Aleksander Grøndal
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ARC Raiders promises more PvP and repeatable content as it previews October’s Frozen Trail update
ARC Raiders is set to receive its next update, "Frozen Trail," on October 8th, introducing new repeatable activities and aiming to enhance player-versus-player combat. Executive producer Aleksander Grøndal stated the update is part of a long-term initiative to cater to diverse player needs and encourage more player conflict.
The Arc Raiders Frozen Trail update is bigger than anyone expected: new ARC, gun upgrades, a map, and personal outposts…
Embark Studios has detailed the 'Frozen Trail' update for their extraction shooter Arc Raiders, which is scheduled for release on October 8th. This update introduces a new snowy map called Pendola Pass, new ARC enemy types including the Frigate and Bully, personal outposts, weapon amplifications, new guns like the Stiletto and Bantum, a reworked skill tree, and gun skins. The developer also confirmed a shift to larger, less frequent updates every six months.
Frozen Trail is a "2.0" moment for Arc Raiders after months of decline: "It almost feels like we're…
Embark Studios has announced that the "Frozen Trail" update for Arc Raiders, dubbed a "2.0" milestone, will launch on October 8. This significant update introduces a new map, characters, weapons, customization options, and a base-building element, aiming to revitalize the game after a period of decline. The developer views this as a "soft relaunch" and plans for similar large-scale updates every six months.
Arc Raiders’ Battle Pass Won’t Be Totally Free Anymore, But It’ll Pay For Itself
Embark Studios is changing the battle pass system for Arc Raiders with the upcoming 'Frozen Trail' update on October 8. While the update is free, the new 'Reward Pass' will feature a premium track costing approximately $10 USD, though it is designed to pay for itself by offering more Raider Tokens upon completion. The update also introduces new maps, enemies, gameplay mechanics, and customization options.
Arc Raiders Expeditions may not come back: 'Maybe we'll scrap the whole system'
Embark Studios is considering scrapping the 'Expeditions' system in Arc Raiders entirely due to longstanding player complaints about grind and payoff. Executive producer Aleksander Grøndal stated that the system might be reworked or completely removed, with a final decision pending the 'Frozen Trails' update.
After ending Expeditions until 2027, Arc Raiders may "scrap the whole system altogether" following Frozen…
Embark Studios has paused the Arc Raiders Expeditions mode until early 2027, with the possibility of completely overhauling or scrapping the system. Executive producer Aleksander Grøndal stated that the team is considering significant changes due to low player engagement with the current iteration. The focus will be on the upcoming 'Frozen Trail' update, with Expedition changes to follow.
Arc Raiders' executive producer admits its developers 'couldn't keep pace with the players' and their need for content, but promises Frozen Trail as the answer
Embark Studios' executive producer Aleksander Grøndal admitted that Arc Raiders' development team couldn't keep pace with player demand for content, leading to player frustration. The studio is now focusing on its upcoming 'Frozen Trails' update in October, which aims to address these issues with a rank redesign, new arcs, and a new map.
Arc Raiders' next major update will present players with a 'new high-level challenge' with a frozen map and arcs which will 'challenge the ways you've learned to move'
Embark Studios has detailed the upcoming 'Frozen Trails' update for Arc Raiders, set to release in October. This major update introduces a new frozen map with explorable locations, new enemy types called 'arcs' designed to challenge player movement and combat, and a new high-level Arc Operation for experienced players. The update aims to enhance the core experience with meaningful decisions and dynamic encounters.
Arc Raiders will get major updates every six months going forwards, with the next one set to roll out the shooter's largest map yet
Embark Studios is shifting Arc Raiders to a bi-annual major update schedule, moving away from monthly releases to allow for more impactful changes. The first major update under this new model, Frozen Trail, is set for October and will introduce the game's largest map to date, new enemies, and narrative elements. Smaller live updates and fixes will continue between these larger content drops.
Embark says the 'pressure of a monthly cycle' is holding Arc Raiders back, so it's slowing down: Major updates will come every 6 months from now on
Embark is shifting Arc Raiders from monthly to bi-annual major updates to allow for more impactful content and system refinements. A dedicated live service team will continue to provide regular smaller updates, cosmetics, and bug fixes between these larger content drops. This change aims to address player feedback regarding progression systems and the overall pace of content delivery in the live service shooter.
Arc Raiders' Next Big Update Isn't Coming Until October, And That Might Be A Good Thing
Embark Studios is shifting Arc Raiders to a major update cadence of roughly every six months, moving away from its initial monthly content plan. Executive producer Aleksander Grondal explained that the previous pace led to rushed features and that the new approach will allow for more impactful updates, including bug fixes and quality-of-life improvements in between major releases. The next significant update, Frozen Trail, is scheduled for October and will introduce a new map, enemies, progression systems, and more.
ARC Raiders Wins Multiplayer Award at 2026 BAFTA Games Awards
Embark Studios' multiplayer extraction adventure ARC Raiders won the Best Multiplayer award at the 2026 BAFTA Games Awards. The game is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC. Executive Producer Aleksander Grøndal expressed gratitude for the recognition from players, critics, and BAFTA.
About 30% of Arc Raiders players focus on PvE, and Embark's happy with that: 'We want to instil hope in the…
Embark Studios is pleased with the player engagement in Arc Raiders, noting that approximately 30% of players focus on PvE and another 30% on PvP, with the remaining 40% engaging with both modes. Executive producer Aleksander Grøndal expressed surprise at the strong PvE community and the rapid co-operation observed during in-game events, highlighting the game's design intended to instill hope.
Arc Raiders studio contacted by crime scientist "intrigued by how players are interacting," dev says only 30% of players focus on PvP: "It kind of blew the whole extraction shooter open"
Embark Studios' extraction shooter Arc Raiders has surprised developers with a significant number of players prioritizing non-combative interactions, with only 30% focusing on PvP. A criminologist has reached out to the studio, intrigued by this player behavior, which deviates from the genre's typical focus on conflict. Data suggests a large portion of players engage in PvE or a mix, with proximity chat being heavily utilized for communication.