The Sheltered Retreat project requirements
Advancing your progress in Arc Raiders necessitates the collection of specific crafting materials, primarily planks and sheet metal. These resources become a priority once you have completed the initial step of the Sheltered Retreat project: taking a photograph of the Ruined Homestead. Without these materials, players will find themselves unable to commit the necessary resources to move forward with their base or project development.
While these items can technically appear in various locations throughout the game world, they are most commonly categorized by the environment in which they are found. Planks are typically associated with residential or "old world" settings, whereas sheet metal is almost exclusively found within technological and industrial zones. Understanding this environmental distinction is the first step toward efficient resource gathering.
Scavenging planks in residential areas
Residential zones and old-world ruins serve as the primary hunting grounds for planks. If you are looking to stock up on wood-based resources, the southwest region of Pendola Pass offers the highest density of loot. Specifically, the houses located within Old Town are ideal for this purpose.
When exploring these residential areas, players should focus on the following:
- Old Town (Pendola Pass): Searching through houses in this area is a highly effective way to find large quantities of planks.
- Furniture and Blueprints: While searching for planks in these locations, players often stumble upon additional valuable items, such as furniture blueprints and research materials.
- Looting containers: Look for drawers and cupboards within domestic structures, as these are the most likely containers to hold wood resources.
While planks can appear in other parts of the map, the frequency of drops in these specific residential hubs makes them the most reliable choice for players looking to minimize travel time.
Finding sheet metal in industrial zones
Sheet metal requires a different approach to scavenging, as it is tied to the more advanced, industrial sectors of the map. To find this material, players must venture into technological environments where heavy machinery and metal structures are prevalent.
Stella Montis is the premier location for metal harvesting. Within this region, two specific areas stand out for high-yield looting:
The Assembly Area
In the Assembly area of Stella Montis, players can find a consistent source of metal. Specifically, the yellow drawers located here appear to be a guaranteed source of sheet metal drops. Targeting these specific containers can significantly speed up your collection process.
The Loading Bay
Similar to the Assembly area, the Loading Bay in Stella Montis provides an industrial landscape filled with metal-rich containers. Players should prioritize any technological or industrial site to ensure they are finding the correct material type.
Just as with planks, sheet metal is occasionally found in non-industrial areas, but the drop rate is much lower, making the industrial zones the only viable option for serious resource farming.
Buying resources from Celeste
If you prefer to avoid the risks of scavenging in dangerous territories, there is a much simpler, albeit more expensive, alternative available. The NPC Celeste offers both planks and sheet metal for direct purchase.
Trading with Celeste is a highly efficient method for players who have already secured enough currency to skip the manual labor. The costs are as follows:
- Planks: 3 seeds per unit.
- Sheet Metal: 3 seeds per unit.
For the specific requirements of the Sheltered Retreat project, the total cost is relatively manageable. Players can acquire all necessary materials for the project by spending a total of 24 seeds. For many, the safety and speed of purchasing from Celeste outweigh the time spent searching through the drawers of Old Town or the industrial bays of Stella Montis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to find planks?
The most effective location for finding planks is in residential and "old world" environments. Specifically, the houses located in the Old Town area, situated in the southwest of Pendola Pass, are known to contain high volumes of this resource along with furniture blueprints.
How can I get sheet metal quickly?
To get sheet metal quickly, you should head to technological or industrial areas like Stella Montis. In the Assembly area, looting the yellow drawers is a reliable method, as these containers appear to provide a guaranteed drop of sheet metal for players.
Can I buy planks and sheet metal?
Yes, you can purchase both planks and sheet metal directly from Celeste. Each item costs three seeds. This is often the fastest way to gather the 24 seeds' worth of materials needed for the Sheltered Retreat project without having to scavenge manually.
Final thoughts on resource management
Managing resources in Arc Raiders requires a balance between manual scavenging and strategic spending. While exploring Pendola Pass and Stella Montis can yield a wealth of materials—and even extra blueprints—the most efficient path for many will be using Celeste to purchase exactly what is needed for the Sheltered Retreat project. By understanding the environmental ties between item types and locations, players can optimize their routes and ensure they are always prepared for the next stage of their progression.
