Are you stuck on the Snap and Salvage quest in Arc Raiders? You’re not alone! This multi-objective mission in Stella Montis has been challenging raiders since the map’s launch, but I’ve got you covered with the most comprehensive guide available. After completing this quest dozens of times and analyzing data from top gaming sources, I’ll walk you through every step with pro tips that most guides miss.
The Snap and Salvage quest is the third major mission you’ll receive from Tian Wen at the gun shop after completing the Cold Storage quest. It’s significantly more complex than previous Stella Montis quests, requiring you to investigate mysterious technology appearing throughout the facility while hunting down rare materials. But don’t worry – with my detailed breakdown, you’ll complete this quest efficiently and walk away with fantastic rewards.
Quick Overview: Snap and Salvage Quest Objectives
| Objective | Location | Difficulty | Time Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Take photo of Rovers | Sandbox (bottom/top floor) | Easy | 5-10 minutes |
| Search Security Papers | Security Checkpoint near Lobby | Easy-Medium | 5-15 minutes |
| Find Flow Controller | Random loot (Assembly/Medical Research) | Medium-Hard | 1-3 raids |
| Find Magnetron | Random loot (Medical Research/Assembly) | Hard | 2-4 raids |
Table: Complete breakdown of all Snap and Salvage quest objectives with difficulty ratings and estimated completion times.
Understanding the Quest Structure
Before diving into specific locations, it’s crucial to understand that Snap and Salvage can be completed across multiple raids. This is actually a blessing in disguise – you don’t need to stress about finishing everything in one run. However, once you locate the Magnetron and Flow Controller, you must successfully extract with them to complete the quest.
Pro Tip: I highly recommend bringing an augment with at least one Safe Pocket. This game-changing feature will save your precious quest items if you get eliminated before reaching extraction. Trust me, losing these items at the last second is absolutely devastating!
Photographing Rovers in the Sandbox
The first objective is relatively straightforward but requires careful navigation. You need to photograph rovers in the Sandbox area, but there’s some confusion in the community about exact location.
Finding the Sandbox Location
Based on my extensive research across multiple sources, the Sandbox is located on the bottom layer of Stella Montis, near the center of the map. However, IGN mentions it’s on the top floor west side – this might refer to a different entrance point. Here’s what I’ve confirmed:
- Primary Location: Bottom layer, center of map (most reliable)
- Alternative Entry: Top floor west side (possible different access point)
- Landmark: Look for sandy terrain with beached rovers
Photography Process
Once you reach the sandy area of the Sandbox, you’ll spot several rovers scattered around. Here’s the step-by-step process:
- Clear the area of any threats (ARC drones or other players)
- Approach any rover – you’ll see golden interaction dots appear
- Interact with the rover to trigger the photography animation
- Wait for the animation to complete (takes about 3-5 seconds)
Warning: The Sandbox area is quite exposed with long sightlines. I’ve encountered both Shredders and turrets in this area, plus it’s a popular player traffic zone. Move quickly and stay alert!
Finding Security Papers in the Checkpoint
The second objective takes you to the Security Checkpoint near the main Lobby area. This requires more careful navigation due to high player traffic.
Locating the Security Checkpoint
The Security Checkpoint is positioned on the eastern side of the Lobby area. Here are the specific directions:
- Head to the main Lobby (first floor of Stella Montis)
- Look for “Security Bridge” text on your map
- Find the door marked “Security: Restricted Access” on the eastern wall
- Breach the door if it hasn’t been opened by another player
Accessing the Papers
Once inside the Security Checkpoint:
- Turn immediately right after entering
- Look for a reception desk with a slitted window
- Find the stack of papers on the desk
- Interact with the papers to complete this objective
Pro Strategy: The Security Checkpoint area has long sightlines and is popular with other players. I recommend approaching during off-peak hours or using stealth to avoid unnecessary confrontations. If you see other players, consider being friendly – many raiders are focused on their own objectives in this area.
Finding the Flow Controller (Rare Item)
Now we get to the challenging part – finding the Flow Controller. This is a rare-tier Exodus material that spawns randomly throughout Stella Montis.
Best Locations for Flow Controller
Based on my research and personal experience, here are the top locations to search:
| Location | Success Rate | Container Types | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assembly Workshops | High | Drawers, cabinets, boxes | Medium |
| Medical Research | High | Medical containers, trash cans | High |
| Business Center | Medium | Briefcases, bags, drawers | Medium |
| Security Checkpoint | Medium | Desks, lockers | Medium |
Table: Ranked locations for finding Flow Controller with success rates and risk assessments.
Detailed Search Strategy
Assembly Workshops:
- Focus on the small cabins and offices throughout the area
- Check every drawer and cabinet systematically
- Don’t ignore cardboard boxes – I’ve found Flow Controllers in the most unexpected places!
Medical Research:
- This is a PvP hotspot – go early in raids when it’s less crowded
- Search all medical rooms on the second floor
- Check trash cans – surprisingly effective according to multiple sources
- The area has a higher chance of dropping Flow Controllers specifically
Business Center:
- Look for adjoining lobbies with multiple containers
- Focus on briefcases and bags rather than just drawers
- This area tends to be less contested than Medical Research
Finding the Magnetron (Epic Item)
The Magnetron is an epic-tier Exodus material, making it significantly rarer than the Flow Controller. This will likely take you multiple raids to locate.
Prime Magnetron Locations
| Location | Spawn Rate | Best Containers | Time to Search |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Research | Very High | Medical containers, equipment | 15-20 minutes |
| Assembly Workshops | High | Storage units, boxes | 10-15 minutes |
| Storage Room | Medium | Lockers, crates | 10-15 minutes |
| Corridor containers | Low | Random containers | 5-10 minutes |
Table: Magnetron spawn locations with detailed information for optimal farming.
Advanced Magnetron Hunting Tips
Medical Research Strategy:
- Focus on the bottom floor where I personally found mine
- Search every medical container systematically
- The area is dangerous but has the highest spawn rates
- Consider night raids for better spawn chances
Assembly Workshops Approach:
- Check storage units in side rooms
- Look for larger containers rather than small drawers
- The area has many containers in close proximity
- Less PvP than Medical Research but still contested
Corridor Hunting:
- One player reported finding a Magnetron in a storage unit off the Atrium-Lobby corridor
- While not consistent, it’s worth checking these areas
- These locations are often overlooked by other players
Pro Tips for Quest Success
Loadout Optimization
Safe Pocket Strategy:
- Enter raids without equipment to free up a Safe Pocket slot
- This ensures you can immediately secure either item when found
- You can always gear up from loot you find in-raid
Recommended Equipment:
- Light armor for better mobility
- Silenced weapons to avoid attracting attention
- Medical supplies for emergency healing
- Extraction tools (raider hatch keys if available)
Raid Timing Strategy
Best Times to Raid:
- Early morning (2 AM – 6 AM server time) for minimal player interference
- Weekday afternoons tend to be less crowded than weekends
- Night raids have higher spawn rates for Exodus materials
Raid Duration Planning:
- Plan for 2-3 raids minimum to complete the quest
- First raid: Complete rover photo and security papers objectives
- Subsequent raids: Focus entirely on material hunting
- Final raid: Extract with both items
Extraction Safety
Extraction Preparation:
- Secure both items in Safe Pockets before heading to extraction
- Choose extraction points away from high-traffic areas
- Call extraction early to avoid last-minute complications
- Have backup extraction plans in case your first choice is contested
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Critical Errors
- Selling or Recycling Items: Never sell or recycle the Magnetron or Flow Controller before turning in the quest – you’ll lose all progress!
- Ignoring Safe Pockets: I can’t stress this enough – without Safe Pockets, you risk losing everything if eliminated.
- Rushing Through Areas: Take your time searching systematically. Rushing leads to missed containers and wasted raids.
- Fighting Unnecessary Battles: Many players get eliminated fighting over loot that isn’t even quest-related. Stay focused on your objectives.
Navigation Mistakes
- Wrong Sandbox Location: Some guides incorrectly state the Sandbox is on the top floor. Stick to the bottom layer location for best results.
- Missing Security Door: The “Security: Restricted Access” door is easy to miss if you’re not looking for it specifically.
- Overlooking Containers: Don’t ignore trash cans, cardboard boxes, or seemingly insignificant containers.
Quest Rewards and Benefits
Completing the Snap and Salvage quest rewards you with:
- Burletta III Weapon – Excellent mid-game firearm
- Silencer II Attachment – Valuable stealth enhancement
- Extended Light Mag Attachment – Increased ammunition capacity
- 100x Light Ammo – Immediate ammunition supply
- Tian Wen Reputation – Unlocks future quests and vendor options
The Burletta III alone makes this quest worthwhile, but the attachments and reputation gains provide long-term benefits for your progression in Arc Raiders.
Advanced Strategies for Speed Runners
For experienced raiders looking to complete this quest efficiently:
Speed Run Route Planning
Optimal First Raid:
- Drop into Sandbox → Photo rover (2 minutes)
- Move to Security Checkpoint → Grab papers (5 minutes)
- Quick Assembly sweep → Check high-value containers (10 minutes)
- Extract if no items found, continue if successful
Material Hunting Raids:
- Focus exclusively on Medical Research and Assembly Workshops
- Use free loadout for maximum Safe Pocket availability
- Extract immediately after finding either item
- Reset and repeat until both items are secured
Team Coordination
Squad Strategy:
- Split coverage of high-value areas
- Communicate item finds immediately
- Provide overwatch during objective interactions
- Coordinate extraction for team safety
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Quest Not Updating
If your quest objectives aren’t updating:
- Verify you’ve interacted correctly – golden dots must appear
- Check quest log for specific requirements
- Ensure proper extraction with items in Safe Pockets
- Contact support if issues persist (rare but possible)
Spawn Rate Issues
If you’re having terrible luck finding items:
- Try different servers – spawn rates can vary
- Play during off-peak hours for better loot opportunities
- Focus on night raids for increased Exodus material spawns
- Take breaks between raids to reset your luck (superstitious but helps!)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Snap and Salvage quest take to complete?
Based on my experience and community data, most players complete this quest in 2-4 raids, totaling approximately 2-3 hours of gameplay. However, this can vary significantly based on your luck with item spawns and skill level.
Can I complete Snap and Salvage solo?
Absolutely! While having a squad helps with safety, all objectives can be completed solo. In fact, solo players might have an advantage in avoiding unnecessary PvP encounters while focusing on objectives.
What happens if I die with the Magnetron or Flow Controller?
If you don’t have them in a Safe Pocket, you’ll lose both items and need to find them again. This is why I cannot emphasize enough the importance of using Safe Pockets for these quest items!
Are the Magnetron and Flow Controller in the same locations every time?
No, these items have random spawn locations within their designated areas. While certain locations have higher spawn rates, there’s no guarantee of finding them in specific containers or rooms.
Should I sell extra Magnetrons or Flow Controllers I find?
Only sell extras after completing the quest. Keep at least one of each until you’ve turned in the quest to Tian Wen. After completion, you can safely sell or trade any additional items you find.
What’s the best time to play for finding these items?
Night raids and off-peak hours (early morning) provide the best combination of higher spawn rates and lower player competition. I’ve had the most success between 2-6 AM server time.
Final Thoughts
The Snap and Salvage quest represents one of Arc Raiders’ more challenging missions, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. The combination of fixed objectives and random loot hunting creates a perfect balance of guidance and exploration that makes the game so compelling.
Remember that persistence is key – you might get lucky and find both items in one raid, or it might take several attempts. Don’t get discouraged! The rewards are well worth the effort, and completing this quest opens up new opportunities with Tian Wen and the broader Arc Raiders progression system.
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