Arc Raiders Reaches Six-Month Player Peak Following Frozen Trail 2.0 Update

The Frozen Trail update introduced the snowy Italian settlement of .

Embark Studios has released its comprehensive 2.0 update, “Frozen Trail,” for Arc Raiders. The rollout follows a strategic combination of new content, a free-to-play promotion, and an experimental shift in gameplay mechanics that allowed users to toggle between player-versus-player (PvP) and player-versus-environment (PvE) matchmaking.

The expansion centers on the Frozen Trail update, which launched on October 8, 2026. This expansion introduced Pendola Pass, a snowy map set within a mountainous Italian settlement, providing a fresh environment for the extraction shooter’s core loop. To encourage new players, the studio hosted a free-to-play weekend from October 8 through October 12, allowing the community to experience the new map and mechanics without an upfront cost.

A key feature of the update period was a limited-time PvE matchmaking toggle test. Running from October 13 through today, October 20, 2026, this experiment allowed players to opt into sessions focused solely on battling the game’s robotic “Arc” threats rather than competing against other humans.

This test was designed to gather data on player preferences and the viability of a permanent non-PvP queue. While the test officially concluded today, the feedback period has highlighted interest in varied ways to engage with the world of Speranza. The Frozen Trail update also saw the introduction of new traversal tools, including a grappling hook.

Coinciding with the end of the PvE test, Embark Studios released Update 2.2.0 on October 20. This patch includes the “Wreck Set” cosmetic pack and several technical improvements. Fixes in this version addressed specific animation and audio issues related to the Frigate and the newly implemented grappling hook, as well as stability adjustments for the Pendola Pass map.

Beyond the game itself, the franchise appears to be expanding into new formats. Executive producer Alexander Grøndal recently confirmed that Embark Studios is currently exploring film and television adaptations for Arc Raiders. This move suggests a long-term commitment to the intellectual property as the studio seeks to capitalize on the lore established within the game’s post-apocalyptic setting.

Following the free-to-play weekend and PvE-only test, the studio continues to monitor player retention as it moves toward the next phase of development.