ARC Raiders Guide: Finding and Using the Buried City Residential Master Key
Keys play a major role in progression and loot efficiency in ARC Raiders, and the Buried City Residential Master Key is one of the more useful uncommon keys you can acquire early to mid-game. While it isn’t the rarest key in the loot pool, knowing where to look and where to use it can significantly increase the value you get from each run.
This guide explains how to obtain the Buried City Residential Master Key, the best locations to farm it, and exactly where you should use it for the most rewarding loot opportunities.
Table of Contents
What Is the Buried City Residential Master Key?

The Buried City Residential Master Key is an uncommon-tier key that unlocks residential apartments on the Buried City map. Unlike Epic or high-tier keys, it appears more frequently during normal looting, making it accessible to solo players and squads alike.
Despite its lower rarity, the rooms it unlocks often contain valuable crafting materials, gear upgrades, and mid-tier loot that can dramatically improve your survival chances in later raids.
How to Get the Buried City Residential Master Key
The Buried City Residential Master Key does not come from a guaranteed spawn. Instead, it’s a random loot drop, meaning your success depends on efficient exploration and repeated runs.
You can find it inside common residential loot containers, such as:
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Drawers
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Cabinets
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Shelves
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Suitcases
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Open storage boxes
Because of this randomness, the key to farming it effectively is focusing on high-density residential zones rather than combat-heavy landmarks.
Best Locations to Farm the Key
Dam Battlegrounds (Lower Risk Option)
For players looking to minimize PvP encounters, Dam Battlegrounds is one of the safest places to search. Several residential clusters here are slightly off the main combat routes, making them ideal for consistent looting.
Recommended areas include:
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Pale Apartments
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Ruby Residence
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Pattern House
These buildings are usually located toward the outer sections of the map. While enemy players can still spawn nearby, the overall threat level is lower compared to central hubs. This makes Dam Battlegrounds an excellent farming route if you’re running solo or prioritizing survival over high-risk engagements.
Buried City Map (Higher Risk, Higher Traffic)
If you’re comfortable navigating contested areas, the Buried City itself offers strong chances to find the key.
Top locations include:
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Grandioso Apartments
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Residential houses east of the Abandoned Highway Camp
These areas are popular loot routes, which means increased competition from other Raiders. Expect more PvP encounters here, but also more loot containers per run. If you’re confident in combat or running with a squad, these zones can produce results faster.
Where to Use the Buried City Residential Master Key
Once you have the key, it can unlock two specific residential doors on the Buried City map. Knowing which door provides better loot can help you decide when and where to use it.
Door Location 1: Main Street Apartment
The first door is located in an apartment building near Main Street, accessible directly from street level.
What to expect:
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Two interior floors
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Moderate loot density
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Balanced risk level
This location is relatively straightforward to clear and doesn’t require complex navigation. It’s a solid option if you’re already nearby or want guaranteed value without spending too much time exposed.
Door Location 2: Grandioso Apartments (Best Choice)
The second and more rewarding use of the key is inside the Grandioso Apartments.
How to reach it:
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Enter the Grandioso Apartments building.
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Locate the elevator shaft.
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Descend to Level 02.
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Enter the only accessible apartment connected to the hallway.
Inside, you’ll find:
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Multiple lootable rooms
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Higher-value containers
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A balcony area accessible by breaking the glass
This apartment consistently offers better loot than the Main Street location. If you only have one key, this is generally the best place to use it, especially if you can secure the area before other players arrive.
Tips for Using the Key Safely
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Clear nearby enemies first before unlocking doors; sound cues can attract Raiders.
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Loot quickly and efficiently, prioritizing high-value containers.
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Watch balconies and windows, as other players may attempt ambushes.
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If possible, extract soon after looting, especially in high-traffic areas like Grandioso Apartments.
Struggling to Farm Keys or Secure Loot?
If you’re finding it difficult to farm keys, survive contested zones, or efficiently extract with valuable loot, professional help can save you time and frustration. ARC Raiders Boosting at GladiatorBoost offers tailored services for players who want faster progression, safer farming routes, and expert support without wasting hours on failed runs.
Whether you’re aiming to collect rare keys, complete objectives, or simply improve your overall performance, GladiatorBoost provides reliable ARC Raiders boosting solutions designed to match your playstyle and goals.
Final Thoughts
The Buried City Residential Master Key may not be the rarest item in ARC Raiders, but its usefulness shouldn’t be underestimated. With smart routing, focused looting, and strategic door usage, this key can consistently provide gear upgrades and valuable resources that push your progression forward.
By targeting the right residential zones and choosing the best door location, you’ll maximize every key you find—and reduce the risks that come with high-traffic loot areas.
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