When ARC Raiders released their Shrouded Sky update, one place that suddenly was everybody’s problem and opportunity at the same time was the Controlled Access Zone on Dam Battlegrounds.
For players who are looking to buy ARC Raiders items, this is definitely the time for getting high-value loot through actual gameplay. Because the Controlled Access Zone is not just another loot spot. This is actually a real teamwork test. If you don’t know how this works pretty well or you try to rush this like normal PvE, well, you’ll definitely fail this puzzle or get wiped before you even get to the loot.
This article contains everything you need to know. Let’s get into it properly, step by step, in a way that actually works in real matches.
What Makes the Controlled Access Zone Special
Controlled Access Zone is a high-risk, high-reward point of interest. It differs from other normal locked rooms, as you cannot enter or open the door with your key card. Instead, you have to work together.
It takes four players, and you need to have trust, even among strangers who might turn on you at any moment. That alone makes it one of the most intense mechanics currently in the game.
Where to Find the Controlled Access Zone
As for the location, you can find it in the Dam Battlegrounds map. This is situated between The Breach and Power Generation Complex. Now, in order for you to gain access to this room, the most convenient way of doing this is by climbing the ladder from the wall of the dam that leads to this room. Upon entering this room, you would notice that this is a rather big room, and it has levels like the upper levels and the flooded levels.
The vertical level is quite significant in this room because this is where you would be able to find the puzzle items.
Step One: Find and Insert the Fuel Cell
The first thing you will notice is an empty terminal near the upper section of the zone, near the hanging Rocketeer debris. This terminal requires a Fuel Cell (battery) to be activated.
The Fuel Cell can be found in the lower flooded section, possibly near destroyed ARC machines or in a corner. You will have to find it properly, as it is not in the same place every time. After you have it, you may return and use it in this terminal. This will activate this portion of the puzzle, allowing you access to one of the buttons you need to press.
Step Two: Locate the Four Hidden Buttons
Once you’ve powered the system, this next phase is initiated.
There are four buttons placed around this area, and their position may change slightly each round.
You’ll normally find them:
– On the pipes
– Along the staircase
– Next to the locked door
– Inside the room opened by Fuel Cell
Before you do anything else, make sure that you can find all four of them. It is a waste of time if you can’t find at least four.
Step Three: Press All Buttons At The Same Time
This is where most runs are going to fail. You need to press all four buttons at once. Not almost at once, but at once. Each player stands on one button. Then you have to work out a countdown and press at the same time.
If you have got it right, the first locked door will open and the next part of the puzzle will be revealed. If you have got it wrong, nothing will have been done and you will have to try again.
Why You Always Need Four Players
Here’s the catch, the max squad size in ARC Raiders is three players.But even when you queue in with your whole squad, you still need one more player, typically a random player from the lobby.
That’s when the real tension begins. You either cooperate or risk getting shot the moment the door opens.
Step Four: Repair the Final Door
Once you pass through the first door, you’ll find another locked door with a repair panel. This is the last door before you get to the loot room.
In order to pass through this door, it is necessary to deposit some materials. The problem is that the materials needed differ according to each match.
For instance, you may need basic items such as:
– Metal Parts
– Wires
Alternatively, you may need more complex items such as:
– Industrial Battery
– ARC Power Cells
– Motors
– Leaper Pulse Units
It may be cheap at times, and at other times, it may be painful. Some players have also noted that in some matches, you might need some items such as 12 metal parts and 1 industrial battery, among other items. However, this may vary depending on the match.
You should plan to buy ARC Raiders blueprints, and use this information because it will help you avoid getting stuck in the middle of the run.
Final Step: Enter the Loot Room
Once the repair is complete, the final door opens. Inside, you’ll find one of the best loot rooms on Dam Battlegrounds, weapon cases, crafting materials, and high-value gear.
But don’t get too comfortable. The minute this last door opens, everything changes. The noise summons other players, and your “temporary alliance” may come to an end.
Real Gameplay Tips That Actually Work
The biggest mistake people make is treating this as a simple puzzle, because it’s not. It’s a full encounter. Take out all the enemies before you start anything. If you’re interrupted by an AI or another player while pressing a button, you fail.
Make sure to find all four buttons before pressing them. Don’t guess, as communication is key to this one, even if it’s random players.
And, most importantly, don’t stick around for too long after opening the room. Loot and then get out as fast as possible.
Is It Worth Doing Every Match?
Yes, but if you are prepared. The Controlled Access Zone is one of the best things you can do right now in ARC Raiders. It is also one of the most deadly.
If you go into the Controlled Access Zone without a plan, you will lose everything. If you go in prepared, coordinated, and quick, you can win with the best loot.
Conclusion
The Controlled Access Zone puzzle is not just about pressing buttons. It is about trust, time, and survival. You are working with random players, you need to be in a hurry, and you need to survive. And this is exactly what makes this puzzle unique. But not only unique, this puzzle is also interesting and intriguing.
If you can master this guide, you’re not only solving this puzzle, you’re controlling one of the most valuable moments in this raid.
