How to complete Out of the Shadows quest in Arc Raiders

The Out of the Shadows quest in Arc Raiders is one of those deceptively simple missions that ends up being far tougher than it looks. On paper, it only asks you to destroy a Rocketeer and collect its Driver, but anyone who’s gone up against one knows how punishing that fight can get.

Rocketeers are among the most fatal ARC drones in the game, and surviving the encounter often requires the right weapons, positioning, and a lot of patience. Here’s a breakdown of how to finish Out of the Shadows quest in Arc Raiders.

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Out of the Shadows quest in Arc Raiders walkthrough

You’ll receive this quest from Shani, and unlike most other missions, there’s no fixed location where you’ll automatically trigger the quest. Rocketeers can spawn randomly, but one of the best areas to complete this task is at the Testing and Annex building.

EMP grenades are particularly useful in the quest, as they can briefly disable the Rocketeer’s mobility, giving you time to aim at weak spots (Image via Embark Studios)

It offers plenty of cover and limited sightlines, which are both key advantages when dealing with a flying enemy that fires homing rockets.

Before heading out, make sure to stock up on heavy ammo and grenades. If possible, stash extra rounds in your safe pocket to avoid running dry mid-fight.

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How to find the Rocketeer

Head to the Testing and Annex building and climb the main staircase all the way to the top floor. You’ll encounter a few turrets along the way, so clear those first to avoid distractions during the main fight.

Once you reach the top, move toward the central open section. The Rocketeer usually hovers nearby, and this location gives you a defensive advantage. The floor is structured like a bunker, with multiple closed-off sections that block rocket damage.

There are only two corner openings, which slow the Rocketeer’s movement and make it easier to bait it from one side while staying safe on the other.

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Best strategy to destroy the Rocketeer

Head out the window and shoot it from cover (Image via Embark Studios)

When the Rocketeer arrives, resist the urge to fight it in the open. Instead, use the sealed areas as cover and peek from the corners to shoot. Move between the openings like peek, shoot once or twice, then retreat. Repeat this cycle while keeping an eye on its rocket trails.

For damage, use single-shot rifles/sniper-class weapons loaded with heavy ammunition. Automatic rifles waste ammo since the Rocketeer doesn’t stay still long enough to soak multiple hits. Focus your fire on its thrusters specifically one side, to destabilize it.

Destroying a single thruster causes the unit to lose balance and reduces its accuracy, giving you windows to land clean hits. If you’re carrying EMP grenades, toss one when it hovers close. A successful EMP will disable its thrusters temporarily, grounding it for a short period.

Use that time to unload precise shots at the weak points.

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Looting and completing the Out of the Shadows quest in Arc Raiders

Once the Rocketeer finally goes down, immediately loot its body. Grab the Rocketeer Driver. While you’re at it, collect other useful parts like the thrusters (if usable), which can be sold or used for crafting later.

After securing the Driver, make sure to extract safely. Returning to base without dying is essential for completing Out of the Shadows quest in Arc Raiders. Once you’re back, talk to Shani to officially wrap up the quest.

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Out of the Shadows quest in Arc Raiders rewards

Here’s what you’ll receive for completing the Out of the Shadows quest in Arc Raiders:

• Three Surge Shield Rechargers
• Two Wolfpacks

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If this article is to your liking, you can read more quest guides here:

• Industrial Espionage
• Hatch Repairs
• The Right Tool
• Eyes on the Prize