Stuck on the EMP trap in Arc Raiders’ Straight Record quest? One precise shot flips the switch and clears your path.
As is customary for Arc Raiders quests, you can’t rely on map markers to track them down. We’ll walk you through how to find the three power switches and complete the Arc Raiders Straight Record quest. While you’re in Dam Battlegrounds, you may also want to complete the Broken Monument quest, too, so keep an eye out.
EMP trap location in Victory Ridge
The EMP trap sits in Victory Ridge at the abandoned radar station overlooking the central valley. Head north from the zone’s spawn point along the elevated ridge path until you spot the dish array and concrete bunkers. Approach the main control shack marked by red warning lights-interact with the panel inside to disable it for the Straight Record quest. Watch for patrolling ARC drones nearby that could interrupt the process.
First things first, you’ll need to find the EMP trap, which is located in Victory Ridge in the northwest of Dam Battlegrounds. It’s on a path that runs north from the Hydroponic Dome Complex between Ruby Residence (a prime area to find a Dog Collar for Scrappy if you haven’t already) to the northwest and West Broken Bridge to the northeast. Refer to the map image above for the exact spot.
Once in the area, look out for an antenna with a coil running up it and a yellow box at its base. Interact with the yellow box to tick off the first two Arc Raiders Straight Record quest objectives. From here, you’ll need to disable the three power switches. You can do so in any order. Each of the switches pulses yellow to help you find them.
Disable the first power switch
Move toward the first power switch located near the upper maintenance deck and watch for patrolling drones. Clear the area before interacting with the console to avoid triggering alarms. Once it’s safe, approach the control panel and hold the action button to power it down. You’ll see the nearby cables lose their glow, confirming that the switch is disabled and the EMP field in that section is neutralized.
The first switch is found in the ruins of a small building immediately east of the trap. Use the crate to hop up to the second floor, walk across the plank, and you’ll find the power switch on a balcony. Interact with the box to turn off the power.
Disable the second power switch
After cutting power from the first switch, head deeper into the facility and locate the second control unit near the maintenance bay. It’s guarded by patrol drones, so take cover and clear the area before interacting with the console. Once the surroundings are secure, approach the switch and disable it. This action will cut the remaining power to the EMP trap, allowing you to proceed to the next phase of the Straight Record quest.
The second power switch is located just north of the trap on a small hill beyond a cluster of trees. Interact with the yellow box to disable the switch.
Disable the third power switch
Locate the third power switch on the control panel near the EMP trap’s core. Shoot it or use a melee attack to break it open, then interact with the exposed mechanism to shut it down. This cuts the final power source feeding the trap, allowing safe passage ahead. Watch for enemy patrols while targeting it to avoid interruptions.
The third and final switch is south down the path that runs towards the Hydroponic Dome Complex. It’s at the foot of a tree next to two barrels and a tree trunk lying on its side. Once again, interact with the yellow box to turn off the power.
Shut down the EMP trap
Approach the EMP trap from the side marked by pulsing blue lights. Plant your charges on the three generator nodes powering the field-hit the first at the base, the second midway up the pylon, and the third on the overhead conduit. Once all charges detonate, the barrier collapses, letting your team push forward through the now-silent zone. Watch for patrolling drones during the shutdown sequence.
For the final objective, head back to the EMP trap and interact with the box at the foot of the antenna to shut it down. From here, make your way back to Speranza (you won’t fail the quest if you don’t successfully extract) and speak to Celeste to claim your rewards. You’ll get five Medium Gun Parts and three Advanced Mechanical Components for your trouble.
Fastest safe route to Victory Ridge on Dam Battlegrounds
Victory Ridge lies in the northern part of Dam Battlegrounds, between Ruby Residence and West Broken Bridge landmarks. The fastest safe route starts by spawning or dropping near the Hydroic Dome, then heading north about 1 km along debris paths while avoiding open fields patrolled by enemies.
Route Steps
-
Initial Sprint: Run northwest from spawn toward the mountain ridge visible between Ruby Residence and West Broken Bridge-use cover like rocks and ruins to dodge patrols.
-
Midway Navigation: Follow ground debris or cords leading uphill; stay zoomed out on the map to track “Victory Ridge” progress, entering the unmarked area near the broken highway sections.
-
Final Approach: Squeeze through the gap between bridge remnants to reach the EMP trap site; everything stays compact, about 15-20 meters apart once there.
Safety Tips
Crouch or prone during enemy sightings, and mark the ridge on tools like metaforge.app for precision. Complete objectives quickly and extract nearby to minimize exposure.
Best extraction points near Victory Ridge Dam Battlegrounds
Victory Ridge extraction points in Dam Battlegrounds prioritize cargo elevators, which safely return raiders to Speranza even if downed. The closest and safest options lie near West Broken Bridge and Hydroic Dome landmarks, minimizing enemy exposure post-quest.
Nearest Extraction Points
-
West Broken Bridge Elevator: Directly adjacent to Victory Ridge-head south under the broken highway section after disabling the EMP trap; crouch-jump into the cavity for quick access.
-
Hydroic Dome Cargo Elevator: Northwest route, about 1 km downhill; use debris cover for a low-patrol sprint back from the ridge.
-
Pipeline Tower or Floodgates: Slightly farther east, ideal if enemies swarm the bridge area.
Extraction Tips
Approach elevators cautiously, as other players may contest them during quests like Straight Record or Echoes of Victory Ridge. Press the terminal even if downed for automatic evac. Check interactive maps like metaforge.app for real-time spawns.
