The Controlled Access Zone is a new high‑value loot area added to the Dam Battlegrounds map as part of the Shrouded Sky update in ARC Raiders. It’s a secured section hidden beneath the dam structure that requires coordination, puzzle solving, and gathering key items before you can access the best loot inside.
This zone is popular because the loot inside is above average quality — you’ll usually find multiple weapon crates, lockers, and container loot worth fighting for.
1. Controlled Access Zone Location
Controlled Access Zone location
The Controlled Access Zone is located just southwest of the Power Generation Complex and Generator Hall on Dam Battlegrounds. It’s marked on the map and sits near the breach area, structure platforms, and pipeline tower ridges — look for ladders and open metal grates leading downward.
1.1. How to Get Inside the Controlled Access Zone
Controlled Access Zone Interrior
- Bring a squad: This area strongly favors team play. The button puzzle deeper inside is difficult to manage alone, and having extra players makes the entry and follow-up sections far more manageable.
- Prepare materials before dropping in: Make sure you’re carrying 12 × Metal Parts, 1 × Industrial Battery—or equivalent power items like ARC Power Cells or Leaper Pulse Units, depending on what spawns—and a Fuel Cell. Missing any of these will slow progress once you’re inside.
- Move toward the Power Generation Complex: The Controlled Access Zone is accessed from the exterior of the Power Generation Complex, so set your route there early instead of wandering nearby sectors.
- Locate the hidden entry point: Look for a ladder or grated opening near broken fencing, the helipad, or along the pipeline. This entrance drops directly into the Controlled Access Zone interior and bypasses surface-level obstacles.
2. How to Power Up the Facility
Powering up Generator
Once inside, your first objective is to power up the facility so the puzzle becomes accessible. Here’s how to activate the facility:
- Locate the Fuel Cell: This spawns on the lower level of the Controlled Access Zone interior, often near staircases, corners, under rails, or tucked beside crates.
- Carry it to the terminal: Bring the Fuel Cell to the terminal at the top of the stairs or on the platform where you see a power access point.
- Insert the Fuel Cell: Interact with the terminal to power up the facility. This unlocks access to part of the interior puzzle and reveals one of the puzzle buttons.
3. Controlled Access Zone Button Puzzle Solution
Button
The button puzzle is the main challenge of the Controlled Access Zone. Completing it opens the first locked door and is required to reach the high-tier loot. Coordination and timing are crucial, as all four buttons must be pressed simultaneously.
- Locate Buttons: Explore the interior carefully; buttons can appear on stairways, pipes, catwalks, railings, or near corners, and their positions vary between raids.
- Understand the Lights: Each button corresponds to one of the four lights above the main locked door. Pressing a button activates its matching light.
- Assign Squad Members: Divide your team so that one player is responsible for each button, ensuring everyone knows their assigned position.
- Coordinate Activation: Count down with your squad and press all four buttons at the same time or within a very short window to avoid puzzle resets.
- Avoid Mistakes: Pressing a button out of sync will reset the puzzle, forcing the team to start over, so maintain focus and communication.
- Confirm Success: When all four lights are lit simultaneously, the first locked door opens, granting access to the next section and bringing you closer to the final loot room.
3.1. How to Unlock Second Door for Button Puzzle
Button Room
After solving the button puzzle, you’ll open the first door, but there’s still a second locked door between you and the final loot room:
- Approach the second terminal: Inside the newly opened room, you’ll find a control panel terminal near the next locked door.
- Deposit required materials: You must contribute a set of random materials. Commonly required items include: 12 × Metal Parts, 1 × Industrial Battery or other combinations involving Leaper Pulse Units, Wires, ARC Power Cells, Motors, etc. — the exact items can vary per raid instance.
- Repair the panel: Interact with the terminal to submit the materials and repair the control panel. This unlocks the final loot room.
3.1.1 How To Find Required Materials for the Second Terminal
Metal Parts
These are the common materials that you must already have in your inventory to unlock the second door. Put all these materials in your inventory before getting inside the Controlled Access Zone in Arc Raiders.
- Metal Part: Recycle high-value items like ARC Performance Steel or Garlic Presses to obtain Metal parts. Dismantle the weapons and search industrial areas, car hoods, and server racks.
- Leaper Pulse Unit: Defeating the Leaper Arc enemy and looting it allows you to gain the Leaper Pulse Unit. Leaper can be found near the launch towers and central elevator in Spaceport. Use heavy ammo weapons to break their armor.
- Industrial Battery: The Hydroponic Domes on the Dam Battlegrounds contain an Industrial Battery. Check the Rocket Assembly on the Spaceport map and loot for white, cubic, breakable containers.
4. What’s Inside the Button Puzzle Room?
Weapon Case
Once the final door opens, you can loot for valuable gear. Here’s what you can find inside the button puzzle room:
- Weapon crates, lockers, and containers: Expect multiple high‑tier containers and gear in this room containing weapons like Venator, Torrente, and Tempest.
- Repeatable loot: The puzzle can be solved again in future raids for more valuable items, so prepare your squad and materials accordingly.
