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[SITUATION] · [ACTIVE] · [TECHNOLOGY]

18 clusters · 95 sources · 54 days · First seen · Last updated

ARC Raiders Frozen Trail update and mode split test

Overview

Embark Studios has released the ‘Frozen Trail’ update for ARC Raiders, a major content expansion labeled as version 2.0. The update introduces the Pendola Pass, a mountainous, highly vertical snowy region featuring complex terrain and indoor environments, such as a crashed Emperor. Gameplay enhancements include the ‘Redirection’ map condition, which allows players to divert Harvester loads, and the introduction of the ‘Frigate’ airborne vessel. New ARC enemies include the Bully, Skulker, and Hydra. To expand combat and utility options, the studio added weaponry such as the Bantam revolver and Stiletto rifle, alongside tools like the Grappling Hook, Tether Launcher, cameras, and specialized grenades. To support player progression, the update features a redesigned skill tree, a new Reward Pass system, and the introduction of ‘Outposts,’ which function as personal bases for research and customization using a new research bench. Alongside the free content, a Collector DLC bundle is available, offering exclusive cosmetics like the Renzo outfit and the Dragon’s Breath weapon stencil. To coincide with the launch, a free trial of the game is available on Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S until October 12th. The release of the update has driven ARC Raiders to a seven-month high in concurrent player counts, with over 166,000 players logged onto the PC platform alone following a period of declining engagement. Following the update, Embark Studios is considering splitting ARC Raiders into separate PvE (Player vs. Environment) and PvP (Player vs. Player) modes to address community feedback. Executive producer Aleksander Grøndal noted the studio is willing to respect player preferences despite potential design deviations. To evaluate this, a limited PvE test will run from October 13 to October 20, allowing players to opt into matchmaking where Raiders cannot damage one another.

Entities

ARC Raiders · Embark Studios · Aleksander Grøndal · Steam · PlayStation 5

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

Timeline

  1. [TECHNOLOGY] 3 sources
    Arc Raiders player count hits seven-month high following update

    The Frozen Trail update and a free weekend have pushed Arc Raiders to a seven-month high in concurrent player counts on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.

  2. [TECHNOLOGY] 3 sources
    Embark Studios considers splitting ARC Raiders into PvE and PvP modes

    Embark Studios may split ARC Raiders into separate PvE and PvP modes following community demand. A limited PvE matchmaking test is scheduled for October 13–20 to gather player data.

  3. [TECHNOLOGY] 19 sources
    ARC Raiders receives major Frozen Trail update and free trial

    Embark Studios has launched the massive Frozen Trail update for ARC Raiders, introducing the Pendola Pass map, new enemies, and weapons, alongside a free trial period through October 12.

  4. [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
    ARC Raiders announces free-to-play weekend and Frozen Trail update

    ARC Raiders will be free to play on Steam, PS5, and Xbox from 8 to 12 October, coinciding with the launch of the major Frozen Trail update and the new Pendola Pass map.

  5. [TECHNOLOGY] 4 sources
    ARC Raiders to host free-to-play weekend and launch major update

    ARC Raiders will be free-to-play from October 8–12 to coincide with the Frozen Trail update. Embark Studios is also implementing stricter anti-cheat policies, including permanent bans for cheaters.

  6. [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
    Embark Studios implements permanent bans for ARC Raiders cheaters

    Embark Studios is implementing permanent bans for cheaters in ARC Raiders, introducing stricter license restrictions and new matchmaking measures to combat queue teaming.

  7. [TECHNOLOGY] 8 sources
    Embark Studios launches ARC Raiders free weekend and Frozen Trail update

    Embark Studios is hosting a free-to-play weekend for ARC Raiders from October 8–12 to celebrate the ‘Frozen Trail’ update, which introduces new maps, weapons, and stricter anti-cheat enforcement.

  8. [TECHNOLOGY] 7 sources
    ARC Raiders replaces Raider Decks with new Reward Pass system

    Embark Studios will replace ARC Raiders' Raider Decks with a 60-level Reward Pass system on October 8 to fix in-game economic imbalances and improve player progression.

  9. [TECHNOLOGY] 4 sources
    Embark Studios to test PvE mode in ARC Raiders

    Embark Studios will test a PvE-only matchmaking toggle for ARC Raiders from October 13 to October 20, allowing players to focus on cooperative combat without player-to-player damage.

  10. [TECHNOLOGY] 16 sources
    ARC Raiders to test PvE mode and launch Frozen Trail update

    Embark Studios will test a PvE matchmaking mode for ARC Raiders from October 13–20, following player demand for cooperative play. The studio is also preparing the major Frozen Trail update for October 2026.

  11. [TECHNOLOGY] 29 sources
    Embark Studios announces ARC Raiders Frozen Trail update

    Embark Studios will release the ‘Frozen Trail’ update for ARC Raiders on October 8, 2026, adding the Pendola Pass map, new enemies, and advanced weapon progression systems.

  12. [TECHNOLOGY] 3 sources
    Embark Studios announces Frozen Trail update for ARC Raiders

    Embark Studios will present details for the ARC Raiders ‘Frozen Trail’ update on September 23, ahead of its October 8 release, featuring new maps and massive enemy structures.

  13. [TECHNOLOGY] 4 sources
    ARC Raiders developer Embark Studios weighs system changes and major updates

    Embark Studios is planning the ‘Frozen Trail’ update for ARC Raiders, while also considering the complete removal of the Expeditions system to improve endgame gameplay.

  14. [TECHNOLOGY] 4 sources
    Embark Studios announces major ARC Raiders update for October

    Embark Studios is transitioning ARC Raiders to a high-quality, large-scale update model with the ‘Frozen Trail’ expansion arriving October 8, following the removal of the Cred currency system.

  15. [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
    Embark Studios struggles to match ARC Raiders content demand

    Embark Studios admits ARC Raiders developers struggled to match the rapid content consumption of its large player base, leading to a shift toward larger, higher-quality updates.

  16. [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
    Embark Studios adjusts ARC Raiders strategy following player surge

    Embark Studios is prioritizing larger, high-quality updates for ARC Raiders after unexpected player growth and is acknowledging high demand for a dedicated PvE mode.

  17. [TECHNOLOGY] 22 sources
    Embark Studios pauses ARC Raiders Expeditions until 2027

    Embark Studios is pausing ARC Raiders Expeditions after the fifth run in September 2026, aiming to overhaul the system by early 2027 to address player feedback on rewards and accessibility.

  18. [TECHNOLOGY] 4 sources
    Embark Studios releases ARC Raiders update 1.42.0

    Embark Studios released ARC Raiders update 1.42.0, featuring the second part of the Phantom Targets event and regional map condition scheduling.

Sources

4p.de · 80.lv · arkade.com.br · automaton-media.com · beebom.com · chip.com.tr · computerbase.de · criticalhits.com.br · e.sport.interia.pl · edn.dk · eurogamer.de · eurogamer.net · eurogamer.pt · fettspielen.de · fieselschweif.de · forbesliberia.com · gamebusiness.jp · gamefa.com · gamefragger.com · gamekapocs.hu · gameplayscassi.com.br · gamer.no · gameriv.com · gamers.at · gameslatestnews.com · gamesource.it · gamespark.jp · gamesradar.com · gametimers.it · gamewave.fr · gamezone.de · gamingbible.com · gamingbolt.com · gamingnation.nl · gamingslovenia.si · geeksandgamers.com · geekzilla.tech · global-esports.news · gosugamers.net · gram.pl · gry-online.pl · in.ign.com · indies.es · invenglobal.com · it-boltwise.de · jeuxpo.com · kdk.ch · laopinioncoruna.es

This summary has been updated 24 times: see revision history