Arc Raiders update 2.0 lets players turn off the glowing elements on their backpacks, open the map while downed, and make use of a larger stash. PC Gamer also reports that the Frozen Trails update added snowy mountains and a grappling hook.

What kind of game is it?

Arc Raiders is an extraction shooter. The source describes scavenging for supplies in a harsh, frozen environment, where unfamiliar players you encounter may attack, although they will not necessarily do so. This means that at least part of the experience revolves around the uncertainty of encountering other people and trying to remain unnoticed.

What did Frozen Trails and update 2.0 add?

The Frozen Trails update introduced snowy mountains and a grappling hook. The source mentions the hook as a tool that can be used when trying to escape. However, it provides no further information about its controls, possible uses, or the structure of the new environment.

Alongside these additions, update 2.0 includes many smaller changes. The confirmed changes are as follows:

• the glowing elements on backpacks can be turned on or off;
• the map can now be opened even when the character is downed;
• the maximum stash capacity without expedition bonuses is now 328;
• new contextual character animations have been added;
• the character’s mouth moves when speaking through proximity voice chat;
• a character who has been sprinting at full speed for some time now looks more exhausted.

The source also mentions bug fixes, but does not describe them in greater detail. Based on this information alone, it is therefore impossible to assess how many issues were resolved or what the game’s current technical state is.

Why is the backpack light toggle more than a cosmetic detail?

The option to turn off the glowing elements on backpacks may sound like a minor change, but it is directly related to visibility. The source discusses this feature in the context of scavenging for supplies and the possibility of being spotted. However, it provides no comparisons or measurements that would support the claim that turning off the lights offers a specific competitive advantage.

Most importantly, the glowing elements were not simply removed. Players can choose whether to display them. Those who want to retain the backpack’s visual effect can keep it, while those who prefer a less conspicuous character can turn the lights off. It is a small quality-of-life change that provides more choice.

The map and a larger stash

Following update 2.0, the map can be opened while the character is downed. The source does not explain what effect this has in specific situations, so the feature should not be credited with any unconfirmed tactical advantages. The only confirmed detail is that a downed player can now open the map.

The maximum stash capacity has also been increased. Without expedition bonuses, it is now 328. Because the source does not state the previous limit, it is impossible to say precisely how substantial this increase is. Only the new maximum value can be confirmed, not its practical impact on every player.

New character animations

Part of the work in update 2.0 focuses on how characters react to the actions they perform. A character who has been sprinting at full speed for some time should now look more exhausted. Their mouth also moves when proximity voice chat is used. These changes add more character reactions to sprinting and speaking through proximity voice chat.

Player count and the free weekend

PC Gamer reported that, at the time of publication, Arc Raiders’ average player count had risen considerably, with the free weekend taking place at the time cited as the likely reason for this growth.