The highly anticipated Shrouded Sky update has arrived in Arc Raiders, bringing with it a wealth of new content, gameplay changes, and secrets waiting to be uncovered. Among the most exciting additions are the brand-new treasure rooms located in the Dam Battlegrounds map, officially known as the Controlled Access Zone. These hidden chambers offer valuable loot and exclusive rewards, but unlocking them is no simple task. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to access both treasure rooms, including the key requirement for one and the challenging four-player puzzle that guards the other. Whether you’re playing solo or with a squad, understanding how these rooms work is essential to maximizing your haul in the Shrouded Sky update.
Understanding the Controlled Access Zone: Where to Find the Treasure Rooms
Before you can unlock anything, you first need to locate the Controlled Access Zone on the Dam Battlegrounds map. This new area is situated in a previously inaccessible section of the dam, marked by heavy security doors and industrial architecture that stands out from the surrounding environment. When you load into Dam Battlegrounds, head toward the central dam structure—you’ll notice a new corridor or entrance that wasn’t there before the Shrouded Sky update. The game doesn’t provide waypoints or markers for this location, so exploration is key. Listen for ambient mechanical sounds and look for telltale signs like security lights or reinforced doors. Once you’ve found the entrance, you’ll be faced with two distinct paths: one requiring a key and another demanding teamwork.
Treasure Room #1: The Key-Locked Vault
The first treasure room is secured by a traditional key mechanism. To access it, you must obtain the Controlled Access Key, a rare item that can drop from elite enemies, spawn in high-tier loot containers, or occasionally appear as a reward for completing difficult raid objectives during specific map conditions like the new Hurricane weather event. The Hurricane condition is particularly advantageous for farming this key, as it increases enemy spawns and loot tier availability across the map. Once you have the key in your inventory, simply interact with the key panel next to the vault door. Inside, you’ll find a room filled with high-tier loot chests, resource caches, and potentially exclusive cosmetic items. Keep in mind that the key is consumed upon use, so make sure your inventory has space before unlocking.
Treasure Room #2: The Four-Player Puzzle Room
The second treasure room presents a far more complex challenge—one that cannot be completed alone. This room features a four-button pressure plate puzzle that requires four raiders to stand on separate plates simultaneously. Unlike sequential puzzles where timing can be staggered, this mechanism demands perfect synchronization: all four buttons must be pressed at the exact same moment for the door to open.
To successfully complete this puzzle, communication is critical. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
- Gather a full squad of four players. This puzzle is impossible with fewer raiders, so coordinate with friends or use in-game voice chat to form a team.
- Locate the four pressure plates. They are positioned around the room, often in corners or behind obstacles. Each plate is clearly marked with a glowing symbol when you approach.
- Assign each player to a specific plate. Call out positions to avoid confusion.
- Count down together. Use a synchronized countdown (e.g., “3, 2, 1, press!”) to ensure all plates are activated simultaneously.
- Hold the plates. Once pressed, you must remain standing on them for a few seconds until the door mechanism fully engages.
After the plates are successfully activated, a new door will slide open, revealing the second treasure chamber. However, the challenge doesn’t end there—you’ll also need a Leaper Core to access the final loot inside.
What Is a Leaper Core and How to Get One
The Leaper Core is a special currency or key item introduced in the Shrouded Sky update, used exclusively for this treasure room. It can be obtained by defeating the new Comet enemy type, which spawns during specific map conditions like the Hurricane or Night Raids. The Comet is a rolling explosive unit that deals massive damage upon detonation, but its weak point is located in the center of its body between the two wheels. Target this area to take it down efficiently and collect the Leaper Core from its remains. Alternatively, Leaper Cores may also appear in high-tier loot containers or as mission rewards, though enemy drops are the most reliable source.
Loot Expectations and Tips for Maximum Rewards
The quality of loot inside the treasure rooms scales with the active map conditions. During standard daytime raids, you can expect decent resources and common-to-rare items. However, if you enter during Night Raids or the Hurricane weather event, the loot tier increases significantly, offering higher chances for legendary weapons, exclusive cosmetics, and rare crafting materials. Here are a few pro tips to maximize your haul:
- Coordinate with your squad to ensure everyone has inventory space before unlocking the rooms.
- Bring a Leaper Core with you if you plan to attempt the puzzle room—don’t rely on finding one inside.
- Clear surrounding enemies first before attempting the puzzle, as the Hurricane condition continuously damages shields and can interrupt your synchronization.
- Use the new weather monitor system to track when Hurricane conditions will be active, and plan your runs accordingly.
Final Thoughts on the New Treasure Rooms
The Controlled Access Zone treasure rooms are a fantastic addition to Arc Raiders, rewarding both exploration and teamwork. Whether you prefer solo play or squad-based tactics, understanding how to unlock these chambers will give you a significant edge in gathering the best loot the Shrouded Sky update has to offer. As the meta evolves and more players discover optimal routes, expect these rooms to become hotly contested zones—so bring your best gear, communicate clearly, and always be prepared for a fight.
