Finding the hidden objective for Celeste’s “Digging up Dirt” quest in ARC Raiders can be confusing because the location description does not clearly match the actual area. Players searching for ARC Raiders Items may spend extra time checking outdoor spaces, but the correct destination is inside a building at the Santa Maria Houses point of interest in the southern section of Buried City, also known as Old Town. This guide explains the safest route and the details needed to reach the dead drop without wasting supplies.

Locating the correct building entrance

The biggest challenge of this mission is understanding what the game means by “courtyard.” Instead of a traditional open courtyard surrounded by walls, the target area is an indoor room with sand covering the floor. The structure is hidden within the Santa Maria Houses location, so exploring the outside area alone will not reveal the objective.

Start by searching for the building with the yellow bell tower or chapel-like structure on its roof. This landmark is the easiest way to identify the correct building from nearby streets and rooftops. Once you find it, avoid entering through the ground level because the intended route begins above the main rooms.

Reaching the hidden interior area

Move onto the rooftop and look for an open window or skylight that leads into the attic section. Drop carefully inside and prepare for a short movement sequence through the building. The attic provides access to an internal zipline that takes you down to the next level.

When using the zipline with teammates, be cautious. Squad movement around this area can sometimes cause unexpected physics issues, making the descent less reliable. Moving one player at a time can help reduce the chance of problems and keep the run smoother.

After reaching the lower section, continue forward until you find a broken wall opening. Pass through this damaged section to enter the connected part of the structure. The path is fairly direct once you know the correct entrance, but the unusual layout makes it easy to miss if you are searching randomly.

Finding the sand-filled courtyard room

The final room is a large, open interior space filled with sand. Although the game labels it as a courtyard, this area is completely enclosed within the building. The dead drop is positioned in the middle of the room, making it easy to interact with once you arrive.

Approach the center area and activate the dead drop to finish the quest objective. Completing this step rewards you with important materials, including advanced electrical components and speaker components that can support future progression.

Safer strategies for completing the mission

The Santa Maria Houses area is usually manageable during normal matches, but every raid still carries some risk. Players who want to avoid losing valuable equipment can enter with a free loadout while learning the route. This approach allows you to practice the path, locate the correct room, and complete the objective without putting your strongest gear in danger.

A careful approach is especially useful when visiting unfamiliar locations. Checking the rooftop first, moving through the attic, and following the damaged wall route will save time compared with searching every building in the area. Once memorized, this path becomes one of the simplest ways to complete the quest efficiently.

Final thoughts on the Celeste mission route

The Santa Maria Houses dead drop is a good example of how ARC Raiders can hide objectives behind misleading descriptions. The “courtyard” clue may seem unclear at first, but knowing that the target is inside the structure makes the mission much easier. Players looking for a reliable way to prepare their next run can focus on efficient exploration and ARC Raiders buy Loot strategies after securing the quest rewards and completing the objective successfully.