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These are exciting times for Arc Raiders players. For a long time, people have wanted to create their own base, not just battle and loot. With Embark Studios’ new Frozen Trail update, that wish is now being fulfilled. This update brings a new map, new ARC enemies, weapon upgrades, and personal outposts you can decorate. Building these outposts is where it all begins. Sheltered Retreat project, and his first step is to find the Ruined Homestead.
What is the first task?
The Sheltered Retreat project’s first task seems straightforward: take a photo of any farmhouse around the Ruined Homestead on the Blue Gate map. Sounds simple, but two things can be a problem. First, where is the location, and second, where will the camera be located.
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Where to find the Ruined Homestead?
According to PC Gamer guide writer Sean Martin, the Ruined Homestead is located in the southern part of the Blue Gate map, right near Olive Grove. This is the same area where players previously clashed to collect lemons and olives for Scrappy. If you’re a veteran player, this location will be instantly recognizable.
The good thing is that you don’t have to look for a specific building. Any of the main farm buildings in the area will do for the photo, so this stage can be completed quite quickly.
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Biggest change: Camera is now essential
Previously, simply approaching a building and interacting with it would take a photo. This is no longer the case. You must actually have a camera item to take a photo. This change may seem small, but it significantly changes the gameplay, as you now have to prepare and enter the map.
You can find the camera in three ways:
- By purchasing: From Shani for around 1.9k.
- By making: From 8 Plastic Parts and 1 Wire on the Basic Workbench.
- From Quest: Some quests, like the new Sizing Things Up, give you a camera as soon as you accept them.
A small but important caution
One consequence of requiring a camera is that photo quests can no longer be completed with free loadouts. Meaning, if you’re used to cheaply landing on a map without anything, you’ll have to think a little differently this time around.
Sean Martin recommends keeping your camera in your safe pocket, so it’s there to be ready when needed, even in the event of death. This way, a raid can be prevented from going waste.
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How to take a photo?
The process is quite simple. Arrive at the Ruined Homestead, equip your camera, aim with the right mouse button, and take a photo with the left mouse button. Doing this at any major farm building completes the task.
What does this mean in larger terms?
This isn’t just a photo quest, but the beginning of a new chapter in Arc Raiders. Until now, the game revolved around escaping to the surface (Topside), collecting loot, and returning. Now, players are moving on to building and decorating their homes there. This changes the feeling of always having to return and lose something.
The developers also recently teased the addition of a camera mode, and some fans still feel more confident about the game’s future. But new features like these indicate that Embark is committed to the game for the long haul. The studio is also taking a tough stance on cheaters, making permanent bans the new norm.
Handy summary for new players
If you’re in a hurry, just remember this:
- Select the Blue Gate map.
- Head south to Olive Grove.
- Carry a camera (buy, build, or get one from Quest).
- Take a photo of any farm house.
This will complete the first stage of Sheltered Retreat, and you’ll be one step closer to your outpost.
