Arc Raiders Players Are Spending Up to Nine Hours Trying to Get an Acoustic Guitar: Is the Grind Worth It?

Within the vibrant Arc Raiders community, an unexpected and somewhat viral sensation has surfaced surrounding a concealed in-game easter egg: the Legendary Acoustic Guitar. Gamers are sharing tales of epic play sessions—some stretching to an astonishing nine hours—as they tackle the intricate steps needed to secure this elusive item. What lies beneath this peculiar grind, and is the payoff truly worth the effort?

What Is the Legendary Acoustic Guitar in Arc Raiders?

In Arc Raiders, the acoustic guitar stands out as a legendary cosmetic item, waiting to be unlocked by players who can solve a secret musical puzzle concealed within the Buried City area. This guitar serves not as a tool for combat, but as a vibrant musical instrument, akin to other emotes in the game. It allows players to strum and create melodies while adventuring through the world or engaging with fellow raiders.

The guitar, though purely cosmetic, has generated significant intrigue because of its elusive nature—and the reactions that it elicits from players upon acquisition.

Why Are Players Grinding for This Item for So Long?

At the heart of the challenge lies the Buried City Music Puzzle, a server-wide quest that tasks players with finding and pressing fifteen concealed buttons, strategically placed throughout the Buried City map, in a precise sequence. When a player accidentally hits the wrong button, the whole sequence resets, often compelling entire teams to start over from the beginning.

I know no one really cares but I just spent 9 hours straight to get this
byu/iki-u inArcRaiders

A Reddit user revealed they dedicated nine consecutive hours to acquiring the guitar, with fellow players joining in to assist throughout the challenging journey. A multitude of voices joined the conversation, sharing tales of grueling eight-hour efforts and the immense frustration stemming from unexpected resets triggered by players hitting buttons at inopportune moments.

This puzzle stands out as one of the most discussed challenges in the game’s current seasonal offerings, where collaboration, timing, and a bit of luck are essential for success.

Is the Guitar Really Worth Grinding For?

Having understood the effort involved, the pressing question for numerous Arc Raiders players is: Is the grind truly worthwhile?

For players, acquiring the guitar represents a distinctive milestone—an accomplishment to proudly display to friends or teammates. Completing a challenging puzzle brings a profound sense of achievement, particularly for those who relish the thrill of mastery and uncovering hidden secrets.

Many players find themselves questioning the value of investing eight to nine hours or more into the guitar, given its lack of combat utility and absence of stats or tangible game advantages. The risk of accidental resets or PvP interference that can erase all progress only adds to the uncertainty.

For those who thrive on completing collections or delight in uncovering hidden gems and surprises, pursuing this item can be an exhilarating adventure. That said, if your priorities lie in progression, gear, or upgrades that are essential to the meta, investing time in grinding for the guitar may not be the most efficient choice.

So Should You Grind? Here’s the Fastest Way to Get It

If you do decide to chase the acoustic guitar in Arc Raiders, you’ll want the most efficient strategy possible. Based on community insights and puzzle guides:

1. Go in a Group: Solving the button sequence as a solo player is significantly harder than in duos or trios. Splitting up to hit buttons simultaneously reduces time windows and chances of accidental resets.
2. Memorize the Sequence or Use a Guide: The correct order of all fifteen red buttons is essential. Guides with exact locations and the correct sequence can shave off wasted attempts and reduce frustration.
3. Communicate and Coordinate: Teamwork pays off—players who stick together and communicate button hits perform best.
4. Avoid High-Conflict Lobbies: Because random players can disrupt your progress, attempting the puzzle in lobbies with fewer interference risks helps you stay on track.

Even with the fastest approaches, expect this to be a challenging, time-intensive activity that tests patience more than combat prowess.