Arc Raiders Frozen Trail Is Officially the Game's Biggest-Ever Update, And It Looks Epic

Embark Studios paused monthly updates in May to focus on a substantial release after Arc Raiders’ player base declined in 2026. The studio now positions Frozen Trail as the game’s largest update, promising major changes to content and gameplay. A preview event showcased new features, including a fallen Emperor on the Pendola Pass map, offering players an unprecedented encounter with the series’ colossal enemy. The update also introduces the Frigate, a high-stakes endgame challenge requiring puzzle-solving and sabotage rather than direct combat.

The Frigate introduces the Hydra, a multi-turret enemy with three gun sets, while Pendola Pass features the Skulker, a long-range sniper, and the Bully, an aggressive machine-learning foe. Two new weapons, the Stiletto and Bantam, join the arsenal, alongside 15 weapon amplification options that transform existing firearms. The Grappling Hook, Tether Launcher, and Yank Grenade expand mobility and tactical options, with the Grappling Hook described as a long-requested feature by executive producer Aleksander Grøndal.

Weapon skins will be available through the store, a new reward pass, and loot drops, aligning with Arc Raiders’ existing progression model. New instruments—a banjo and harmonica—are also included, along with an in-game camera to support the game’s photography community. Pendola Pass diverges from traditional extraction methods by using a gondola with limited space, while the Flash Freeze weather condition forces players to seek shelter or face penalties.

Skill tree adjustments remove some abilities, tweak others, and introduce new ones to make choices more impactful. Outposts debut as customizable hubs for displaying items, though they remain non-interactive for now. The update aims to encourage build diversity and provide players with a stronger sense of progression and customization.