ARC Raiders What Goes Around: Quest Walkthrough & Rewards

Quick Takeaways / At-A-Glance

• Contract Giver: Celeste / Sperling's Vault faction.
• Primary Objective: Salvage five Repurposed Gyros and redirect three incoming ARC explosive projectiles back at hostile units using the Kinetic Deflector gadget.
• Key Locations: Ruins of Calabash and the Rust Belt patrol zones.
• Critical Gear: Kinetic Deflector (Active Gadget slot), Mid-range Assault Rifle (e.g., AR-12), and Smoke Grenades for extraction cover.
• Major Rewards: 1,200 Scrip, Celeste Faction Reputation, and the Blueprint for the Reinforced Kinetic Shield.

Complete Overview & Search Intent

As Raiders descend into the beautiful yet brutal ruins of Earth in Embark Studios’ extraction shooter, ARC Raiders, they quickly realize that brute force isn't always enough to survive. Among the various mid-game challenges that test both mechanical skill and tactical patience, the contract titled "What Goes Around" stands as a major gatekeeper.

This guide addresses the search query "what goes around arc raiders" by providing a comprehensive, masterclass-level breakdown of this specific faction contract. Many players struggle with this mission because it requires a unique gameplay loop: instead of simply destroying ARC units with firearms, you must utilize advanced defense gadgets to redirect hostile energy and kinetic payloads back at the machines. Mastering this contract not only unlocks high-tier blueprints but also teaches you the fundamental defensive mechanics needed to survive high-threat extraction zones.

Deep Dive Mechanics & Technical Specs

To complete the "What Goes Around" contract, you must understand the physics of kinetic redirection in ARC Raiders. The core tool required for this mission is the Kinetic Deflector. This active gadget projects a localized electromagnetic barrier that can intercept, stabilize, and rebound specific incoming projectiles.

The Redirection Window

When an ARC unit fires a projectile (such as a plasma mortar or a micro-missile), you must activate the Kinetic Deflector within a precise millisecond window.

• Perfect Deflection: Activating the deflector 0.2 seconds before impact redirects the projectile directly back to its source, dealing a 2.5x damage multiplier to the attacking ARC unit.
• Standard Block: Activating the deflector too early (0.5 to 1.0 seconds before impact) merely absorbs the damage, consuming 40% of your gadget's battery charge without redirecting the projectile.
• Late Activation: Activating the shield after the projectile enters your immediate hitbox results in full damage registration and a staggered animation.

Salvaging Repurposed Gyros

The second phase of this contract requires harvesting Repurposed Gyros. These are rare internal components found exclusively inside the chassis of destroyed ARC "Sentry" and "Collector" units. They have a specific weight profile and inventory footprint that you must manage carefully during your extraction run.

Comprehensive Data Comparison Table

To help you choose the best targets for your deflection requirements, here is a breakdown of the ARC units you will encounter during this contract, their projectile types, and their ease of redirection:

Step-by-Step Tactical Walkthrough

Completing "What Goes Around" requires a methodical approach. Follow this step-by-step tactical walkthrough to complete the objectives and extract safely.

Phase One: Gear Preparation

Before queueing for a match, optimize your loadout specifically for deflection and salvage:

• Primary Weapon: A reliable assault rifle or SMG to clear out minor drone swarms.
• Gadget Slot One: Kinetic Deflector (Essential). Ensure it is fully repaired at the Rust Vault vendor before deploying.
• Gadget Slot Two: Medium Medical Kit or Shield Booster to recover from failed deflection timings.
• Tactical Slot: Smoke Grenades to break line of sight if high-tier ARC units corner you.

Phase Two: Locating the Targets

Deploy into the map and head immediately toward the Ruins of Calabash or the Rust Belt. These areas feature a high concentration of ARC Sentry units. Avoid open fields where sniper units can target you from afar; instead, seek out semi-enclosed industrial yards that force ARC units into mid-range engagements.

Phase Three: Executing the Redirections

1. Locate an isolated ARC Sentry unit. Clear out any surrounding minor drones first so you can focus on a single target.
2. Maintain a distance of roughly 15 to 20 meters. This distance gives you ample reaction time to observe the projectile's trajectory.
3. Wait for the Sentry to initiate its missile barrage. You will hear a distinct high-pitched charging sound and see a red targeting laser.
4. As the missile travels toward you, press your gadget key to activate the Kinetic Deflector.
5. Time the activation so the shield deploys right before the missile strikes. Upon success, you will see a blue kinetic ripple, and the missile will fly back to destroy the Sentry.
6. Repeat this process until you have confirmed three successful projectile redirections.

Phase Four: Harvesting the Repurposed Gyros

Once the ARC Sentries are destroyed, approach their smoking chassis. Use your extraction tool to salvage their internal components. Look specifically for Repurposed Gyros.

Note: These items take up a 2x2 grid in your inventory and weigh 4.5 kg each. Ensure you have cleared out non-essential loot like rusted scrap metal to prevent becoming overencumbered before heading to extraction.

Map Locations & Threat Mitigation

To complete this contract quickly, you must know where to go and where to avoid. The map below outlines the prime hunting grounds and the corresponding threat levels for this mission.

The Ruins of Calabash (Low-to-Medium Threat)

This is the premier location for completing the deflection portion of the contract. The ruins offer plenty of concrete pillars and destroyed vehicles to use as hard cover. If a fight goes sideways, you can easily slide behind a wall to break target lock. The ARC units here are mostly Sentries and Drones, making it highly manageable.

The Rust Belt Industrial Complex (High Threat)

While this area contains an abundance of Repurposed Gyros in the storage crates and broken machinery, it is also patrolled by heavy ARC Wardens and Goliath units. Only venture here if you are playing in a coordinated squad. If you are a solo player, stick to the outer perimeter of the Rust Belt to pick off isolated patrol units.

Extraction Route Planning

Once your objectives are complete, do not head to the nearest extraction point if it is located in an open valley. Instead, prioritize the Trench Extraction or the Underground Service Tunnel Exit. These extraction zones limit the angles from which hostile Raiders or ARC units can ambush you while you wait for the extraction chopper.

Pro Survival Tips & Stash Strategy

• Triggering the Lock-On: You can bait ARC Sentries into firing their missiles by stepping out of cover for a split second and then stepping back into a semi-shielded position. This keeps you safe while preparing your deflector timing.
• Inventory Prioritization: Repurposed Gyros are highly valuable even after completing the contract. They sell for a substantial amount of Scrip at Celeste’s shop. If you find extra gyros, stash them in your secure container rather than your main backpack.
• Squad Synergy: If playing in a squad, have one teammate run a Decoy Transmitter to draw the attention of minor melee units while you focus on deflecting the projectiles of the heavier ranged units.
• Stash Management: After successful extraction, do not immediately turn in the contract if your stash is full. Keep the Repurposed Gyros in your active inventory until you have cleared space, as the faction rewards include bulky blueprint items that require immediate storage space.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use any shield gadget to complete the "What Goes Around" contract?

No. Standard static energy barriers or personal bubble shields only absorb incoming damage; they do not possess the kinetic reversal properties required to redirect projectiles. You must use the active Kinetic Deflector gadget for the redirections to count toward your contract progress.

Do redirections on teammate-targeted projectiles count?

No. The projectile must be locked onto you and deflected by your personal Kinetic Deflector to register for your contract progress. Assisting teammates by deflecting projectiles aimed at them is great for survival, but it will not progress your personal contract meter.

Where is the best place to find Repurposed Gyros if they aren't dropping from Sentries?

If RNG is not in your favor, check the yellow industrial toolboxes located inside the workshops of the Rust Belt. These containers have a flat 15% spawn rate for high-tier mechanical components, including Repurposed Gyros.

What happens if I die before extracting with the Repurposed Gyros?

Any progress made on the deflection objective is permanently saved to your contract status. However, the physical Repurposed Gyros must be successfully extracted in your inventory to count. If you die, you will lose those items and must salvage them again in a subsequent raid.

Final Verdict & Raider Checklist

Mastering the "What Goes Around" contract is a rite of passage for any serious Raider in ARC Raiders. It transitions your playstyle from a simple run-and-gun shooter to a highly tactical, reactive combatant capable of turning the machines' own immense power against them.

Before you drop into your next raid, make sure you go through this pre-flight checklist:

• Kinetic Deflector gadget is equipped in your active loadout slot.
• Your inventory has at least 8 free grid slots (minimum 2x2 space per gyro) and 15 kg of free weight capacity.
• You have selected a mid-range weapon to easily clear out small drone distractions.
• Your extraction route is planned through high-cover zones like the Ruins of Calabash.