ARC Raiders will launch the "Frozen Path" update on October 8. Nearly a year after its release, this largest update to date will bring a snowy map, new enemies, weapon enhancements, rope equipment, and upgradable outposts.
The new map, "Pendora Pass," is located north of the existing areas and features terrain with significant elevation changes, open plains, and spaces for close-quarters combat. The map will periodically experience flash freezes, forcing players to seek shelter indoors or constantly find cover to maintain their body temperature. The massive wreckage of the "Emperor" on the map can be explored, containing supplies and puzzles, but also harboring greater risks.
The update will introduce three types of ARC enemies. The "Bully" is similar in size to the Leaper, capable of quickly vaulting over obstacles and attacking with automated turrets and missiles; the smaller "Stalker" moves close to the ground, relocating after an attack to set up another ambush; the stationary "Hydra" turret is equipped with three machine guns, allowing it to focus fire on a single target or split its attacks among three players.
The new endgame event revolves around the large aerial fortress, the "Frigate." Players cannot bring it down with firepower alone; they must cooperate to infiltrate and sabotage it from within, ultimately destroying the Frigate to claim the rare loot inside.
In terms of weapons, "Frozen Path" will add the Stiletto battle rifle, which uses light ammunition and is designed for combating ARC enemies, as well as the Bantam medium-ammo pistol, which has a high rate of fire but lower damage. A new "Enhanced Weapons" tier forms the fifth level of the firearm system. Players can research enhancements at upgrade stations in their nests to improve specific weapon stats or add new functions, such as converting the Berletta into a fully automatic pistol, installing a scope on the Renegade, or adding a drum magazine and incendiary rounds to the Rattler.
The new rope system will be utilized by three pieces of equipment. The grappling hook requires players to manually climb ropes or use swinging to change positions; the rope launcher and tether grenades can pull enemies out of cover or knock them down. Non-combat additions include banjos, harmonicas, and camera equipment. The camera supports aperture and effect adjustments and can be used for selfies with emotes.
Players will also gain access to a personal outpost that they can freely explore, upgrade, and decorate, including crafting and placing furniture. The weapon station within the outpost is used for researching and crafting enhanced weapon upgrades. Another pass system, still in development, will offer all cosmetic items for free, while the paid version will include different color schemes, hairstyles, backpacks, and legendary weapon skins.