Yes, Call Stations in Arc Raiders are a better use of your time and resources than most other side objectives when you need to complete the “Better Use” quest, because they offer a guaranteed, high-value reward in exchange for a short, low-risk interaction. This guide explains exactly how to find them, what to do when you get there, and why they are the most efficient path to finishing this quest without unnecessary fights.
What Is the “Better Use” Quest?
The “Better Use” quest is a common mission in Arc Raiders that asks you to interact with a specific type of world object—either a Call Station or a Supply Cache. The quest text usually says something like “Use a Call Station or Supply Cache to signal for extraction.” It appears in the early-to-mid game as a way to teach you about the map’s interactable points of interest. The quest is not tied to a specific character or faction; it is a general objective that any player can pick up from the mission board in the hub area.
Why Call Stations Are the Better Choice
Call Stations are almost always the better choice for this quest for three concrete reasons:
- Guaranteed spawn points: Call Stations are marked on your map once you get close, and they appear in fixed locations on every map. Supply Caches, by contrast, are random spawns and can be easy to miss.
- Low combat risk: Call Stations are usually located in open areas or on the edges of settlements, so you can approach them without fighting through a horde of enemies. Supply Caches are often tucked inside buildings or behind enemy patrols.
- Clear feedback: When you activate a Call Station, you get a distinct audio cue and a visual confirmation that the quest objective is complete. With a Supply Cache, you sometimes need to search multiple containers before the game registers the interaction.
How to Find a Call Station
Call Stations are tall, antenna-like structures with a glowing blue console at the base. They are usually placed on elevated ground, near roads, or at the edge of a settlement. To find one:
- Open your map (default key: M) and look for a small blue icon that looks like a radio tower. That is the Call Station marker.
- If you do not see the icon, head toward the nearest settlement or road junction—Call Stations are often within 100 meters of a main road.
- Once you are within 50 meters, a waypoint will appear on your HUD, guiding you directly to it.
Step-by-Step: Completing the Quest at a Call Station
When you reach the Call Station, the process is simple:
- Clear the immediate area of any enemies. Even though Call Stations are low-risk, a stray patrol can interrupt the activation.
- Walk up to the console and press the interact key (default: E).
- Hold the interact button for about three seconds—do not release early or you will have to start over.
- Wait for the confirmation message: “Call Station activated.” The quest will update automatically.
That is it. You do not need to defend the station or wait for anything else. Once the activation completes, the quest is done.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Players often fail this quest because of a few avoidable errors:
- Confusing Call Stations with other towers: There are several tall structures in Arc Raiders that look similar but are not Call Stations. Look for the blue glow and the radio tower icon on your map—if it is not marked, it is not a Call Station.
- Interacting with a Supply Cache instead: If you are near a Supply Cache, the game might prompt you to interact with it, but that will not complete the quest unless the quest specifically says “or Supply Cache.” Always check the quest text.
- Getting killed mid-activation: The activation takes a few seconds, and you cannot move or shoot. Make sure you are in cover and that no enemies are within aggro range before you start.
Comparing Call Stations to Supply Caches
If you are still deciding which objective to pursue, here is a direct comparison:
- Time to complete: Call Station takes about 10 seconds including approach. Supply Cache can take 2-3 minutes because you have to search multiple containers.
- Risk: Call Station is low risk. Supply Cache is medium risk because it is often in a building with enemies.
- Reward: Both give the same quest credit, but Call Stations also occasionally drop a small amount of crafting materials when you activate them.
In short, if you have the choice, always go for the Call Station.
What If There Is No Call Station Nearby?
If your map does not show a Call Station, it is because you have not explored that area yet. Call Stations are always present on the map, but they are hidden until you get within a certain distance. If you are in a new area, head toward the nearest settlement or road—you will almost always find one. If you are in a pinch, you can also complete the quest by using a Supply Cache, but that is the less efficient path.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to bring anything to use a Call Station?
No. You do not need a tool, a keycard, or any special item. Just walk up and interact. The station is free to use.
Can I use the same Call Station twice?
No. Each Call Station can only be activated once per match. If you need to complete the quest again in a future match, you will need to find a different station.
Does using a Call Station alert enemies?
Yes, it makes a loud sound that can attract enemies within a 30-meter radius. That is why it is important to clear the area first. After activation, you may need to deal with a few incoming enemies, but they are usually low-level.
Is the “Better Use” quest available at any level?
Yes, the quest is available from level 1 and can be repeated. It is a common daily or weekly quest, so you will likely see it multiple times.
What happens if I die after activating the Call Station but before the quest completes?
The quest completes the moment the activation bar finishes, even if you die immediately after. You will get credit for the quest, but you will still lose any loot you were carrying if you die.
Final Tips for Quest Efficiency
To make the most of your time, combine the “Better Use” quest with other objectives. For example, if you need to collect supplies in a settlement, find the Call Station on the edge of that settlement first, activate it, then move in for the supplies. This way, you complete two objectives in one trip. Also, if you are playing with a squad, only one player needs to activate the station—everyone in the squad gets credit for the quest.
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