If you’ve been playing ARC Raiders for any length of time, you’ve probably encountered that moment when Celeste gives you the “A Bad Feeling” quest and suddenly you’re wondering what exactly you’re supposed to be looking for. Don’t worry – you’re not alone in this confusion. This quest might seem straightforward at first, but finding those elusive ARC Probes and Couriers can be surprisingly tricky if you don’t know what to look for.
Understanding the A Bad Feeling Quest
The A Bad Feeling quest in ARC Raiders is one of those early missions that seems simple but can quickly become frustrating if you’re not properly prepared. After completing the “Off The Radar” quest, Celeste will task you with finding and searching either an ARC Probe or ARC Courier. While the objective sounds basic enough, the challenge lies in actually locating these mysterious objects scattered across the Rust Belt.
What makes this quest particularly interesting is that it serves as both a tutorial and a gateway to more advanced content. Completing it unlocks the “Hatch Repairs” quest, which is crucial for your progression in the game. Plus, the rewards – 10 Metal Parts, 5 Steel Springs, and 5 Duct Tape – are exactly what you need for early crafting and upgrades.
What Are ARC Probes and Couriers?
Before we dive into locations and strategies, let’s clear up exactly what you’re hunting for. ARC Probes and Couriers are both deployed by the mysterious ARC faction from orbit, but they serve different purposes and present different challenges.
ARC Probes: The Risky Reward
ARC Probes are tall, glowing white pillars standing about 2-3 meters high, marked by a distinctive purple light at the top. They frequently drop from the sky during matches, making them one of the more common ARC structures you’ll encounter. However, “common” doesn’t mean “easy to find” – especially when you’re specifically looking for them.
Key characteristics of ARC Probes:
- Emit a faint beep every 5 seconds (this is your best audio cue)
- Can be either intact (standing upright) or crashed (lying on their side)
- Intact Probes have multiple loot compartments
- Crashed Probes have a thick column of black smoke rising from them
- Create loud static noise when breached, alerting nearby enemies
- Take longer to breach than Couriers
- Contain higher-tier ARC components like Circuitry, Motion Cores, and Powercells
ARC Couriers: The Safer Option
ARC Couriers are larger, more boxy structures that resemble UFOs or rounded transport pods. They’re harder to spot than Probes but come with their own advantages – mainly, they’re much safer to approach and breach.
Key characteristics of ARC Couriers:
- No audio cues (you’ll rely purely on visual indicators)
- Always emit a trail of black smoke after impact
- Generally found crashed rather than intact
- Breach quietly, so less likely to attract unwanted attention
- Offer less loot overall but are safer to collect
- Can sometimes be found on top of ARC Barons (ancient dead machines)
Best Maps for Completing the Quest
While you can complete the A Bad Feeling quest on any of the main maps – Buried City, Spaceport, or Dam Battlegrounds – our research and experience clearly point to Dam Battlegrounds as the optimal choice. Here’s why:
Dam Battlegrounds Advantages:
- Higher concentration of both Probes and Couriers
- More predictable spawn patterns
- Better visibility for spotting smoke signals
- Multiple confirmed spawn locations
- Easier navigation between potential sites
- Less contested than other maps during peak hours
Exact Spawn Locations on Dam Battlegrounds
Based on extensive research and player reports, here are the most reliable spawn locations for both ARC Probes and Couriers on Dam Battlegrounds:
ARC Courier Locations
- Just outside the west wall of Electrical Substation – This is probably the most consistent spawn point. Look for the distinctive black smoke rising near the substation’s western perimeter.
- Near the road junction leading from Electrical Substation to Water Treatment – Check both sides of the road, as Couriers can spawn on either shoulder.
- On the slope just south of Research & Administration – This elevated position makes it easier to spot from a distance, but be cautious of ARC patrols in the area.
- In the South Swamp Outpost – The wet environment makes the black smoke particularly visible against the backdrop.
- In the hills just south of Research & Administration, east of Small Creek – This location often spawns during electromagnetic storm events.
- On the side of the road by West Broken Bridge on the way south to Hydroponic Dome Complex – A less frequented area that’s perfect for undisturbed looting.
ARC Probe Locations
- On the surface at Power Generation Complex, at the centre of the location – This open area makes it easy to spot incoming Probes.
- At the centre of Hydroponic Dome Complex – The glass dome structure provides an interesting backdrop for spotting Probes.
- Two ARC Probes in the hills just south of Research & Administration, east of Small Creek – This dual spawn is most common during electromagnetic storm events.
- In the South Swamp Outpost, near the Field Depot location – Similar to the Courier spawn, but Probes tend to be more scattered in this area.
Advanced Detection Strategies
Finding ARC Probes and Couriers isn’t just about knowing locations – it’s about mastering detection methods. Here are some advanced strategies that will significantly improve your success rate:
Audio Detection for Probes
The most reliable way to locate ARC Probes is through their distinctive audio signature. Each Probe emits a faint beep every 5 seconds. Here’s how to use this to your advantage:
- Stop and listen regularly – When you’re in a potential spawn area, take 30 seconds to stand still and listen carefully.
- Use headphones – The directional nature of the beep is much easier to pinpoint with headphones than with speakers.
- Move in circles – If you hear a beep but can’t locate the source, move in a small circle to better determine the direction.
- Note the timing – The consistent 5-second interval helps distinguish Probe beeps from other environmental sounds.
Visual Detection Methods
Both Probes and Couriers emit thick black smoke, but there are subtle differences in how this smoke appears:
For Probes:
- Intact Probes have a thinner, more controlled smoke column
- Crashed Probes produce thick, turbulent smoke
- The purple light at the top is visible even from a distance
- Look for the distinctive missile-like shape against the horizon
For Couriers:
- Always produce thick, billowing black smoke
- The smoke column is wider and more chaotic than Probe smoke
- Look for the boxy, UFO-like silhouette
- Often found in more open areas where they crashed
Optimal Loadout for the Quest
While you can complete the A Bad Feeling quest with any loadout, some choices will make your life significantly easier:
Recommended Free Loadout
For this specific quest, we strongly recommend using the free loadout option. Here’s why:
- No risk of losing valuable gear – If you’re defeated by other Raiders, you won’t lose anything important
- Allows for multiple attempts – If you fail to find a Probe or Courier in one match, you can try again immediately
- Focuses on the objective – Without worrying about expensive gear, you can concentrate entirely on locating your target
Essential Items to Bring
Regardless of whether you use the free loadout or your own gear, make sure you have:
- Binoculars or scope – Essential for spotting distant smoke signals
- Stealth equipment – Helps you approach undetected, especially important for Probes
- Medical supplies – You never know when you’ll encounter hostile Raiders or ARC units
- Extra inventory space – Both Probes and Couriers can contain valuable loot beyond what’s needed for the quest
Step-by-Step Quest Completion
Now that you have all the background information, let’s walk through exactly how to complete the A Bad Feeling quest efficiently:
Step 1: Quest Acceptance and Preparation
- Talk to Celeste – She’s usually found near the main hub area
- Accept the quest – Make sure it’s active in your quest log
- Choose your loadout – We recommend the free loadout for this quest
- Select Dam Battlegrounds – As discussed, this is the optimal map
Step 2: Initial Spawn and Assessment
- Take stock of your surroundings – Note nearby landmarks and potential extraction points
- Check your immediate area – Sometimes Probes or Couriers spawn very close to starting positions
- Plan your route – Based on the spawn locations listed above, decide which area to investigate first
Step 3: Systematic Search Pattern
- Start with high ground – Elevated positions offer better visibility for spotting smoke
- Use your binoculars – Scan the horizon for black smoke columns
- Listen for Probe beeps – Stop regularly to listen for the distinctive 5-second beep
- Check confirmed spawn locations – Visit the locations we’ve listed, starting with the most reliable
Step 4: Approach and Breach
For ARC Probes:
- Approach from cover – Use terrain and structures to conceal your approach
- Clear the area – Make sure no hostile Raiders or ARC units are nearby
- Begin the breach – Be prepared for the loud noise that will attract attention
- Work quickly – The longer you take, the more likely you are to be interrupted
- Collect all loot – Remember, intact Probes have multiple compartments
For ARC Couriers:
- Approach cautiously – While quieter, you still want to avoid detection
- Check for ARC Barons – Some Couriers are found on top of these ancient machines
- Breach and search – The process is faster and quieter than with Probes
- Collect your rewards – Even though there’s less loot, it’s still valuable
Step 5: Extraction and Return
- Locate the nearest extraction point – Check your map for the closest safe zone
- Move carefully – Other Raiders often camp near extraction points
- Extract successfully – Make sure your progress is saved
- Return to Celeste – Head back to Speranza and speak with her
- Claim your rewards – 10 Metal Parts, 5 Steel Springs, and 5 Duct Tape
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with this comprehensive guide, players often make certain mistakes that can turn this simple quest into a frustrating experience. Here are the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
Mistake 1: Ignoring Audio Cues
Many players focus solely on visual indicators and completely miss the audio cues from ARC Probes. Remember, the faint beep every 5 seconds is often your first indication that a Probe is nearby, especially in areas with limited visibility.
Solution: Make it a habit to stop and listen for 30 seconds every few minutes, particularly when you’re in known spawn areas.
Mistake 2: Choosing the Wrong Map
While you can complete this quest on any map, choosing Buried City or Spaceport will make it significantly harder due to lower spawn rates and more complex terrain.
Solution: Always choose Dam Battlegrounds for this quest. The higher spawn rates and better visibility make it the optimal choice.
Mistake 3: Rushing the Breach Process
When players finally locate a Probe or Courier, they often rush the breaching process without properly securing the area. This can lead to interruption by hostile Raiders or ARC units.
Solution: Always take the time to clear the area and establish a safe perimeter before beginning the breach. For Probes, be extra cautious due to the noise they generate.
Mistake 4: Focusing Too Much on One Type
Some players become fixated on finding either Probes or Couriers exclusively, missing opportunities to complete the quest with whichever type they encounter first.
Solution: Remember that the quest requires either type. If you find a Courier first, take it and complete the quest rather than continuing to search for a Probe.
Advanced Tips for Experienced Players
If you’ve been playing ARC Raiders for a while and want to optimize your approach even further, here are some advanced tips:
Timing Your Runs
The spawn rates for both Probes and Couriers can vary depending on server population and time of day. Based on community observations:
- Early morning (server time): Lower player count, higher spawn rates
- Late evening: Higher player count, more competition for spawns
- During electromagnetic storms: Significantly increased Probe spawns
- Weekdays vs. weekends: Weekdays generally offer better spawn conditions
Team Coordination
If you’re playing with a team, you can significantly increase your efficiency:
- Divide and conquer – Split up to cover more spawn locations simultaneously
- Communicate findings – Use voice chat to alert teammates when you spot smoke or hear beeps
- Provide cover – While one player breaches, others can watch for threats
- Share the loot – Even though only one person needs to complete the quest, everyone can benefit from the materials
Resource Management
Beyond completing the quest, ARC Probes and Couriers are excellent sources of valuable materials. Here’s how to maximize your resource gathering:
- Prioritize intact Probes – They offer the best loot-to-risk ratio when properly secured
- Note spawn patterns – Certain locations tend to spawn better quality loot
- Time your visits – Spawn locations often refresh on a predictable schedule
- Build a route – Create an efficient circuit that hits multiple high-value spawn points
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the A Bad Feeling quest typically take to complete?
With the right strategy and knowledge of spawn locations, most players can complete this quest in 1-2 matches. However, if you’re unfamiliar with the locations or detection methods, it could take significantly longer.
Can I complete this quest solo, or do I need a team?
You can absolutely complete this quest solo. In fact, playing solo might be preferable as it reduces competition for spawns and allows you to move at your own pace.
What happens if I disconnect or get killed before extracting?
Unfortunately, you’ll lose any progress you made in that match and will need to start over in a new instance. This is why we recommend using the free loadout – it minimizes the impact of setbacks.
Are the spawn locations the same every time?
While certain locations have higher spawn rates, the exact spawns are partially randomized. This is why knowing multiple potential locations and understanding detection methods is so important.
Can I complete the quest with either type, or do I need both?
You only need to find and search either one ARC Probe OR one ARC Courier to complete the quest. You don’t need to find both types.
Conclusion
The A Bad Feeling quest in ARC Raiders might seem daunting at first, but with the right knowledge and strategies, it’s actually one of the more straightforward early-game quests. By focusing on Dam Battlegrounds, understanding the differences between Probes and Couriers, and using the detection methods we’ve outlined, you’ll be able to complete this quest efficiently and move on to more challenging content.
Remember, the key to success is preparation and patience. Take the time to learn the spawn locations, master the detection techniques, and always approach with caution. The rewards – both immediate and in terms of unlocked content – make this quest well worth the effort.
For more comprehensive guides and tips on ARC Raiders, be sure to check out our other articles on ARC Raiders beginner tips and advanced survival strategies. Happy raiding, and may your Probes be plentiful and your Couriers accessible!