Cold Storage — Quick J Kozma Container Walkthrough for Stella Montis
Cold Storage is a compact but deceptively tricky mission in ARC Raiders. The map rewards speed, clean encounters, and smart positioning: reach the J Kozma container, secure the objective items, and extract safely before enemy reinforcements overwhelm your team. This guide gives a complete playbook — from pre-mission preparations and the best loadouts, to multiple reliable routes (including the Lobby Metro container approach), encounter breakdowns, looting priorities, augment choices, team roles, and a step-by-step one-round method for players who want to close the mission in a single clean run.
Use this guide whether you’re learning the route, optimizing loadouts, or coaching a pickup group. Every section focuses on practical, actionable choices you can apply immediately.
Key terms used in this guide
Cold Storage — the mission/map covered here.
J Kozma container — the primary objective container you must locate and open.
Stella Montis route — common navigation through the map area around the container.
Rare Books quest — objective tied to the J Kozma loot in some mission variants.
Lobby Metro container — alternate route that shortens travel time and avoids heavy traffic.
One-round strategy — tactics to complete the mission in a single, decisive run.
Safe pocket augment — augment recommendations that help survivability while carrying loot.
Table of contents
Mission summary and objectives
Pre-mission loadout and augments
Team role recommendations
Map overview and spawn points
Primary route (Stella Montis route) — step-by-step
Alternate route (Lobby Metro container) — step-by-step
Combat encounters and enemy prioritization
Looting priorities and inventory tips
Extraction and evasion tactics
One-round strategy walk-through
Troubleshooting common problems
Advanced tips and tricks
Frequently asked questions
Mission summary and objectives
Cold Storage is a short- to mid-length run whose win condition is simple: locate the J Kozma container, collect the objective items (often labeled as Rare Books or mission-specific cargo), and escort them to the extraction point. The mission usually features narrow corridors, stacked cover, and a handful of choke points that can snowball quickly if you draw too many reinforcements.
Core objectives:
Reach the J Kozma container as quickly as possible.
Defend while the container extracts or carry specified items to extraction.
Manage reinforcements and stagger enemy waves so you can extract safely.
Success hinges on two things: speed and control. Move with purpose and avoid long, unnecessary fights. If you’re carrying objective items, prioritize survival and team positioning over extra loot.
Pre-mission loadout and augments
Choosing the right gear makes Cold Storage far easier. Because the map rewards burst damage, close-quarters control, and survivability while carrying objectives, pick kit items that favor mobility, quick clear, and sustain.
Primary weapon suggestions:
Shotgun with high pellet count: best for one-on-one clearing in corridors.
Compact SMG: excellent for mobility and suppressing groups.
Bullpup or carbine with fast TTK: versatile when you need range in mid-corridor firefights.
Secondary weapon suggestions:
Pistol with fast draw: emergency finishers.
Throwable (frag or EMP): for denying cover or disabling electronics during carry moments.
Gadget and augment recommendations:
Safe pocket augment (or equivalent): reduces movement penalties or damage taken while carrying the objective. Prioritize any augment that eases the handicap of carrying loot.
Shield deployable: instant cover for extraction windows.
Health injector or passive regen augment: helps the carrier survive focused fire.
Mobility augment: sprint or vault speed increases shorten exposure time when you’re moving with cargo.
Armor and mods:
Prioritize mods that reduce stagger, increase sprinting speed, or provide short bursts of invulnerability on use.
Ammo economy mods are useful if you plan to clear multiple rooms or force a one-round finish.
Loadout archetypes
The Runner: high mobility, light armor, stun or sprint augments, purpose is to reach J Kozma container fast and carry out the loot.
The Anchor: heavier loadout, suppression weapons, shield deployable, stays near the carrier to buy time and peel enemies.
The Cleaner: AoE damage and crowd control to keep chokepoints clear during extraction.
Team role recommendations
A well-composed squad should include at least one Runner and one Anchor. For three- or four-player parties, add Cleaners and a hybrid who can flex into either role as needed.
Role details:
Runner: main objective handler. Clear path, accept pickup, prioritize evasion. Use safe pocket augment and mobility augments.
Anchor: denies enemy approach, spaces the team, and keeps lanes open with suppressive fire and cover tech.
Cleaner: moves ahead to thin packs and secure rooms before the Runner moves in.
Flex: carries medical or resupply items; ready to switch roles when the mission needs it.
Communication notes:
Call out enemy types and numbers early.
Announce when you pick up the objective and which exit you’re moving toward.
Use pings and quick markers for cover and deployables; the map is tight and split-second decisions matter.
Map overview and spawn points
Cold Storage’s layout is compact and layered. Expect tight corridors leading into open storage bays, a few elevation changes with mezzanines, and a central hub where the J Kozma container is frequently located.
Common spawn behavior:
Enemy reinforcements typically funnel through the main corridors and the side service routes.
Watch for ambushes near intersections and pallet stacks.
The extraction point is often near the outer perimeter, so plan your final route to minimize choke-point crossings.
Mental map to keep:
Main corridor — quickest direct route but also most patrolled.
Service tunnel — longer, less obvious, and useful for flanking.
Mezzanine overlook — gives control but exposes you if the team gets pinned.
Memorize the map’s high-ground vantage points and which doors or lift shafts drop you right at the container. A single misstep that exposes the carrier to flankers can force a restart.
Primary route (Stella Montis route) — step-by-step
This route is the most reliable for balanced teams: fast enough for Runners, safe enough for Anchors, and provides predictable enemy encounters.
Drop-in orientation
Immediately check your HUD for the objective ping. If the J Kozma container ping is in the central hub, prepare for direct engagement. If it’s off to a side bay, pivot to the nearest service corridor.
Move as a pair: Runner + Cleaner
The Cleaner clears the first two rooms while the Runner skims ahead. Keep distance but maintain line-of-sight. Use flashbangs or EMP to deny heavy cover.
Clear the intermediate choke points
Expect automated turrets or drones near supply racks. Take them out first; they force the carrier to expose themselves. Use throwable EMPs or go vertical for a drop-shot.
Secure the mezzanine
If the container sits near a mezzanine, clear the overlook first. Anchors should hold the high ground and deny enemy pushes from the corridor entrance.
Open the J Kozma container quickly
When opening, stagger the task so that one teammate watches flanks, one keeps pressure on incoming enemies, and the Runner begins extraction movement as the container completes.
Extraction path
Retrace steps toward the outer corridor but avoid the main corridor if enemy presence spikes. Use the service tunnel for the final stretch if available.
Timing and pacing
Move without stopping for optional loot on the way. Each extra second increases the chance of a reinforcement wave that can split the team. If you must clear, do it fast: burst, take cover, and move.
Alternate route (Lobby Metro container) — step-by-step
The Lobby Metro container route trades a little distance for fewer enemy clusters and easier escapes. Use this when the direct route is too hot or when your team needs a steady flank.
Initial approach
From the starting area, angle toward the lobby access corridor. Stay low and use cover behind junction boxes.
Avoid the busy hub
The lobby route skirts the central hub and drops you near a service lift that often overlooks the container area. Use this to bypass the main patrol patterns.
Clear quietly
Stealth isn’t required, but conservative engagements keep the patrols from converging. Suppress one enemy at a time and use stuns rather than loud explosives.
Reach the container and create a defensive perimeter
The lobby route often gives you multiple escape vectors: the metro shaft, the stairs, and a delivery ramp. Choose the one with least enemy activity on your radar.
Extraction options
If reinforcements converge on the bridge, use the metro shaft to drop under and loop to extraction. Bring a Shield Deployable to cover the carrier’s final sprint.
Why this route works
Fewer intersecting patrols and extra vertical escape options make it a safer choice for teams with slower Runners or heavier Anchors.
Combat encounters and enemy prioritization
Cold Storage’s corridor engagement style favors fast target selection. Prioritize based on threat to the carrier and to your formation.
Priority targets:
Heavy assaulters (shielded or melee-focused) — they close distance fast and disrupt carriers.
Drone/Turrets — they chip health and force carriers out of cover.
Ranged snipers or marksmen on high ground — pick these off before moving through open spaces.
Support units that heal or buff — eliminate these to prevent prolonged fights.
Engagement tips:
Use aim-assist or hip-fire in super-close quarters; re-aiming often costs precious time.
Drop the heaviest target first while another teammate suppresses the rest.
Grenades and AoE are lethal in rooms with stacked cover — use them strategically to clear pockets before moving in.
Crowd control and peel
Anchors should use slowdown fields or deployable shields to create safe spaces for the Runner.
The Runner’s job is not to frag; it’s to move. Use stuns, flash, or EMP only when necessary to create a corridor to sprint through.
Looting priorities and inventory tips
Looting in Cold Storage is a balancing act: extra gear helps future missions, but each second you spend increases mission risk.
What to pick up:
Mission-critical items (obviously).
Ammo refills only if you’re low; pick up mod shards if they’ll immediately improve your survivability or TTK.
Consumables that restore health or provide temporary defense are worth the detour.
What to skip:
Large weapon caches that require clearing multiple rooms.
Side objectives that trigger timers or additional waves.
Inventory management while carrying objective
Drop non-essential items to increase movement speed and reduce inventory clutter. Use the in-mission discard mechanic to lighten the Runner’s load if the game supports it. If you can’t discard, stash items in the team’s temporary container (if the mission mode allows) or have another teammate carry them.
Extraction and evasion tactics
Extraction is the most dangerous part. Plan the last 30 seconds before you pick up the objective.
Pre-pickup checklist:
Clear at least one escape vector fully.
Anchor should set up cover or shield at the extraction approach.
Have a secondary escape route planned in case the primary gets hot.
When carrying:
Move predictably but not linearly. Use cover hits between sprints.
Use smoke or EMP to break line-of-sight when crossing open segments.
If downed, the team must decide quickly whether to attempt a risky revive or sprint to exfil and recover later.
When to abort
If two or more teammates are down and the carrier is low, it is usually safer to abort and come back than to force a wipe. A single restart costs time but avoids losing multiple lives or wasting high-value augments.
One-round strategy walk-through
This section shows how a coordinated team can finish Cold Storage in one decisive run — ideal for groups wanting speedrun consistency.
Team composition:
Runner: Mobility augments, light primary (SMG), safe pocket augment.
Anchor: Shield deployable, higher-damage primary, suppression tools.
Cleaner: AoE primaries and grenades.
Flex: Medpacks and mid-range support.
Step-by-step:
Spawn and move as a compact wave to the nearest side route. Keep scanning for the container ping.
Cleaner clears the first two rooms while Anchor covers corridors. Runner avoids unnecessary fights and scouts flank routes.
On container ping, Cleaner pre-throws AoE to stagger enemies inside the room. Anchor plants shield at the doorway. Runner opens the container and immediately moves to a pre-cleared cover point.
Flex uses medpacks or temporary buff augments on the Runner. Anchor peels and forces enemies to funnel through suppression fields.
As the team moves to extraction, employ a leapfrog tactic: Anchor and Cleaner move to hold the next choke while Runner sprints to the next cover. Continue until extraction proximity.
At extraction, set up shield and smoke, then have the Runner sprint the final dash. If combat becomes untenable, abort and retreat to a safe loop and try again.
Timing benchmarks:
Aim to reach container within the first 90 seconds. Extraction should occur inside 4 minutes for consistent one-round success.
Troubleshooting common problems
Problem: You keep getting pinned near the container.
Solution: Pre-clear the mezzanine and deploy a shield to deny high-ground overwatch. Use smoke to obscure entry points.
Problem: Runner keeps getting flanked in narrow corridors.
Solution: Use pings and clear side rooms in advance. Assign a teammate to sweep while Runner moves.
Problem: Too many reinforcements spawn after you pick up the item.
Solution: Move the pickup window earlier: coordinate to have the container opened only when your path to extraction is clear. Use EMP to disrupt electronics that trigger additional spawns.
Problem: You’re low on ammo mid-run.
Solution: Skip optional caches and commit to a more conservative engagement style; prefer headshots and burst control; use the Cleaner’s AoE to conserve bullets.
Advanced tips and tricks
Pre-position deployables: set shields and medic beacons along your planned route before you pick up the objective. This makes the extraction more predictable.
Use verticality: dropping down from mezzanines can avoid choke fights and give you quick escape lanes.
Save your ultimates for the extraction window: don’t waste them in early clearing unless absolutely needed.
Practice the one-round timing in private matches or low-risk public runs to internalize pacing and movement.
Rotate the Runner role periodically to avoid predictable patterns; other players may be better at clutch plays in certain matches.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best class for Cold Storage?
There is no single “best” class. The mission favors mobility and short-range damage. Balanced teams with a dedicated Runner and an Anchor perform best.
Where is the J Kozma container usually located?
It can appear in multiple bays but commonly in the central hub or a mezzanine bay. Use your HUD ping and the Stella Montis route knowledge to anticipate which corridor to prioritize.
Should I pick the Lobby Metro container route every time?
No. The Lobby Metro container route is safer in many cases but can be longer. Choose it if the main corridor is hot or if your Runner is slower.
When should I abort an extraction?
Abort if multiple teammates are down and the carrier is low on health or surrounded. Early abort prevents costly wipes and preserves resources for a cleaner second attempt.
Which augment should the carrier bring?
Prioritize the safe pocket augment (or any augment that reduces movement penalties or improves survivability while carrying objective items). Mobility augments are next in priority.
How do I handle enemy turrets and drones?
Use EMPs and grenades to destroy or disable them before you commit to opening the container. Drones are prioritized over basic grunts because they apply sustained pressure on carriers.
Is it better to go fast or slow and steady?
Cold Storage rewards speed with controlled engagements. Fast, disciplined runs that avoid unnecessary fights succeed more often than slow runs that let reinforcements stack.
What are the best weapons for this map?
Close-quarters weapons like shotguns and SMGs are ideal. Bring a compact mid-range weapon as a secondary for mezzanine or occasional sightlines.
Closing notes
Cold Storage is deceptively deep: its compact nature means small mistakes become mission-ending. Focus on the container, move with purpose, and coordinate roles. Use the Stella Montis route as your baseline and the Lobby Metro container route when you need safer flanking and escape options. Prioritize a safe pocket augment for your carrier and keep extraction windows short and prepared.
Speedrun Script — One-Round Cold Storage (Timed Step Actions)
Goal: reach the J Kozma container, secure the objective, and extract within ~4 minutes. Practice this script repeatedly to build muscle memory.
0:00 — Spawn and sprint: check HUD for objective ping; assign Runner to lead briefly and call direction.
0:05 — Pair up: Runner + Cleaner move toward chosen side route; Anchor and Flex follow 5–7m behind to hold rear.
0:15 — Clear first room: Cleaner throws a flash or frag into the nearest room, anchors hold door angles, Runner scans for alternate paths.
0:30 — Cross the main junction: Anchor tosses an EMP at turret clusters; Cleaner suppresses hallway to force enemies to cluster.
0:45 — Mezzanine check: If container ping is overhead, Cleaner secures high ground while Anchor watches corridor flanks. If not, continue along the Stella Montis route.
1:10 — Final corridor approach: Runner moves to pre-cleared cover, Anchor sets a shield deployable at the choke, Flex prepares medpack.
1:30 — Container engage: Cleaner pre-throws AoE; Anchor holds the doorway; Runner begins opening the J Kozma container and immediately backs to cover.
1:45 — Pickup and sprint prep: Runner accepts objective, applies safe pocket augment if active, and starts sprint path to first waypoint. Anchor and Cleaner stagger movement to hold successive choke points.
2:05 — Mid-route reset: Runner hits first shield cover; Flex drops medpack if carrier took fire; Anchor rotates to deny flanks.
2:30 — Metro/alternate split: If main corridor is hot, pivot to Lobby Metro route; Anchor uses shield to cover descent.
3:00 — Final push to extraction: Use smoke or EMP to break line-of-sight; Runner times final dash with anchor suppressive fire.
3:30 — Extraction window: All teammates stack near the extraction radius; Anchor deploys final shield and Cleaner holds grenades for area denial.
4:00 — Exfil: If inside extraction zone and team is alive, extract; otherwise abort and loop to previous safe node, then attempt a rapid re-run.
Practice notes:
Repeat the run focusing only on the 0:00–1:30 window until you can reach the container consistently within 90 seconds.
Next, practice the 1:30–3:00 extraction choreography until your team times shields, smokes, and medpacks reliably.
Use voice calls or concise pings for each timed action; keep comms one-phrase and consistent.
Compact Loadout Comparison Table
| Role | Primary Weapon | Secondary | Augments | Quick Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Runner | High-ROF SMG; mobility tuned | Fast-draw pistol | Safe pocket augment; Sprint boost | Light armor; max mobility to reach container fast |
| Anchor | High-damage carbine or bullpup | Throwable frag or EMP | Shield deployable augment; Stagger reduction | Holds chokepoints and buys time for Runner |
| Cleaner | Shotgun or AoE rifle | Sticky grenade or stun | AoE damage augment; Ammo economy | Clears rooms and softens clusters before Runner moves |
| Flex | Mid-range carbine | Medpack or defensive device | Passive regen augment; Utility cooldown | Support role: heals, resupplies, and plugs holes |
| Hybrid (2nd Anchor/Cleaner) | Burst rifle with stability | EMP or smoke | Shield + Mobility hybrid augment | Use when team wants redundancy in defense and clear |
Bold pointers:
For the Runner, maximize sprint and minimize encumbrance.
For the Anchor, prioritize deployables and mods that reduce stagger and control lanes.
For the Cleaner, favor close-range damage and AoE augments for efficient clears.
For the Flex, carry consumables and mods that extend team uptime during extraction.
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