ARC Raiders Update 1.45 Patch Breakdown: Ascending the Mountain, Frozen Trail Prep, Merits Rewards & Glitched Wasps

Summary:

ARC Raiders launches live Update 1.45, the final major live patch before the October 8 Frozen Trail map release. This update introduces the “Ascending the Mountain” radar project that builds lore for reaching the new frozen region, retires the Cred currency, adds community-designed rubber duck cosmetics, unlocks the Hornet Hunter outfit set, and rolls out dozens of gameplay, UI, and crash fixes. Players preparing for the next major update can also check out ARC Raiders Items to help get ready for the Frozen Trail launch. A smaller interim patch is also planned before Frozen Trail arrives in one month.

1. ARC Raiders Update 1.45 Sets Up Frozen Trail

ARC Raiders Update 1.45 is now live, arriving exactly one month before the Frozen Trail update on October 8, 2026. While this patch does not introduce a massive amount of playable content, it makes several important system changes and adds new lore that points toward how Raiders will reach the new mountain region.

The biggest addition is the Radar Project: Ascending the Mountain. Radar efforts have detected mysterious Phantom ARC signals beyond the current tube network, creating a major transportation problem for the settlement.

Apollo is reportedly working on an experimental solution, and the project strongly suggests that Raiders will eventually travel toward Frozen Trail through the air rather than using the existing underground transportation system.

The project rewards include various crafting materials, equipment-related items, keys and a unique Hot Air Balloon Charm, making the reward track especially interesting for players following the Frozen Trail storyline.

2. Cred Currency Expires on October 8

One of the most important practical changes is the retirement of Cred.

Players can continue spending their existing Cred until October 8, but any remaining currency will expire when Frozen Trail launches. Raider Deck rewards that players have already claimed will remain permanently unlocked.

This means there is little reason to save Cred indefinitely.

Before October 8, players should:

Spend remaining Cred with Shiny.

Claim any outstanding Raider Deck rewards.

Avoid entering Frozen Trail with unused Cred.

Complete relevant progression before the currency disappears.

The developers are replacing the current system with a more expansive reward structure alongside the Frozen Trail update.

3. Expedition 5 Is More Flexible

Update 1.45 also introduces changes to Expedition 5, making preparation considerably more convenient.

Starting an Expedition no longer automatically resets quests. Players can now decide whether they want to reset their quest progress when departing.

That is a meaningful quality-of-life improvement, especially for players who still have unfinished objectives or want to optimize their progression before committing to an Expedition.

Because Expedition 5 is also the final Expedition before the planned break until early 2027, players should pay close attention to its rewards and preparation requirements.

4. Three Community Rubber Ducks Are Free

The update adds three community-designed rubber ducks to Bird City.

Players receive all three for free, including:

MRI Duck

Arcade Duck

Frosty Duck

They are primarily collectible rewards, but they also add another small personalization option for Raider Dens.

For collectors, there is no reason to skip these rewards because they are being distributed freely.

5. Gameplay Improvements You Should Notice

Update 1.45 contains several gameplay improvements that could have a noticeable effect during normal raids.

Landing on moving surfaces has been adjusted so players now follow the surface after landing instead of experiencing the previous awkward behavior while airborne. This should make interactions with flying ARC machines more predictable.

The quick-item system has also received a useful rebind option. Quick item cycling can now be assigned separately from the quick-use wheel, or cycling can be disabled entirely.

Other important changes include reduced Ailion weapon sway, fixes for ARC turbine mines that could not be pinged, and a fix for the Matriarch stomp damaging players through tall cover.

A new severe over-encumbrance state has also been introduced. Players carrying significantly more than their loadout weight limit can only walk, with sprinting and jumping disabled.

This could have a major impact on players attempting to move extremely heavy inventories, particularly when carrying large amounts of valuable equipment.

6. Unreal Engine 5.7 and More Technical Fixes

ARC Raiders has also been upgraded from Unreal Engine 5.3 to Unreal Engine 5.7.

The update includes multiple crash fixes, matchmaking improvements, better inventory feedback and UI adjustments. The loadout weight indicator now updates immediately when dropping items from a stack, while pickup prompts more clearly indicate when the inventory is full.

These changes are not flashy, but they should improve the overall stability and responsiveness of the game ahead of Frozen Trail.

7. Hornet Hunter Set and Store Updates

The new Hornet Hunter Set is the headline cosmetic addition, featuring a blue, white, beige and yellow color scheme with matching armor pieces and accessories.

The Craftsman Backpack is another notable cosmetic option, while the previously available Static Set has also returned to the store.

However, the most valuable free additions remain the three community rubber ducks because every player can obtain them without spending currency.

Final Verdict

ARC Raiders Update 1.45 is primarily a preparation patch rather than a major content drop. Its real importance comes from the systems and story setup for Frozen Trail.

The Radar Project provides the clearest indication yet of how Raiders may reach the new mountain region, while the removal of Cred gives players an immediate reason to clean up their remaining rewards and consider buy ARC Raiders Items before the Frozen Trail update arrives.

With October 8 only one month away, the best strategy is to spend your Cred, finish important Raider Deck rewards, prepare for Expedition 5, collect the three free ducks, and stockpile useful resources for Frozen Trail.

A smaller update is still planned before October 8, but Update 1.45 is effectively the final major live update before the next expansion chapter begins.