Locating ARC Probes and Couriers in ARC Raiders can be difficult, especially in the early quest from Celeste “A Bad Feeling”. The probes and couriers themselves are not just the main quest objectives but also a good loot source. This guide breaks down how to find them, how to recognize each one, and where they typically spawn so that you can complete the quest quickly and benefit from future finds.
Why Find ARC Probes or ARC Couriers
Quite early on in ARC Raiders, you will get a mission from Celeste called “A Bad Feeling.” In the quest, your objective is to find either an ARC Probe or an ARC Courier. This sounds straightforward enough; however, finding either item could potentially turn into a scavenger hunt. Both items are also worth looting later, so it’s good to learn about their location early on.
Locating ARC Probes
Among the two objects you can look for, the ARC Probe is usually the one you’ll stumble upon first—sometimes without realizing what it is. Probes are tall, rocket-like pods that spawn in random spots, much like airdrops. You may occasionally witness them dropping from the sky, but sound is your real guide .
A Probe gives off a short, electronic beep every few seconds. If you hear that repeating signal, follow the direction it’s coming from. That sound is your best hint that a Probe is nearby. You can also come across Probes lying on their side, still smoking from the crash. A good place to look for ARC Probes would be the Dam Battlegrounds near the West Broken Bridge.
Locating ARC Couriers
These are a bit difficult to find in the game. A good place to look for is the Dam Battlegrounds, where ARC Couriers have been spotted at the following locations: on the hill south of the Research & Administration area; along the road that connects Electrical Substation and Water Treatment; inside the South Swamp Outpost; just outside the west wall of the Electrical Substation, and by the roadside near West Broken Bridge on the route toward the Hydroponic Dome Complex.
Probes vs. Couriers: How to Tell Them Apart
| ARC Probe | ARC Courier |
| Slim, missile-style pod | Bigger and more box-shaped |
| Often sticks upright or crashes horizontal | Bulkier structure |
| Emits a periodic beep | No beep |
| Gives off dark smoke | Gives off dark smoke |
Either one counts toward the quest, but if you’d like a more predictable search, many players prefer going after ARC Couriers. Probes are more random with their landing spots, while Couriers tend to reappear in certain areas.
Why Finish This Quest Early
Clearing “A Bad Feeling” early is helpful because it unlocks more missions that can be completed alongside each other rather than one at a time. It’s a small hurdle that smooths out your progression later.
Your reward for completing the quest includes 10 Metal Parts, 5 Steel Springs, and 5 Duct Tapes. Even after you’re done with the mission, you can keep an eye out for these devices for loot.
