ARC Raiders is Free to Play From October 8th to 12th, Just in Time for Frozen Trail

If you've never experienced it, then Embark Studios is inviting you to try the entire game - and its biggest update - for free.

Posted By | On 02nd, Oct. 2026

ARC Raiders - Frozen Trail

How one year could make such a difference for Embark Studios’ ARC Raiders. However, despite dropping player counts and no shortage of complaints, the extraction shooter will receive its biggest content update yet on October 8th with Frozen Trail. So it only seems appropriate to open the floodgates and host a free weekend.

Starting on October 8th at 9 AM UTC and ending on October 12th at 8 AM UTC, players can experience the full game. Of course, not everything will be available immediately. Buried City, the second map, is available after completing six matches, while Riven Tides unlocks after 20 matches. Stella Montis should be immediately available, but time will tell.

And for those concerned about cheaters, Embark has recently announced a new, harsher stance. While it’s improving its anti-cheat, it will now permanently ban accounts that use cheats. “No warnings, no second chances.”

As for Frozen Trail, it brings some of the most exciting content to the shooter yet, starting with the new map, Pendola Pass. You’ll also face new ARC Threats, new weapons, the Weapon Amplification system to power up older guns, the ARC Frigate, which can be boarded, Raider Outposts, and the Rewards Pass, which replaces Raider Decks. Head here for all the latest details. There’s even a new PvE toggle being tested from October 13th to 20th.


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