Ethan Crossfield 
Live-service games are increasingly balancing frequent community updates with larger seasonal releases, and ARC Raiders is taking a similar approach. Embark Studios has released Update 1.45 as the final live service patch before October's Frozen Trail expansion, adding a new project, making important progression changes, and laying the groundwork for the game's next major phase.
A smaller patch with a larger purpose
Update 1.45 follows a change in Embark's development strategy. The studio has moved away from monthly ARC Raiders updates, which proved difficult to sustain, while retaining a live team for limited-time events and smaller patches. A separate core group is now focused on larger updates planned for release twice each year.
That shift arrives as the game's player population appears to have fallen from its strong launch period. Frozen Trail is therefore carrying significant weight: Embark has described it as the biggest map yet, set in a snowy mountain region filled with facilities and new exploration opportunities.
Ascending the Mountain leads into Frozen Trail
The central addition in Update 1.45 is the Ascending the Mountain Raider Project, available until October 5. It continues Shani's recent storyline and provides a narrative explanation for how Raiders can reach the previously inaccessible northern zone, which is not connected to the current tube network.
Players must complete four pages of donations to earn rewards. The payout includes the Burletta pistol, attachments, Wolfpack grenades, blueprints, and other items. The patch also introduces the Hornet Hunter cosmetic set, while the Boonie outfit is scheduled to become available on September 15.
Creds are leaving, while progression is being rebuilt
One of the most important changes is not a new reward, but the removal of Creds. Embark plans to retire the currency when Frozen Trail launches on October 8. Players can spend their remaining Creds until then, and items already unlocked will remain usable.
Raider Decks will transfer into the replacement progression system, allowing players to keep unlocking rewards after Creds disappear. Embark has not yet revealed the full scope of that new system, but it is expected to be broader than the current setup.
What players should expect next
Frozen Trail is set to add more than a new location. Embark has also teased new ARC enemies, a difficult ARC operation, and a new progression system. The expedition mechanic, which functioned as an optional wipe, will not be available when the update arrives. The studio plans to bring it back in 2027 after making it more accessible to new players, easing its time requirements, and improving its rewards.
Beyond the content additions, Update 1.45 includes gameplay, stability, UI, and performance improvements. The game has been upgraded from Unreal Engine 5.3 to 5.7, and fixes address crashes, matchmaking failures, quick-item controls, weapon sway, moving-surface landings, and several ARC encounters.
Key points
- Update 1.45 is the final live service patch before Frozen Trail.
- Ascending the Mountain is available until October 5 and rewards weapons, attachments, grenades, and blueprints.
- Creds will be removed on October 8, while Raider Deck rewards move to a new system.
- Frozen Trail will introduce a large northern map, new ARC threats, an operation, and revised progression.
Important ARC Raiders dates
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| September 15 | Boonie outfit becomes available |
| October 5 | Ascending the Mountain Raider Project ends |
| October 8 | Frozen Trail launches and Creds are retired |
| 2027 | Expedition system is planned to return |
Expert View
Update 1.45 signals a deliberate reset for ARC Raiders rather than a routine content drop. Retiring Creds, transferring Raider Decks, and pausing expeditions give Embark room to redesign progression around a larger release. The immediate challenge will be converting Frozen Trail's map and systems into sustained engagement, particularly as the game works to rebuild momentum after its launch period.
