🔄 UPDATE: January 20th - Still Waiting
Tuesday's update just dropped—no Toxic Swamp. The patch was a small one with just a couple bug fixes, no new content. Looks like the dev team needs more time to finalize things. The soonest we can expect the Toxic Swamp event and thermal rocks to arrive is next Tuesday, January 27th. I'll keep monitoring and update this guide the moment thermal rocks become a thing.
🔮 Pre-Launch Predictions
Full transparency: The event hasn't launched yet. This guide is based on my analysis of leaked environment art and Dam Battlegrounds' existing terrain. I'm publishing this early to share and discuss the predictions with other raiders. Once the event drops and I find the actual spawn locations, I'll update this with confirmed positions, interactive maps, and optimized farming routes. Bookmark this page—it'll be the most complete thermal rock guide once I finish mapping everything.
If you have any questions or want to discuss the predictions, feel free to join our Discord and share your thoughts. I'll credit everyone who contributes to the final guide.
What Are Thermal Rocks?
Thermal rocks are new collectible items introduced with the Toxic Swamp event. Based on the leaked trial data, you'll need to:
- Find them at specific spawn locations (likely rocky, volcanic-looking areas)
- Collect them and add to your inventory
- Deliver them to designated locations (probably Hydroponic Domes in the toxic swamp area)
- Complete the trial "Toxic Swamp/Deliver Thermal Rocks" for rewards
Want the full breakdown of how the Toxic Swamp event works? Check out my complete Toxic Swamp event guide covering air purifiers, toxic fumes, and all the new mechanics.
Where I Think Thermal Rocks Will Spawn
The Theory
Here's my prediction based on environmental analysis: thermal rocks will spawn in the rocky, dry areas OUTSIDE the swamp zone, and you'll need to haul them INTO the toxic swamp area where the Hydroponic Domes are located.
Why do I think this? Check out this screenshot from Embark's early environment art video:
That rocky terrain with small rock formations and fumes? There's a similar area on Dam Battlegrounds. It matches the color palette, the aesthetic, everything. And it's OUTSIDE the swamp zone—which makes perfect sense from a game design perspective. You're gathering resources from the "safe" dry areas and risking the toxic swamp to deliver them.
Predicted Spawn Zones
Based on Dam Battlegrounds' terrain, I'm predicting thermal rocks will spawn in these rocky, elevated zones that surround the swamp area. These areas have:
- Rocky terrain and exposed stone formations
- Elevated positions overlooking the swamp
- Similar aesthetics to the leaked environment art
- Clear paths leading down to Hydroponic Domes
I'll update this section with exact coordinates and screenshots once the event launches and I map every spawn point.
Farming Strategy (Pre-Event Prediction)
Efficient Route Planning
Once I confirm the actual spawns, I'll map out the most efficient farming routes. But here's my preliminary strategy:
- Start at the rocky perimeter outside the swamp
- Work your way around the spawn zones collecting thermal rocks
- Fill your inventory before heading into the toxic swamp
- Make one efficient delivery run to the Hydroponic Domes area
- Extract or repeat depending on trial requirements
Loadout Recommendations
Based on the event mechanics, here's what I'm bringing:
💊 Essential Items
- Stamina/Adrenaline Shots: If toxic fumes drain stamina (my guess), you'll need these for safe zones and sprinting
- Healing Items: In case it's health drain like Cold Snap
- Light Loadout: Maximize inventory space for thermal rocks. Don't overbuild your kit.
- Gas Mask (maybe?): Could provide protection from toxic fumes—we'll see if they're finally useful
PvP Warning: Spawn Camping is Real
Listen, if I'm right about the spawn zones, these rocky areas are going to be PvP hotspots. Everyone needs thermal rocks for the trial, and smart players will camp the spawns or ambush you on delivery routes. Here's how to survive:
- Stay alert when gathering—keep your head on a swivel
- Gather near spawns so you're not overloaded mid-map
- Use natural cover in the rocky terrain to avoid sightlines
- Consider group runs if you're in a squad—one person scouts, others gather
- Expect ambushes near Hydroponic Domes delivery points
- Don't get greedy—if your inventory is full, deliver and extract. Don't push your luck.
Aggressive lobbies are going to be brutal for this trial. PvE lobbies will breeze through it. Choose your approach wisely.
Updates Coming After Event Launch
Once the Toxic Swamp event drops, I'm immediately:
- Mapping every thermal rock spawn location with exact coordinates
- Creating optimized farming routes with time estimates
- Identifying high-density spawn areas for efficient gathering
- Testing delivery mechanics to confirm where you turn them in
- Adding interactive map markers (like my Candleberry guide)
- Documenting respawn timers if applicable
This guide will transform from prediction to the definitive thermal rock resource. Bookmark it now.
Related Resources
- Complete Toxic Swamp Event Guide - Full event mechanics, air purifiers, and toxic fumes
- Candleberry Spawn Locations - Similar resource farming guide for Flickering Flames event
- Dam Battlegrounds Interactive Map - Explore the map where thermal rocks spawn
💬 Found Spawn Locations?
If you find thermal rock spawns before I finish mapping everything, hop in our Discord and share! I'll credit everyone who contributes to the final guide.
Share spawn locations, coordinate farming runs, and get updates when I publish the complete map.
Happy hunting, Raiders. Don't die carrying a full inventory of rocks.
//-Arc Raiders Hub (mapping everything so you don't have to)