The "A Balanced Harvest" quest in ARC Raiders is a mission given by Celeste that sends you into one of the most dangerous spots on the Dam Battlegrounds. You have to sneak into the Research & Administration building, which is basically a magnet for other players and bots looking for loot. The tricky part isn't just killing things—it's finding the specific "Lab 1" room without getting taken out by a camper. In this guide, I’m gonna show you exactly where to go so you can grab the research notes and get out fast.
[PICTURE PLACEHOLDER]
Here is the quick breakdown of the mission:
Quest Name: A Balanced Harvest
Quest Giver: Celeste
Objective: Reach the Research & Administration building, find Lab 1, and search for traces of the agricultural research project.
Map: Dam Battlegrounds
Rewards: 3x Advanced Mechanical Components, 3x Medium Gun Parts, 10x Steel Spring
Condition: Must be completed in one round (if you die, you restart).
First, load into Dam Battlegrounds. You need to go to the Research & Administration building (sometimes just called "R&A" or Admin). It is located in the central part of the map, usually right below the big Control Tower area. Since this place is super hot with enemies, you might want to run a cheap loadout so you don't lose your best gear if things go south. Approaches from the South side are usually the easiest way to get in.
[PICTURE PLACEHOLDER]
Once you are at the building, you need to get to the upper floor (second floor). You can use the blue staircase on the outside or take the zipline if you want to be quick. When you get to the top floor, head down the corridor. You are looking for a room labeled Lab 1. It’s usually the first door on your left if you are coming from the south corridor. There might be a turret or guard up here, so be ready to shoot.
[PICTURE PLACEHOLDER]
Go inside Lab 1. It looks like a typical science room with desks and computers. You need to look for a smaller inner office or a specific desk in the middle of the room. The item you want is a stack of papers or notes that will be glowing yellow when you get close. Interact with it to "Search for any traces of the agricultural research project." Once you pick it up, the quest marks as complete immediately. You don't technically have to extract to finish it, but you definitely should try to leave so you can keep your loot!
[PICTURE PLACEHOLDER]
For retrieving this old-school science data, Celeste gives you some solid crafting mats:
3x Advanced Mechanical Components
10x Steel Spring