late night sessions often mean less competition
- Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends
Team Strategies for Faster Completion
- Team up with friends to watch multiple angles while waiting for the drop
- Assign roles: one person watches the sky, others guard the perimeter
- Use voice chat to coordinate your movements and call out enemy positions
- If playing solo, consider using the environment to create natural chokepoints
Advanced Tips
- Learn the exact spawn timers to minimize waiting time
- Use high ground positions to get a better view of incoming Supply Drops
- Clear the area of enemies before calling the drop to avoid interruptions
- Have an escape route planned in case you get overwhelmed
Remember, Supply Drops contain rare loot, so they’re worth the extra effort. The more efficiently you can farm them, the better gear you’ll have for tougher missions ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I call in a supply drop in Arc Raiders?
To call in a supply drop in Arc Raiders, you need to find a Supply Call Station first. These look like tall towers with a panel at the base. Once you’ve located one, simply press the E key (or the equivalent button on your console) to interact with it. This will send up a flare signal, and after about 45 seconds, a supply crate will parachute down to your location. Make sure you’re in a relatively safe area before calling the drop, as the flare can attract enemy attention.
Where can I find call stations on the map?
Call Stations are located at fixed positions on both Dam Battlegrounds and Buried City maps. They appear as tall antennas with a small radio device at the base. While they’re not always marked on your main map, they will show up as icons when you get close to them. On Dam Battlegrounds, you can find them near Water Treatment Control, Loading Bay, Control Tower, and other key landmarks. In Buried City, look for them in West Village, near the highway, and close to buried buildings. Using the detailed location list in this guide will help you find them quickly.
What happens if my supply drop gets destroyed?
If your supply drop gets destroyed before you can loot it, you’ll need to try again at another Call Station. Supply Drops can be destroyed by enemy fire or explosions, so it’s important to clear the area and defend the drop zone while waiting for it to arrive. If this happens frequently, consider calling the drop in a more secluded area or bringing teammates to help you defend the location. Remember, you can always try again at a different Call Station if one doesn’t work out.
Can I complete the A Better Use quest solo?
Yes, you can absolutely complete the A Better Use quest solo. While having teammates can make it easier to defend the drop zone, the quest is designed to be completable by single players. The key is to choose your Call Station location wisely—pick one that’s in a more secluded area or where you have good cover. Also, make sure you’re well-equipped with a good weapon and shield before attempting the quest. With careful planning and the right approach, solo completion is definitely achievable.
How long does it take for a supply drop to arrive?
After you interact with a Call Station, it takes approximately 45 seconds for the Supply Drop to arrive. You’ll see a flare shoot up into the sky, and then you need to watch for the parachute descending in the distance. The drop usually lands relatively close to the Call Station, so keep your eyes on the sky and be ready to move to the landing site. This waiting period is when you’re most vulnerable, so make sure you’re in a defensible position before calling the drop.
Are there other quests that use supply drops?
While the A Better Use quest is the main quest specifically focused on Supply Drops, there are other activities and challenges in Arc Raiders that may involve using them. Supply Drops are a core mechanic in the game, so you might encounter them in various forms throughout your gameplay. However, the A Better Use quest is unique in that it teaches you how to use the Supply Call system and rewards you with specific weapon attachments for completing it. Keep an eye out for other quests that might build upon this mechanic as you progress through the game.
Conclusion
Arc Raiders Supply Drops are a crucial game mechanic that can give you access to rare loot and valuable weapon attachments. By following this guide, you now know exactly where to find Call Stations on both Dam Battlegrounds and Buried City maps, how to complete the A Better Use quest step-by-step, and what rewards you can expect.
Remember to prepare adequately before attempting to call a Supply Drop—bring good weapons, a sturdy shield, and healing items. The Extended Light Mag I, Compensator I, and Stable Stock I you receive from completing the quest will significantly improve your combat effectiveness and help you tackle more challenging content.
Ready to upgrade your arsenal? Head out to one of the Call Station locations we’ve covered and start calling in those Supply Drops. For more Arc Raiders guides and tips, check out our other articles on best Arc Raiders items to loot and all ARC enemies in Arc Raiders. Happy raiding!
