Embark has deployed Live Update 1.45.0 for ARC Raiders, introducing a new Raider Project, the fifth Expedition, and a major engine upgrade — while signaling the end of the Cred currency ahead of the Frozen Trail update on October 8.
What changed: New Expedition 5, Raider Project, Hornet Hunter Set, and UE 5Unreal Engine. A widely-used commercial game engine from Epic Games; powers many large-studio (AAA) games. UE5 is the current generation..7 upgrade. Why it matters: Cred currency retires October 8; unspent Cred expires with Frozen Trail. Who should care: Active players holding Cred or progressing Raider Decks on PC, PS5, or Xbox.
Key Additions in 1.45.0
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Raider Project | “Ascending the Mountain” — investigates phantom ARC signals near the mountain range beyond the Tube system |
| Expedition 5 | Fifth Expedition now live |
| Hornet Hunter Set | New cosmetic set available |
| Community Rubber Ducks | Community-designed ducks by gekko.rar, im_AshCheeks, and nassguhl now placeable in Raider Dens at Bird City |
Cred Retirement & Reward System Rework
Cred remains spendable until October 8, at which point it expires alongside the launch of the Frozen Trail update. Embark is replacing Cred with a more expansive reward system tied to a Raider Deck rework. All previously claimed rewards carry over, and existing Raider Deck rewards will be available in the new system. Players should spend remaining Cred with Shani or on outstanding Raider Deck rewards before the deadline.
Performance & Stability
The most technically significant change is the Unreal Engine upgrade from version 5.3 to 5.7, which should yield general performance improvements across platforms. Stability fixes target:
- A PS5 crash occurring shortly after session start
- A crash triggered by rapid key presses during gameplay
- Squad soft-locks caused by sign-out and rejoin scenarios
Known issues persist on Xbox Series S (multiple crash cases under investigation), PC (crashes linked to Windows Update KB5121003), and Epic Games Store (keyboard input loss; recommended workaround is disabling overlays).
Gameplay Adjustments
Notable mechanical changes include a new severe over-encumbrance tier that locks players to walking when far exceeding loadout weight limits, separate keybinding for quick-item cycling, reduced weapon sway for the Aphelion, and a fix preventing Matriarch stomp damage through tall cover. Starting an Expedition no longer auto-resets quests by default.
Verdict
This is a transitional patch — content additions are modest, but the engine jump from UE 5.3 to 5.7 and the currency rework indicate Embark is laying infrastructure groundwork for the Frozen Trail update rather than front-loading features here.
Players holding Cred should spend it before October 8, when the Frozen Trail update launches the new reward system. Embark has confirmed a smaller interim update will arrive before then, though no specific date was provided.