“Destroy the Volatile Hive” is commonly used as a search name, but the official mission is One Flew Over the Volatiles’ Nest. You do not destroy the hive. Instead, reach the nest, defeat the invisible Wraith, collect three marked samples, escape the Volatiles, and speak with Lydia in the exile cave.
This guide covers the route, Wraith fight, sample locations, escape sequence, rewards, and the safest strategy for the mission. The walkthrough also applies to the Restored Land Edition and Update 1.6 context; the cave route and objectives remain the same in the available walkthroughs. See the official Restored Land announcement and update archive for version information.
Before entering the Volatile nest
- Bring as many healing items as you can reasonably carry.
- Equip a UV Flashlight.
- Bring a weapon or ability that deals fire damage. Fire can reveal the Wraith’s outline while it is invisible.
- Use Survivor Sense regularly during the stealth section.
If you are playing in Restored Land, remember that resources are finite, high-risk activities can be permanently cleared, flashlight batteries deplete, and optional permadeath may increase the cost of a failed attempt. Avoid spending supplies unnecessarily before the cave.
How to reach the nest
- Follow the mission waypoint to the rock formation.
- Look for the ledges marked with white paint.
- Climb the painted ledges to the upper section.
- Continue across the rocks until you reach the cave entrance.
- Inside, move through the Sleeper and Biter area and follow the marked climbing route.
- Take the blue rope downward toward the scientist’s body.
- Examine the body to trigger the Wraith encounter.
The route is primarily a climbing and traversal section. If you lose the path, look for the white paint, the blue rope, and the next climbable surface rather than trying to force a jump.
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How to defeat the Wraith
The Wraith is invisible for much of the fight and becomes visible while attacking. The encounter has three phases.
Phase one
Keep your distance and watch for movement or an attack animation. Strike when the Wraith becomes visible, then reposition instead of standing in front of it. Fire damage is particularly useful because the burning outline can expose its location.
Phase two
The Wraith adds an acid attack. Continue using fire to help track it, avoid lingering in dangerous areas, and attack only during its visible windows. If the fight takes place near water, surface ripples can also indicate where the Wraith is moving.
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Phase three
In the final phase, the Wraith relies less on invisibility and becomes more aggressive. Expect combo attacks and jumping attacks. Dodge away from the initial strike, wait for the attack sequence to finish, and punish the opening rather than trading hits.
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How to collect all three samples
The samples are marked with magnifying-glass icons. The nest contains roughly five or six Volatiles, depending on the walkthrough and encounter movement. Do not attempt to clear the area. The confined space lets multiple Volatiles converge quickly, so stealth is the intended solution.
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First sample
The first sample is in the relatively safe section of the nest. Use Survivor Sense to check nearby positions, then move to the magnifying-glass marker and collect it when the route is clear.
Second sample
- Move through the rock opening toward the second marker.
- Use Survivor Sense to watch the nearby Volatile.
- Wait until it turns away.
- Cross to the nest and collect the sample.
- Immediately return behind the rock for cover.
Collecting the second sample can leave Crane exposed, so do not remain beside the nest after the interaction finishes.
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Third sample
- Wait for the Volatile near the second sample to move toward the third-sample area.
- Follow from the opposite side of the rock.
- Use the rocks as cover while watching the Volatile blocking the final route.
- When it turns away, move to the last magnifying-glass marker and collect the third sample.
The third sample deliberately triggers the escape. Plan your direction before collecting it and be ready to move forward immediately.
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What happens if a Volatile spots you?
Detection does not automatically fail the mission. It creates a dangerous pursuit or combat situation. The practical failure condition is dying during the nest section or escape.
If you are spotted before collecting all three samples, break line of sight with rocks and the cave geometry whenever possible. Do not try to fight the entire group in the confined nest. Sprinting, sliding, or making unnecessary noise near patrols can also expose you before you reach cover, so move deliberately until the final sample is secured.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to escape the Volatiles
- After collecting the third sample, continue forward along the newly available escape route.
- Do not return to the sample area.
- Do not stop to fight the pursuing Volatiles.
- Sprint through the route toward the opposite side of the cave from your approach.
- Use Active Landing where appropriate to make the chase easier to survive.
- Once outside, return to the nearby exile cave.
- Speak with Lydia to complete the mission.
The escape does not use the same route as entry. Keep moving forward after the third sample; turning back toward the nest is usually the most dangerous choice.
Mission rewards
Completing One Flew Over the Volatiles’ Nest grants:
- Survivor Hat: −3% stamina consumption, +2% damage, and +3% healing recovery.
- 12,500 XP.
- 800 Old World Money.
- A Co-op Loot Chest when completed in co-op.
Common mistakes
- Trying to destroy the hive: the objective is to collect three samples, not destroy the structure.
- Clearing the nest first: avoid combat and use cover, patrol timing, and Survivor Sense.
- Assuming detection means instant failure: detection starts a dangerous pursuit; death is the real practical failure condition.
- Returning through the entrance after the third sample: follow the forward escape route instead.
- Looking for a special sample-type requirement: the supported walkthroughs describe three marked samples from live Volatile nests; they do not establish a requirement to collect samples from three different infected types.
Exact interaction button labels can vary by platform and build, so follow the on-screen prompt rather than relying on a specific keyboard or controller button.
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