If you're hunting Roots in ARC Raiders and wondering why the quest isn't dropping a neat little marker on your map, yeah, that's not a bug. The game expects you to sniff this one out yourself. Roots are an Uncommon Nature resource, tied into progression around Riven Tides and the Avian Alarm project, so they're more about reading the land than chasing icons. You'll have better luck thinking like a scavenger than a soldier, the same way you'd plan around gear, crafting, or an ARC Raiders BluePrint before heading into a risky run.
Where Roots actually show up
The big thing to know is that Roots don't come from ARC machines. Blowing up patrols, cracking open wrecks, and chasing combat loot won't solve this step. Look low instead. Check around the base of trees, especially in places where the ground looks messy with weeds, leaves, and broken debris. They're easy to miss if you're sprinting. Wicker baskets are even better. If you see one, smash it or loot it right away. Those baskets can spit out several natural materials at once, and Roots are often part of that pool. It's not glamorous, but it's a lot faster than poking every bush like you've lost your keys.
Dam Battlegrounds is a strong starting point
If I had to pick one place to begin, I'd go to Dam Battlegrounds. Not the clean industrial parts. Aim for the edges where concrete, rusted structures, and forest start blending together. That half-ruined, half-overgrown look is exactly the sort of terrain where Roots tend to appear. Move slowly through tree lines, check behind fallen objects, and don't ignore little pockets of greenery near old metalwork. Players often rush through these sections because they're watching for threats, but that's where you'll miss the good stuff. Do a loose loop, keep your ears open, and leave if the area gets too hot.
Use Lush Blooms when it's active
Map conditions matter more than a lot of people realise. When Lush Blooms is active, natural resource spawns feel much more generous, especially those useful baskets. That's the time to make a proper farming run instead of grabbing Roots by accident. Residential debris, coastal structures, and overgrown side paths are worth checking during this event. You don't need a perfect route, either. Just move from cover to cover, open crates when they're on the way, and hit every basket you pass. The difference can be huge. One decent run during the right condition can save you from three dull ones later.
Don't ignore the coast
The shoreline isn't as consistent as the wooded areas, but it's worth a look when you're already passing through. Around hotel beaches, recreation spots, and coastal clutter, check coolers, crates, and small containers. Sometimes you'll get nothing useful. Sometimes you'll pull exactly what you needed while heading toward extraction. Roots stack neatly, so carrying a few extras usually isn't a problem, and they can be recycled if your bag gets awkward. If you're also comparing crafting paths or looking at a BluePrint for sale, it helps to keep these basic materials stocked so one missing plant doesn't stall your next upgrade.