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Embark Studios has confirmed ARC Raiders Frozen Trail as the game's next major content update. It launches October 8, 2026, bringing a new winter map, a high-level ARC Operation, new ARC threats, the Outpost, and major progression changes.
Frozen Trail is also the first major update under Embark's new release model. Instead of relying on frequent large content drops, the studio is now focusing on two bigger updates a year, supported by smaller live-service updates in between.
The release date is October 8, 2026. Embark has confirmed the date, but hasn't yet announced an exact release time or server downtime window.
Players should wait for Embark to share the final launch schedule rather than relying on unofficial times.
This update follows several months of smaller patches and content additions. Embark's September 8 Live Update 1.45.0 was the last major update before Frozen Trail, with a smaller update still planned before launch.
Frozen Trail's biggest feature is a new winter-themed map — Embark describes it as the largest map in ARC Raiders so far.
The area lies beyond the mountains on the edge of the Rust Belt. It was once home to villages, factories, research facilities, and an observatory, but has since been abandoned. Players will investigate an unusual signal coming from the region.
The new map is also designed around greater verticality and exploration, with areas both above and below ground creating a different style of exploration from the game's existing locations. Players interested in the new area can also check out ARC Raiders Frozen Trail Runs for more details.
A September Raider Project called Ascending the Mountain is already building toward the new area, involving mysterious ARC signals coming from a mountain range beyond the current Tube system.
Frozen Trail will introduce a large new ARC Operation aimed at experienced Raiders.
The update will also bring new ARC threats. Embark has confirmed these range from a smaller, agile enemy to an enormous machine capable of stopping Raiders in their tracks.
The studio has spent months developing and refining the new enemies, including their behavior and animations, though the full enemy roster hasn't been revealed yet.
Embark hasn't shared all the Operation's mechanics either, but says the activity will focus on meaningful decisions, dynamic encounters, teamwork, risk, and survival. It's intended to be one of the most challenging experiences in ARC Raiders. For more, check out the ARC Raiders ARC Operation page.
Another major Frozen Trail feature is the Outpost, a new customizable space that expands on the current Raider Den. For a deeper look at the new base, see this ARC Raiders Outpost guide.
The Outpost lets Raiders decorate their surroundings, research elements of the world, and work toward longer-term progression.
Frozen Trail will also change the Skill Tree, giving players more control over how they develop their Raider. Raider Decks are being reworked as part of the same broader progression overhaul.
Cred is being retired when Frozen Trail launches.
Players can keep using their remaining Cred until October 8. Any Cred left on an account when Frozen Trail arrives will expire.
Previously claimed Raider Deck rewards will remain with players, and existing Raider Deck rewards will also be available through the new, more expansive reward system coming with Frozen Trail.
If you still have Cred sitting on your account, it's worth spending before the October 8 update.
The latest September update has already started setting up the story for Frozen Trail.
Live Update 1.45.0, released September 8, added the Ascending the Mountain Raider Project, the fifth Expedition, the Hornet Hunter Set, and changes related to Cred, along with gameplay, matchmaking, stability, and quality-of-life improvements.
Embark says a smaller update will still arrive before Frozen Trail, though the studio hasn't yet revealed everything it will contain.
Here's a summary of the confirmed Frozen Trail features:
What is the ARC Raiders Frozen Trail release date?
ARC Raiders Frozen Trail launches on October 8, 2026.
What is the ARC Raiders Frozen Trail release time?
Embark hasn't announced an exact release time or server downtime window yet.
What is the new Frozen Trail map?
A large frozen region beyond the Rust Belt, featuring mountains, abandoned settlements, factories, research facilities, and an observatory.
Is the Raider Den being replaced?
Frozen Trail introduces the Outpost, a new space where players can decorate, research, and work toward longer-term progression.
Will Cred still work after Frozen Trail launches?
No. Any unused Cred will expire when Frozen Trail launches on October 8.
Is Frozen Trail part of a new update schedule?
Yes. Embark has moved toward fewer, larger updates, with Frozen Trail as the first major update under the new approach.
Is the new ARC Operation fully revealed?
No. Embark has confirmed the activity but hasn't yet revealed all of its mechanics or details.
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