Arc Raiders Power Out Explained: Location, Enemies, and Common Mistakes

  • January 14, 2026 5:35 PM PST

    Power Out is a mid-early quest given by Celeste after you complete Prescriptions Of The Past. In general, this quest teaches players how Arc Raiders handles multi-step objectives in a contested area. It is not mechanically complex, but it often goes wrong because players rush it or underestimate the area.

    The main goal is simple: restore power to a disabled electrical substation south of the Spaceport and find out what happened to the missing engineer. In practice, this usually means dealing with enemies, navigating tight industrial spaces, and managing noise and timing.


    Where do you find the Electrical Substation?

    Most players find the substation south of the Spaceport, near the Security Checkpoint. On the map, it is a compact industrial structure with cables, metal walkways, and partially enclosed rooms.

    In general, you will recognize the area by:

    • Heavy electrical equipment

    • Multiple entry points

    • Frequent enemy patrol paths

    Usually, newer players overshoot the location because they expect a larger building. The substation is smaller and more exposed than it sounds, so slow down when you think you are close.


    What enemies should you expect?

    Enemy presence varies by raid, but most players encounter:

    • ARC drones or small automated units

    • Occasional roaming hostiles passing through from the Spaceport side

    • Environmental threats triggered by noise or combat

    In general, this is not a high-density combat zone, but fights can escalate quickly if you stay too long. Most experienced players clear only what blocks progress and avoid unnecessary engagements.


    How do you find the missing engineer?

    You do not need to search the entire map. The engineer is tied directly to the substation area.

    Usually, players find:

    • Environmental clues such as dropped gear or blood trails

    • Signs of a struggle close to maintenance hatches

    • Audio cues if enemies are nearby

    You do not escort the engineer during this quest. Once you find signs of them and restore power, the quest updates automatically. Many players waste time looking for a body or an NPC interaction that does not exist.


    How does installing the fuse actually work?

    Installing the fuse is the step where most mistakes happen.

    In practice:

    • The fuse installation point is fixed inside the substation

    • You must interact and wait for the action to complete

    • The interaction makes noise

    Most players fail here because they install the fuse immediately after entering, without clearing nearby enemies. In general, it is safer to secure the immediate area first, then install the fuse quickly and reposition.

    If you are playing solo, timing matters more. Squads can rotate cover more easily.


    What happens when you restore the power?

    Once the fuse is installed, the quest updates to Restore the power, which completes automatically after the interaction.

    In general:

    • Power restoration does not trigger a guaranteed enemy wave

    • However, noise often pulls in nearby patrols

    • Staying too long increases risk without extra reward

    Most players leave the area shortly after restoring power. There is no hidden loot bonus tied to lingering, so extraction planning becomes the priority.


    What rewards do you get from Power Out?

    Completing Power Out gives you:

    • Radio Renegade Outfit (Bag Variant)

    • 5x Wires

    • 5x Explosive Compound

    • 5x Oil

    In general, the materials are more useful than the outfit early on. Wires and compounds are commonly used in crafting paths later, so most players treat this quest as a resource unlock rather than a cosmetic milestone.

    Some players also look ahead to crafting paths and progression systems at this point. Discussions about things like build optimization or whether to buy arc raiders blueprints online often come up here, but for this quest, nothing beyond basic gear is required.


    Can you complete Power Out in one raid?

    Yes, and most players do.

    In general:

    • The objectives are close together

    • No backtracking is required

    • The quest is designed for single-raid completion

    That said, failed raids usually happen due to:

    • Overcommitting to fights

    • Running out of healing items

    • Staying too long after restoring power

    Experienced players treat Power Out as a “get in, get out” objective.


    Is Power Out easier solo or in a squad?

    Both are viable, but they play differently.

    Solo:

    • Quieter approach

    • Less room for error

    • Fuse installation is riskier

    Squad:

    • Faster area control

    • Easier recovery if someone goes down

    • More noise overall

    In general, most solo players succeed by moving slowly and avoiding unnecessary combat. Squads usually brute-force the area and move on quickly.


    Common mistakes players make during this quest

    Based on repeated runs, the most common issues are:

    • Searching too far from the substation for the engineer

    • Installing the fuse without checking enemy paths

    • Treating the quest like a combat mission instead of a utility task

    • Ignoring extraction planning after completion

    Power Out is not meant to test combat skill. It tests awareness and restraint.


    How does Power Out fit into overall progression?

    This quest acts as a transition point. After Power Out, quests start:

    • Introducing more environmental storytelling

    • Combining objectives with higher-risk zones

    • Rewarding better resource planning

    In general, players who struggle here often struggle later because they rush objectives instead of managing space and time.


    Final practical advice from experienced players

    If you remember only a few things:

    • The substation is small and exposed

    • Clear before installing the fuse

    • Do not overstay after restoring power

    • The engineer’s survival is automatic once objectives are done

    Power Out is straightforward when treated like a utility job, not a firefight. Most players who fail it are trying to do too much instead of just fixing the problem and leaving.

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