A Reveal in Ruins Walkthrough — Where to Find the ESR Analyzer (ARC Raiders)
This guide is a complete, step-by-step walkthrough for the ARC Raiders quest A Reveal in Ruins, focused on locating the ESR Analyzer in Buried City pharmacies, securing it, and returning it to Lance. It covers preparation (gear and augments), map navigation, spawn and loot behavior, common hazards and enemy encounters, extraction strategy, and post-quest tips to maximize success and speed. Sections include practical routes, pacing, role-specific advice, and a thorough FAQ.
Why this quest matters
A Reveal in Ruins is one of those mid-tier story and side objectives that rewards efficient players with XP, currency, and valuable loot. The quest revolves around the ESR Analyzer, a single quest item that must be retrieved from a pharmacy spawn inside the Buried City. Mistakes are costly: the Analyzer can be lost to enemy grabs, environmental hazards, or poor timing during extraction. Knowing where to look, how to get there fast, and what to equip increases the chance of a clean run and repeatable farming for rewards.
Quick summary (fast route)
Loadout: mobility, crowd control, and a safe pocket augment if you have it.
Spawn priority: head toward pharmacy sectors on the east/northeast side of the map (common spawns).
Move: clear minimal enemies; avoid long fights that delay extraction.
Pickup: claim the ESR Analyzer, immediately backtrack to a secure extraction corridor.
Extraction: call extraction only after you’ve cleared a safe lane; use speed boosts and smoke/cover to move.
Hand-in: return to Lance NPC or designated hand-in point; confirm quest completion before leaving map.
Preparation and loadout
Gear and class selection
Choose a raider class that increases survivability and mobility. Priority is speed and the ability to shrug off quick engagements. Ideal roles include:
Skirmisher / DPS: high burst to clear a single room quickly and move on.
Support / Tank: if your squad lacks survivability, bring someone who can hold chokepoints while others fetch the Analyzer.
Recon / Scout: excellent for finding the pharmacy spawn quickly and relaying info to the team.
Recommended equipment:
Close-to-mid range weapons for clearing tight corridors.
Mobility augments or injectors to cross open areas fast.
A throwable or deployable that creates cover for an extraction sprint (smoke grenade, deployable shield).
Augments to prioritize
Safe pocket augment (if available): prevents or reduces risk of dropping quest items on death and improves retention while being staggered. Use this if you can craft or equip it.
Damage reduction or temporary invulnerability augments for clutch escapes.
Movement speed and sprint-related augments for faster picks and extractions.
Crowd-control augments to slow or disable pursuers while you make a break for extraction.
Consumables and secondary items
Healing items with instant or quick application.
Stims for a burst escape.
Noise-mitigation items or distractions to lure enemies away from the pharmacy approach.
Understanding the Buried City map
Map layout and pharmacy zones
The Buried City is a layered, vertical map with tight corridors, open courtyards, and multiple subzones. Pharmacies are usually located in the denser interior clusters, often behind a short series of corridors or in small compound areas. Familiarize yourself with:
Main arteries: major roads that connect spawn zones to central sectors.
Side alleys: quick shortcuts but risk ambushes.
High-ground vantage points: useful for overwatch and spotting enemy movement.
When you load into the map, pick a lane and commit. Hesitation costs time; split-second decisions decide whether you secure the ESR Analyzer or arrive after another team beats you to it.
Spawn behavior and timers
The ESR Analyzer is a single-item spawn per instance (the pharmacy contains one). Spawn points are not random across the entire map; they cluster in specific pharmacy rooms inside several compounds. If you’ve cleared the likely pharmacy and no analyzer is present, one of two things happened: another team collected it, or it’s in a less-common pharmacy spawn. In competitive queues, expect other squads to hot-drop the same likely spawns.
Locating the ESR Analyzer: practical routes
Fast lane (recommended for small squads and solo runs)
On map load, identify the nearest pharmacy cluster on your HUD or mini-map.
Take the shortest, most direct path with minimal choke points.
Avoid long firefights: neutralize only those who block your route.
Enter the pharmacy, pick up the ESR Analyzer, then sprint back the same route.
Why this works: the direct return path minimizes exposure to flankers and lets your team re-clear areas quickly for extraction.
Flank-and-sweep (recommended for larger squads)
Split into two: one team pushes directly to the pharmacy, the other watches or secures extraction lanes.
The direct team grabs the Analyzer while the second team clears a safe path for extraction.
Reunite at a predetermined checkpoint and extract together.
Why this works: redundancy ensures the item isn’t snatched during a chaotic exit and improves odds against ambushes.
Recon-first (recommended for competitive or high-pop servers)
Send a scout to check multiple pharmacy spawns quickly.
If the Analyzer isn’t where you expected, relocate the team instead of engaging in time-wasting fights.
Use scout callouts to direct the rest of the squad to the correct spawn.
Why this works: reduces wasted time, avoids losing opportunities to faster squads, and increases repeatability for farming.
Entering the pharmacy: room-by-room checklist
Check corners immediately after opening doors; enemies often camp behind shelves.
Use quick peeks and lean if your build allows.
Toss a flash or stun forward if you suspect heavy resistance.
Prioritize looting the ESR Analyzer quickly over searching other containers.
Once picked, the raider holding the Analyzer should avoid melee encounters unless absolutely necessary.
Pro tip: if you’re the one picking up the Analyzer, equip your mobility augment or ability before you interact — that split-second sprint after pickup can change the whole run.
Combat tips while carrying the Analyzer
Avoid being the focal point of the fight. Move laterally and use cover.
Use suppression fire from teammates while the carrier advances.
If the carrier is downed, teammates should recover them quickly; a team wipe often means the Analyzer is left behind or destroyed.
If you must fight while carrying the Analyzer, aim for short controlled bursts to maintain mobility.
Important: dropping the ESR Analyzer usually creates a timer or an opportunity for enemy teams to steal it. Prioritize survival over looting more gear when you have the Analyzer.
Extraction strategies
Choosing the extraction point
Pick the closest safe extraction that requires the fewest cross-map movements.
If multiple extraction points are available, choose the one with predictable choke points you can control.
Avoid exposed extraction zones unless you’ve cleared nearby overwatch positions.
Team behavior during extraction
Assign roles: carrier, anchor (holds back pursuers), and pathfinder (clears route).
Move together if possible; split runs lead to isolated downings.
Use deployables to create temporary cover near extraction.
If forced to detour, pick cover-rich routes and avoid open plazas.
When to call extraction
Only call extraction after you’ve secured a clear lane or suppressed nearby hostile activity.
If you call extraction too early, enemies will swarm the zone; too late and you risk being caught far from extraction. Balance is key.
Common hazards and how to counter them
Ambushes in side alleys
Counter: throw preemptive grenades into alleys; sweep with a teammate or use throwables to flush out ambushers.
Enemy squads camping extraction
Counter: if they camp the extraction, opt to flank or bait them into a fight away from the extraction. Alternatively, use smoke/cover to obscure your approach and sprint in.
Environmental hazards (collapsing floors, traps)
Counter: memorize common hazard rooms and avoid triggerable objects. Use vertical paths when possible to bypass known trap zones.
NPC heavy spawns near pharmacies
Counter: brief, focused bursts and CC are ideal. One player should draw AGGRO while the carrier slips by.
Role-specific tactics
For carriers
Keep sprint toggled and move unpredictably while maintaining cover.
If carrying, avoid the front line. Let teammates make room for your run.
For anchors / tanks
Hold choke points and soak damage while the carrier moves.
Use suppression to deter flanking enemies.
For supports
Drop heals or shields along the extraction path.
Deny sight lines with smoke or deployables to give the carrier breathing room.
For scouts
Run ahead to confirm pharmacy spawn and watch extraction lanes.
Use voice/text callouts to direct the team and mark safe paths.
Speedrunning and farming tips
Run the same route consistently; muscle memory will cut down time per run.
If farming for repeatable rewards, prefer night runs or off-peak hours to minimize human competition.
Use route bookmarks or mental markers for quick navigation.
If an Analyzer spawn is absent in the nearest pharmacy, immediately reset and choose the next-highest-probability pharmacy to avoid wasted time.
Handling failed pickups and resets
If another squad grabs the ESR Analyzer, consider a tactical reset: don’t chase unless you have overwhelming advantage.
If multiple resets occur, rotate to a different server or switch to other quests while waiting for a favorable spawn.
After a wipe, regroup and decide whether to rerun the same route or switch lanes.
Post-quest: rewards and pacing
Confirm quest hand-in with Lance before leaving the map — sometimes the hand-in triggers in a small window.
If item retention is a concern for future quests, prioritize crafting or obtaining the safe pocket augment to reduce risk.
Use completed runs to assess which augment or weapons need upgrading to improve next runs.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Mistake: chasing kills instead of securing the Analyzer. Fix: prioritize the quest objective over optional loot.
Mistake: calling extraction too early. Fix: secure a clear lane and only call in when your team controls the approach.
Mistake: splitting the team without communication. Fix: preset rally points and roles before map load.
Mistake: carrier trying to solo clear the extraction route. Fix: carriers should be escorted; anchors must create safe paths.
Example 3-run route plan (practical walk-through)
Run 1 — Learn and scout
Objective: identify pharmacy spawn likelihoods.
Action: send a recon to each suspected pharmacy cluster; mark spawns and store them mentally.
Outcome: you’ll identify the most common pharmacy cluster in your instance.
Run 2 — Commit and probe
Objective: test direct route under live conditions.
Action: small team pushes direct route to fastest-known pharmacy. Carrier practices the sprint and extraction.
Outcome: measure fight times, choke points, and whether extraction is viable.
Run 3 — Execute for hand-in
Objective: finish the quest.
Action: full team executes the fastest route discovered in runs 1–2. The carrier grabs the Analyzer and the anchor holds the extraction.
Outcome: hand-in to Lance and claim rewards.
This iterative approach turns a chaotic first attempt into repeatable success.
Tuning for solo vs. squad play
Solo runs
Be stealthier and more covert. Avoid loud engagements.
Use mobility augments and consumables that favor single-player survivability.
Prepare to abort if multiple enemy squads converge.
Squad runs
Use coordinated roles and clear voice comms.
Take advantage of numbers to secure extraction lanes before calling for extraction.
Assign a dedicated carrier whose role is purely to pick and sprint out.
Best augments and weapons for consistent success
Safe pocket augment: top priority to protect your quest item.
Sprint and mobility augments: help you close gaps and escape.
Short burst weapons with good accuracy: increase room-clear speed.
Suppression or area-denial items to control extraction zones.
If you can, craft or farm for these augments before attempting repeatable runs of A Reveal in Ruins.
How to coordinate with random teammates
Use quick, concise callouts: “pharmacy east”, “analyzer picked”, “extraction clear”, “need anchor”.
Avoid long-winded strategies in public matches; short commands are more effective.
Lead by example: if you see teammates hesitating, take a decisive role (scout or anchor) and assign someone to carry.
Troubleshooting tricky scenarios
If the Analyzer drops and you can’t find it: backtrack through the room where it was dropped and listen for audio cues; use ping or marker systems to help teammates locate it.
If you’re repeatedly encountering the same aggressive squaders at extraction: change extraction points or bait them away with a decoy run.
If environmental hazards are overwhelming: reroute via higher ground or less-travelled corridors.
Replayability and scaling the strategy
As you improve, compress your route times: shave seconds by optimizing movement, clean clear patterns, and minimizing interactions.
Exchange agents: rotate carriers to avoid burnout and to test which class performs best.
Track data: note average time-to-pickup and time-to-extract across runs; use this to refine route choices.
Checklist before you drop into Buried City
Equipped: mobility augment, primary suppression or short-range rifle, healing items.
Team roles assigned: carrier, anchor, scout.
Route decided: fast-lane or flank-and-sweep.
Extraction point pre-selected.
Quick comms plan: short callouts and rally marker.
Having this checklist reduces confusion and improves your odds dramatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ESR Analyzer and why do I need it
The ESR Analyzer is the single quest item required by A Reveal in Ruins. You need to retrieve it from a Buried City pharmacy and return it to Lance to complete the quest and claim the related rewards.
Where do pharmacies spawn in the Buried City
Pharmacies cluster in denser interior compounds and are commonly located in east/northeast sectors, though several pharmacy rooms are sprinkled across the map. Prioritize the closest pharmacy cluster on spawn to reduce time to pickup.
Can the ESR Analyzer be stolen by other players
Yes. Other squads can pick up the ESR Analyzer if it’s dropped or if they enter the pharmacy first. Use speed and team coordination to prevent theft.
Does the Analyzer drop on death
Rules vary by augment and server; typically, if the carrier is downed and not revived quickly, the Analyzer can be dropped and vulnerable to theft. Equipping a safe pocket augment reduces this risk.
Is there a timeout for the Analyzer spawn
There is no general public timeout known to players; if the analyzer is not present in the closest pharmacy, it may be in another spawn or already taken by another squad. Resetting to a different instance can help if competition is high.
What’s the best augment for this quest
The safe pocket augment is the most valuable augment for securing the Analyzer. Mobility and sprint augments come next, followed by damage reduction augments for clutch escapes.
Should I call extraction immediately after pickup
Only call extraction when you and your team have a clear path or control choke points near the extraction zone. Calling too early can draw overwhelming enemy attention to the extraction site.
Is this quest better solo or with a squad
With a coordinated squad, success rates are much higher. Solo runs can work with high mobility and stealth, but you’ll have less margin for error.
Any quick tips to speedrun this quest
Memorize the nearest pharmacy spawns, equip mobility/safe-pocket augments, and practice the sprint-out route until the run feels predictable and repeatable.
Closing tactics and final recommendations
Prioritize the objective: the ESR Analyzer is the mission; everything else is secondary.
Practice your fastest route until it becomes second nature, then iterate: small optimizations compound into big time savings.
If you frequently fail due to competition, switch to off-peak hours or change your instance region.
Keep a stash of mobility augments and a safe pocket augment so you can run this quest reliably.
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