The ARC Raiders Frozen Trail update has significantly changed how players use the Anvil hand cannon, retiring the original Anvil Splitter weapon mod and replacing it with an upgraded option for the Amplified Anvil. Released on October 8, 2026, the Frozen Trail update introduces new weapons, a new map, additional enemies and the Amplified Weapons system. According to Embark Studios' official patch notes, the original Splitter can no longer be equipped as a weapon mod.
For players who previously relied on Splitter rounds, this change affects weapon customization, inventory management and combat strategy. The updated Splitter path retains the ability to divide a powerful shot into multiple projectiles, while the supplied gameplay analysis indicates improved spread control and dispersion recovery.
This guide covers the ARC Raiders Anvil Splitter changes, its crafting requirements, legacy item recycling, combat performance and how to decide whether the Amplified upgrade suits your loadout.
ARC Raiders Anvil Splitter Changes Explained
The most important change in the Frozen Trail update is that the Anvil Splitter has transitioned from a standalone tech mod into an upgrade option for the Amplified Anvil.
Embark Studios also removed the Tech Mod slot from the standard Anvil. Existing Splitter items can no longer be equipped, although legacy copies remain temporarily available for selling or recycling into Amplified Fragments. These fragments are used in the Amplified Weapons system.
Anvil Splitter before and after Frozen Trail
| Feature | Original Anvil Splitter | Amplified Anvil Splitter |
|---|---|---|
| Item type | Standalone weapon mod | Amplified weapon upgrade |
| Compatible weapon | Standard Anvil | Amplified Anvil |
| Tech Mod slot | Required | No longer required on the base Anvil |
| Projectile behavior | Splits a shot into four projectiles | Retains the four-projectile cluster behavior |
| Accuracy and handling | Original handling characteristics | Reported improvements to spread control and recovery |
| Legacy item usability | Previously equippable | Cannot be equipped as the old mod |
| Recycling | Original mod item | Legacy copies can be recycled into Amplified Fragments |
The fundamental projectile-splitting mechanic remains the defining feature. Instead of concentrating the entire shot into one projectile, the Splitter distributes damage across a cluster of four weaker projectiles.
However, the new system changes how players access this functionality. Rather than equipping the old mod on a standard Anvil, players must pursue the Amplified weapon upgrade path.
What Changed in the Amplified Anvil Splitter?
The upgrade's main reported improvement is its handling behavior. According to the supplied gameplay reports, the revised Splitter improves dispersion control and helps the weapon recover more quickly after firing.
These changes matter because a multi-projectile weapon depends on getting enough projectiles to connect with the intended target. A wide spread can waste damage, particularly when the target is small or positioned farther away.
Key performance changes
| Mechanic | Reported effect | Practical benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Base dispersion | Improved spread control | Helps keep projectiles closer to the intended target |
| Aim-down-sights dispersion | Improved ADS accuracy | Makes aimed shots more consistent |
| Dispersion recovery | Faster recovery between shots | Supports more reliable follow-up shots |
| Projectile count | Four projectiles per shot | Preserves the cluster-shot mechanic |
| Individual projectile damage | Lower than a standard projectile | Makes concentrated hits and target selection important |
The reported handling improvements make the Amplified Splitter more attractive for close-range encounters, where the projectile cluster has a better chance of connecting with the target.
However, these characteristics should not be confused with a universal damage increase. The upgrade still has important limitations against heavily armored ARC enemies.
How to Unlock the Amplified Anvil Splitter
The supplied upgrade guide identifies 3 Turbine Compressors as the requirement for unlocking the Splitter upgrade path, without the Embedded Blast Engineering research requirement associated with X-Rounds.
This distinction makes the Splitter path appealing to players who want to experiment with an Amplified Anvil without first completing the additional research associated with the alternative upgrade.
Amplified Anvil Splitter requirements
| Requirement | Amplified Splitter | X-Rounds |
|---|---|---|
| Turbine Compressors | 3 | Not specified in the supplied information |
| Embedded Blast Engineering research | Not required, according to the supplied guide | Required |
| Fossilized Lightning | Not required, according to the supplied guide | 3 |
| Upgrade focus | Multiple projectiles and close-to-mid-range combat | Alternative ammunition and precision-oriented use |
Important: These material requirements come from the supplied upgrade-guide information rather than the official Frozen Trail patch notes. Check the current in-game Amplified Weapons menu before spending resources, as recipes and requirements can change between updates.
What Should You Do With Old Anvil Splitter Items?
Players who already own the original Anvil Splitter do not need to keep it for weapon customization. The old mod can no longer be equipped, but Embark Studios confirmed that legacy copies can be sold or recycled into Amplified Fragments.
This makes inventory management an important part of adapting to the update.
Legacy Anvil Splitter inventory options
| Action | Result | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|
| Recycle | Converts the legacy item into Amplified Fragments | Players upgrading or maintaining Amplified Weapons |
| Sell | Converts the item into its applicable sale value | Players who prefer immediate inventory value |
| Keep temporarily | Preserves the item without restoring its old functionality | Players who want to delay the decision |
The supplied item data lists five Amplified Fragments for recycling a legacy Anvil Splitter. Verify the displayed yield in your current inventory before processing the item.
For players who regularly collect ARC Raiders Items, this is a useful reminder to review obsolete equipment after major balance updates. Items that once occupied valuable storage space may become crafting resources when their original functionality is retired.
ARC Raiders Amplified Anvil Splitter Performance Against Different Enemies
The Splitter's effectiveness depends heavily on the target. Its multi-projectile behavior can be useful against exposed components and flying enemies, but the reduced damage of individual projectiles limits its suitability against dense armor.
The following comparison reflects the supplied gameplay analysis rather than independently verified damage testing.
| Target type | Reported effectiveness | Recommended strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Flying ARC enemies: Wasps, Hornets and Rocketeers | Strong potential for knockback and attack interruption | Aim carefully at closer targets and use shots to disrupt their attacks |
| Exposed weak points and vulnerable components | High burst potential when multiple projectiles connect | Engage at close range, ideally under 10 meters |
| Lightly armored targets | Situationally effective | Prioritize consistent hits and avoid wasting shots at excessive range |
| Heavy armor and bosses: Queen, Matriarch and Surveyor | Less suitable for penetrating dense armor | Consider the standard Anvil or an alternative armor-focused weapon build |
1. Flying ARC enemies
The Amplified Splitter may be particularly useful against flying ARC units such as Wasps, Hornets and Rocketeers.
According to the supplied analysis, each projectile applies its own knockback effect. A successful cluster hit can therefore disrupt an enemy's movement or attack animation.
The practical objective is not necessarily to eliminate every flying enemy in one shot. Interrupting an attack can create time to reposition, take cover or finish the target with another weapon.
2. Exposed weak points
The Splitter can deliver substantial burst damage when all four projectiles hit a vulnerable component.
The supplied performance estimates suggest that a fully connected cluster can produce roughly 120% of the standard Anvil's single-shot damage in the relevant scenario. Treat this figure as an estimate, not a universal damage multiplier: actual results depend on projectile registration, hit location and target resistance.
For more consistent results, engage at close range and aim directly at exposed weak points. Crouching may also help with weapon stability, depending on the game's current handling behavior.
3. Heavy armor and boss encounters
The Splitter is less attractive when the main objective is breaking heavy armor.
Because its damage is divided among multiple weaker projectiles, the weapon may struggle to deliver the concentrated impact needed against heavily armored targets. The Queen, Matriarch and Surveyor are examples of encounters where selecting an armor-focused alternative may be more effective.
Players building a loadout around boss damage should evaluate the standard Anvil and X-Rounds alongside the Amplified Splitter rather than assuming the multi-projectile upgrade is universally stronger.
Amplified Anvil Splitter vs. Standard Anvil vs. X-Rounds
Choosing between the available weapon options comes down to the target and the role you want the Anvil to fill.
| Feature | Amplified Anvil Splitter | Standard Anvil | X-Rounds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary characteristic | Four-projectile cluster | Concentrated standard shot | Alternative ammunition upgrade |
| Best potential use | Close-range bursts and disruption | General-purpose precision | Alternative damage specialization |
| Heavy armor | Less suitable according to supplied testing | Worth considering | Worth comparing for armor-focused builds |
| Research requirement | No Embedded Blast Engineering requirement reported | Not applicable to the base weapon | Embedded Blast Engineering required |
| Additional material requirement | 3 Turbine Compressors reported | Depends on normal weapon access | 3 Fossilized Lightning reported |
| Main trade-off | Damage distributed across projectiles | No Splitter cluster behavior | Different upgrade requirements and performance |
This comparison is intended to guide loadout selection rather than establish a definitive damage ranking. Exact performance depends on the current weapon statistics, enemy resistances and the way individual projectiles connect.
Does the Frozen Trail Update Change the Anvil's Rarity?
Yes. Embark Studios also increased the Anvil's rarity from Green to Blue in the Frozen Trail update.
The developers explained that the weapon had been performing too well compared with weapons at and above its previous rarity. The change was intended to place the Anvil more appropriately within the game's item economy while preserving its established gameplay role.
The new Bantam hand cannon takes over the uncommon hand cannon role with a different balance profile.
This change is separate from the Splitter rework, but both adjustments affect how players approach hand cannon selection and progression.
How the Changes Affect ARC Raiders Items and Blueprints
The Frozen Trail update makes it important to distinguish between a weapon, an upgrade path and a legacy item.
The old Anvil Splitter is no longer a usable weapon mod, whereas the Amplified Anvil Splitter is an upgrade option within the new weapon system. Players should therefore check the current crafting interface before deciding which resources to gather or which items to keep.
Blueprints are also an important part of long-term progression in ARC Raiders. If you're researching how to buy ARC Raiders Blueprints, prioritize verifying the item's exact name, its current in-game availability and the legitimate acquisition options before making a purchase. A blueprint's availability and usefulness can change as the game receives balance updates.
For players who prefer progressing through gameplay, the most reliable approach is to use the current crafting and research interfaces to identify missing materials and unlock requirements. Avoid assuming that an older guide still reflects the latest recipe or item functionality.
Frozen Trail Update: Other Important Changes
The Anvil Splitter rework is part of a much larger update. Embark Studios describes Frozen Trail as a major content release that introduces new exploration opportunities, additional enemies and improvements to progression.
| Feature | Update details |
|---|---|
| New map | Pendola Pass |
| New map conditions | Frigate and Redirection |
| New ARC enemies | Bully, Skulker and Hydra |
| New weapons | Bantam and Stiletto |
| Weapon system | Amplified Weapons |
| Progression | Revamped skill tree |
| New crafting and utility items | Includes the Grappling Hook, Tether Launcher and Mountaineer's Detector |
| Outpost | New Outpost system with a Research Bench |
| Quests | 22 additional quests |
| Maximum stash size | 328 slots without Expedition bonuses or acquired Nomadic Envoy space |
These additions make resource management and equipment selection increasingly important. Players who understand which legacy items can be recycled and which materials are needed for new upgrades can make more informed decisions about their progression.
For the complete list of changes, consult the official Frozen Trail update notes.
Is the Amplified Anvil Splitter Worth Unlocking?
The Amplified Anvil Splitter is worth considering if you favor close-range combat, want to disrupt flying ARC enemies or enjoy landing multiple projectiles on exposed weak points.
Its reported improvements to dispersion and recovery address some of the practical drawbacks of the original cluster-shot mechanic. However, the reduced damage of individual projectiles remains a significant limitation against heavily armored targets.
Before committing resources, consider these factors:
Choose the Splitter if you prioritize close-range cluster damage and potential knockback.
Consider the standard Anvil if you prefer a concentrated shot for general-purpose engagements.
Evaluate X-Rounds if your preferred build benefits from its alternative ammunition profile and you can meet its research requirements.
Recycle legacy Splitter items if you no longer need them and want Amplified Fragments for weapon progression.
Check current crafting requirements before gathering materials, particularly if you are following an older guide.
The best option depends on the enemies you encounter most often and the role your weapon needs to fill.
What Raiders Should Know Before Their Next Run
The Frozen Trail update changes the Anvil Splitter from a standalone mod into an Amplified Anvil upgrade, removes the base Anvil's Tech Mod slot and gives legacy Splitter items a new role as recyclable resources.
The revised upgrade retains the four-projectile mechanic, with supplied gameplay reports indicating improved spread control and faster dispersion recovery. Its strongest potential applications are close-range encounters, exposed weak points and disrupting flying ARC enemies, while heavy armor remains a major limitation.
For players preparing their next raid, the priority is straightforward: check your inventory for obsolete Splitter mods, verify the Amplified Anvil's current upgrade requirements and choose your weapon configuration according to the targets you expect to face. Understanding these changes will help you use resources efficiently and build a loadout suited to the challenges introduced by Frozen Trail.
