Defeating the massive war machine in Night City is only half the battle when navigating the high-stakes missions of Dogtown. After bringing down the boss, players are presented with an optional prompt to retrieve its powerful power source before moving deeper into safety. Knowing exactly where to locate this item ensures you do not leave behind one of the most valuable items in the expansion.
Locating the Fallen Core in the Arena
Once the intense battle comes to an end, the surrounding chamber will be littered with debris and smoke. Rather than checking the main body of the machine, head toward the back area near where the boss collapsed. The core drops onto the ground nearby as a glowing, interactable item.
If you have trouble finding it, switch on your scanner to highlight dropped items in the room. The objective marker should point directly to its location on the floor next to President Myers. Securing this component immediately fulfills the optional mission requirement before you proceed into the subway tunnels.
Completing the Main Mission Objectives
After picking up the core, speak with Myers to coordinate your escape route from the area. She will lead you toward the entrance of the underground container that leads into the subway tunnels. Following the marked path ensures your team remains safe from incoming enemy patrols.
As you navigate through the dark tunnels, you will face minor environmental obstacles like steam pipes and gated passages. Players can bypass these obstacles using specific attribute checks or by finding nearby valves. Continuing down the linear path will eventually bring you safely to the secret hideout in Dogtown.
Crafting Powerful Gear with the Active Core
Taking the active core grants you access to unique crafting options that cannot be obtained anywhere else. You can transform this rare resource into one of four powerful iconic weapon mods designed for different playstyles. These mods enhance weapon capabilities by adding explosive damage, armor penetration, or special status effects.
Unlike standard modifications, these iconic mods can be safely removed and swapped between your favorite weapons at any time. If you prefer not to craft equipment, the core can also be placed on display inside V's primary apartment as a trophy. Either choice provides a permanent reward for completing this challenging optional objective.
