Key information
Embark Studios has launched a temporary free access period for its extraction shooter, ARC Raiders. From Thursday, October 8 at 11 a.m. until Monday, October 12 at 10 a.m. French time, players can experience the full game on PC via Steam, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S without charge. Following this window, the title returns to its standard price of 39,99 €.
This promotion coincides with the release of Frozen Trail, the game's most significant update since its October 2025 launch. The expansion introduces the snowy Pendola Pass map, three new enemy types, two weapons, and a grappling hook for enhanced traversal. Additionally, developers implemented a revamped skill tree, 22 quests, and a customizable outpost to deepen player progression.
Early community reception has been largely positive, with reports of over 100,000 concurrent players on Steam. Reddit users specifically praised the improved cooperative mechanics against ARC machines. However, some players noted persistent concerns regarding game balancing and cheating issues.
While the update has successfully revitalized interest, the long-term retention of these players remains to be seen. For now, the combination of free access and substantial content additions provides a significant opportunity for newcomers to explore the post-apocalyptic world.
