ARC Raiders challenges players to balance exploration, survival, and careful resource management. Apollo’s “To the Skies” quest is a good example, requiring you to locate a hidden Gondola Prototype near Red Lakes, repair it, and activate it to complete the objective. Although the mission becomes straightforward once you know the location, arriving without the right ARC Raiders Items can turn a quick task into a frustrating expedition. With the correct route and a little preparation, you can complete the objective efficiently and save time for other adventures.

Start at the Right Location

Your journey begins on the Dam Battlegrounds map, where the Red Lakes area holds the Gondola Prototype you need. Instead of exploring the entire map, focus on reaching the Red Lakes Raider Hatch. This landmark provides a reliable reference point and helps you narrow down the search.

As you approach the area, pay attention to the terrain around the lakes. Elevation changes can make it difficult to spot certain objectives from a distance, so avoid assuming that everything will be visible from ground level. Following recognizable landmarks makes navigation easier and reduces unnecessary movement through potentially dangerous areas.

It is also worth checking your current quest progress before deployment. Knowing exactly what remains unfinished helps you plan your route and avoid repeating objectives you have already completed.

Find the Gondola Prototype

Once you locate the Red Lakes Raider Hatch, head toward the top of the mountain or ridge directly beside it. The Gondola Prototype is positioned near the hatch exit, making this elevated area the key to completing the search.

Look for a smoking structure as you move along the ridge. This visual clue helps distinguish the prototype from the surrounding environment. If you cannot see it immediately, check the nearby terrain around the hatch instead of traveling toward distant locations.

The objective is close to the landmark, so a focused search should be enough. Learning this route can also make future visits to Red Lakes more efficient, especially when you are completing several objectives during the same expedition.

Gather All Four Required Components

Finding the prototype does not automatically complete the quest. You must first collect four specific ARC components and carry them in your inventory.

The required components are:

ARC Performance Steel

ARC Pop Trigger

ARC Thermo Lining

ARC Synthetic Resin

Each component is necessary for repairing the structure. Before leaving for Red Lakes, check your inventory carefully to confirm that all four parts are available. Missing even one can prevent you from completing the repair and force you to make another trip.

A simple preparation routine can make a noticeable difference. Review the quest requirements, identify any missing components, and organize your inventory around the task you intend to complete. This approach reduces wasted travel and helps you make better use of each deployment.

Complete the Earlier Scanning Objectives

The “To the Skies” quest also includes earlier scanning requirements. Before attempting the prototype repair, make sure you have scanned both a crashed ARC Probe and an ARC Courier.

These objectives are part of the broader quest progression, so it is important to confirm that they have registered correctly. If you arrive at the prototype with all four components but an earlier requirement remains unfinished, you may need to revisit another location.

Checking your quest log before deployment is an easy way to prevent this problem. It also gives you a clearer picture of your remaining tasks and helps you decide whether you are ready to finish the mission.

Repair the Structure and Move Away

When you reach the smoking prototype with all four components, interact with it and install the required parts. Follow the on-screen interaction prompts until the repair is complete.

After installing the components, activate the prototype. Be prepared to move away immediately because the structure will explode shortly after activation. Keeping your distance helps you avoid unnecessary damage while allowing the quest objective to finish.

Fortunately, you do not need to locate and repair every hidden prototype in the game. There are four available prototypes, but repairing just one is sufficient to complete this part of “To the Skies.” The Red Lakes location is therefore a practical option if you want to follow a clear route and finish the objective without additional searching.

Build a Reliable Resource Strategy

Completing this mission efficiently comes down to preparation, navigation, and timing. Remember the Red Lakes Raider Hatch, check the ridge beside it, bring all four components, and verify your earlier scanning progress before beginning the final repair. These small steps can save time and make your expedition easier to manage.

The same approach is useful for future missions throughout ARC Raiders. Before deploying, consider which resources your next objective requires and whether your current inventory supports your plans. Keeping track of essential components helps you avoid unnecessary returns and stay focused on progression. By understanding how to locate, collect, and manage ARC Raiders Materials, you can prepare more effectively for upcoming challenges and make each expedition count.