New Feature: Cargo Balloons
Strongholds now feature a new extraction objective that allows Hunters to secure valuable loot.
Cargo Balloons can be found at Strongholds and can be used to extract Cargo Crates and Bounty Tokens. To launch a balloon, Hunters must first inflate it using the attached hydrogen gas tanks.
Inflating the Balloon
Each Cargo Balloon is connected to three gas tanks via a network of hoses. Interacting with a tank’s valve opens the flow of gas and contributes to the inflation process.
Inflation speed depends on the number of open valves:
- 1 crank open: 12 minutes
- 2 cranks open: 6 minutes
- 3 cranks open: 4 minutes
Distinct hissing sounds can be heard from the hose junction connecting the canisters to the Cargo Balloon both when the inflation is at 50% and again at 100%. Once the balloon is fully inflated, it becomes ready for launch and can be released through a direct interaction with it (while not holding eligible cargo).
Loading Cargo
Hunters can load loot onto a Cargo Balloon at any time. While carrying eligible cargo, interact with the balloon to add it to the payload.
Each Cargo Balloon can carry:
- Up to 4 Cargo Crates
- 1 Bounty Token stored in a dedicated Bounty Canister
Launching a Cargo Balloon successfully extracts all loaded cargo. However, loading cargo does not reserve ownership of the rewards. The extracted loot is awarded only to the team that successfully releases the balloon.
New Cargo Crates
The following Cargo Crates have been added and can be found scattered across the entire Stronghold:
- Scarce Ammo Cargo Crate
- Hunt Dollar Cargo Crate
- Weapon Cargo Crate
Each crate type can appear in either a Standard or Worn variant. The condition of the crate influences the quality of the rewards contained within.
Cargo Crate Rewards:
- Worn Scarce Ammo Cargo Crate - Rewards players with 1 instance of a random Scarce Ammo type
- Standard Scarce Ammo Cargo Crate - Rewards players with 2 instances of a particular Scarce Ammo type. The ammo type is mentioned as part of the interaction prompt, ex: Dumdum/Shredder Ammo, Explosive Ammo, etc.
- Worn Hunt Dollar Cargo Crate - Rewards players with 100 Hunt Dollars
- Standard Hunt Dollar Cargo Crate - Rewards players with 250 Hunt Dollars
- Worn Weapon Cargo Crate - Rewards players with a random pistol, rifle, and shotgun. These weapons are not considered contraband.
- Scarce Weapon Cargo Crate - Rewards players with an instance of a particular scarce weapon. The scarce weapon is specified in the interaction prompt, ex: Shredder, Flame Rifle, etc.
Counterplay
Cargo Balloons can be disrupted by enemy Hunters.
Damaging an active gas tank valve forces it closed, stopping the flow of hydrogen from that gas tank. Coordinated attacks can significantly delay inflation progress and prevent a balloon from being launched before rival teams arrive.
Cargo Balloons create new opportunities for risk-versus-reward gameplay in the Stronghold, encouraging teams to defend valuable cargo while remaining vulnerable to attacks from enemy Hunters.
New Story Challenges
With Update 2.8.1, we are introducing two brand-new permanent Story Challenges to the game: The Regiment’s Last Stand (Free) and Let Us Prey (Premium).
The Regiment’s Last Stand (Free)
“Otis, if you find this, SEND HELP. Though God knows who could help us now, or would want to.” - Ambrose Hazen
The Regiment’s Last Stand is a brand-new permanent, free Story Challenge that focuses on the gruesome events of Road to Hell and is narrated by Ambrose Hazen. Among other rewards, this Story Challenge brings some past Hunter models back to the game in the shape of Ambrose Hazen: Enlisted, Ambrose Hazen: Officer as well as Otis Blackwell: Warhorse.
The Regiment’s Last Stand will be available to all players for free starting July 2nd, 2026 at 08:00 UTC.
Structure Overview
- Permanent
- Chapters: 4
- Rewards: 8
- Otis Blackwell: Warhorse (Hunter, Avatar)
- Ambrose Hazen: Officer (Hunter, Avatar)
- Ambrose Hazen: Enlisted (Hunter)
- Intrinsic Sin: Precision (Uppercut Precision)
- Earned Their Stripes (Title)
- Buckle Up (Charm)
- Otis Blackwell: Warhorse (Hunter, Avatar)
Let Us Prey (Premium)
“Someday, you’ll learn. But that will only happen when I decide it’s time to teach you.” - Marrow Hawk
Let Us Prey is a brand-new, permanent premium Story Challenge that focuses on the thrill of the hunt seen through the eyes of the apex predator known as Marrow Hawk. This Story Challenge features a dozen cosmetic rewards for you to unlock and enjoy, including Marrow Hawk (Legendary Hunter) or the gruesome Baneful Snarl (Sparks).
Let Us Prey will be available for purchase in the game at a later point in Update 2.8.1.
Structure Overview
- Permanent
- Chapters: 4
- Rewards: 11
- Marrow Hawk (Legendary Hunter, Avatar, Frame)
- Baneful Snarl (Sparks, Sparks Sniper, Sparks Silencer)
- Primal Promise (Throwing Spear)
- Stag Breaker (Bomb Launcher)
- Marrow Drinker (Badge)
- Incisors (Charm)
- Eye on the Target (Equipment Animation for the Throwing Spear)
- Marrow Hawk (Legendary Hunter, Avatar, Frame)
“Corrupted Cargo” Community Event
Backstory
When the 26th Regiment arrived in the bayou, they thought they could make easy work of the Corruption, clean up the area, and return home heroes. Instead, they faced a waking nightmare. Their leaders succumbed to the chaos and madness, becoming twisted versions of themselves, and many were massacred. Now, only a few determined soldiers remain, hopeful they can still make a difference. Using the balloon that once provided their Regiment with supplies, get as many Bounty Tokens out of the area as possible. Earn the goodwill of Desolation’s Delegate—who funded the 26th Regiment’s mission for reasons of his own—by extracting bounties and other loot via balloon. The Delegate will make sure your hard work is rewarded.
The Event mainly focuses on extracting cargo from the Stronghold with the Cargo Balloons, with each activity below giving you points. The quicker the points rack up, the quicker the rewards unlock!
Points System
Every extract counts toward the collective effort. A certain number of points can be earned for completing the following actions:
- Extract with a Bounty Token via Cargo Balloon - 5 pts
- Extract with a Bounty Token - 2 pts
- Extract with any Cargo Crate - 1 pts
Rewards
The rewards up for grabs are as follows:
- Stage 1: 5,000 Hunt Dollars & 2,000 Event Points
- Stage 2: 5,000 Hunt Dollars, 2,000 Event Points & Ceremonial Remedy (Recovery Shot)
- Stage 3: 5,000 Hunt Dollars, 2,000 Event Points & Player Profile Card Title “The Patron”
The redeem codes for these rewards will only be available for a limited amount of time so make sure to keep an eye out on our website and our social media for when the rewards are unlocked for each stage.
Happy Hunting!
