Blue Gate is not just another combat zone where machines happen to fall. It is a massive, metallic graveyard that feels like a crime scene. For anyone tracking the mission "With a Trace," the primary objective is to find signs of who brought down the ARC machines, and the answers are hidden in the twisted steel of the Barren Clearing. This specific task marks a turning point in understanding the conflict, shifting the narrative from simple survival to a deeper investigation of a coordinated resistance.

Navigating to the Barren Clearing

The investigation starts at the western edge of the Blue Gate region. The Barren Clearing is situated directly west of Raider’s Refuge. Navigating this area requires caution, as the terrain is open and leaves raiders exposed to both ARC patrols and rival squads looking for an easy extraction.

Upon arriving at the Barren Clearing, the sheer scale of the destruction becomes apparent. This isn't the result of a slow grind; it looks like a decisive, rapid strike. To progress, the focus must be on a massive, downed ARC unit that dominates the center of the clearing. Many spend too much time looking at the main chassis, but the crucial evidence lies in the debris field surrounding the central mass.

How to Find Signs of Who Brought Down the ARC Machines

The specific interaction point for this objective is located southwest of the main machine’s body. Look for a detached leg section that has been severed from the primary unit. The key clue is a grey, spherical joint—it looks like a radar dish or a ball-and-socket connection—that stands out because its color is slightly lighter than the scorched metal around it.

Approaching this spherical device will trigger an interaction prompt. The inspection process takes several seconds, during which you are completely vulnerable. It is advisable to clear the immediate vicinity of any patrolling drones or "Leapers" before committing to the interaction. This object reveals the first major hint: the damage wasn't caused by typical ARC malfunctions or heavy ordnance from other machines. There are traces of precision sabotage, suggesting that whoever did this knew exactly where to strike to disable a unit of this magnitude.

Tracking the Adorned Wreckage

Once the spherical device is scanned, the mission shifts focus to the south. The next destination is the Adorned Wreckage, located near the Trapper’s Glade area. The walk from the Barren Clearing to the Adorned Wreckage is short but dangerous. The path often takes you through narrow passages where ARC units like to bottleneck players.

The Adorned Wreckage is easy to spot from a distance. It looks like a capsule-shaped structure or a small rocket that has been repurposed. What makes this site unique—and gives the mission its name—is the visual evidence of human presence. The wreckage is covered in colorful graffiti, cables, and makeshift antennas. Unlike the sterile, cold metal of a standard ARC site, this location feels lived-in and modified.

To complete the "Inspect the Adorned Wreckage" step, you simply need to enter the immediate perimeter of the tall, antenna-covered structure. There is no need to climb to the top for the objective to register, though the upper levels often contain weapon cases and high-tier loot that are worth the risk if the area is clear of enemies.

Locating the Communications Device

The final and most critical step is to find the communications device at the Adorned Wreckage site. This is where many get stuck, searching the main tower or looking for hidden panels. The device is actually a ground-level terminal.

Facing the tallest part of the adorned wreck, look toward the southern side. You will find a smaller piece of rocket scrap with a makeshift desk leaning against it. On this desk sits a bright yellow computer terminal. This is the communications device mentioned in the mission logs. Interacting with this terminal allows you to download the data logs left behind by the mysterious group that claimed this site.

Once the interaction is complete, the mission "With a Trace" is effectively finished. A notable mechanic here is that you do not need to extract alive for the quest progress to save. Once that yellow terminal is activated, the data is secured, though successfully reaching Speranza is still required to claim the physical rewards.

Analyzing the Evidence: Raiders or Something Else?

The environment in Blue Gate tells a story that contradicts the common belief that humans are merely scavengers in this world. Several environmental details suggest that the force capable of bringing down these machines is highly organized.

  1. Precision Damage Patterns: The ARC units in the Barren Clearing show signs of systemic shutdown rather than brute force destruction. This implies the use of specialized electromagnetic tools or high-precision energy signatures that don't match standard raider loadouts.
  2. The Presence of Graffiti: The "adornment" on the wreckage is a form of psychological warfare or territorial marking. It suggests a group that isn't afraid of being found by the ARC, which is a significant departure from the stealthy, hit-and-run tactics usually employed by the residents of Speranza.
  3. Advanced Communications: The yellow terminal isn't just a piece of salvaged tech; it’s part of a relay system. The fact that it was functioning in an active ARC zone suggests the attackers have a way to mask their electronic footprint.

These clues point toward a faction that understands ARC architecture at a fundamental level. Whether these are remnants of the old corporate architects or a new evolution of raider culture remains one of the most compelling mysteries in the current conflict.

Tactical Advice for the Blue Gate Run

Completing this investigation is best done with a specific loadout strategy. Since the goal is information gathering rather than high-volume looting, a "Free Loadout" or a low-cost kit is highly effective.

  • Stealth Over Combat: If you are playing solo, use the rock formations around Trapper’s Glade to stay out of the line of sight of the ARC sentinels. The Barren Clearing is very flat, making it easy for snipers (both AI and human) to spot you from the ridges.
  • The Leaper Threat: The Adorned Wreckage area is a frequent spawn point for Leapers. These agile ARC units can close the gap instantly while you are interacting with the yellow terminal. Listen for the distinct mechanical screech they make before they pounce.
  • Squad Coordination: If playing in a team, have one player act as a lookout on top of the Adorned Wreckage while another interacts with the ground-level terminal. The height advantage provides a clear view of any incoming threats from the south.

Rewards and Shani’s Role

After securing the data, you must return to the security area in Speranza and speak with Shani. She is the primary contact for this investigation and will provide context on what the data logs mean for the future of the Raiders.

Completion of this quest typically yields several high-value items for early-to-mid-game progression:

  • Looting Mk. II Augment: This is a significant upgrade for any raider, as it increases scavenging efficiency and allows you to find better components in standard crates.
  • Medium Shield: This piece of equipment offers a balanced defensive layer, providing enough protection to survive a few hits from a Pulse Drone without sacrificing mobility.

These rewards are more than just gear; they represent Shani's investment in your ability to uncover more about the machines' fall. The "With a Trace" mission is just the beginning of a longer chain that eventually leads players deeper into the heart of the ARC's origin and the secrets of the surface.

The Significance of Blue Gate in 2026

As the conflict evolves, Blue Gate remains a focal point for players. The wreckage here hasn't disappeared; it has become a permanent landmark that serves as a reminder of ARC's vulnerability. While newer zones offer higher-tier loot, the Barren Clearing is still the best place to understand the fundamental mechanics of how ARC units can be systematically dismantled.

For those still searching for the signs of who brought down the ARC machines, the answer isn't just in a single terminal or a broken leg joint—it's in the pattern of the entire zone. It is a story of human ingenuity and a hint that the machines, for all their power, are not invincible. Every raider who completes this quest becomes part of that growing realization.