How to Complete Waking the Grid Quest in Arc Raiders

If you're progressing through the early contracts in Arc Raiders, there's a good chance you've picked up the Waking the Grid quest from Shani. At first glance, the mission seems simple. However, many players get stuck because the objectives are spread across multiple buildings in the Spaceport region, and the game provides only limited directions.

The good news is that Waking the Grid is actually one of the easier quests in Arc Raiders once you know where to go. Better yet, you do not need to extract with any special items, carry valuable loot, or survive multiple matches to complete it. With a little planning, you can finish the entire quest in a single raid.

In this guide, I'll walk you through exactly how to complete Waking the Grid in Arc Raiders, including the locations of the Guard Tower, Departure Building, and Arrival Building, along with a few survival tips I've learned after spending countless hours exploring Spaceport.

Waking the Grid Quest Overview

The Waking the Grid quest focuses on investigating security system failures across the Spaceport map.

Shani suspects something is wrong with the facility's sensor network and asks you to reactivate key systems before locating the source of the security breach.

Quest Objectives:

Activate the security sensors in one of the Guard Towers

Start the security control center in the Departure Building

Search for traces of a security breach in the Arrival Building data office

Since all three objectives are located relatively close together, most players can complete the mission during a single deployment.

Before You Start the Quest

One thing I always recommend is entering Spaceport with a low-risk loadout.

Unlike quests that require rare resources or extraction objectives, Waking the Grid only requires interacting with terminals and quest markers.

That means you can:

Bring basic weapons

Use free gear

Avoid risking expensive equipment

Focus entirely on mission completion

Even if you get eliminated after finishing the objectives, your progress is usually saved.

This makes Waking the Grid one of the safest quests to tackle early on.

Step 1: Activate the Security Sensors in a Guard Tower

The first objective requires you to locate one of the security guard towers positioned along the outer wall of Spaceport.

Where to Find the Guard Tower

The easiest Guard Tower to use is located near the Fuel Lines Point of Interest.

After spawning into Spaceport:

Head toward Fuel Lines

Look for the perimeter wall

Find the square guard tower attached to the wall

The tower stands out because it has a zipline running vertically through the center.

How to Activate the Sensors

Once inside the tower:

Use the zipline

Ride it to the very top

Turn left after exiting

Locate the terminal near the window

Interact with the console

After a few seconds, the security sensors will activate and your first quest objective will be complete.

Veteran Tip

Before climbing the tower, scan the surrounding area for enemy players.

The top platform offers little cover, making you an easy target if another Raider is nearby.

I usually clear the immediate area before taking the zipline.

Step 2: Start the Security Control Center in the Departure Building

After activating the sensors, your next destination is the Departure Building.

Fortunately, it's only a short distance away.

Finding the Departure Building

From the Guard Tower:

Move northwest

Cross the Fuel Lines area

Look for the large Departure Building

Several entrances lead inside, but some routes are safer than others.

Best Entry Route

The southern entrance is usually the easiest option.

You can enter through:

Broken walls

Large window openings

Ground-level doorways

These entrances help you avoid unnecessary combat and allow faster access to the objective.

Locating the Security Control Center

After entering:

Look for signs marked "All Departures"

Move toward the server room area

Enter the first room on the left

Find the computer desk with red blinking lights

The console resembles the one used inside the Guard Tower.

Interact with it to start the security control center.

Once activated, the second objective updates immediately.

Things to Watch Out For

The Departure Building often attracts players looking for loot.

While the objective itself is simple, be cautious around:

Hallways

Staircases

Loot rooms

Windows overlooking the main entrance

Getting caught while interacting with the terminal can quickly end your raid.

Step 3: Search for a Security Breach in the Arrival Building

The final objective takes place inside the Arrival Building.

This is where the quest reveals the source of the security system failure.

Traveling to the Arrival Building

From the Departure Building:

Continue moving northwest

Follow the perimeter wall

Enter the Arrival Building

You'll often hear alarms before reaching the objective area.

The flashing red lights are a useful indicator that you're heading in the right direction.

Enemy Threats in the Area

This section is usually more dangerous than the previous objectives.

Depending on the match, you may encounter:

Shredders

Fireballs

Pops

Hostile Raiders

Because of the increased threat level, move carefully and avoid unnecessary fights.

Finding the Data Office

Head toward the western side of the ground floor.

Look for a restricted room marked:

Assembly Area 2

The door is locked and cannot be opened normally.

Breaching the Door

To enter:

Use an explosive

Destroy the door

Move into the data office

Once inside, walk to the back of the room.

You'll find a desk with blinking monitors and computer equipment.

Interact with the terminal and select the option to cut the wires.

After completing the interaction, the final quest objective finishes and Waking the Grid is complete.

Can You Complete Waking the Grid in One Run?

Absolutely.

In fact, this is how most experienced players handle the quest.

The three locations are surprisingly close together:

Guard Tower

Departure Building

Arrival Building

If you avoid prolonged fights and stay focused on the objectives, the entire mission can often be completed in less than fifteen minutes.

Best Strategy for Solo Players

As someone who regularly plays solo, I found Waking the Grid much easier than many later Arc Raiders quests.

Here are a few recommendations:

Avoid high-value loot runs

Bring basic healing items

Carry one explosive for the final door

Use cover whenever crossing open areas

Listen carefully for ARC movement

The fewer distractions you have, the faster you'll complete the mission.

Common Mistakes Players Make

Many players struggle with Waking the Grid because of a few common errors.

Searching the Wrong Guard Tower

There are multiple towers around Spaceport.

Not every route is equally efficient.

Starting near Fuel Lines saves significant travel time.

Missing the Server Room

Some players spend several minutes searching the Departure Building.

Remember to look for the "All Departures" signage and head into the nearby server room.

Forgetting an Explosive

This is probably the most common mistake.

The final objective requires breaching the Assembly Area 2 door.

Without an explosive, you'll need to leave and return later.

Getting Distracted by Loot

Spaceport contains plenty of valuable resources, but Waking the Grid is easier when you focus entirely on the quest objectives.

Loot can always be collected during future raids.

Is Waking the Grid Worth Completing?

Definitely.

Like most Shani quests, Waking the Grid provides valuable progression toward later contracts and unlocks additional opportunities throughout Arc Raiders.

Completing it also helps players become familiar with several important Spaceport locations that appear in future missions.

Understanding these buildings early can save a lot of time later in the game.

Many players who focus on long-term progression also collect Arc Raiders blueprints for crafting upgrades and occasionally check PvPBank when researching market trends and item values within the community.

Final Thoughts

If you're wondering how to complete Waking the Grid in Arc Raiders, the process is actually straightforward once you know the route.

Start by activating the security sensors in the Guard Tower near Fuel Lines. Then head to the Departure Building and bring the security control center online. Finally, travel to the Arrival Building, breach the Assembly Area 2 data office, and cut the wires to uncover the security breach.

The entire quest can be completed in a single deployment with minimal gear, making it one of the most beginner-friendly missions in Arc Raiders.

Stay alert, avoid unnecessary fights, and you'll have this contract finished before most players even realize where the objectives are located.

Waking the Grid FAQ

How do I start the Waking the Grid quest in Arc Raiders?

The quest is given by Shani and takes place on the Spaceport map. It involves investigating security system failures across three separate locations.

Can I complete Waking the Grid in one match?

Yes. All three objectives are located relatively close together, making it possible to finish the quest in a single deployment.

Where is the Guard Tower for Waking the Grid?

The easiest Guard Tower is located near the Fuel Lines Point of Interest along the western perimeter wall of Spaceport.

Where is the security control center?

The control center is inside the Departure Building. Enter the server room area and interact with the console featuring red blinking lights.

How do I access the Arrival Building data office?

Locate the Assembly Area 2 door on the lower western side of the Arrival Building and use an explosive to breach it.

Do I need to extract after completing the quest?

The quest objectives are usually recorded once completed, but extracting safely is always recommended whenever possible.

What enemies can appear during Waking the Grid?

Players may encounter Shredders, Fireballs, Pops, and hostile Raiders while moving between objectives.