Where to Use the Dam Testing Annex Key in ARC Raiders

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In ARC Raiders, keys unlock special rooms filled with better loot. These keys are rare and drop randomly, so finding one can be tough. If you do get a key, it’s important to know where to use it and what rewards are inside.

Most rare keys are simple – you just need to find the correct door to unlock. However, the Dam Testing Annex key is a bit unique in ARC Raiders, and this guide will explain why.

Dam Testing Annex Key Overview in ARC Raiders

Items & Equipment To Bring For the Key Run

This key is different from most others. Usually, a key unlocks just one locked room. But with the Dam Testing Annex Key, you can choose between two locked rooms within the Testing Annex. Once you use it on either room, the key disappears, meaning you won’t be able to open the other room unless you have a second key.

Before you begin a match in Dam Battlegrounds, it’s helpful to be prepared. You’ll find these keys are most useful when specific map conditions are active. Electromagnetic Storm, Night Raid, and Cold Snap all make the loot you find more valuable.

During Night Raids and Electromagnetic Storms, the hatches seal shut. If you find valuable loot during these events, you’ll have to use the limited number of working elevators to escape, which means you might encounter other players also trying to get out.

If you’re planning to use a Light Shield, the Looting MK2 is a solid choice for your loadout. It gives you two Safe Pockets and extra space for useful items. Besides healing items and grenades, bring some mines. Jolt Mines or Explosive Mines can be really helpful – place them near the entrances to the Testing Annex to warn you if another player tries to enter while you’re collecting items from inside.

If you don’t need the key for solving a puzzle, take a Hatch Key and use a hatch to get back to Esperanza fast.

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Where to Use the Dam Testing Annex Key in ARC Raiders

When the match starts, go to the Testing Annex. It’s in the southeast corner of the map and usually has decent loot, especially medical and commercial supplies. To get inside, go to the western entrances and go up the stairs, then open the door.

After you shut the door, immediately place a mine beside it, then continue straight ahead, bypassing the stairs to your left. You’ll soon reach the first locked door, which you can open with the Dam Testing Annex Key.

This room contains several containers – lockers, medical bags, and cabinets – and might have a weapon case. These can all contain valuable items like Vita Spray, rare crafting materials, blueprints, and even weapons themselves. What you find is random, so luck plays a role!

After you’ve searched this room thoroughly, you can move on to the next locked room, which is to the right. If you have a key, you can unlock it now and start collecting items. You’ll find things placed on the tables and consoles inside.

You’ll also find some drawers that contain small items. Most of these sell for coins, but a few can be used to improve your equipment or complete projects.

Image via Embark Studios

Okay, so if I’m heading into a raid and worried about getting ambushed while grabbing loot – especially when trying to get to the extract – I usually play Duos or Trios. It’s way safer knowing my teammates have my back while we clear buildings and try to escape with our gear. The downside? I might have to share some of the best stuff we find, but honestly, surviving with some loot is better than losing it all!

Which Testing Annex Door to Open?

Okay, so I’ve run into this a bunch of times: you’ve got one key and you’re stuck deciding which door to hit. Honestly, I always go for the locked door on the left. I’ve found way better blueprints in there – especially when there’s a special map event going on. The stuff in the room on the right just doesn’t seem to compare. Trust me, left door is the way to go!

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2026-02-22 04:36