Dam Surveillance Key
Weight: 0.25 KG | Sell Value: 100 Raider Coins | Rarity: Uncommon | Single-Use Key
This guide covers everything you need to know about the Dam Surveillance Key, including how to obtain it, where to use it, what loot to expect, and tips to maximize your rewards. This key unlocks an otherwise inaccessible room found in the Dam Battlegrounds Map, usually resulting in a hefty run, sometimes including weapon crates.
How To Get The Dam Surveillance Key
There are two ways to obtain the Dam Surveillance Key in Arc Raiders. The first method guarantees you receive the key through a quest, while the second relies on random drops from containers. Already have the key? Scroll further to see where to use the Dam Surveillance key.
The DamThe DamSwampSwampVictory RidgeVictory RidgeWater TowersWater TowersElectrical SubstationElectrical SubstationA rocky basin full of old power generators.Loot: ElectricalRed LakesRed LakesScrap YardScrap YardLoot: Mechanical, IndustrialFormicai HillsFormicai HillsFormicai OutpostFormicai OutpostPrimary FacilityPrimary FacilityLoot: Mechanical, IndustrialBen Welder's SunroofBen Welder's SunroofRuby ResidenceRuby ResidenceWreckageWreckageHydroponic Dome ComplexHydroponic Dome ComplexA field scattered with glass domes that were once used for plant cultivation.High-threat area · Loot: Nature, Industrial, SecurityPale ApartmentsPale ApartmentsWest Broken BridgeWest Broken BridgeRaider Outpost EastRaider Outpost EastFloodgatesFloodgatesEast Broken BridgeEast Broken BridgePattern HousePattern HouseOld BattlegroundOld BattlegroundAn old First Wave battleground where lopsided forts and wrecked ARC parts still remain.Loot: ARCSmall CreekSmall CreekSouth Swamp OutpostSouth Swamp OutpostElectrical TowerElectrical TowerControl TowerControl TowerLocated above the Admin building. An excellent vantage point for looking out over the battlegrounds.High-threat area · Loot: Technological, SecurityPower Generation ComplexPower Generation ComplexA rusting relic of hydrogen infrastructure.Medium-threat area · Loot: Electrical, IndustrialTesting AnnexTesting AnnexA half-drowned testing center overlooking the red lakes.Medium-threat area · Loot: Medical, CommercialControlled Access ZoneControlled Access ZoneIvy and rusting ARC husks are all that’s seemingly left of this underground power stationHigh-threat area · Loot: ARC, MechanicalResearch & AdministrationResearch & AdministrationThe abandoned administrative building for the Enelica corporation.High-threat area · Loot: Commercial, TechnologicalRed Lakes BalconyRed Lakes BalconyPipeline TowerPipeline TowerThe BreachThe BreachWater Treatment ControlWater Treatment ControlA concrete monolith of pipes, tubes, and old water treatment equipment.Medium-threat area · Loot: Industrial, MechanicalGenerator HallGenerator Hall
Extraction point
New DistrictNew DistrictWest VillageWest VillageOld TownOld TownOutskirtsOutskirtsCorso da VinciCorso da VinciMarket RuinsMarket RuinsPiazza RomaPiazza RomaParking GarageParking GarageLoot: MechanicalSpace TravelSpace TravelThe satellite dishes of the old space travel building are frozen mid-tilt, still aimed at skies they no longer listen to.High-threat area · Loot: Commercial, TechnologicalChurch RuinsChurch RuinsThis home for devout parishioners has been abandoned for years.Grandioso ApartmentsGrandioso ApartmentsThe former residences of workers from the Alcantara Dam.Medium-threat area · Loot: ResidentialMarano StationMarano StationPlaza RosaPlaza RosaMedium-threat area · Loot: Medical, CommercialRed TowerRed TowerLoot: ResidentialPiazza ArbustoPiazza ArbustoMedium-threat area · Loot: Medical, CommercialHospitalHospitalThis run-down hospital once served as the only source of medical aid in the greater Marano area.High-threat area · Loot: MedicalResearchResearchAn abandoned research building in central Marano. The labs are empty, dusty equipment still lined up as if someone might return at any moment.Medium-threat area · Loot: Medical, TechnologicalSu Durante WarehousesSu Durante WarehousesBuried PropertiesBuried PropertiesGalleriaGalleriaEven after 200 years of disuse, the dilapidated Galleria still holds items of value.Loot: CommercialGas StationGas StationMain StreetMain StreetAbandoned Highway CampAbandoned Highway CampMarano ParkMarano ParkThe densely overgrown city park of Marano.Loot: NatureLibraryLibraryA dilapidated casket of books.Medium-threat area · Loot: Commercial, Old WorldWarehouseWarehouseDune's EndDune's EndMaintenance DepotMaintenance DepotTown HallTown HallThe seat of government in Marano, before the Collapse.High-threat area · Loot: Old WorldSanta Maria HousesSanta Maria HousesLoot: Residential, Old World
Extraction point
Loading BayLoading BayMedium-threat area · Loot: IndustrialAtriumAtriumCultural ArchivesCultural ArchivesAn underground storage unit of humanity’s premier works of art and literature.High-threat area · Loot: Old WorldMedical ResearchMedical ResearchIt seems that advanced medical research was being conducted here, far beyond what Raiders have encountered in other old medical bays.High-threat area · Loot: Medical, TechnologicalAssemblyAssemblySome experimental technology was being explored on these high-tech assembly lines.CommunicationsCommunicationsLoot: Electrical, TechnologicalCentral CorridorCentral CorridorBusiness CenterBusiness CenterA large, hard to access viewing area where private meetings were likely hosted.Loot: Exodus, CommercialLobbyLobbyMedium-threat area · Loot: Security, TechnologicalCafeteriaCafeteriaFew traces of humanity are left in this strangely empty cafeteria.Assembly WorkshopsAssembly WorkshopsMedium-threat area · Loot: TechnologicalAuditoriumAuditoriumViewing DeckViewing DeckCargo Dock ACargo Dock ABusiness LoungeBusiness LoungeStorage RoomStorage RoomCargo Dock BCargo Dock BAssembly LineAssembly LineSecurity BridgeSecurity Bridge
Extraction pointGreasing Her Palms Quest
The most reliable way to get the Dam Surveillance Key is through the Greasing Her Palms quest given by Celeste. This quest becomes available after completing the A Better Use quest, which requires you to call in and loot a supply drop. Upon accepting Greasing Her Palms, Celeste gives you 2x Dam Surveillance Key.
The quest requires you to visit three different locations across three maps to scope out potential salvage sites for Tian Wen. One of these objectives is to visit the locked room inside Water Treatment Control on Dam Battlegrounds, where you use the key. The other two locations are the rocket thrusters outside Rocket Assembly on Spaceport and the barricaded area on floor 6 of the Space Travel Building on Buried City.
The Greasing Her Palms quest rewards you with a Lure Grenade Blueprint, 3 Speaker Components, and 3 Electrical Components upon completion.
Random Container Drops
You may have lost both keys, or completed it a while ago, fret not – you can still find the keys through looting specific areas below:
The Dam Surveillance Key can also drop randomly from containers across all maps in Arc Raiders. Keys are more likely to be found in Residential-type containers, such as lockers, drawers, cabinets, and suitcases. While you can technically find any key on any map, certain locations have higher concentrations of the right container types.
The DamThe DamSwampSwampVictory RidgeVictory RidgeWater TowersWater TowersElectrical SubstationElectrical SubstationA rocky basin full of old power generators.Loot: ElectricalRed LakesRed LakesScrap YardScrap YardLoot: Mechanical, IndustrialFormicai HillsFormicai HillsFormicai OutpostFormicai OutpostPrimary FacilityPrimary FacilityLoot: Mechanical, IndustrialBen Welder's SunroofBen Welder's SunroofRuby ResidenceRuby ResidenceWreckageWreckageHydroponic Dome ComplexHydroponic Dome ComplexA field scattered with glass domes that were once used for plant cultivation.High-threat area · Loot: Nature, Industrial, SecurityPale ApartmentsPale ApartmentsWest Broken BridgeWest Broken BridgeRaider Outpost EastRaider Outpost EastFloodgatesFloodgatesEast Broken BridgeEast Broken BridgePattern HousePattern HouseOld BattlegroundOld BattlegroundAn old First Wave battleground where lopsided forts and wrecked ARC parts still remain.Loot: ARCSmall CreekSmall CreekSouth Swamp OutpostSouth Swamp OutpostElectrical TowerElectrical TowerControl TowerControl TowerLocated above the Admin building. An excellent vantage point for looking out over the battlegrounds.High-threat area · Loot: Technological, SecurityPower Generation ComplexPower Generation ComplexA rusting relic of hydrogen infrastructure.Medium-threat area · Loot: Electrical, IndustrialTesting AnnexTesting AnnexA half-drowned testing center overlooking the red lakes.Medium-threat area · Loot: Medical, CommercialControlled Access ZoneControlled Access ZoneIvy and rusting ARC husks are all that’s seemingly left of this underground power stationHigh-threat area · Loot: ARC, MechanicalResearch & AdministrationResearch & AdministrationThe abandoned administrative building for the Enelica corporation.High-threat area · Loot: Commercial, TechnologicalRed Lakes BalconyRed Lakes BalconyPipeline TowerPipeline TowerThe BreachThe BreachWater Treatment ControlWater Treatment ControlA concrete monolith of pipes, tubes, and old water treatment equipment.Medium-threat area · Loot: Industrial, MechanicalGenerator HallGenerator HallExtraction pointOn Dam Battlegrounds, check the Pale Apartments, Ruby Residence, and Pattern House for residential containers. These locations sit on the outskirts of the map and see less PvP traffic during day raids.
New DistrictNew DistrictWest VillageWest VillageOld TownOld TownOutskirtsOutskirtsCorso da VinciCorso da VinciMarket RuinsMarket RuinsPiazza RomaPiazza RomaParking GarageParking GarageLoot: MechanicalSpace TravelSpace TravelThe satellite dishes of the old space travel building are frozen mid-tilt, still aimed at skies they no longer listen to.High-threat area · Loot: Commercial, TechnologicalChurch RuinsChurch RuinsThis home for devout parishioners has been abandoned for years.Grandioso ApartmentsGrandioso ApartmentsThe former residences of workers from the Alcantara Dam.Medium-threat area · Loot: ResidentialMarano StationMarano StationPlaza RosaPlaza RosaMedium-threat area · Loot: Medical, CommercialRed TowerRed TowerLoot: ResidentialPiazza ArbustoPiazza ArbustoMedium-threat area · Loot: Medical, CommercialHospitalHospitalThis run-down hospital once served as the only source of medical aid in the greater Marano area.High-threat area · Loot: MedicalResearchResearchAn abandoned research building in central Marano. The labs are empty, dusty equipment still lined up as if someone might return at any moment.Medium-threat area · Loot: Medical, TechnologicalSu Durante WarehousesSu Durante WarehousesBuried PropertiesBuried PropertiesGalleriaGalleriaEven after 200 years of disuse, the dilapidated Galleria still holds items of value.Loot: CommercialGas StationGas StationMain StreetMain StreetAbandoned Highway CampAbandoned Highway CampMarano ParkMarano ParkThe densely overgrown city park of Marano.Loot: NatureLibraryLibraryA dilapidated casket of books.Medium-threat area · Loot: Commercial, Old WorldWarehouseWarehouseDune's EndDune's EndMaintenance DepotMaintenance DepotTown HallTown HallThe seat of government in Marano, before the Collapse.High-threat area · Loot: Old WorldSanta Maria HousesSanta Maria HousesLoot: Residential, Old WorldExtraction pointOn Buried City, the Grandioso Apartments and the cluster of houses east of the Abandoned Highway Camp offer excellent key farming opportunities. Be aware that these areas attract other players, so expect competition.
Loading BayLoading BayMedium-threat area · Loot: IndustrialAtriumAtriumCultural ArchivesCultural ArchivesAn underground storage unit of humanity’s premier works of art and literature.High-threat area · Loot: Old WorldMedical ResearchMedical ResearchIt seems that advanced medical research was being conducted here, far beyond what Raiders have encountered in other old medical bays.High-threat area · Loot: Medical, TechnologicalAssemblyAssemblySome experimental technology was being explored on these high-tech assembly lines.CommunicationsCommunicationsLoot: Electrical, TechnologicalCentral CorridorCentral CorridorBusiness CenterBusiness CenterA large, hard to access viewing area where private meetings were likely hosted.Loot: Exodus, CommercialLobbyLobbyMedium-threat area · Loot: Security, TechnologicalCafeteriaCafeteriaFew traces of humanity are left in this strangely empty cafeteria.Assembly WorkshopsAssembly WorkshopsMedium-threat area · Loot: TechnologicalAuditoriumAuditoriumViewing DeckViewing DeckCargo Dock ACargo Dock ABusiness LoungeBusiness LoungeStorage RoomStorage RoomCargo Dock BCargo Dock BAssembly LineAssembly LineSecurity BridgeSecurity BridgeExtraction pointOn Stella Montis, focus on the Lobby and Business Center areas, where suitcases, trash cans, and drawers frequently spawn. We usually advise against using Stella Montis due to the PvP nature of the map and its higher risk than other maps.
If you find other keys, best to hold onto them for future runs. Other keys include: Blue Gate Village Key, Buried City JKV Employee Access Card, Buried City Residential Master Key, Patrol Car Keys, Stella Montis Assembly Admin key, and so forth. With so many keys available, it is understandable that you might find other keys besides Surveillance Keys useful in the future.
Keys can drop from any container on any map. If you are actively farming for the Dam Surveillance Key, prioritize maps with dense residential areas and check every locker, drawer, and suitcase you find.
Also Found Here
Random Dam Surveillance Key drops come from the same Residential and Commercial containers as:
- Very Comfortable Pillow (3 needed for Scrappy Level 5)
- Cat Bed (1 needed for Scrappy Level 4)
- Power Cable (3 needed for Gear Bench Level 2)
- Toaster (3 needed for Refiner Level 2)
Where To Use The Dam Surveillance Key
The Dam Surveillance Key unlocks a door inside the Water Treatment Control building on Dam Battlegrounds. This building sits on the southwestern side of the map, roughly in the center. The locked surveillance room is located in the southwestern corner of the building on the first floor.
The Dam Surveillance Door Location
The easiest approach is from the west side of Water Treatment Control. Look for the metal staircase leading up to the building entrance. Head up these steps and take the door on your right to enter the main area with multiple rooms and lockers.
From this entrance, you will see a room full of red lockers straight ahead. This outer room is not the locked surveillance room, but it contains valuable loot worth checking. Head through this locker room and continue southeast through the doorway. Watch for the security camera sensor in this hallway, as it will make noise and potentially alert nearby enemies. One shot will deactivate it.
Continue to the far side of this area and look to your right. The Dam Surveillance Room door will be tucked in the corner.
If the surveillance room door is already open (green lock icon), the loot inside has likely been taken. Extract immediately and queue for another raid rather than wasting time in an already-looted area.
Alternative approaches include entering from the southern entrance at ground level and working your way up, or coming from the center of the building if you spawned on the east side. Regardless of your approach, the locked door is always in the same southwestern corner location.
What Is The Dam Surveillance Key
The Dam Surveillance Key is an Uncommon rarity key item in Arc Raiders. The in-game tooltip reads: “Unlocks a door in the Water Treatment Control building on Dam Battlegrounds.” Each key weighs 0.25 KG and sells for 100 Raider Coins at vendors.
Like all keys in Arc Raiders, the Dam Surveillance Key is single-use. Once you unlock the surveillance room door, the key is consumed and removed from your inventory. If you want to access the room again on a future raid, you will need to find another key. This underscores the importance of maximizing the value of each key by visiting during optimal conditions.
Given its low sell value of 100 coins, selling the key is never recommended. The loot inside the surveillance room far exceeds what you would get from a vendor. Always use the key rather than selling it.
What’s Inside The Surveillance Room
The Dam Surveillance Room contains some of the best loot density for a single key room on Dam Battlegrounds. While the exact spawns vary each raid, you can expect a solid mix of weapons, components, and consumables.
Red Lockers line the walls of the surveillance room, typically 2-3 locker units with multiple compartments each. These lockers can drop blueprints, trinkets, uncommon and rare weapons, grenades, and crafting components. The lockers alone make this room worth visiting.
A Weapon Crate usually spawns somewhere in the room, offering a chance at rare or epic quality weapons. Content creators have reported finding epic Tempest rifles and other high-value guns from this crate. The weapon crate position varies slightly between raids, so check under tables and in corners.
Multiple Ammo Crates spawn throughout the room, providing ammunition for various weapon types. A Grenade Case often appears as well, potentially containing Wolf Pack grenades or other explosive ordnance. Occasionally a Duffel Bag spawns, which can hold additional valuable items.
On the consoles and tables, you will find loose Electrical Components including Advanced Electrical Components, Magnets, and Wires. Make sure to check both on top of and underneath all surfaces, as items can spawn in easy-to-miss locations.
During Night Raids and Electromagnetic Storm events, loot quality inside locked rooms increases significantly. Save your Dam Surveillance Key for these events if you want the best chance at epic weapons and rare blueprints.
Tips For Using The Dam Surveillance Key
Maximizing the value of your Dam Surveillance Key requires planning your raid around the key room. The following tips will help you get the most out of each key.
Store the key in your Safe Pocket. Before deploying to Dam Battlegrounds, place the Dam Surveillance Key in your Safe Pocket slot. This protects the key if you die during the raid. Without Safe Pocket protection, losing the key to another player or ARC enemies means starting the farming process over again.
Prioritize the surveillance room immediately. When you spawn into Dam Battlegrounds with the key, make Water Treatment Control your first destination. The longer you wait, the higher the chance another player reaches the room first. If you see the door already open, cut your losses and extract to try again in a fresh raid.
Run solo for dedicated key runs. Teammates in your squad will likely help themselves to loot inside the surveillance room. If you want to keep everything for yourself, deploy solo when using the key. This also reduces the chance of attracting unwanted attention from other players who might follow your squad to the building.
Bring a Door Blocker or trap. Once inside the surveillance room, deploy a Door Blocker at the entrance to slow down any players who might try to rush you while looting. This gives you time to grab everything and prepare for a potential fight.
Watch for the Leaper. A Leaper ARC enemy frequently patrols the area around Water Treatment Control. Listen for its audio cues and be ready to fight or evade before entering the building. The last thing you want is a Leaper ambush while your inventory is full of loot.
Consider using a Free Loadout (no gear) with just the key in your Safe Pocket. If you die, you lose nothing of value. If you succeed, you extract with a full inventory of loot from the surveillance room.
Frequently Asked Questions
Other Arc Raiders Guides 40
This guide is based on over 140 hours of in-game experience. Every location discussed has been personally visited and verified, with the surveillance room opened multiple times across different raid conditions. Community-driven data from content creators supplements firsthand experience to provide comprehensive coverage of loot possibilities and farming strategies.
Written by Thomas M
Happy Looting! Found an error or have updated information? Let us know in the comments below.
