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 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. 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. 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). “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! 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. Corrupted Cargo is going live today, 2 July, at 16:00 CEST. Happy Hunting!