Signal / 013 — ARC Raiders opens Frozen Trail with a free-play weekend

New terrain. Limited-time access. Embark announced on October 8, 2026 that ARC Raiders’ Frozen Trail update is live, bringing players to Pendola Pass beyond the Rust Belt.

According to the launch announcement, the update adds threats including the Bully, Skulker, and Hydra. An Outpost system supports fifth-tier weapon upgrades and special abilities, while new equipment includes a Grapple Hook and Tethers. Two additional weapons join the arsenal.

The update also gives curious players a chance to try the game before buying. Embark’s October 2 announcement lists free access on Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation from October 8 at 09:00 UTC through October 12 at 08:00 UTC. For Eastern Time readers, that is 5 a.m. Thursday through 4 a.m. Monday.

The free-play details describe access to the full game, with one practical wrinkle: newcomers can enter Pendola Pass immediately by teaming up with players who have already unlocked it. The publisher also lists a €0.25 PS5 charge in Germany.

sysVoid take

Our take: a trial is most useful when you treat it as a test of the whole experience—matchmaking, squad coordination, and whether you enjoy the extraction loop. Check the end time before planning a Monday session. Escape the default; bring a friend.

AI-assisted summary based on the linked primary sources. sysVoid has not independently tested these changes.