ARC Raiders: Every new feature in the Frozen Trail update as game made free-to-play

ARC Raiders has dropped its latest free content update, Frozen Trail, adding a new map, enemies, game modes, rewards and more. It also brings a limited-time free-to-play promotion, letting players experience the extraction shooter without paying a penny.

Since launching in October 2025, ARC Raiders from The Finals developer Embark Studios has become one of the most popular multiplayer games around. According to SteamDB, after peaking at over 481,000 concurrent players, it still attracted over 131,000 in the 24 hours before writing.

The Frozen Trail update is likely to have boosted player numbers across PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, and you can play ARC Raiders for free right now.

How to play ARC Raiders for free right now

Simply head to your digital platform store of choice, search for ARC Raiders, and you'll find the option to download and play the multiplayer third-person extraction shooter for free.

While ARC Raiders won't be free-to-play permanently, you'll have full access to the game during the promotion, including everything in the Frozen Trail update.

The ARC Raiders free-to-play promotion is live right now and ends on October 12, 2026. If you decide to buy the game afterwards, you'll be pleased to know it's currently discounted by 50% across all platforms.

Until October 15, 2026, ARC Raiders costs just $19.99/£17.49, down from $39.99/£34.99.

For existing players, make sure you've downloaded and installed the latest ARC Raiders update on PC, PS5 or Xbox Series X/S so you can experience everything Frozen Trail has to offer.

ARC Raiders - Frozen Trail update, Embark Studios

ARC Raiders: Frozen Trail update — Key features

• New Pendola Pass map: A frozen settlement beyond the Rust Belt, featuring abandoned buildings, strategic positions, an observatory and an underground train depot. There are also new dynamic loot zones offering valuable rewards.
• New enemies and conditions: Three new enemies have arrived: Bully, Hydra and Skulker. Players will also face new challenges, including the Frigate, which introduces an imposing mechanical threat.
• New weapons and equipment: The update adds two new weapons, the Bantam and Stiletto, alongside a new upgrade tier for Amplified Weapons.
• Redesigned Raider skill tree: Skills and abilities have been revamped, giving players more ways to level up and tailor their builds to suit their playstyle.
• Quality-of-life improvements: The maximum stash size has increased to 328 slots, alongside gameplay balancing, bug fixes and other improvements.

READ MORE: ARC Raiders is ditching frequent updates for bigger ones and it could be for the best

What is ARC Raiders and how does it play?

“In ARC Raiders, gameplay flows between the surface ruled by lethal machines and the vibrant underground society of Speranza. Craft, repair, and upgrade your gear in the safety of your own workshop, before venturing topside to scavenge the remnants of a devastated but beautiful world,” reads the synopsis of the game.

“Play solo or in parties up to three, navigating the constant threat of ARC's machines and the unpredictable choices of fellow survivors. In the end, only you decide what kind of Raider you are - and how far you’ll go to prevail.”

ARC Raiders is out now on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.