Celeste’s “Straight Record” shows up immediately after you finish Broken Monument, and it’s not just another checkmark on your mission log. It’s her way of seeing if you’ve actually learned to think under pressure. On paper, the objective looks simple: deal with a First Wave EMP rig that other Raiders have already touched and likely left in disarray. But the reality is far more complicated. What looks like a quick smash-and-grab becomes a careful sweep where every step, every sound, and every decision matters. In practice, noise discipline outweighs raw firepower. That means before you even step foot in the mission zone, you should spend some serious time reviewing your loadout. Check your ARC Raiders Items list, make sure you have everything from consumables to gadgets in the right slot, and take a moment to restock ammo or repair tools. The last thing you want is to queue in with mismatched gear or missing essentials, only to realize that a single wasp swarm or drone patrol can completely derail your run.
Going in suppressed is often underrated advice. Many players assume PvE missions are free-for-all shooting galleries, so they run loud and fast, only to be overwhelmed by swarms of drones, automated turrets, or patrolling enemies that converge as soon as you make a sound. Celeste doesn’t give you binoculars and a defibrillator as props—they’re tools, and treating them as optional is a mistake. The binoculars allow you to identify patrol paths, drone sweeps, or potential sniper posts before you commit to open ground. The defib isn’t just a life insurance policy—it can be the difference between finishing the mission or watching your loot drop into someone else’s hands. Glassing the area before moving, especially across exposed stretches, saves you more time than brute force. If you spot birds scattering, a patrol loop, or a player silhouette atop a ridge, treat it as a warning. Those small observations let you avoid respawning unnecessarily. In “Straight Record,” slow is fast. This is especially true if you’re playing solo, because mistakes are punished more severely when you don’t have teammates to cover blind spots.
When choosing your gear for this run, prioritize mobility and utility over sheer damage. Lightweight weapons, suppressors, EMP grenades, and detection tools like drones or motion sensors all pay dividends. Don’t ignore consumables; medkits, shield boosters, and energy cells can turn what seems like an unwinnable encounter into a clean sweep. Organizing your inventory before deployment saves seconds in crucial moments and prevents panic swaps during firefights. Also, pay attention to what the mission demands versus what’s nice to have. It’s tempting to carry every piece of loot-gathering equipment you own, but extra weight can slow your movements and make noise control harder. Think carefully about every slot in your kit—it’s a puzzle as much as a combat trial.
Your first objective is the EMP pole at Victory Ridge, a location wedged between West Broken Bridge and Ruby Residence. The approach can feel rough, particularly if you spawn near the south floodgates. The direct route looks tempting, but it’s an open line that invites third-party shots from enemies or NPCs left behind by earlier players. Instead, stick high on the ridges and use natural cover like rocks, debris, or ruined walls to break line-of-sight. A careful approach prevents unwanted engagement, letting you set up the next steps efficiently.
Once you reach the clearing near the pole, the structure is easy to identify if you know what to look for: a tall, thin metal mast with a ring-style antenna and a yellow control box mounted at its base. This isn’t just scenery—it’s the heart of the trap. Experienced players often use the area for overwatch or to ambush unsuspecting Raiders. Recognizing the setup is half the battle. Take your time to note potential vantage points, cover spots, and escape routes. A single misstep, like crossing open terrain without checking above and around, can trigger the pole’s security drones or draw nearby patrols, turning a simple task into a scramble for survival.
Before you can fully neutralize the EMP rig, you must deactivate three separate power boxes. Approach these methodically to avoid wasting time or retracing steps. Start by moving north to a rocky rise where the first box sits—often requiring a small climb. Taking a high approach reduces the chance of surprise engagement and allows you to scan the surrounding area for threats.
The second box is located east, inside a ruined building marked with red graffiti. This is a classic hotspot for both NPCs and players looking to camp. Don’t enter through the front; slipping in from behind or crossing the supporting beams outside lets you interact with the switch without triggering traps or alerts. It’s a lesson in patience: even a second’s hesitation in noisy zones can give away your position.
The third box lies south, connected by a thick cable leading to a loose junction. Here, the terrain can be tricky, with debris creating unpredictable sightlines. Don’t linger unnecessarily—tap the switch, step back, and scan the surroundings again. Many players fail by rushing, getting caught by nearby patrols, or interacting too slowly, which often triggers reinforcements before they can reach the main unit. Precision and timing matter more than firepower. Using drones or motion sensors to check corridors and blind spots before moving to the next switch can prevent costly mistakes.
Common mistakes include engaging enemies unnecessarily, double-backing through exposed areas, or ignoring environmental cues. Players often underestimate how quickly NPCs respawn or how many automated defenses remain active after partial interactions. Treat each box like a mini-mission. Scan first, approach quietly, interact, and retreat.
Once all three power boxes are down, return to the EMP pole to deactivate the rig itself. This step is straightforward, but the danger is in complacency. Standing in the open to celebrate can be fatal. Always scan before committing to exposed areas; situational awareness remains critical until you’ve fully extracted.
If the zone appears calm, you can explore Generator Hall for extra loot, but this is where caution really pays off. Greed can lead to quick respawns if enemy patrols or other Raiders are nearby. Listen for footsteps, distant gunfire, or drone signals. Making a strategic call—whether to grab additional resources or extract immediately—often separates a clean run from frustration. Extraction should never be rushed blindly; even a few seconds spent observing the exit can prevent a disastrous encounter.
After successfully returning and handing off the rig to Celeste, you’re rewarded with parts and components that can significantly boost mid-game upgrades. These rewards often include materials that complement your ARC Raiders gear list, enabling more specialized builds or upgrades. If you’re pushing toward the next beat in the mission sequence, taking stock of your inventory, reviewing what’s available for sale, and planning your next run becomes essential. Small efficiencies compound, and mastering this mission early sets the tone for more complex operations later.
In summary, “Straight Record” is more than a simple EMP shutdown. It tests observation, patience, and methodical execution. From loadout preparation to slow, careful traversal of Victory Ridge, each step teaches critical skills for thinking under pressure. Using binoculars, defibs, and motion sensors is not optional—it’s the difference between a clean mission and an unnecessary respawn. Approaching power boxes methodically, avoiding obvious pitfalls, and knowing when to loot versus when to extract are all lessons embedded in this one run. Success here doesn’t come from raw firepower; it comes from awareness, discipline, and careful planning. Following this strategy makes the difference between struggling in mid-game missions and building a reliable, well-equipped loadout for whatever ARC Raiders throws at you next. By treating each objective seriously and respecting the hazards, you walk away with rewards, confidence, and a clearer understanding of how to thrive in high-pressure environments.
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