Swedish development studio Embark Studios has revealed a Frozen Trail update for multiplayer evacuation shooter ARC Raiders in a detailed presentation. The free content expansion, scheduled to launch on October 8, 2026, will take players to the Pendora Pass Snowy Mountains region outside of the previous Rust Belt region for the first time. In addition to Flash Freeze, an extreme weather risk that forces players to take cover voluntarily, the focus is on the new ending scene of flying an ARC frigate. The update also expands the weapon and progression systems, including expanded levels of weapon enhancements and configurable outposts.
The new map Pendora Pass takes the party into an impassable icy landscape, the landmark of which is a giant fallen walker. During the raid, players must be careful of sudden flash freezing weather phenomena. If hypothermia occurs, this phenomenon will quickly become life-threatening and require shelter.
For the experienced player base, the highlight is the ARC Frigate: a massive patrol flying vessel that can be boarded and maneuvered from within, but faces extremely high risks from enemy machines and hostile raider teams.
Three new ARC enemy types expand the tactical requirements on the battlefield. The four-legged Bully actively charges at players and applies close-range pressure, while the agile Lurker relies on ambushes and quick retreats. The three-part Hydra turret primarily guards the frigate area and is capable of firing at multiple targets simultaneously. Enemy fleets are equipped with two new weapons – the Stiletto Revolver and the Stiletto Rifle – as well as rope devices that limit enemy movement.
For a long-term progression system, the developers are introducing research stations and shelter outposts. Equipment upgrades can be unlocked there, equipping existing weapons with new firing modes or elemental ammunition through so-called enhancements. With the simultaneous launch of the Frozen Rewards Pass, Embark Studios looks to build on the shooter’s success and expand the ecosystem with new visual and gameplay incentives.
