Embark has finally revealed all the details regarding its anticipated Frozen Trail update for ARC Raiders, bringing substantial content and changes to the game. It’s been a while since fans have gotten an update this large in ARC Raiders, to the point where Embark has been calling this Update 2.0 and a soft relaunch of the game.
Although players were used to getting big content drops each month following the game’s launch, Embark announced a major change to how content was delivered in ARC Raiders. Despite being popular with players, monthly content updates were proving to be unsustainable, so Embark switched to two major updates per year, with a live service team filling in the gaps with live events, limited-time quests, and other smaller bits of content. After a lengthy wait, fans now only have a couple of weeks to go before the first major content update in this new release cadence finally arrives.
ARC Raiders Frozen Trail Details
The heavily teased Frozen Trail map in ARC Raiders is known as Pendola Pass, where one of the Emperor Arcs has fallen. A mix of a small Italian Town and a snowy countryside, players will have to deal with new threats, including “brutal flash freezes” through the valley. There’s a new operation called Frigate, where players will be working to score some major rewards and loot, where collaboration may be a better option for players. For those who need a break from the tension, the Raider Outpost is a customizable home base for players, with the new Research Workstation. It’s a feature that will continue to expand and evolve in future updates as well.
What’s That Weapon?
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
Easy (7.5s)Medium (5.0s)Hard (2.5s)Permadeath (2.5s)
Of course, new ARC threats are also being added, including the Bully, Skulker, and Hydra. The Hydra is a turret-style enemy that doesn’t move, but has three autonomous portions. The Skulker does what it’s name implies, hides and waits for a moment to surprise players and pummel them. Finally, the Bully acts similar to a horse, “galloping” at threats and has what Embark calls a host of lethal attacks to draw from.
In terms of weapons, a light ammo Battle Rifle called Stiletto and the snub-nosed revolver Bantam are joining the game. However, the biggest feature is the idea of Amplified Weapons, which aims to freshen up the end game experience. What is essentially an upgrade system, players can use a fully upgraded Research Station to unlock a branching path of enhancements and abilities at Tier 5, some of which fully change how the weapon behaves. In addition, players can personalize and reskin their weapon with the Weapon Stencil system, though it won’t be safe from being taken by a rival Raider.
In terms of utility items, Embark has plenty more in store as well. To add to the musicality of ARC Raiders, the team is adding a harmonica and banjo, though fans can instantly unlock them thanks to a blueprint as part of the Collector Set DLC. A Camera Gadget is set to become a dedicated Photo Mode for players, giving them more options to tinker with like a selfie mode, zoom, aperture, and more. A grappling hook offers more ways to traverse the map, as well as the Tether Launcher and Yank Grenade, with the former connecting two things while the latter explodes and pulls in a nearby target with “violent force.”
In addition to all of these features and content, Embark also announced a major change to the previous Raider Deck system in ARC Raiders. The Frozen Trail update is adding the Reward Pass, a more traditional battle pass system that offers a free and premium (paid) track of rewards. There’s also a Legacy Deck which is free for players and combines all previously existing Raider Decks into one location. For those who want even more, there’s the Collector Set DLC, which includes the Premium track of the Reward Pass, Renzo cosmetic set, Dragon’s Reath weapon stencil, the Bob hairstyle, and 2,400 Raider Tokens to spend in the shop.
- Released
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October 30, 2025
- ESRB
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Teen / Violence, Blood, In-Game Purchases, Users Interact
