For players tackling Deciphering The Data in Arc Raiders, it helps to know exactly how the quest works and what most players experience when running it. This guide is based on common gameplay behavior, practical tips, and the locations of key objectives.


What is the Deciphering The Data Quest?

In general, this is a story-driven quest given by Shani at the Spaceport. The main goal is to use magnetic decryptors to access and analyze research data that could prevent structural collapses in the game world. Most players will notice the quest has two main stages: first using the decryptor in the Fuel Control Building and then using another in the Arrival Building.

In practice, the quest is mostly exploration and interaction-based. Combat may happen along the way, but the core challenge is locating terminals and knowing which ones to interact with.


Where do I start this quest?

Most players begin by speaking to Shani at the Spaceport. Once accepted, she will direct you toward a Magnetic Decryptor in the Fuel Control Building, located at the south-west entrance of the Spaceport area. Look for a door marked “Fuel Control – Authorised Personnel Only.”

Once inside, proceed to the end of the room to find a terminal with an interact prompt. This is where you attempt to decrypt the first portion of the data.

In general, this first stage is straightforward, but the terminal sometimes appears glitchy for players on crowded servers. If the interaction doesn’t work immediately, stepping away and returning usually fixes it.


What happens if the first decryptor doesn’t work?

It is common for the first decryptor in the Fuel Control Building to fail. The game sets this up so you must move to the next location. Upon completing the first objective unsuccessfully, most players are guided by Shani’s dialogue to head to the Arrival Building.

The Arrival Building’s decryptor is on the top floor. Among the offices, find the stack of terminals and interact with the second to last one on the right to complete the quest. Players often miss this step because the terminals are close together and the correct one is not immediately obvious.


Do I need special items to complete this quest?

No special consumables are required, though having some healing items and mobility gear is generally helpful if enemies are present near the terminals. Most players bring:

  • 3x Defibrillator for emergency healing

  • 3x Trailblazer for mobility across gaps or hazards

These items are not strictly mandatory, but they make the quest faster and reduce frustration. If you’re short on resources, some players choose to buy Arc Raiders items cheap from in-game vendors or trade points to ensure they have the basics before attempting the quest.


How long does the quest usually take?

For most players familiar with the map, Deciphering The Data takes around 15–25 minutes. The Fuel Control Building is small and easy to navigate, but the Arrival Building can slow you down because you need to find the correct terminal among several.

In general, moving too quickly without checking terminals carefully can result in failure and a need to backtrack. Observing Shani’s hints in dialogue usually prevents wasted time.


Common mistakes players make

  1. Using the wrong terminal: At the Arrival Building, interacting with the wrong terminal doesn’t progress the quest. Most players eventually learn to count terminals from left to right or from the wall to identify the second-to-last one.

  2. Ignoring items: Skipping Defibrillators or Trailblazers can make minor combat encounters frustrating, especially for newer players.

  3. Rushing the story hints: Shani gives clear prompts after each objective. Missing these dialogue cues often leads players back to the Fuel Control Building unnecessarily.

  4. Assuming the first decryptor will work: The first terminal usually fails for most players. Expect to move to the second location.


What happens after completing the quest?

Once the terminal at the Arrival Building is used, the quest concludes. Shani indicates that the data has been destroyed, and you will need to continue with related story quests to uncover the research fully. Most players move on to the next quest in Shani’s chain, Groundbreaking, without needing to backtrack.

There is no additional reward from repeating this quest, so in practice, it is completed only once per story progression.


Tips from experienced players

  • Check your map markers carefully: They are reliable for guiding you to both the Fuel Control Building and the Arrival Building.

  • Bring basic healing and mobility items: Even if combat is light, most players find them useful for hazards in the Arrival Building.

  • Interact carefully: The terminal selection at the top floor can be confusing; double-check which terminal you are using.

  • Listen to dialogue prompts: Shani often gives the clearest directions for the next step.

  • Prepare inventory ahead: Some players like to carry extra Defibrillators or Trailblazers; others choose to buy Arc Raiders items cheap to save crafting time.


In general, Deciphering The Data is a short but precise quest. Knowing where to go, which terminal to use, and what items to have ready is enough to finish it efficiently. Experienced players usually complete it in one run without issues once these steps are clear.

Latest Strategy: Arc Raiders Jupiter Blueprint Location & Crafting Recipe