A newly discovered exploit in ARC Raiders allows players to bypass the puzzle in the recently introduced Controlled Access Zone and collect valuable loot with little effort. The area is located in the Dam Battlegrounds and is designed as one of the game’s newest high-tier loot locations. Normally, the puzzle inside the zone requires four players to complete.
Because squads in ARC Raiders are limited to three players, the design appears intended to encourage cooperation between strangers during raids. Embark Studios has previously stated that it plans to expand the game’s PvE elements, and the Controlled Access Zone puzzle seems to be part of that initiative. However, several content creators have already revealed workarounds that enable solo players to skip the puzzle entirely and obtain the rewards meant for cooperative play.
How Players Are Solving the Puzzle Solo
A YouTube video from creator Epitomy showcases a method that allows players to enter the Controlled Access Zone alone. Introduced in the Shrouded Sky update, the puzzle typically requires four players to press switches at the same time to unlock a door. With the exploit, however, a single player can bypass this step by using a Barricade.
The trick is relatively straightforward. The player places a Barricade directly in front of the locked door and immediately performs a forward roll before the barricade fully deploys. This action pushes the character through the doorway and into the room, similar to earlier rolling exploits seen in the game. After getting inside, the puzzle is not fully finished yet. The next stage requires players to insert specific materials, such as wires or metal components, into a device to activate the final phase.
According to Epitomy, the required materials are randomized. Players who manage to get through the first door may have to rely on luck if the necessary items are nearby, or they can prepare in advance by bringing common components like wires and motors. In the video, Epitomy attempts the exploit again after the first try because the device asked for materials that were not available in their inventory.
Embark Studios Could Bring Back Flamethrower Defenses
This is not the first time ARC Raiders players have used exploits to enter restricted rooms. In the past, Embark Studios dealt with a similar door glitch by installing flamethrower traps inside high-security areas. These traps targeted players who entered without the proper key, effectively punishing those who bypassed the intended mechanics. Although the system occasionally affected players outside the rooms, it was generally considered a successful deterrent.
The developer has already warned that exploiting glitches could lead to permanent bans. As a result, players are advised to avoid using the Controlled Access Zone workaround if they want to stay clear of potential penalties.
The situation also highlights a larger issue the ARC Raiders community has been discussing in recent weeks. The conversation intensified after a duplication glitch temporarily disrupted the game for several days, forcing the developer to take action and ban players who abused it. While Embark Studios has promised to address these kinds of problems through regular patches to maintain game balance, the emergence of another exploit tied to a newly added puzzle suggests that solving the issue may take time. It remains to be seen how the studio will respond to the Controlled Access Zone glitch and whether those currently using it will face consequences.
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