Surviving Arc Raiders Bantam Frozen Trail 2.0

Updated 4 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

This guide covers how to survive encounters with the Bantam enemy on the Frozen Trail 2.0 map in Arc Raiders. You’ll learn its attack patterns, the best weapons and positioning, and what to do when things go wrong. No special gear is required beyond what you’d normally bring, but knowing the map’s chokepoints and safe zones is essential.

What You’ll Need

A mid-to-long-range weapon (marksman rifle or assault rifle with a scope)
At least two medkits and one shield cell
Stamina consumables (optional but helpful for kiting)
Knowledge of the Frozen Trail 2.0 map layout, especially the ice fields and the central ridge

Step-by-Step

Identify the Bantam’s spawn location early. On Frozen Trail 2.0, the Bantam typically spawns near the frozen lake in the northwest or the abandoned mining camp in the southeast. Listen for its distinctive heavy footsteps and the low hum of its energy core. If you hear these, assume it’s within 50 meters.
Get to high ground immediately. The Bantam is a melee-focused enemy with a short-range shockwave attack. Climb onto the rocky ledges or the ruined structures scattered across the map. It cannot climb, so you’ll have a clear firing angle from above.
Break line of sight before engaging. Use ice pillars, wrecked vehicles, or the walls of the mining camp to break its targeting. The Bantam will pause to reacquire you, giving you a 2-3 second window to reposition or reload.
Shoot the exposed core on its back. The Bantam’s front armor absorbs most damage. Aim for the glowing orange core visible when it turns. A single magazine of armor-piercing rounds to the core will stagger it, leaving it vulnerable for 4 seconds.
Use the environment to trigger its charge attack. The Bantam has a telegraphed charge (it lowers its head and glows red). Lead it into a frozen pond or a narrow gap between rocks. It will get stuck for 3-4 seconds, giving you a free shot at the core.
When it enrages (below 30% HP), switch to hit-and-run tactics. The Bantam’s attack speed increases by 50%, and it starts using a ranged ice shard volley. Do not stand still. Fire 2-3 shots, then sprint sideways. Use your stamina consumable to maintain distance.
Finish with a focused burst. Once its core is exposed and it’s staggered, unload your highest DPS weapon (shotgun or SMG) into the core. If you don’t have a high-DPS weapon, throw a frag grenade at the core, then follow up with rifle fire.

Common Mistakes

Fighting in the open. The Bantam’s shockwave has a 10-meter radius. In the open, you can’t dodge it. Always fight near cover.
Ignoring the ice field hazards. Frozen Trail 2.0 has thin ice patches. If you stand on them, the Bantam’s shockwave will break the ice, dropping you into freezing water and dealing damage over time.
Reloading while it’s targeting you. The Bantam’s charge attack has a 1.5-second wind-up. If you’re reloading, you can’t sprint away. Always reload behind cover.
Using fire weapons. The Bantam has a cryo-resistant shell; fire damage is reduced by 70%. Stick to kinetic or electric damage.

Tips

Bring a friend. The Bantam’s aggro is single-target. One player kites while the other shoots the core. This cuts kill time by half.
Use the central ridge. The ridge that runs north-south across the map has several spots where you can shoot down at the Bantam without it reaching you. Memorize at least two of these spots.
Keep a medkit bound to a quick key. The Bantam’s shockwave can take 60% of your health in one hit. You won’t have time to open your inventory.
Listen for audio cues. The Bantam makes a distinct hissing sound before its ice shard volley. When you hear it, start strafing.

Troubleshooting

You’re taking damage from the shockwave even when you’re behind cover. The shockwave goes through thin walls. Use thick rock formations or the metal walls of the mining camp, not wooden fences or ice pillars.
The Bantam won’t stop chasing you. It has a tether range of about 100 meters. If you run beyond that, it will reset to its spawn point with full HP. If you’re not ready to finish it, run away and reset.
Your shots seem to do no damage. Check your weapon’s ammo type. Standard rounds are ineffective against the front armor. Switch to armor-piercing or hollow-point rounds.
You’ve fallen into the freezing water. Immediately climb out and use a thermal boost (if you have one) or take cover and wait for the hypothermia effect to wear off. Do not engage the Bantam while hypothermic; your movement speed is reduced by 30%.
The Bantam is stuck in a wall. This is a known glitch. If it happens, it will eventually despawn and respawn at its original location. Don’t waste ammo trying to shoot it through the wall.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best weapon to use against the Bantam?

A marksman rifle with armor-piercing rounds is the most reliable. It allows you to hit the core from range and stagger it repeatedly. Shotguns are effective only when the core is exposed.

Can I solo the Bantam?

Yes, but it takes patience. Use hit-and-run tactics, always keep a stamina consumable ready, and don’t get greedy with extra shots. A solo kill takes about 5-7 minutes.

Does the Bantam drop rare loot?

Yes, it has a chance to drop a unique armor mod called “Cryo Plating” that reduces ice damage by 20%. It also drops standard epic-tier materials.

How do I avoid the ice shard volley?

The volley is fired in a spread pattern. If you strafe perpendicular to the Bantam’s facing direction, you’ll avoid most shards. Don’t sprint directly away; the shards have a slight homing effect.

Is there a safe spot where the Bantam can’t reach me?

Yes, the rooftop of the mining camp’s main building is unreachable by the Bantam. However, it will use its shockwave to break the roof after a few hits, so only use it for a quick reload.

What happens if I die during the fight?

You’ll respawn at the nearest checkpoint, but the Bantam will fully heal. If you’re with a team, one player can stay alive to keep the Bantam’s HP at its current level while others respawn.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.