Rotary Encoder
Weight: 1.5 kg | Stack Size: 3 | Sell Value: 3,000 Raider Coins | Found in: Exodus Areas
This guide covers where to find Rotary Encoders, how to use them in the Assembly control rooms, and why farming them benefits your endgame progression even after completing the quest.
Best Rotary Encoder Locations
Since Rotary Encoders only spawn on Stella Montis, your farming options are concentrated in specific POIs within this map. The Exodus areas in the facility’s interior offer the highest density of searchable containers.
Medical Research
Medical Research (also called Medical Lab) is the most recommended location for Rotary Encoder farming. Multiple video guides specifically highlight this area as having the highest spawn density. Search every drawer in this area thoroughly, as Rotary Encoders appear relatively commonly here compared to other Exodus loot.
The containers in Medical Research include small cabinets, file cabinets, and various drawer types. Note that Rotary Encoders will not spawn in computers or server-looking containers. Stick to the physical storage containers for best results.
Rotary Encoders have a higher chance of spawning during night raids. If you are struggling to find one, try running Stella Montis at night for improved drop rates.
Assembly and Assembly Workshop
Assembly is the second-best location and conveniently where you need to use the Rotary Encoder for the quest. Search the yellow drawers and small blue cabinets in the assembly rooms. The white drawers that spawn in between rooms also have a chance to contain Rotary Encoders.
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 pointAssembly Workshop connects to the main Assembly area and offers additional farming opportunities. Head upstairs in Assembly Workshop to find white cabinets and drawers. You can also breach the server cabinets in this area, though these tend to drop sensors more often than Rotary Encoders.
The control rooms on the second floor of Assembly overlook the center of the room with the large mechanical arm. These are the same rooms where you will use the Rotary Encoder for the quest, making Assembly an efficient one-stop location for both farming and quest completion.
Lobby and Loading Bay
Lobby offers additional Exodus container spawns and serves as a backup farming location. If Medical Research and Assembly have already been looted by other players, check Lobby for remaining containers.
Loading Bay contains green drawers that spawn basic materials and occasionally Exodus items. This area is especially useful if you spawn late and find most of Assembly already looted. The Loading Bay provides a reliable backup route with its own set of searchable containers.
If you have an Assembly Key, save it for a night raid. The locked admin room has better loot pools at night, potentially including Rotary Encoders and other rare Exodus materials.
What Do the Stats Tell Us
Stella Montis accounts for 100% of all Rotary Encoder finds according to community data. This makes sense given that the “With a View” quest takes place entirely on this map, and Rotary Encoders are specifically tied to the left side areas found there. You will not find Rotary Encoders on Dam Battlegrounds, The Spaceport, Blue Gate, or Buried City.
According to community data, 100% of Rotary Encoder spawns come from generic Containers. This includes the various drawers, cabinets, and searchable containers found throughout the Exodus areas of Stella Montis. Focus on small cabinets, yellow drawers, white drawers, and file cabinets when farming.
Also Found Here
The same loot pool drops a handful of other useful items, so it pays to know what to look for.
The Breachable Containers and bags that hold Rotary Encoder, most often on Stella Montis and Riven Tides, also roll:
Magnetic Accelerator
10 needed for Trophy Display phase 4, 3 for Gunsmith Level 4. Where to find it
Exodus Modules
5 needed for Trophy Display phase 5. Where to find it
Ion Sputter
Sells for 6,000 Raider Coins. Where to find it
Frequency Modulation Box
Sells for 3,000 Raider Coins. Where to find it
Rotary Encoder also turns up in Breachable Containers and trash bins on Stella Montis and Riven Tides, alongside:
Fried Motherboard
3 needed for Utility Station Level 3. Where to find it
Damaged Heat Sink
2 needed for Utility Station Level 2. Where to find it
Cooling Fan
Sells for 2,000 Raider Coins. Where to find it
Battery
Sells for 250 Raider Coins. Where to find it
Where Are Rotary Encoders Found
Rotary Encoders spawn exclusively in Exodus areas, marked on the map with the eye with arms icon. These zones contain advanced technological equipment left behind by the Exodus faction, including the electronic components that make up Rotary Encoders. They also exclusively spawn in Stella Montis.
We discuss the location of the Yellow Consoles in the next part of the quest below, but first, we provide context using publicly available data. If you’d rather skip to the yellow console locations, click here.
Riven Tides
There isn’t much community data for Rotary Encoder on Riven Tides yet. The Exodus loot on Riven Tides sits in Port Authority Building and Stacking Yard. Port Authority Building is a high-threat area, so expect ARC and other players.
SeabedSeabedMulatierra HillMulatierra HillHotel ComplexHotel ComplexHarborHarborWeighing CheckpointWeighing CheckpointWith scales embedded into the road's surface, this must've been about as elegant as a checkpoint gets.Loot: Industrial, MechanicalTransfer DepotTransfer DepotDried RiverbedDried RiverbedLoot: NatureWavebreakerWavebreakerCustoms HouseCustoms HouseSignage indicates that some of the Exodus' valuable goods once passed right through this complex.Medium-threat area · Loot: Industrial, ElectricalPoolsidePoolsideHotel Panorama AzzurroHotel Panorama AzzurroA particularly lavish harbor resort, said to have hosted all of the Exodus' most distinguished supporters and financiers.High-threat area · Loot: Commercial, ResidentialAzzurro BeachAzzurro BeachA secluded stretch of once-pristine beachfront.Loot: ResidentialWreckageWreckageAges of violent undercurrents and biting rust have taken a visible toll.Loot: ARCPort Authority BuildingPort Authority BuildingOnce the beating heart of all maritime operations, it allows for dilligent surveillance of the port in every direction.High-threat area · Loot: Technological, ExodusStacking YardStacking YardJust a glimpse of these sky-scraping containers makes one want to stack things very high.Medium-threat area · Loot: Industrial, ExodusWharfWharfTennis CourtTennis CourtQuayQuayMarano RoadMarano RoadSpecial Handling TunnelSpecial Handling TunnelBeach BarBeach BarRailyardRailyard
Extraction pointPendola Pass
Pendola Pass is the newest map, so there aren’t many reports yet and this leans on the game’s own loot data. The Exodus loot on Pendola Pass sits in Loading Platforms, Cielo Sereno Observatory and Deep-Space Telescope. Cielo Sereno Observatory is a medium-threat area, so it’s busy but manageable.
Northern TracksNorthern TracksFallen EmperorFallen EmperorStuck between snow and debris, this giant walker seems to attract ARC attention from far beyond the Rust Belt.Loot: ARCSouthern PassSouthern PassFreight TerminalFreight TerminalAlmatera VillageAlmatera VillageIsolated yet seemingly close-knit, most of the village of Almatera has been swallowed by an avalanche.Railroad JunctionRailroad JunctionCrossing these train tracks, one may picture hungry astronomers heading out for lunch.Loot: Mechanical, ElectricalCommissary SupermarketCommissary SupermarketWith surprisingly elaborate shelving, this supermarket must've provisioned locals and astronomers alike.Medium-threat area · Loot: Commercial, MedicalRailyardRailyardAn Exodus-era railyard, seemingly designed to handle delicate, uncommonly shaped freight.Medium-threat area · Loot: Industrial, MechanicalOld TownOld TownStrolling across these narrow streets, you can almost picture the days before astronomical and fallen behemoths.Medium-threat area · Loot: Residential, Old WorldLoading PlatformsLoading PlatformsThese platforms allow for the handling of particularly delicate goods.Loot: Industrial, ExodusElectrical SubstationElectrical SubstationA substation built to provide reliable power in the harshest weather conditions.Almatera StationAlmatera StationSaid to have once been a quaint local station, these tracks now seem to support high axle-load traffic.Medium-threat area · Loot: CommercialResearcher LodgingsResearcher LodgingsLoot: ResidentialTruck StopTruck StopA gasoline-stained refuge for the weary traveler.Frozen RiverFrozen RiverA long-frozen river that leaves prospective ice skaters dangerously exposed.Loot: NatureTransit TunnelTransit TunnelA sturdy concrete tunnel that has mostly withstood the test of time, providing shelter and safe passage.Dispatch TowerDispatch TowerWeather StationWeather StationA versatile meteorological instrument, long retired.Cielo Sereno ObservatoryCielo Sereno ObservatoryA marvel of astronomical ingenuity, even to those unable to fathom its one-time readings.Medium-threat area · Loot: Technological, ExodusOld HamletOld HamletStanding tall amongst the snows, this lodge straddles the line between rustic and chique.Loot: Old WorldDeep-Space TelescopeDeep-Space TelescopePerched atop a mountain summit, this marvel of astronomy puts all other antennas to shame.Loot: ExodusPiazza della RupePiazza della RupePorta BenvenutiPorta BenvenutiControlled Receiving FacilityControlled Receiving FacilityExtraction point
Storm Hut (approx., opens in a Flash Freeze)What Is A Rotary Encoder
Rotary Encoders are classified as Rare Exodus items in Arc Raiders. Each Rotary Encoder weighs 1.5 kg, stacks up to 3, and sells for 3,000 Raider Coins at vendors. The in-game description states they can be recycled into crafting materials.
When recycled at the Raider Den, a Rotary Encoder yields 2x Electrical Components (1,280 coins) and 2x Processors (1,000 coins) for a total recycle value of 2,280 coins. Salvaging topside only produces 2x Processors, making recycling the better option when you need both material types.
Why You Need Rotary Encoders
Rotary Encoders serve multiple purposes in Arc Raiders, from quest completion to endgame material farming. Understanding these uses helps you decide whether to save, sell, or recycle each one you find.
With a View Quest (Shani)
The primary use of a Rotary Encoder is the “With a View” quest given by Shani. This quest was added with the Headwinds update and requires you to find a Rotary Encoder, then use it in a machine inside Stella Montis. You need exactly 1 Rotary Encoder to complete this quest.
To complete the quest, bring the Rotary Encoder to any of the control rooms near the Assembly line on Stella Montis. Look for a yellow control panel with a large lever. Interact with this panel to insert the Rotary Encoder and activate the surface switch. After activation, interact with the nearby computer to reveal the location of an Ion Sputter, which you must then find and deliver back to Shani.
The Rotary Encoder is consumed when you use it in the control panel. Make sure you keep it in your Safe Pocket until you reach the Assembly control room. If you die before using it, you will lose the Rotary Encoder and need to farm another one.
Endgame Material Farming
Even after completing the quest, Rotary Encoders remain valuable for endgame progression. As an Exodus material, recycling Rotary Encoders provides Electrical Components and Processors that you need to craft mid to late game gear. This includes Mark 2 and Mark 3 augments, various weapon attachments, and Surge Shield rechargers.
Farming Rotary Encoders alongside other Exodus materials like Ion Sputters, Exodus Modules, Geiger Counters, and Spectrometers creates an efficient material loop. All of these items can be salvaged or recycled into craftable materials for your endgame builds.
Recycle vs Sell
Rotary Encoders sell for 3,000 Raider Coins each. Recycling yields 2,280 coins worth of materials (2x Electrical Components + 2x Processors). Selling gives you 720 more coins directly, making it the better option for pure profit.
We recommend keeping your first Rotary Encoder for the “With a View” quest. After completing the quest, sell extra Rotary Encoders unless you specifically need Electrical Components or Processors for crafting. The 720 coin difference per item adds up quickly if you are farming Stella Montis regularly.
Tips For Farming Rotary Encoders
Rotary Encoders stack to 3 and each weighs 1.5 kg. Plan your inventory accordingly when doing dedicated farming runs. A full stack weighs 4.5 kg, which is significant compared to lighter materials.
Before farming, check your stash. If you already picked up a Rotary Encoder from a previous run, you can skip the farming step and head directly to Assembly for the quest. Many players overlook Rotary Encoders in their stash because they do not realize the item is quest-related.
Always bring a loadout with a Safe Pocket when farming Rotary Encoders for the quest. The distance between Medical Research and Assembly can be dangerous, especially if you encounter a Shredder or hostile players. Storing the Rotary Encoder in your Safe Pocket ensures you keep it even if you die.
Run efficient 5 to 10 minute loot runs through Assembly and Medical Research. Even if you do not find a Rotary Encoder, you will collect other valuable Exodus materials like Ion Sputters, Exodus Modules, and Geiger Counters that recycle into useful crafting materials.
For quick extracts after farming, use the Raider Hatch at the end of Assembly Workshop if you have a Raider Key. Alternatively, head to the Lobby Metro station by going east from Assembly through the tunnel and parkour up to the stairs leading down to the metro entrance.
Expect 1 to 3 runs to find a Rotary Encoder for the quest, depending on your luck and whether other players have already looted the area. Night raids offer better spawn rates, so consider timing your farming sessions accordingly.
- Fewer active Return Points
- No active Raider Hatches
- Increased loot value
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Guides
If you are farming Rotary Encoders on Stella Montis, you may also need these related Exodus items:
- Ion Sputters – Required to complete the “With a View” quest after using the Rotary Encoder
- Exodus Modules – Same Exodus area type, can farm alongside Rotary Encoders on Stella Montis
- Magnetic Accelerators – Another Exodus item with Stella Montis as a top farming map
Other Arc Raiders Items 68
This guide is based on over 130 hours of in-game experience. Every item discussed has been personally found and verified, with screenshots taken of the actual containers where they spawn. If a container is shown in this guide, the item can definitely drop from it. Community-reported data supplements firsthand experience to provide spawn percentages and map distribution, though this data may be incomplete as Arc Raiders continues to evolve. This guide aims to point players in the right direction for efficient farming.
Found an error or have updated information? Let us know in the comments below.
