ARC Raiders Outpost Upgrade Guide: Plan Your Resources to Unlock Amplified Weapons Efficiently

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• ARC Raiders PvE Test Runs October 13–20: No PvP Damage, Lower Loot, and What's Next?

  ARC Raiders is testing a feature that could change how players approach every raid. From October 13 to October 20, 2026, Embark Studios will introduce a limited-time PvE matchmaking option, allowing players to choose between the original PvPvE experience and a co-op-focused mode where Raiders cannot damage one another.

  

  For players tired of being ambushed while carrying valuable loot, this is a chance to explore, complete objectives, and fight ARC machines without worrying about hostile players. But the safer experience comes with a trade-off: loot value will be lower in PvE, and the matchmaking toggle will disappear when the test ends.

  The experiment also raises a bigger question for the extraction shooter community: Can ARC Raiders offer a less hostile experience without losing the tension that makes its original mode so compelling?

  How the ARC Raiders PvE Test Works

  The test introduces an alternative matchmaking option rather than replacing the standard PvPvE experience. Players can switch between the two modes, with their PvPvE matchmaking rating remaining unaffected by time spent in PvE.

  Here are the key changes:

  • No player-to-player damage: Other Raiders cannot damage you during PvE sessions.

  • Mixed group sizes: Solo players, duos, and trios can share the same sessions.

  • Lower loot value: PvE offers reduced loot value to account for the lower risk.

  • Separate PvPvE rating: Your original matchmaking rating remains untouched while playing PvE.

  • ARC enemies remain dangerous: Downed players who crawl can be targeted again by ARC machines, while staying still causes the machines to ignore them.

  • Limited-time availability: The test runs from October 13 through October 20, after which the toggle will be removed.

  Several high-pressure conditions, including Night Raids, Hidden Bunker, Locked Gate, and Frigate, are excluded from the test.

  This is not a traditional single-player mode. Players will still share sessions with other Raiders, but the absence of player-to-player damage changes how those encounters unfold. Instead of constantly weighing the risk of betrayal, players can focus on surviving the ARC threat and collecting resources.

  Lower Loot Is the Price of a Safer Raid

  The most important balancing decision is the reduction in PvE loot value.

  In a typical extraction shooter, valuable rewards come with the possibility of losing everything. Another Raider might help you fight an ARC machine, ignore you entirely, or wait until you are distracted before opening fire. That uncertainty is central to the original ARC Raiders experience.

  Removing hostile player encounters makes looting less risky, so Embark is reducing the value of PvE loot to preserve the appeal of the traditional mode.

  Whether that trade-off feels fair will be one of the most interesting parts of the test. Players who want a relaxed session may consider lower-value loot an acceptable price for avoiding PvP. Those focused on gathering resources efficiently may find the reduced rewards less attractive.

  The test is therefore about more than whether players enjoy PvE. It is also an opportunity to see whether a safer matchmaking option can coexist with the original game's risk-and-reward economy.

  Why Embark Is Testing PvE Now?

  Embark's player data points to a community with different expectations for how a raid should unfold.

  The studio's reported breakdown places approximately 37% of players in the friendly co-op group, 27% in the mixed group, and 34% in the pure PvP group. More than 70% of friendly players reportedly want fewer hostile encounters.

  These figures help explain the demand for an alternative. Some players enjoy the world, scavenging, and combat against ARC machines but do not want every encounter with another Raider to carry the threat of a gunfight. Others enjoy the unpredictability of PvPvE and see hostile encounters as an essential part of the experience.

  Neither preference is easily accommodated when everyone shares the same matchmaking rules.

  The PvE test gives players a way to choose their preferred experience without immediately redesigning the entire game. It also revisits an idea from ARC Raiders' development history: the game originally began as a cooperative PvE project before evolving into the PvPvE extraction shooter that launched in October 2025.

  That history makes the test particularly interesting. Embark is not abandoning PvPvE, but it is exploring whether the cooperative experience can have a place alongside it.

  Could PvE Change the Original ARC Raiders Experience?

  A dedicated PvE option could make ARC Raiders more approachable for solo players, newcomers, and those who prefer cooperative combat. It could also give existing players a reason to revisit locations or complete objectives they have been reluctant to attempt in hostile lobbies.

  However, Embark has acknowledged the potential downside. Offering players a way to avoid PvP could reduce some of the tension the game was designed around and affect the quality of certain PvPvE sessions.

  The concern is understandable. In extraction shooters, an encounter with another player is meaningful partly because the outcome is uncertain. A friendly interaction feels different when betrayal remains possible, and a successful extraction becomes more satisfying when other Raiders could have stopped you.

  There is also the possibility that splitting players between two matchmaking options could affect queue times or the composition of traditional PvPvE sessions, particularly in regions or at times with fewer active players. These are potential risks to monitor, not confirmed outcomes of the test.

  The challenge for Embark is to determine whether PvE can serve players who want a different experience without weakening what makes PvPvE distinctive.

  Will ARC Raiders Get a Permanent PvE Mode?

  Not necessarily. Embark has made clear that this limited test is not a promise of a permanent PvE mode.

  When the test ends on October 20, the matchmaking toggle will be removed. Any future version could look substantially different from the one players experience during this week.

  The studio is, however, seriously considering the idea. Feedback and gameplay data from the test can help determine whether a longer-term option makes sense and how it might be balanced.

  A permanent mode would involve more than keeping a switch in the matchmaking menu. Embark would need to consider loot balance, player populations, matchmaking quality, and how the two experiences could coexist over time.

  For now, the test is an opportunity for the studio to evaluate real player behavior rather than commit to a long-term change before seeing the results.

  One Week Could Shape the Future of ARC Raiders

  The October 13–20 PvE test gives players a straightforward choice: keep the threat of hostile Raiders, or try a version of ARC Raiders focused on surviving the machines together.

  If you have been avoiding PvP-heavy raids, the test offers a chance to explore and gather better ARC Raiders items for sale under different rules. If you prefer the original extraction experience, PvPvE remains available, with its familiar uncertainty and higher baseline loot value during the test.

  The bigger question is whether both playstyles can coexist without compromising either one.

  Would you keep a permanent PvE mode in ARC Raiders, even with lower loot rewards, or is the threat of other Raiders what makes the game worth playing?

• ARC Raiders Player Count Quadruples After 'Spider-Man Grapple' Update Hits 185K on Steam

  ARC Raiders has recorded a major Steam player count rebound following the launch of its Frozen Trail update on October 8, 2026. The update adds a Spider-Man-style Grappling Hook, the snowy Pendola Pass map, new enemies and weapons, and expanded progression systems. A free weekend across PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S has also helped bring players back to Embark Studios' extraction shooter.

  

  ARC Raiders Hits 185K Concurrent Players on Steam

  ARC Raiders reached a reported 24-hour Steam peak of 185,443 concurrent players following the Frozen Trail update, roughly 4.6 times its reported September peak of 39,900. Its September daily averages were around 21,000.

  The game previously reached an all-time Steam peak of 481,966 concurrent players in January 2026, following its October 2025 launch. The latest rebound marks its strongest reported performance since March.

  The timing is significant, but the update is not the only factor. Embark's free-play weekend runs through October 12, allowing players across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S to try the game without purchasing it.

  The coming weeks will reveal whether Frozen Trail can sustain that momentum after the promotion ends.

  The Grappling Hook Is Frozen Trail's Biggest Addition

  The new Grappling Hook is the update's standout feature, giving players more ways to traverse the Rust Belt and reach elevated positions.

  Raiders can use it to cross gaps, climb onto rooftops and ledges, and reposition during encounters. The community's Spider-Man comparisons reflect how dramatically the tool changes movement possibilities.

  The tactical implications could be just as important as the visual appeal. Elevated positions are no longer limited to players who find conventional routes up buildings, while squads defending rooftops must consider additional approaches. The hook also offers more options when navigating exposed terrain or trying to escape a dangerous encounter.

  For returning players who have grown familiar with the existing maps, this new movement tool creates opportunities to experiment with routes and combat strategies. Its long-term value will depend on how well it fits into the game's balance and whether it creates meaningful choices without making existing approaches obsolete.

  Pendola Pass Adds a Snowy Map and New Challenges

  Frozen Trail introduces Pendola Pass, a snow-covered region that expands the game's exploration and combat opportunities.

  The update also adds Flash Freeze weather conditions, new ARC-related encounters, and content associated with the fallen ARC Emperor and the Frigate. These additions give players new locations to investigate and fresh challenges to tackle.

  For experienced Raiders, the new environment offers a break from familiar routes and established strategies. Learning its layout, finding valuable locations, and understanding how environmental conditions affect each deployment will be central to mastering the map.

  The update also introduces three new ARC enemies: the Bully, Skulker, and Hydra. Two new weapons, the Bantam and Stiletto, expand the available arsenal, while Amplified Weapons introduce a fifth weapon quality level.

  New Quests, Skill Tree Changes, and Reward Pass

  Frozen Trail includes several progression changes designed to give players more reasons to keep playing after exploring the new map.

  Key additions include:

  • 22 new quests offering additional objectives.

  • A revamped Skill Tree that changes character progression.

  • A new Reward Pass replacing the previous Raider Decks system.

  • A Research Bench and Outpost additions that expand crafting and progression options.

  • Increased stash capacity through two additional levels.

  These systems give returning players more than a new location to explore. They also provide longer-term goals involving progression, rewards and more valuable ARC Raiders items.

  However, the amount of new content alone will not determine whether players stay. Its value will depend on how rewarding these activities remain after the initial excitement surrounding the update fades.

  Embark Studios Moves Away From Monthly Major Updates

  Frozen Trail is an important test of Embark Studios' revised content strategy.

  The developer previously abandoned its plan for monthly major updates, citing sustainability concerns. The studio has instead moved toward a schedule centered on two major updates per year.

  Larger releases can give players stronger reasons to return, while a slower schedule gives the development team more time to work on substantial additions. The downside is that extended gaps between major updates can leave dedicated players with fewer new objectives.

  Frozen Trail delivers a broad package of new content, but its success will ultimately depend on whether Embark can maintain engagement between releases.

  Can ARC Raiders Keep Its Players After October 12?

  The free weekend has helped bring attention back to ARC Raiders, but the end of the promotion will be the first major test of player retention.

  Some newcomers may leave once free access ends, while others could purchase the game and continue playing with friends. Returning veterans may also move on after completing the new quests and learning Pendola Pass.

  The Grappling Hook has the potential to keep combat and exploration fresh, while the new enemies, weapons, and progression systems provide additional reasons to return. However, sustained growth will also depend on gameplay balance, server stability, anti-cheat efforts, and the quality of future updates.

  For now, the reported Steam rebound shows that Frozen Trail has successfully attracted renewed attention. Whether that interest translates into a lasting recovery remains an open question.

  ARC Raiders has brought players back with its Spider-Man-style Grappling Hook and Frozen Trail update. The real challenge for Embark Studios is keeping them engaged long after the free weekend ends.

• ARC Raiders Frozen Trail 2.0 Weapon Amplification Explained | Is This Endgame System Worth It?

  Following the ARC Raiders Frozen Trail 2.0 update, many players have noticed Weapon Amplification system. It allows you to fundamentally transform your weapons and customize your loadout in much more personalized ways.

  Weapon Amplification is essentially an endgame weapon system, so you are unlikely to encounter many players using amplified weapons during the early game. Let's take a closer look at how to modify your weapons once you reach the later stages of the game.

  

  What Does Weapon Amplification Do?

  Weapon Amplification effectively adds a fifth upgrade tier on top of the existing weapon quality levels. Unlike standard upgrades, Weapon Amplification focuses primarily on changing how a weapon functions rather than simply increasing its stats.

  Amplification does improve a weapon's base attributes, but more importantly, it introduces a branching progression path. You can choose different Modules to modify and enhance your weapon's behavior in different ways.

  For example, you can transform Burletta into a fully automatic pistol, choose an alternative modification path, or equip Renegade with a scope to change its effectiveness at long range. The possibilities depend on your playstyle, allowing you to decide what you want each weapon to become.

  One example mentioned by the development team involves equipping Rattler with a Drum Magazine, giving you 65 rounds to unleash on your enemies. However, you still have to reload the traditional way. Once the magazine is empty, you will still need to take a considerable amount of time reloading.

  Currently, only 15 weapons support amplification, and the official team will continue expanding the available content:

  1. Hairpin
  2. Kettle
  3. Rattler
  4. Burletta
  5. Il Toro
  6. Anvil
  7. Canto
  8. Osprey
  9. Rascal
  10. Renegade
  11. Bettina
  12. Hullcracker
  13. Aphelion
  14. Equalizer
  15. Jupiter

  

  How To Upgrade Your Weapons?

  First, complete Sheltered Retreat project to unlock your personal Outpost. Then, upgrade both Gunsmith and Research Station at your Outpost to Level 4.

  After upgrading your chosen weapon to Tier IV through the standard progression system, you must find an Amplification Module that matches the weapon's original rarity.

  These Modules can only be obtained from the interior areas of Frigate and Fallen Emperor on the new Pendola Pass map. They come in five tiers, ranging from Mk. I to Mk. V.

  Once you install the module on the corresponding Tier IV weapon, you can access its dedicated amplification upgrade tree. You can then permanently unlock your preferred enhancement branches by consuming Research Points and materials.

  Amplification Modules

  Amplification Modules are distinguished entirely by their tier or rarity, ranging from Mk. I to Mk. V. They are not further divided by weapon category or function. You simply need to farm the appropriate tier of Module based on the rarity of your target weapon.

  Each Amplification Module can only be consumed once to unlock the amplification upgrade tree for a specific weapon. You cannot recover a Module after using it and then reuse it on another weapon.

  However, you can use two Amplification Modules to unlock different enhancement paths for two identical weapons. If you want to use the same weapon type for both PvP and PvE, you will need multiple copies of that weapon and the corresponding Modules.

  Research Points

  Research Points are another currency required by Weapon Amplification. Besides being consumed when upgrading weapons, they allow you to directly unlock the weapon blueprints or amplification enhancements you want instead of relying on random drops.

  You need to search for special items such as Frigate Diagnostic Nodes and ARC Data Modules on the game map. You must successfully extract with these items to convert them into usable Research Points.

  Since earning Research Points depends on searching during raids and successfully extracting, accumulating them can take considerable time. A single Weapon Amplification research project can cost as much as 5,000 points. There are many ARC Raiders items for sale, and you can save your remaining Research Points for Weapon Amplification.

  The Trade-Offs of Weapon Amplification

  

  You can build your Research Station, take some time researching the upgrades you want, and head out to search for rare materials.

  Once you finally amplify a weapon and select the modules that best suit your playstyle, you still have to take it to the surface. This makes the weapon even more valuable to you and can make every encounter feel more stressful.

  Every amplified weapon represents a significant investment of time and effort. However, if you are killed while carrying one, you can still lose it, which can make the loss feel even more punishing.

  Amplified weapons have 200 durability, compared to 130 for standard weapons, representing a substantial improvement. However, if you use them frequently, you will still notice their durability gradually decreasing.

  If you loot an amplified weapon from a dead enemy, its durability will immediately drop to 10 out of 200. You must repair it before you can use it properly, and doing so also requires Research Points and Modules. Therefore, picking up amplified weapons from dead players is not an easy shortcut to obtaining fully functional ones.

  For players who regularly use amplified weapons, Looting Mk. 3 (Safekeeper) Augment may be the only viable option. It allows you to store a weapon in your Safe Pocket, ensuring that you do not lose it even if you die.

  That covers everything you need to know about Weapon Amplification. Many players may never engage deeply with this system or even try it, as the prerequisites are extensive and the rewards may not be worthwhile for everyone.

  However, for hardcore players who complete projects and reach the level cap within a week or two of a wipe, this system offers additional long-term progression to fill the gap once the rest of the game has been completed.

• ARC Raiders Player Count Surges: What to Do First in Frozen Trail? | Unlock Outpost & Build Research Bench

  Frozen Trail has finally launched, and ARC Raiders has seen its concurrent player count on Steam surge to 109,644 - matching its 24-hour peak. This influx of returning players is enough to make the surface world feel crowded once again!

  With the player count skyrocketing, you'll naturally encounter more squads, and conflicts over missions and resource nodes will become more frequent. It is crucial not to lose your composure in the heat of the moment; above all, you need to have a clear farming route in mind.

  What does a concurrent player count of 109k signify?

  According to Steam data, ARC Raiders currently has 109,644 concurrent players (matching its 24-hour peak), while its all-time peak of 481,966 was set 11 months ago.

  While this figure doesn't necessarily mean the game has returned to its absolute peak, it certainly shows that Frozen Trail has drawn a massive number of both veteran and new players back into the game.

  With so many players active right now, it's best to bring teammates along for missions or play during off-peak hours. If you're a returning veteran, don't rush straight into high-value hotspots; first, ensure your gear and resource stockpiles are up to the pace of the game.

  

  Unlock Outpost First

  In ARC Raiders Frozen Trail, Outpost should be your top priority - once you complete specific projects, it becomes accessible, and Workshop relocates there.

  One quest requires you to take a camera to Bluegate and photograph Ruined Homestead, followed by dealing damage to Bully enemies and flying ARC units. Completing this allows you to expand Outpost and build a Research Bench.

  Construction materials include 35 Planks, 5 Battered Paperbacks, and 3 Mini Pumps. You can gather these more easily in areas like Observatory and Supermarket at Pendola Pass, where Raider containers are plentiful.

  After building Research Bench, you'll need to continue upgrading Outpost to unlock higher-level features.

  

  Research Bench and Blueprints

  Research Bench relies on Research Points, which you earn by turning in various ARC Raiders items - such as Frigot Diagnostic Node and ARC Data Module - yielding 1,000 and 200 points, respectively.

  So, when scavenging, don't be too quick to sell off junk items you deem useless; check first to see if Research Bench needs them. It facilitates blueprint crafting, design crafting, and Amplified research.

  Blueprint crafting - one of the most attractive features of Frozen Trail - allows you to research and learn almost any blueprint in the game, freeing you from total reliance on random drops.

  Design crafting involves Lootable “Design” items found in the world, which are used to unlock craftable furniture.

  Amplified research, meanwhile, requires your Outpost and Research Bench to reach higher levels, making it a mid-to-late-game objective in Frozen Trail.

  For now, your best strategy is to select a primary weapon you use frequently and invest your Research Points into it to secure a strong start, then explore other research options that interest you later.

  For players who enjoy collecting and long-term planning, this area will probably become the first place you check whenever you log into the game.

  

  Pendola Pass

  The new map, Pendola Pass, is the centerpiece of this update. It introduces Dynamic Loot Zone system: the value of a specific area fluctuates from match to match, even though the zone type remains constant (e.g., a residential area stays residential, but the potential yield changes).

  This means that relying on fixed routes in ARC Raiders is no longer a sure bet; players must be flexible and adjust their scavenging order accordingly.

  While new enemies like Bully, Skulker, and Hydra will alter the pace of our encounters, the addition of new weapons - Bantam and Stiletto - means we can look forward to some truly thrilling battles against them.

  When the player count is high, try to avoid the most popular drop zones; instead, gather resources on the outskirts before venturing into the core areas.

  

  Action Plan for New and Returning Players

  If you are a returning player, start by unlocking Outpost-related missions and building your Research Bench, then embark on your adventure in the new Pendola Pass map.

  Of course, you can also pick up missions along the way and progress while scavenging; there is no need to grind the same map repeatedly just because Pendola Pass is new content.

  Completing more missions will streamline your acquisition of Research Points and blueprint progression.

  However, always keep an eye on Dynamic Loot Zones while scavenging - don't get locked into a single, unchanging route. Teaming up helps reduce PvP risks and allows you to deal with Bullies, Skulkers, and Hydras more efficiently.

  If you are a new player, rushing into high-value zones right now isn't a wise move; you're better off focusing on quests first. Once your Research Bench starts producing, your gear will become much more stable, giving you the confidence needed to farm effectively in the game.

  We can anticipate a surge in the player count following the launch of Frozen Trail; the current 109,000 concurrent players might just be the beginning.

  This is a chance for everyone to get a fresh start in ARC Raiders. With fast matchmaking and plenty of squads active right now, go ahead and unlock your Outpost, build your Research Bench, and start uncovering the surprises that await in Frozen Trail!

• ARC Raiders Frozen Trail 2.0 Weapon Mods Guide | How To Choose the Right Upgrades?

  ARC Raiders Frozen Trail 2.0 is now live. In addition to the new Pendola Pass map, the official team has also made several adjustments to the skill tree and weapon mods.

  The changes to weapon mods are relatively minor, but many players may have been away from ARC Raiders for a while and become less familiar with its weapons. Let's take a closer look at what each weapon mod does in Frozen Trail 2.0 and which weapons benefit most from it.

  

  Spread Control Weapon Mods

  • Compensator I / II / III
  • Padded Stock
  • Shotgun Choke I / II / III
  • Stable Stock I / II / III

  Several weapon mods in the game affect spread in four ways: base spread, maximum firing spread, spread per shot, and spread recovery time.

  Maximum firing spread refers to how far your accuracy cone can expand during sustained fire. Some weapons also move upward or shift from side to side as you shoot, making it harder to land hits on enemies.

  Spread recovery time determines how long your crosshair takes to return to its original level of stability.

  For ARC Raiders weapon mods listed above, prioritize high-fire-rate weapons, burst-fire weapons, and fully automatic firearms. During sustained fire, spread accumulates and makes subsequent shots less likely to land accurately.

  Shotguns require a distinction between regular bullet spread and pellet spread. If you prefer close-range combat, you may not actually need to equip a Shotgun Choke.

  Bobcat, Stitcher, and Torrente are among the best candidates for these mods because they benefit from maintaining continuous fire.

  Bullet Velocity Mods

  • Extended Barrel I / II / III

  Extended Barrel is essentially the only weapon mod that directly increases bullet velocity, allowing your shots to reach their targets more quickly.

  It works best on weapons that need to hit moving targets at medium to long range or have relatively slow projectile speeds. It increases bullet velocity and damage falloff range. However, Extended Barrel III also increases vertical recoil by 15%, so it is generally better suited to weapons that can compensate for the additional recoil.

  Anvil, Bettina, and Kettle are good candidates for this mod. If you prefer sniping, Ferro and Osprey are also worth considering.

  

  Recoil Control Mods

  • Muzzle Brake I / II / III
  • Vertical Grip I / II / III
  • Angled Grip I / II / III
  • Horizontal Grip
  • Padded Stock
  • Stable Stock I / II / III

  When managing recoil, pay attention to horizontal recoil, vertical recoil, and recoil recovery time.

  Horizontal and vertical recoil are fairly straightforward. They describe the directions in which your weapon moves when firing, whether the muzzle kicks upward or shifts from side to side.

  Recoil recovery time measures how long it takes your weapon's aim to return to its original target position. This is somewhat similar to spread recovery time.

  In ARC Raiders, the weapons that benefit most from recoil control mods are generally high-fire-rate, fully automatic firearms that need to land consecutive hits. Examples include Bobcat, Stitcher, Tempest, and Bettina.

  When choosing a weapon mod, consider whether your firearm's main weakness is vertical recoil, horizontal recoil, or its ability to recover quickly after sustained fire.

  Weapon Equip and Unequip Time

  • Lightweight Stock: Reduces equip and unequip time.

  Some weapon mods come with drawbacks. Stable Stock III is one example. Although it significantly improves recoil control and spread recovery time, it also increases weapon equip and unequip time.

  If you frequently switch between your primary and secondary weapons, the faster weapon handling provided by Lightweight Stock can be useful. However, if you stick to a single weapon most of the time, this benefit will have little impact on your gameplay.

  Noise Reduction

  

  • Silencer I / II / III
  • Shotgun Silencer

  Silencers are the weapon mods designed to reduce gunfire noise. They do not make your shots completely silent, but they can significantly reduce the sound of gunfire. During PvP encounters, this may make it easier for other players to overlook your shots.

  If you frequently loot while staying stealthy and want to avoid attracting other players or ARC enemies, prioritize compatible Silencer mods.

  Players who prefer stealthy engagements or like to ambush nearby enemies while staying hidden may find silencers particularly useful. Osprey, Ferro, and Kettle users can all benefit from equipping compatible silencers.

  ADS Speed

  • Lightweight Stock

  ADS speed refers to how quickly you can aim down your weapon's sights. Mods such as Vertical Grip III and Stable Stock III can reduce ADS speed.

  If you frequently lose close-range PvP encounters because your opponents aim faster, Lightweight Stock is worth considering. However, if sustained firing stability matters more to you, weigh the benefits of faster aiming against the need for recoil control.

  Magazine Capacity

  • Extended Light Mag I / II / III
  • Extended Medium Mag I / II / III
  • Extended Shotgun Mag I / II / III

  The purpose of these mods is straightforward: they allow your weapon to hold more ammunition in a single magazine. Some weapons, such as Ventor, are already deadly enough on their own, but a larger magazine gives you a chance to eliminate more enemies before reloading.

  If your weapon has a small magazine, the time needed to reload can be fatal when you fail to eliminate an enemy immediately.

  Unless you can land every shot with 100% accuracy, having a few extra rounds in your magazine can sometimes make the difference between victory and defeat.

  Overall, Extended Magazine mods are best suited to weapons with high fire rates, small magazines, or a frequent need for sustained damage output. They reduce the number of reloads required during combat and lower the risk of being caught off guard while reloading.

  Light-ammunition weapons such as Bobcat and Stitcher are well suited to sustained close-range fire. Increasing their magazine capacity lets you spend less time reloading during prolonged firefights, making these mods particularly useful when pushing enemies or fighting at point-blank range.

  One notable mod is Anvil Splitter. Originally, it was a legendary Tech Mod in ARC Raiders designed exclusively for Anvil hand cannon. It split a single bullet into four weaker projectiles.

  However, following Frozen Trail 2.0 update, Anvil Splitter has been transformed into Amplified Fragments and will no longer appear as a weapon mod.

  Every weapon in ARC Raiders has its weaknesses, and weapon mods allow you to address those shortcomings and tailor each firearm to your preferred playstyle.

• ARC Raiders Frozen Trail Brings a Major Skill Tree Overhaul: New Decision Nodes Make Every Choice Matter

  In Frozen Trail, the largest update in ARC Raiders' history, the skill tree underwent a revolutionary overhaul. The new skill tree is no longer simply a stacking of passive stats; it introduces critical decision points, active skills, and entirely new progression paths, forcing each Raider to plan their progression more carefully.

  Overview of Changes

  

  Previously, ARC Raiders' skill tree allowed players to unlock almost all skills through continuous leveling, leading to homogenized builds and a lack of true strategic depth in skill selection.

  Frozen Trail completely changed this logic. After the update, players can acquire a total of 76 skill points from level 0 to 75. However, the three skill branches - Conditioning, Mobility, and Survival - each require well over a third of the total points, meaning players cannot max out all three branches simultaneously and must make true specialization choices.

  An even more significant innovation lies in the introduction of decision points. Each branch features a choice between two skills in the mid-game and a final choice at the end: in the mid-game, players must choose one from two skills, while in the final choice, they must choose from three. These decision points often offer skill changes with mechanics rather than simple numerical bonuses.

  This means player choices will more directly impact the actual combat experience and indirectly affect gear and resource planning in raids. Players will need to reconsider the combination of weapons, consumables, and other ARC Raiders items based on their skill build, rather than simply pursuing the highest benefit on the skill tree.

  Meanwhile, many previously considered low-value skills have been replaced or reworked. The design director admitted in an interview that the skill tree wasn't perfect, and the Frozen Trail skill tree rework is a direct response to this issue. All players will receive a free reset upon update release, allowing them to re-plan their Raider strategy.

  The New Look of the Three Branches

  The new skill tree retains the basic framework of the three branches, but the core gameplay of each branch has been redefined. The key changes and new skills for each branch are broken down below.

  Mobility Branch: Parkour and Stamina Management

  

  Mobility branch gains a host of new skills in Frozen Trail centered around vertical movement and stamina management. The most notable new addition is Sprinting on Fumes - when your stamina is completely depleted during a sprint, you can continue sprinting indefinitely as long as you don't stop moving, at the cost of a longer stamina recovery period after stopping.

  This skill is extremely aggressive in practice, allowing players to maintain sustained high speed to overwhelm opponents or quickly traverse open areas, but requires precise timing for braking.

  Another option is Wall Run - running several steps upwards along a wall while sprinting at full speed. Combined with the existing Vault Spring and Vaults on Vaults on Vaults from the Mobility branch, players can achieve incredibly smooth parkour combos.

  Vault Spring allows for jumps at the end of vaults, while Vaults on Vaults on Vaults eliminates stamina consumption when vaulting; the combination allows for rapid repositioning in complex terrain.

  In addition, Mobility branch's decision nodes include In the Flow - connecting different maneuvers (vaulting, sliding, jumping, etc.) during a sprint increases speed and reduces stamina consumption, encouraging players to execute flashy movement combos.

  Conditioning Branch: Direct Combat and Resource Management

  The new skills in Conditioning branch lean more towards direct combat and weight management. The two choices at the decision nodes are Mule's Gallop and Back on Your Feet. The former allows players to maintain sprinting ability while over-encumbered, while the latter automatically restores health to a certain maximum when health drops below a danger level. These two skills cater to two distinct playstyles: the greedy carrying style and the survival-oriented, error-tolerant style.

  Another noteworthy set of skills in the Conditioning branch are Weapon Bash and Bull Rush. ​​Weapon Bash allows players to use their currently equipped weapon for melee attacks, while Bull Rush knocks the player and ARC away while sprinting with their weapon sheathed.

  These two skills provide more close-quarters combat options for physical-based Raiders. Security Breach, a core skill originally located at the end of Survival branch, has been moved to Conditioning branch. Players need to invest sufficient points in Conditioning to unlock the ability to activate Security Lockers.

  Survival Branch: Looting Efficiency and Battlefield Maintenance

  The new skills in Survival branch focus on enhancing loot acquisition and equipment maintenance capabilities. At the end of the branch, players have three capstone skills to choose from, but the second capstone skill is only unlocked after maximizing Survival to 40 points.

  • Road Warrior increases the amount of ammunition and ARC Power Cells obtained from ARC enemies and allows for full-efficiency recycling during raids.
  • Nomadic Crafting significantly expands the variety of craftable items in field crafting - the ability to directly craft ammunition and ziplines during raids will revolutionize resource management.
  • Field Repair allows for the repair of weapons, shields, and equipment during raids, restoring up to 30% durability, making it almost essential for players venturing deep behind enemy lines for extended periods.

  

  Furthermore, Quick Roll, as a new gating node option, offers a shorter but faster dodge roll with lower stamina consumption, providing a flexible and tactical alternative to the original Minesweeper.

  A New Logic for Skill Migration and Build Planning

  Frozen Trail skill tree rework wasn't simply about adding new skills and removing old ones; it involved a systematic redistribution of the entire skill tree. Some skills previously in the Mobility branch were migrated to Conditioning or Survival, and vice versa.

  For example, Crawl Before You Walk moved from Mobility to Conditioning, while Fight or Flight moved from Conditioning to Mobility. Sturdy Ankles moved from Mobility to Survival, and Gentle Pressure moved from Conditioning to Survival.

  These migrations may seem scattered, but they follow an underlying logic: Mobility branch focuses on pure movement efficiency and stamina management, Conditioning branch focuses on carrying capacity, survival, and direct combat, and Survival branch coordinates looting efficiency and battlefield resource circulation.

  

  Summary

  Frozen Trail skill tree rework marks a significant step forward in ARC Raiders' character progression design. From a system where everyone can max out every skill point to one requiring specialization and strategic choices, from passive stat stacking to active skill selection, this new system makes every skill point allocation more meaningful.

  For veteran players, the free reset opportunity is an excellent chance to re-evaluate their build; for new players, a skill tree that emphasizes strategic depth means a richer progression experience.