Arc Raiders Launches Biggest Update 'Frozen Trail' on October 8: New Map, Giant Enemies, and Grappling Hook

Embark Studios has confirmed that Arc Raiders will receive the biggest update in the game's history, titled Frozen Trail, scheduled to launch for free on October 8, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X. The announcement marks the return of a content rhythm after the Swedish studio halted monthly updates since May.

The decision to delay regular updates came as Arc Raiders' popularity declined after its stellar debut last year. Although the player base remains healthy and consistent, its numbers are far from the peak. Frozen Trail is designed to address complaints about content depth, not merely to add cosmetic items.

The new map, Pendola Pass, is the center of attention. Unlike previous terrain that offered extraction via lift or train, the exit route in these snowy mountains is only through a gondola with a maximum capacity of three raiders at a time. The Flash Freeze weather condition forces players to immediately seek shelter before the cold effect sets in.

In Pendola Pass, players can finally see the Emperor up close—albeit in a fallen state. The colossal machine that had only been visible from a distance at Blue Gate lies on the mountain slope, and raiders can explore its interior. Its scale is deliberately made to feel alien, as if players are not supposed to be there.

The main threat comes from the Frigate, described as a high-risk airborne carrier for experienced raiders. Unlike the Queen or Matriarch, which rely solely on durability, the Frigate requires players to solve puzzles and carry out sabotage, not just destroy it with gunfire. Inside is the Hydra, a turret with three weapon sets capable of locking onto multiple targets at once.

Pendola Pass also introduces the Skulker, which shoots from long range, and the Bully—a large, aggressive enemy with machine learning behavior like the Leaper. Both will spread to other maps, but not in the near future.

To fight them, players get the Stiletto (light-ammo battle rifle) and the Bantam (short-barreled revolver). The weapon amplification system allows total modification: the Burletta pistol can be converted to fully automatic, or the Rattler modified to fire incendiary ammunition. In total, there are 15 amplifications available from launch.

New gadgets include the Grappling Hook, which executive producer Aleksander Grøndal calls one of the most ambitious tools. Players can climb, descend from buildings, swing across chasms, and even attach a rope to Arc enemies to pull them. There is also the Tether Launcher to connect two points and the Yank Grenade, which pulls enemies toward it—useful in PvP combat.

"The Grappling Hook has long been at the top of players' wish lists," Grøndal said in a Q&A session, adding that the skill tree changes aim to make ability choices more impactful, rather than just unlocking everything.

Weapon skin features are finally here, though they cannot be bought freely. Some are available through the store and Frozen Trail pass rewards, but the majority of stencils must be found as loot, similar to blueprints. Two new instruments, a banjo and a harmonica, plus an in-game camera, complete this update.

Outpost is also introduced as a first step toward giving players a "home on the surface." Although it cannot yet be explored, players can display furniture, crafting stations, and trinkets. Grøndal confirmed this space will become an explorable area in the future.

For the Indonesian market, the arrival of Frozen Trail strengthens Arc Raiders' position in the competitive extraction shooter segment. The free update is an attraction for cost-sensitive gamers in the country, while also encouraging the local community to become active again. The question is, can Embark maintain this momentum until the next major update?