ARC Raiders: How to Complete the Unexpected Initiative Quest
The Unexpected Initiative quest in ARC Raiders takes players into the shifting ruins of the Buried City and tasks them with recovering two essential items: Fertilizer and a Water Pump. Although the objectives are straightforward, both items are located in different areas of the map, and you’ll need to reach each one within the same raid for the quest to register properly. Fortunately, the two locations are close enough that you can complete the mission in a single, efficient route—provided you know exactly where to go.
This guide will walk you step-by-step through locating the Fertilizer and Water Pump, navigating the safest routes, and extracting with your quest ARC Raiders Items intact. Whether you’re approaching the mission solo or running with a squad, this walkthrough ensures a smooth and successful completion of the Unexpected Initiative quest.
Before You Begin – Essential Prep
Although you can technically turn in Fertilizer and Water Pump items from your stash, the game still requires you to physically loot both items during one Buried City raid for the quest objectives to update. That means you must:
Visit both locations
Interact with each item
Extract safely afterward
To avoid losing either component to a rogue raider or unlucky encounter, it’s highly recommended to bring:
An augment with two safe pockets – so you can secure both quest items
A mid-range weapon – Buried City encounters frequently occur between buildings
Healing Items – the route can be contested by other players
Once you’re geared up, head into Buried City and begin your run toward the first objective.
Where to Find the Fertilizer – Grandioso Apartments
Your first destination is the Grandioso Apartments, a major point of interest on the western side of the Buried City. This towering residential complex is popular among raiders due to its solid loot drops, which means the area is often contested. Move cautiously and check corners as you navigate the grounds.
Finding the Entrance
Grandioso Apartments features multiple access points, but the most efficient route to the Fertilizer is:
Approach the building’s lower courtyard.
Look for the inner zipline located near the entry area.
Ride the zipline upward to reach the top floor interior walkway.
From there, climb the nearby staircase up to the roof.
Locating the Fertilizer
Once on the roof, look for several orange planting pots grouped together. The Fertilizer is located inside these pots.
Interact with the pot
Collect the Fertilizer
Immediately place it into a safe pocket to protect it
With the first objective complete, it’s time to travel to the second location. Luckily, it’s not far from here.
Where to Find the Water Pump – Broken Rooftop Gardens at Piazza Roma
The next stop is Piazza Roma, located a short distance northeast of Grandioso Apartments. This section of Buried City features multiple tall structures, but the one you’re looking for has a distinct rooftop garden space where the Water Pump is located.
Compared to Grandioso, Piazza Roma sees less raider traffic, which gives you a more relaxed window to complete the objective—though it’s still wise to stay alert.
Finding the Correct Building
When you reach Piazza Roma, identify the building shown in the original quest screenshot or map marker. It is recognizable by:
A garden rooftop
Clustered planters
A clear path to a higher ledge
Climbing to the Rooftop
The most efficient way to reach the Water Pump is via:
A yellow ladder is located between the target building and the structure beside it
This ladder climbs multiple levels and takes you directly to the roof. You can traverse the building internally, but the ladder is significantly faster and safer.
Locating the Water Pump
Once on the roof:
Head toward the corner with the large planters
Look for a small, box-like machine connected to pipes
Interact with it to loot the Water Pump
Stow this item in your second safe pocket before preparing to extract.
Extracting Safely After Collecting Both Items
With both quest ARCR Items secured, you only have one task remaining: escape Buried City in one piece.
Choosing the Best Extraction Route
Depending on your position after looting Piazza Roma, the closest active metro stations may include:
The western station near Grandioso
The central Buried City station
The northeastern access station
Check the map for which stations are currently open. Prioritize routes with:
High cover density
Multiple escape paths
Low expected raider traffic
Move quickly but carefully. Buried City is notorious for ambushes near train platforms.
Securing Your Extraction
Once you reach an active station:
Activate the metro console
Take cover until the train arrives
Board quickly and interact with the onboard extraction terminal
If you placed the Fertilizer and Water Pump in safe pockets, even an end-of-run ambush shouldn’t ruin your progress.
Turning In the Quest
Return to Speranza and speak with the quest giver to finish Unexpected Initiative. Completing this mission advances you further into the Buried City questline and unlocks additional objectives tied to its world-building and faction developments.