I’ve spent countless hours hunting Bombardiers across the Rust Belt, and let me tell you – the Bombing Run quest in Arc Raiders is one of those missions that separates the casual raiders from the true survivors. When Shani first handed me this quest, I had no idea what I was getting into. Three failed attempts and several thousand credits in lost gear later, I finally cracked the code. Today, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned so you can avoid the mistakes I made and complete this quest with confidence.
The Bombing Run quest isn’t just about destroying a Bombardier – it’s about understanding the mechanics, preparing properly, and executing with precision. Whether you’re running solo or with a squad, this guide will walk you through every step of the process, from preparation to extraction.
What Is the Bombing Run Quest?
The Bombing Run quest is part of the Headwinds update in Arc Raiders, serving as a follow-up to the Combat Recon quest. Shani needs you to take down one of the most fearsome ARC units in the game – the Bombardier – and bring back its cell for research. This isn’t just another kill quest; it’s a test of your combat skills, preparation, and understanding of ARC mechanics.
Quest Objectives:
- Destroy a Bombardier
- Deliver a Bombardier Cell to Shani
Rewards:
- Finger Gun Single Shot Emote
- 30 Raider Tokens
- Access to advanced weapon crafting recipes
Why I Love (and Sometimes Hate) This Quest?
There’s something incredibly satisfying about taking down a Bombardier. These towering war machines can end your run in seconds if you’re careless, but with the right strategy, they become manageable targets. I’ll never forget my first successful Bombardier kill – the adrenaline rush, the relief, and the sweet, sweet loot that followed.
What makes this quest special is how it forces you to master multiple game systems: weapon mechanics, cover usage, explosive timing, and resource management. You can’t just brute-force your way through it like some other quests. But that’s also what can make it frustrating – one wrong move and you’re back at Speranza with nothing to show for it.
How to Complete the Bombing Run Quest: Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Pre-Raid Preparation
Before you even think about hunting a Bombardier, you need the right gear. Trust me, I learned this the hard way.
Essential Loadout:
- Primary Weapon: Hullcracker (if you can afford it) or Ferro as budget option
- Explosives: 4-6 Wolfpack Grenades OR 3-4 Trailblazer Grenades
- Secondary: Anvil Revolver with Heavy Ammo
- Healing: 10 Shield Rechargers, 6 Bandages, 3 Adrenaline Shots
- Utility: 3 Smoke Grenades for post-kill looting
- Augments: Looting MK.2 (if available) for safe cell storage
Pro Tip: Start with your most valuable items (Wolfpacks, rare weapons) in your safe pockets. That way, if you die before finding a Bombardier, you won’t lose your best gear.
Step 2: Choosing the Right Map
Based on my experience, some maps are definitely better than others for this quest:
Best Maps (in order):
- Buried City – Highest spawn rate, especially Marano Park
- The Blue Gate – Good spawn rate, plenty of cover options
- Spaceport – Medium spawn rate, but more open terrain
- Dam Battlegrounds – Lowest spawn rate, avoid if possible
My Recommendation: Start with Buried City and check Marano Park first. I’ve found Bombardiers here about 70% of the time.
Step 3: Locating Your Target
Here’s where most players go wrong – they don’t know how to properly search for Bombardiers.
Identification Tips:
- Look for Spotters first – small drones with blue lights underneath
- Listen for the distinctive stomping sound
- Check the specific spawn points I’ll detail below
- Remember: Bombardiers roam, so scan the entire area
Best Spawn Locations by Map:
Buried City:
- Marano Park (center of map) – Most reliable
- Plaza Rosa and Santa Maria Houses area
- Hospital exterior
- Parking garage upper level
The Blue Gate:
- Northeastern portion of the Checkpoint
- Outer Gates near Checkpoint
- Fields south of the Headhouse
- Raider’s Refuge in the forest
Spaceport:
- Clearing bound by Control Tower A6, Container Storage, and Vehicle Maintenance
- Large field southwest of Rocket Assembly
- Field around the Launch Towers
Dam Battlegrounds:
- Causeway going north near Control Tower
- Northern edge of Hydroponics Dome Complex
Step 4: The Engagement Strategy
This is where everything comes together. I’ve developed three main approaches based on your budget and playstyle.
The “Money is No Object” Method (Fastest)
- Take out both Spotters immediately with your primary weapon
- Throw 4 Wolfpack Grenades high above the Bombardier
- Watch the fireworks show
- Collect your cell and extract
Cost: ~20,000 credits in grenades Time: 2-3 minutes Risk: Low (if you have the grenades)
The “Balanced Approach” (My Preferred Method)
- Eliminate Spotters first
- Find solid cover with a roof
- Use 2-3 Trailblazer Grenades when the Bombardier exposes its back
- Finish with Anvil Revolver shots to yellow canisters
- Aim for leg canisters to make it fall, then hit rear canister
Cost: ~8,000 credits Time: 5-8 minutes Risk: Medium
The “Budget Warrior” Method (Most Challenging)
- Take out Spotters (critical for survival)
- Find the best possible cover – fully enclosed roof preferred
- Use Ferro or Anvil with Heavy Ammo exclusively
- Target yellow canisters on legs first
- When it falls, unload into rear canister
- Be patient – this takes time
Cost: ~2,000 credits (ammo only) Time: 10-15 minutes Risk: High
Step 5: Advanced Combat Tactics
These are the tips that separate good players from great ones:
Cover Mastery:
- Always choose locations with solid roofs – no gaps or openings
- Multiple exits are your best friend
- Small windows = smaller hitbox
- Plaza Rosa apartments are practically made for Bombardier fights
The Parking Garage Trick: If a Bombardier spawns on the Buried City parking garage roof:
- Place Trigger grenades on the roof
- Drop down one level
- Detonate from below
- The concrete floor protects you completely
Spotter Management:
- Spotters respawn every 30-45 seconds
- Always prioritize them when they reappear
- Without Spotters, Bombardier accuracy drops dramatically
Movement Patterns:
- Bombardiers move predictably when not engaged
- Learn their patrol routes for better positioning
- Use their turn patterns to get back shots
Step 6: Post-Kill Procedures
The fight isn’t over when the Bombardier falls:
- Immediately throw smoke grenades – other players will be drawn to the explosion
- Loot quickly but systematically – check all parts
- Secure the Bombardier Cell in your safe pocket if you have Looting MK.2
- Watch your six – players love to ambush Bombardier killers
- Extract safely – don’t get greedy with additional loot
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve made these mistakes so you don’t have to:
- Ignoring Spotters – This is the #1 killer of new players
- Fighting in the open – Even with a heavy shield, you’ll die quickly
- Not bringing enough healing – Bombardiers hit hard and accurate
- Getting greedy after the kill – Many players die looting
- Using wrong weapons – Light weapons barely scratch Bombardiers
- Poor positioning – Fighting without proper cover is suicide
- Not managing resources – Wasting grenades on weak ARCs
Team vs Solo Strategies
Solo Play:
- Focus on stealth and avoidance
- Choose locations with multiple escape routes
- Consider the “Budget Warrior” approach to conserve resources
- Be extra patient – you have no backup
Team Play (2-3 players):
- Designate roles: Spotter killer, Grenade thrower, Heavy weapons
- Can use more aggressive strategies
- One player can distract while others flank
- Share the cost of expensive grenades
- Coordinate looting for efficiency
Economic Analysis: Which Method is Best?
After dozens of runs, here’s my breakdown:
Most Cost-Effective: The “Budget Warrior” method
- Lowest upfront cost
- Highest time investment
- Best for learning the mechanics
Best Time-to-Cost Ratio: The “Balanced Approach”
- Moderate cost
- Reasonable completion time
- Good for regular farming
Best for Speed Runs: The “Money is No Object” method
- Highest cost
- Fastest completion
- Best when you’re short on time but rich in resources
Troubleshooting Guide
Problem: Bombardier isn’t spawning Solution: Try different maps, wait for map events like Night Raids, or server hop
Problem: Keep dying to mortar fire Solution: Focus on Spotters first, find better cover, practice dodging
Problem: Can’t find Bombardier Cells Solution: Make sure you’re fully looting the wreck, check all parts
Problem: Other players keep stealing my kills Solution: Choose less popular spawn points, play during off-peak hours, go with a team
Advanced Tips from a Veteran
- Save your best gear for the actual engagement – don’t waste it on common ARCs
- Learn the mortar patterns – they follow predictable arcs
- Use sound to your advantage – you can hear Bombardiers from far away
- Practice with cheaper methods first – master the mechanics before spending big
- Always have an escape plan – know where you’re running before the fight starts
- Consider the time of day – fewer players during weekday mornings
- Watch other players – you can learn a lot from observing their fights
What to Do With Extra Bombardier Cells?
Once you’ve completed the quest, you might find extra cells. Here’s what I recommend:
- Upgrade your refinery to level 3 (requires 6 cells) – This is the best long-term investment
- Sell them for 5,000 credits each if you need immediate cash
- Recycle them for 2x ARC Alloy and 2x Advanced Mechanical Components per cell
- Save them for future weapon crafting recipes
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does the Bombing Run quest take to complete?
A: With proper preparation and a bit of luck, you can complete it in 15-30 minutes. Without preparation, it could take hours.
Q: Can I complete this quest solo?
A: Absolutely! I’ve completed it solo multiple times. It just requires more patience and better preparation.
Q: What’s the minimum level required for this quest?
A: Technically there’s no level requirement, but I recommend being at least level 15 with decent gear.
Q: Do I need to kill the Bombardier with specific weapons?
A: No, any weapon works, but some are much more effective than others. Heavy weapons with armor penetration are best.
Q: What happens if I die after getting the Bombardier Cell?
A: If you have the Looting MK.2 augment, the cell stays in your safe pocket. Otherwise, you’ll lose it.
Q: Can multiple players get credit from one Bombardier kill?
A: Yes, as long as each player has the quest active and contributes to the kill.
Q: How often do Bombardiers respawn?
A: They have a chance to spawn in every raid, but it’s not guaranteed. Some raids might have none, others might have two.
Conclusion
The Bombing Run quest might seem daunting at first, but with the right preparation and strategy, it’s completely manageable – even solo. I’ve walked you through everything from loadout selection to advanced combat tactics, and now it’s your turn to put these strategies to the test.
Remember: preparation is everything, patience is a virtue, and sometimes the expensive way really is the easy way. Don’t get discouraged by failed attempts – every run teaches you something new.
Have you completed the Bombing Run quest yet? What strategies worked best for you? Drop a comment below with your experiences and any tips I might have missed. And if you found this guide helpful, share it with your fellow raiders – we’re all in this together!
Happy hunting, and may your grenades always find their mark!
