The release of the latest Arc Raiders update, titled "Frozen Trail," has introduced a flurry of new objectives for players to navigate across the game’s increasingly dangerous environments. Among the most prominent of these new challenges is the "Tracks of the Beast" quest, a multi-stage mission that demands both tactical awareness and efficient movement across the map. As players venture into the wintry landscape of Pendola Pass, they are tasked with a specific series of objectives that must be completed within a single deployment to ensure full mission success.
For those looking to secure the rewards offered by Shani, the "Tracks of the Beast" quest serves as an excellent introduction to the mechanics of the new update. The mission is multifaceted, requiring players to scout specific landmarks, track down hostile entities, and successfully extract with high-value loot. Successfully executing this mission in one round is the primary challenge, as failure to return to the extraction point before death or map expiration will result in the loss of progress for that specific session.
Understanding the Objectives and Geographic Requirements
"Tracks of the Beast" consists of six distinct objectives, though it is important for players to note that not all are strictly mandatory for the base completion. The core of the mission requires visiting the Northern Tracks and the destroyed station known as Almatera Station, alongside the tactical requirement to ping a Bully and a Skulker. While these four tasks form the baseline for mission completion, the quest offers significant additional rewards for those who go the extra mile by eliminating specific enemies and successfully extracting their loot.
The Northern Tracks are located on the northern periphery of Pendola Pass. Navigating this area requires caution, as the open nature of the railway tracks leaves players vulnerable to both environmental hazards and patrolling hostiles. The tracks themselves extend southward, and the game registers the objective as complete once the player enters the designated northern zone. Because this area can be a hotspot for activity, players are advised to approach with caution, utilizing cover where possible.
The second mandatory location, the destroyed Almatera Station, sits in a critical position relative to other points of interest on the map. It is situated directly adjacent to Porta Benvenuti and the Frozen River. Once a player crosses the threshold into the ruins of the station, the game will automatically register the visit. Given its proximity to high-traffic zones, players should be prepared for potential skirmishes with other survivors or automated threats that frequent the area surrounding the river.
Tactical Engagement with the Bully and Skulker
Beyond the environmental exploration, the quest forces players to engage with the unique ecosystem of Arc Raiders. Pinging a Bully and a Skulker is essential to the mission’s progression. These enemies are commonly found throughout the Pendola Pass region, but they present very different tactical considerations.
The Bully, in particular, is an enemy that demands respect. It is highly recommended that players maintain a degree of separation from the Bully while attempting to mark it. Once a Bully detects a player, it is notoriously persistent, often pursuing targets with a tenacity that can derail an entire mission. By pinging the enemy from a distance—or while concealed—players can complete the objective without initiating an unnecessary and dangerous confrontation.
The Skulker, conversely, plays a role in the optional, yet highly rewarding, portion of the quest. Players are tasked with finding and defeating three Skulkers to secure a Skulker Targeter. This item acts as the "loot" portion of the quest. If a player successfully eliminates these targets and manages to extract with at least one Skulker Targeter in their inventory, they unlock the maximum tier of rewards provided by Shani.
Rewards and Strategic Value
Completing the primary objectives of "Tracks of the Beast" provides a significant boost to a player’s progression, offering 5,000 XP, three showstoppers, and a valuable grappling hook. The grappling hook is a versatile tool that can drastically alter a player’s mobility, allowing for quicker escapes and better positioning during combat encounters.
However, the incentive to complete the optional objectives is substantial. By returning to Shani with the Skulker Targeter in hand, players are not only allowed to keep the item for their own inventory but are also granted a bonus wolfpack grenade. Given the recent changes to the game’s crafting economy, which have made such items more difficult and resource-intensive to produce, receiving these tactical assets as a quest reward is a major advantage for any player looking to optimize their loadout for future expeditions.
The "Frozen Trail" update has shifted the focus of Arc Raiders toward more cohesive, mission-driven gameplay. The "Tracks of the Beast" quest is a prime example of this design philosophy, encouraging players to explore the map’s corners, learn the behavioral patterns of the local fauna and machines, and manage the risks associated with carrying valuable loot back to safety. By balancing the need for speed—to complete all objectives in one round—with the caution required to survive encounters with dangerous foes, players can turn this mission into a reliable source of gear and experience. As the community continues to adapt to the environmental and mechanical changes introduced in this latest update, mastering missions like this will be essential for staying competitive in the hazardous world of Arc Raiders.
