# Reward Passes: our new progression mechanic, explained

> **Open Intelligence Dossier** · First detected: 2026-09-28 18:00 UTC · Category: Technology

## Executive Summary
ARC Raiders is introducing Reward Passes and the 'Frozen Trail' update to overhaul progression and gameplay dynamics.

## Intelligence Brief
The developers of ARC Raiders are implementing a new progression mechanic known as Reward Passes, as detailed in a direct announcement from the official ARC Raiders channel. This update coincides with the upcoming launch of the 'Frozen Trail' update, which is scheduled to arrive on October 8. These changes represent a shift in how players advance through the game, coinciding with other structural modifications to the gameplay experience. The introduction of these passes is part of a broader strategy to redefine the progression loop for the player base. Coverage from Insider Gaming and PC Gamer highlights specific changes to the game's internal systems. Insider Gaming reports that Embark has provided explanations regarding the decision to remove Raider Decks from the game.


Simultaneously, PC Gamer notes that the developers are adjusting loot hotspots. The stated purpose of these adjustments to loot locations is to make the gaming experience more exciting for participants. Together, these reports from Insider Gaming, PC Gamer, and Inven Global paint a picture of a significant mechanical overhaul occurring across multiple fronts. Contextually, these changes indicate a move away from previous systems like the Raider Decks in favor of the Reward Pass model. The shift in loot hotspot management suggests that the developers are actively tweaking the environmental incentives to influence player movement and encounter rates. By removing certain legacy elements and introducing new progression tracks, the developers are attempting to refine the core loop of the game.


The timing of these announcements suggests a coordinated effort to prepare the community for the October 8 update. Looking forward, the primary milestone is the October 8 launch of the 'Frozen Trail' update. Observers will be watching to see how the community reacts to the removal of Raider Decks and the implementation of the new Reward Pass system. Further attention will likely be placed on whether the changes to loot hotspots successfully increase the excitement of the matches as intended by the developers. The effectiveness of these combined progression and loot changes will be evident once the 'Frozen Trail' content is live.

## Multi-Source Evidence Table
| Source Outlet | Headline | Verification URL |
|---|---|---|
| GamingBolt | ARC Raiders Introducing Dynamic Loot Zones With Frozen Trail’s Pendola Pass | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMingFBVV95cUxQSHF4ZVh5c1BKOG9wZW1pbDRDSkJLLVFLQjZwVEtRYzBVWG9nVm9tZWxlbS1ZRjF6Wi12VEVieV84ZXhVdzlnT2NSZm5WcHBMZk1VMjhCRnZsMjZOMWhmZmRRVjNzeVMtQWhoQmQxU1h2bFZ2eUNBNWhYUnV3TkNudTQ4dkVPLV9aODU3RnRWLVo2Z0kzenA2b1ZlVGdwQQ?oc=5) |
| gamesreviews.com | ARC Raiders’ Reward Pass Replaces Raider Decks Oct 8, Adds Paid Premium Tier | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMirAFBVV95cUxPNGZCWU9RZVFBNnI1ckRJTUJ2V1Q1UkFWNHRfUHB2M0diNGg3Nm9DTG1xbC1fNzRsOTdoS0xUOXhnbU5XZDdqdXVkeUdjaWdkRS03ZW5MWFExX2lmV1BRNEQ4cmJPQzJSRDJIQmwtMzI2amQzdlNXV01CYjVUTVdpcG9GdlotUWY0eGZvNmZsSDFNZl9YSVpJNloyTTlJWlR6QTNnV0NKQlhyTkxW?oc=5) |
| Inven Global | ARC Raiders to Launch 'Frozen Trail' Update on October 8 | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMingFBVV95cUxNcVJvbjFuT0F6UVJ1OVZQZVpqaUFmM1pEWF8xOUoxUFdXR0hTMnh0cGJUX1RUeThpcjM3SG1FTldyWVEtUVpPTTZ4UE5yeV9OS0p4T0podnluZHZXRkxXMElpWnhFT19fdGEyVDg0emFObERLbVFTY25IaUdJbTJFXzRCOGhrWUJTNi15UVQxT0h6dDhpUXZ1TUNSUXc2dw?oc=5) |
| Insider Gaming | Embark Explains Why It Removed Raider Decks From ARC Raiders | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMikgFBVV95cUxNYkpRSzZLb0FHUHlJei13RzBfbnpWUnZKMXpLZ3dNY2NoMkFZOE5jRE5BSGV2a3BtQ3dDYl9RMjN5Tk5kY3JoZERvUDcweFdXQjNWamJmVERZU184T3lTTzBYeno4RzJtSW0zaGxobV9DcVBEOGpjTnFaU09pUGd0ZU9PaFM3dHBsbEhyQlF0YXpFdw?oc=5) |
| PC Gamer | Arc Raiders is messing with your loot hotspots to make games more exciting | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMixAFBVV95cUxOaTFMTjlodEhhckwtT0duRkZGNHdFY2xKaXdGUjJJcW5hMTBEU09tVUV6OVVqMFg3SWlmUDBlQU5vYU5ESVd6T3VxZ1lQa1JUYmJTZXI5VHZ4Z2JPWUladXdEUUZHU2lmQ0VzbVAtOFljTzlwTjZENHJQbmlQY1pCenA1OGpLVXo3clpYQ1ZuWFNQUGZlQkRQSS1jUzZaSWVxemV3aHdIV21NT1R5a2dPcWcxc0dBSHA4LURWVkozOThHOVJW?oc=5) |
| ARC Raiders | Reward Passes: our new progression mechanic, explained | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiYkFVX3lxTFBDU0FhdkhXcTg3YXR3STI3ajJtQ0E3X1ZRaUpSZ2RyTXhUUmR0clk4TW9VSVY5eFJRVjZUdXlDLTQxSUdlQUtfa3ZyaDI4UG16Y2MtUHFPWF9EQ1p1OVJ1NHln?oc=5) |

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*Canonical Source: https://pulse.byoviral.com/trend/2026-09-28/reward-passes-our-new-progression-mechanic-explained*