How to complete Source of the Contamination in Arc Raiders
PC Gamer
by Rory Norris February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Completing the *Source of the Contamination* quest in *Arc Raiders* is a straightforward yet crucial mission that helps advance the story and uncover the source of contaminated water in Dam Battlegrounds. The quest begins with Celeste sending you to the Water Treatment Building, where you must locate and interact with a specific yellow barrel near the flood spill intake on the north side. This area is not only key to completing the task but also serves as an important hotspot for future quests, such as *A Toxic Trail*. While the rewards—five Steel Springs, five Duct Tape, and a Mod Component—are practical for crafting, they don’t add much excitement to the quest itself.
To reach the flood spill intake, you’ll need to navigate Dam Battlegrounds carefully. The Water Treatment Building is centrally located, with the spillway nestled on its northern edge near the Swamp. The yellow barrel, surrounded by concrete ramps and a small body of murky water, is your primary target. Interacting with it completes the main objective, but be cautious—Rocketeers may patrol the area, adding an element of danger. Additionally, keep an eye out for mushrooms nearby, as they are essential for Scrappy’s final upgrade and can be hard to find elsewhere.
After completing the quest, your best exit is the Central Swamp Lift, located just north of the spillway. While the rewards aren’t particularly thrilling, they provide useful materials for crafting and surviving in *Arc Raiders*. This quest also highlights the importance of paying attention to environmental details and preparing for potential hazards in the game. For players interested in exploring more of *Arc Raiders*, this mission is a small but necessary step in uncovering the broader narrative and challenges of Dam Battlegrounds.
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Originally published on PC Gamer on 2/23/2026