If you've just logged back in and seen the Breaking New Ground board lighting up, don't shrug it off. This isn't a normal "play a bit, get a reward" deal. It's the whole community pushing resources into one shared goal so Stella Montis finally opens, and your donations translate into Merits you can actually spend. If you're short on gear or want to tidy up your loadout before you risk a run, having some ARC Raiders Coins ready can save you a lot of faffing about in menus.

How the event really feels in-game

The clever part is how it changes people's habits. You'll notice squads doing "one more raid" because every drop-off nudges the progress bar, and nobody wants to be the person who missed the unlock window. It also means the usual farming spots get busy, fast. If you're coming in late, don't copy the loudest route on the map. Do the boring stuff. Quick in, quick out, donate, repeat. You'll rack up Merits without getting dragged into every corridor war you overhear.

Tracking inactive androids without losing your mind

Once Stella Montis is live, the "In My Image" quest is where most people start spiralling. The inactive androids are random, and the map loves to mess with you. One run you'll bump into two by accident, next run you'll swear they don't exist. What's worked for me is treating it like a sweep: start at a main lane, then peel off into the side rooms you'd normally ignore. Check behind clutter, near maintenance machinery, and in those cramped service spaces where your camera keeps catching on pipes. The bodies blend in, so don't rely on spotting them from far away. Get close, look for the little interaction prompt, and move on if there's nothing to loot.

Extraction is the actual final test

Getting the third android isn't the victory lap. You still have to leave, and Stella Montis is rough right now. Shredder units punish sloppy peeks, and PvP is constant because everyone's there for the same objectives and loot routes. A few habits help: listen before you sprint, pause at choke points instead of barging through, and don't take the shortest hallway just because it's "efficient." People post up and wait. If your kit's undercooked, play quieter, take wider rotations, and treat every open door like it's bait.

Keeping your progress without burning out

The best mindset is slow and practical: one clear route, a simple checklist, and a willingness to bail early if the lobby feels hostile. Plenty of players get stuck because they chase "perfect" runs and end up resetting over and over. Lock in small wins, bank your quest progress, and only push deeper when you've got time and ammo to spare; that's also where something like the ARC Raiders Battle pass can feel worth considering, since it gives you another reason to keep showing up even when the map refuses to play nice.