Arc Raiders Launches Free Play Weekend with Major Frozen Trail Update
- Arc Raiders will be free to play from October 8th to 12th during the Frozen Trail update.
- The update introduces a new Pendola Pass map and significant metagame changes.
- A PvE test will follow from October 13th to 20th, disabling player-on-player damage.
Embark Studios is making its extraction shooter, Arc Raiders, available for free for four days in conjunction with the launch of the game’s most significant update to date, titled Frozen Trail. This announcement comes after the studio detailed the various features of the new update, providing an opportunity for players to explore the game without cost.
The trial period is set from October 8th to 12th, allowing players to download and play Arc Raiders at no cost across Steam, PlayStation, and Xbox. Notably, there will not be any locked content during this trial; Embark confirmed that it “grants access to the full Arc Raiders game.”
Included in this free trial is access to the new Pendola Pass map, which players can access immediately. However, unlocking the map will require progression through various levels, which may take some time. Alternatively, players can join friends who have already unlocked the Pendola Pass by getting invited to their squad.
The Frozen Trail update is expected to be a pivotal moment for Arc Raiders, as it introduces a large new map, numerous new Arc enemies, and a variety of new weapons and gadgets. This update also constitutes the first significant overhaul of the game’s metagame, featuring adjustments to ammo and crafting and introducing a more traditional battle pass.
Despite having lost much of its initial player base, the updates with Frozen Trail are anticipated to rejuvenate interest in Arc Raiders. Given the extensive changes to the core game brought about by the update, it is likely viewed by Embark as an optimal entry point for new players.
Following the conclusion of the free trial, Arc Raiders will conduct a PvE testing phase from October 13th to 20th. This test will disable player-on-player damage, addressing long-standing requests from players for a non-combat mode while maintaining the game’s welcoming community atmosphere.
News Courtesy of Eurogamer
