Introduced in Season 3 of The Cycle: Frontier, free loadout runs are a new method of dropping to the surface of Fortuna III. These loadouts are made available to all players by the various Factions, free of charge. To drop to the surface with a free loadout, go to the Launch Terminal in Prospect Station or select "Deploy to Fortuna III" from the In-Station Menu, and select the free ICA, Korolev, or Osiris Loadout. No changes can be made to the loadout, and nothing can be equipped in the Safe Pocket prior to deploying. If the player has a loadout already equipped, it will be moved to their stash. If there is not sufficient room in the stash, the player will need to clear some space.
Free loadouts are refreshed every twenty-four hours at 23:00 UTC, as well as 20 minutes after a player drops to the surface with a free loadout. The free loadout faction will also change every time it is refreshed. Free loadout gear is randomly generated, and every loadout will provide a shield, helmet, backpack, weapon, and ammunition. There is also a chance for the loadout to contain weapon attachments, secondary weapons, stims, medkits, and grenades. Gear rarity can range from White (Common) to Blue (Rare). Players can view the chances of receiving a particular piece of gear in each Faction's free loadout below.
If the player successfully evacuates, the gear and any acquired loot is theirs to keep. Free loadout runs are a great way for players to replenish their resources after a few hard losses, explore the surface without risking their hard earned gear, dropping to the surface quickly after dying, or simply to try new types of gear.