How do you start the Tracks of the Beast quest?
Starting the Tracks of the Beast quest requires players to position themselves in the northernmost section of the Pendola Pass map. This area covers the entire northern expanse of the current map layout, making it relatively straightforward to locate the initial objectives. Once you have established your presence in the north, your primary goal is to move southward toward Almatera Station.
The most efficient route involves following the established train tracks. This path is not only the most direct way to reach the station but also serves as a primary hunting ground for the specific enemies you are required to ping. By sticking to the tracks, you increase your chances of encountering the targets needed to progress the mission without wandering into unnecessary combat zones.
Navigating the Pendola Pass terrain
The terrain in Pendola Pass can be deceptive, especially when trying to maintain a steady course toward Almatera Station. While the tracks provide a clear visual guide, players should remain vigilant of the surrounding environment. The transition from the northern tracks to the southern station involves crossing various elevations and industrial ruins that can obscure your line of sight.
Because the quest requires you to find specific enemy types, staying close to the rail lines is highly recommended. The tracks act as a corridor that funnels you toward the station while keeping you in the likely patrol zones of the Bully and the Skulker. Navigating this terrain successfully means balancing your speed toward the southern station with the need to scan the environment for the specific mechanical sounds that indicate a target is nearby.
How do you locate and ping a Bully?
The Bully is the first specific enemy target you must identify during the quest. This unit is characterized by its large, robotic appearance, resembling a massive, four-legged canine or horse-like machine. Because of its size and the mechanical noise it produces, the Bully is generally easier to spot than other units, provided you are listening for its distinct aggression sounds.
Finding a Bully can be done in several key locations across the map. While the quest focuses on the transit toward Almatera Station, players have reported successful encounters in the following areas:
- Old Town: Located in the southwest portion of the map.
- Almatera Station Tracks: Specifically on the rail lines just north of the station itself.
- Railroad Junction: Situated to the east of the main transit route.
Once you have spotted a Bully, you must use your ping ability to register the target. Be aware that the Bully's loud auditory cues often signal that it has already entered an aggressive state, so be prepared for immediate combat if you are caught in its proximity. The sheer scale of the Bully makes it a formidable presence on the battlefield, but its predictable size and sound make it the most reliable first step in completing the quest objectives.
How do you find the elusive Skulker?
The Skulker represents the more difficult half of the Tracks of the Beast requirements. Unlike the Bully, the Skulker is a small, four-wheeled turret unit that moves stealthily across the environment. It does not rely on size to intimidate; instead, it uses mobility and sound to remain undetected until it is close to a player.
To find a Skulker, players must rely heavily on audio cues rather than visual searches. The unit emits a repetitive "beep beep" noise as it patrols. If you hear this sound, you should immediately scan the ground and low-level debris for the small, rolling chassis. Because of their small profile, they are easily missed in cluttered environments like ravines or industrial wreckage. Finding them requires a level of patience and auditory focus that differs significantly from the search for the much larger Bully.
Recommended Skulker hunting grounds
If you are struggling to locate a Skulker during your run, certain areas of the map have higher concentrations of these units. Based on player encounters, you should check these specific zones:
- The Ravine: The area situated between the Railyard and the Commissary Supermarket.
- Gondola Exfil: The area located north of Old Town.
- Almatera Northern Tracks: The rail sections just north of the station.
Combatting a Skulker is also a tactical challenge. These units are notoriously difficult to damage before they have successfully deployed their turret. While they are small and hard to hit, players equipped with heavy ammo weapons have found success in neutralizing them before they can become a significant threat. If you find yourself in a Skulker-heavy zone, ensure your loadout is prepared for high-impact damage to stop them before they deploy.
What are the optional objectives for this quest?
For players looking to maximize their rewards or complete a full run, Tracks of the Beast includes optional secondary objectives. These tasks involve more aggressive combat and require finding multiple targets rather than just pinging them.
The optional steps include destroying three Skulkers and successfully extracting a Skulker Targeter. However, these objectives significantly increase the difficulty of the mission. Finding a single Skulker is already a challenge due to their size and stealth; finding and killing three while maintaining the momentum of the main quest is a high-risk endeavor. Most players are advised to focus on the primary ping objectives first to ensure they complete the round successfully before attempting these extra tasks. The added pressure of finding three separate units while trying to extract can easily lead to a failed run if the player loses track of the main mission requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Can I complete the quest in multiple rounds?
No, you must complete all the required steps, including finding the Bully and the Skulker, within a single round. If you fail to finish the objectives before exiting or dying, you will likely need to restart the quest progression from the beginning of the mission.
What is the best weapon to use against a Skulker?
Heavy ammo weapons are the most effective choice for dealing with Skulkers. Because these units are small and can be difficult to damage while they are in their mobile state, the high burst damage from heavy weaponry helps neutralize them before they deploy their turret.
Where is the easiest place to find a Bully?
The easiest locations to find a Bully are Old Town in the southwest or the Railroad Junction to the east. These areas tend to have more predictable patrol paths for these larger, louder robotic units compared to the more cluttered station areas.
Why can't I find any Skulkers?
Skulkers are small and move stealthily, making them very easy to miss visually. To find them, you must listen for their distinctive "beep beep" patrolling sound and scan low-lying areas like ravines or the ground near the tracks.
Is the Skulker Targeter extraction mandatory?
No, extracting a Skulker Targeter is an optional objective. While it provides extra rewards, it is not required to complete the main Tracks of the Beast questline, and it is recommended to prioritize the primary mission goals first.
Key takeaways
- All Tracks of the Beast objectives must be finished within one single round.
- Follow the train tracks from northern Pendola Pass toward Almatera Station.
- Listen for a "beep beep" sound to locate the small, rolling Skulker units.
- Use heavy ammo weapons to effectively damage and kill Skulkers.
Conclusion
Completing the Tracks of the Beast in Arc Raiders requires a combination of careful navigation and heightened sensory awareness. By following the rail lines from the north of Pendola Pass to Almatera Station, players can efficiently encounter the necessary targets. Success hinges on identifying the loud, large Bully and the quiet, small Skulker through their respective audio cues. While optional objectives like destroying multiple Skulkers exist, the priority should remain on completing the primary pings within a single round to ensure a successful mission outcome.
