The Breaking New Ground community event has completely transformed how you engage with Arc Raiders, introducing a collaborative unlock system that brings the entire player base together. This massive community effort unlocked the stunning Stella Montis map while establishing a merit-based progression system that rewards your dedication with exclusive gear and cosmetics.
What Is the Breaking New Ground Event?
This groundbreaking community event represents a shift in how Arc Raiders delivers new content. Instead of simply releasing Stella Montis as a standard update, Embark Studios created an engaging collaborative experience where your material donations directly contribute to unlocking new areas.
The event operates through a simple but effective system: collect basic materials during your raids, then donate them to the tunnel restoration project in Speranza. Every contribution pushes the community closer to major unlocks while earning you personal Merit rewards.
Important
You need at least five completed rounds to participate in the donation system. This requirement ensures new players gain essential experience before contributing to major community goals.
Understanding the Merit System
Merits function as the event's exclusive currency, earned through two primary methods:
The beauty of this system lies in its accessibility. You can earn merits by simply playing the game normally, as every 100 XP automatically converts to one merit. This means whether you're exploring the new Stella Montis map or farming your favorite locations, you're constantly progressing toward exclusive rewards.
For those looking to optimize their farming, check out our Arc Raiders Best Loadouts Guide to maximize your efficiency during material collection runs.
Essential Materials for Donation
The Breaking New Ground project requires five specific material types, all readily available during standard raids:
- Metal Parts - Common drops from Arc enemies and containers
- Fabric - Found in civilian areas and supply caches
- Chemicals - Located in industrial zones and laboratories
- Rubber Parts - Scattered throughout vehicle areas
- Plastic Parts - Abundant in residential and commercial buildings
Tip
Focus on areas with high container density when farming materials. The Spaceport and Dam Battlegrounds offer excellent material farming opportunities while you work on other objectives.
Stella Montis: Your New Playground
The unlocked Stella Montis map introduces a completely different Arc Raiders experience. This underground research facility features:
Unique Map Characteristics
- Multi-level design with interconnected floors accessible via E key while viewing your map
- Metro-style extractions offering quick escape routes
- Seed Vault containing rare materials for advanced crafting
- Medical Facility housing numerous android search targets for quest completion
The map's vertical layout creates intense tactical situations. Unlike the open battlegrounds you're familiar with, Stella Montis forces close-quarters engagements and strategic positioning around chokepoints.
Warning
The confined spaces make this map particularly dangerous for solo players. Consider teaming up or reviewing our Arc Raiders Ultimate Beginners Guide for solo survival strategies.Merit Progression Track Rewards
Your accumulated merits unlock an impressive array of exclusive items through the "Staking Our Claim" progression system:
Early Tier Rewards (0-500 Merits)
- Striker Outfit - Complete tactical gear set
- El Toro Weapon - Powerful close-range option
- Combat MK2 Door Blockers - Essential for defensive positioning
- Hiker Backpack - Increased carrying capacity
Mid Tier Rewards (500-1500 Merits)
- Trailblazer Flamethrower - Devastating area damage weapon
- Deadline Grenades - One-shot potential against most Arc enemies
- Extended Barrel Modification - Weapon upgrade component
Premium Tier Rewards (1500+ Merits)
- Snap Hook - The coveted grappling device for enhanced mobility
- Multiple Striker Variants - Color schemes and modifications
- 500 Raider Tokens - Premium currency for store purchases
Optimizing Your Merit Farming Strategy
Maximize your merit gains with these proven strategies:
XP-Focused Approach
Since merits convert at 100 XP per merit, focus on activities that generate substantial experience. Combat encounters, successful extractions, and quest completions all provide excellent XP returns.
Material Farming Routes
Combine merit farming with material collection by targeting high-density loot areas. The new Stella Montis map offers excellent opportunities, particularly in the medical facility where android searches provide both quest progress and material rewards.
For comprehensive farming strategies, explore our Arc Raiders Blueprint Farming Guide which covers optimal routes across all maps.
Time Management
With only 23 days remaining in the event, prioritize your most valuable rewards first. The Snap Hook at higher merit costs represents the most significant gameplay advantage, while cosmetic items can wait if time becomes limited.
Info
Remember that material donations beyond your 900 merit cap still contribute to future community events, so continued participation benefits everyone.
New Quest Integration
The Breaking New Ground event introduces fresh quest content specifically designed for Stella Montis exploration:
"In My Image" Quest Requirements:
- Deploy into Stella Montis map
- Locate and search three androids
- Extract successfully with quest items
The medical facility beneath the loading bay serves as the primary android location. These quest objectives integrate seamlessly with material farming, allowing efficient progress on multiple fronts.
For additional quest guidance, check our Complete Arc Raiders Quest List for comprehensive walkthrough strategies.
Event Impact on Game Balance
The Breaking New Ground event coincided with significant balance changes, particularly the controversial Security Breach skill modification. This timing created community discussion about progression paths and skill investment strategies.
If you're affected by recent balance changes, consider reviewing our Arc Raiders Skills Tier List for updated optimization recommendations.
Maximizing Your Final Days
With the event's limited timeframe, focus on these priority actions:
- Complete daily material donations to maintain steady merit income
- Explore Stella Montis thoroughly for unique loot opportunities
- Target high-value rewards first before pursuing cosmetic items
- Coordinate with friends for efficient farming and safety
The Breaking New Ground event represents Arc Raiders at its most collaborative and engaging. By understanding the merit system, optimizing your farming approaches, and prioritizing valuable rewards, you'll emerge with exclusive gear that showcases your participation in this landmark community achievement.
Whether you're hunting for that elusive Snap Hook or simply enjoying the fresh challenges of Stella Montis, this event demonstrates the exciting potential for future collaborative content in Arc Raiders.