Embark Studios reminds us that Frozen Trail, the most substantial and ambitious update released for ARC Raiders since its debut, is available from today. The package brings with it a new map, a new environmental condition, additional ARC threats, revised missions, new items and several other content. For the occasion, the extraction shooter also opens up to those who do not yet own it, with a free trial weekend accompanied by a discount on the purchase.

The focus of the update is Pendola Pass, an isolated and impervious mountain region located on the northern edge of the Rust Belt. It is the most ambitious map ever created by the studio and the most hostile environment that the Raiders have faced: focusing on a more marked verticality, numerous indoor areas and articulated terrain, it will offer us several new points of interest to find. Among these, the carcass of a giant crashed Emperor stands out, which we can explore as long as we have the necessary coolness. The new Redirection condition is also exclusively linked to Pendola Pass, thanks to which we will have the ability to divert the loads of the Harvesters, moving them away from the Collector to make them reach our position.

Waiting for us in the mountains there will then be four new ARC opponents: in addition to the unstoppable Bully, the Skulker, with a more strategic approach, and the ferocious Hydra, we will also have to contend with the Frigate, a threat that attacks from the sky.

Frozen Trail also intervenes consistently on progression. With the Outposts we will finally be able to settle outside of Hope, in personal spaces to expand over time, where we can build and upgrade workbenches, craft objects and furnish the environment with decorative elements. The new Research Station, on the other hand, introduces Weapon Amplification, a system that, through dedicated mechanics, will allow us to push our arsenal beyond the current upgrade limit, while unlocking new skins. The skill tree has in turn been revised with the addition of new skills and the improvement of those already present, so as to make each choice more incisive in defining our style of play. The quest system has also been renewed, which now offers more articulated tasks and rewards the completion of optional objectives with bonus XP.

On the equipment front we will find new weapons, new items and even musical instruments, along with the Grappling Hook and the Camera gadget, with which we will be able to take first-person view photographs. Those who like to stand out will also appreciate the Weapon Stencils, a new system designed to customize their appearance with unique aesthetics. Finally, the update kicks off the sixth season of the Trials, with a new series of challenges to face.

A new 60-level Reward Pass also debuts, divided into two paths. The Free Pass is accessible to all owners of the base game, while the Premium Pass can be unlocked from the internal store by spending 1,150 Raider Tokens, or by purchasing the Frozen Trail Collector Set. The Premium track adds 50 rewards, including exclusive cosmetics for your Raider and 1,150 Raider Tokens that effectively return the expense incurred, while completing both tracks brings the total loot to 1,350 Raider Tokens. As for the Collector Set, the new DLC includes the Renzo outfit, the Dragon's Breath Weapon Stencil, the Bob Hair Style hairstyle and 2,400 Raider Tokens, as well as granting access to the Frozen Trail Premium Pass.

For those who want to approach the title right now, ARC Raiders is playable for free from today until 10:00 on October 12th. During the Free Play Weekend the full game will be accessible, Pendulum Pass included when teaming up with players who have already unlocked the new map. Those who decide to continue the adventure will be able to purchase the base game, the Deluxe Edition or the Deluxe Edition Upgrade with a 50% discount, valid until October 12th.

We leave you now to the launch trailer of Frozen Trail, enjoy!