Celeste's Journals: A Cross-Map Scavenger Hunt That'll Test Your Arc Raiders Sanity (and Safe Pockets)
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Celeste's Journals in Arc Raiders is a deceptively tough quest requiring players to find two journals at opposite ends of the Dam Battlegrounds and extract with both in a single run, making safe pockets and smart routing absolutely crucial for success. It's a wizardly test of patience and tactical traversal against both Arc enemies and other players.
Right, so you know that feeling when you're just pottering along, thinking you've got a handle on things, and then a quest pops up that's clearly been designed by someone who's spent a bit too much time in a labyrinth? Yeah, that's 'Celeste's Journals' in Arc Raiders, mate. It sounds deceptively simple – 'Find two journals.' But oh, the digital trickery involved here is a thing of beauty (and mild irritation). I've been tinkering with this one, and bloody hell, it's wilder than it first appeared.
Embark Studios, bless their cotton socks, decided to spice things up a bit. Not only are Celeste's precious scribblings squirreled away at the absolute *opposite ends* of the sprawling Dam Battlegrounds map, but you've got to extract with *both of them in the same topside visit*. Let that sink in for a moment. You can't just grab one, stash it safely, pop back for the second next round. Nope. One run, two journals, one extraction. It's like a magical retrieval spell that demands perfect timing and a fair bit of grit, otherwise, poof! All your hard work vanishes faster than a goblin's gold.
Now, this particular quest has a reputation for being a right pain in the arse. You're traversing the entirety of the Dam Battlegrounds, which, as any seasoned Raider knows, is not exactly a stroll through the park. You've got the ever-present threat of the Arc enemies – those pesky robots who seem to pop up precisely when you're least prepared – and then there are the other players, those lovely folks who might be 'hellbent on engaging in PvP,' as the original source so eloquently puts it. Fair dinkum, you're a moving target with valuable loot. So, let's talk strategy, because a digital wizard always has a few tricks up his sleeve.
### The Golden Rule: Embrace the Safe Pocket (Or Suffer the Consequences)
This is where my 'cautiously optimistic' hat really comes on, because if you ignore this advice, you're essentially trying to catch a greased griffin with your bare hands. Given you *must* extract with both journals for Speranza, an augment with **two safe pockets** is practically non-negotiable. Seriously, if you've got one, equip it. If you don't, then I'd almost recommend running a free loadout until you find one, because getting one journal back and losing the other accomplishes absolutely zilch. Think of the safe pocket as your personal, dimension-hopping satchel – secure anything valuable, and it stays with you even if your run goes pear-shaped. It's the ultimate 'what happens if...' safety net.
### Journal Hunt: South First, Then the Long Haul North
You can technically nab these diaries in any order, but from what I've observed – and what the original Polygon guide by Ford James wisely suggests – Dam Battlegrounds tends to have more player spawn locations in the southern regions. So, you're more likely to be closer to the **South Swamp Outpost** initially. Makes sense, right? Always start with the path of least resistance if you can help it.
**1. South Swamp Outpost – The First Glimmer of Hope:**
Your target here is pretty straightforward: head for the main dome in the swampy area. If you're peering at your map, look directly above the 'S' in 'Swamp.' Inside this main building, you'll want to scout for a smaller, adjoining room. In there, you'll spot two beds. One of those beds, my friend, is where Celeste's first journal is patiently waiting. Scoop it up, feel that little jolt of success, and immediately stash it in one of your precious safe pockets. First magical artifact secured! Now for the truly adventurous bit: heading north.
**2. The Treacherous Trek North – A Journey Worth Planning:**
This is where the quest turns into a proper expedition. You're now at one end of the map and need to get to the other, dodging Arc patrols and potentially hostile players. Going directly through the middle of the map is a fool's errand – it's often swarming with Arc enemies and offers little cover. Similarly, traipsing across the incredibly open Red Lakes is just asking for trouble. It's like trying to cross a wizard's duel arena during peak hours.
Instead, Ford James' guide recommends a cunning route: head **directly north** from the South Swamp Outpost, then veer **east at the West Broken Bridge**. This path offers significantly more cover, giving you better odds against ambushes, both robotic and human. Keep your eyes peeled, stick to cover like glue, and try to move with purpose. Maybe even pop a quick 'power rod' if you can grab one from the nearby Power Generation Complex – a little side quest for extra juice never hurt, right?
**3. The Northern Outpost Overlooking the Red Lakes – The Final Piece:**
This one's a bit of a trickster, mainly because the northern outpost isn't helpfully marked on your map. You're looking for an area officially known as **Raider Outpost East**. This spot sits directly north of the Red Lakes (which you wisely avoided crossing) and north-east of the Power Generation Complex. It's a similar building structure to the South Swamp Outpost, so you'll be looking for that familiar layout inside. Head in, find the same sort of area, and this time, the bed with the journal will likely be against a wall by itself. Snatch it, stash it in your *second* safe pocket, and breathe a sigh of relief.
### The Great Escape: Don't Get Greedy!
You've got both journals! Pat yourself on the back, you magnificent digital adventurer. Now, the absolute priority is getting out of dodge. Don't linger, don't try to clear 'just one more' enemy. You've got the goods. Your extraction options are: a raider hatch to the south (if you remembered to bring a key – smart move, that) or a handy lift to the west (if you didn't). Pick your poison, activate the extraction, and hold your breath until you're safely back at Speranza.
Honestly, this quest feels like it's designed to truly test your mettle, your planning, and your ability to adapt under pressure. It's a prime example of how extraction shooter design can create genuinely tense and rewarding experiences, even if it feels a bit cheeky to make players run such a gauntlet for a couple of journals. But that's the joy of Arc Raiders, isn't it? The unexpected, the challenge, and the sweet, sweet satisfaction of overcoming a truly devious objective. Good luck out there, Raiders! You've got this.
(Original source: Polygon, 'Celeste's Journals' quest walkthrough in Arc Raiders by Ford James)
Tags: Arc Raiders, Quest Guide, Extraction Shooter, Gaming Tips, PVE
Original article: Polygon