ARC Raiders Frozen Trail Anti-Cheat Update | Can Stronger Detection Keep Cheaters Away?

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• ARC Raiders Store Update 1.48.0 Adds 2 Color Variants for Misthorn Set | Frozen Trail and PvE Test Coming Next

  ARC Raiders received its final Store Update (1.48.0) before Frozen Trail update. This is the last update because the development team is currently focused on final preparations for Frozen Trail, which launches on October 8th. Therefore, there will be no regular Store Update next Tuesday.

  This also means that players will not see new rotating store content until the official launch of Frozen Trail. The official focus will gradually shift to Frozen Trail itself, paving the way for this upcoming major content update.

  Misthorn Set Gets New Color Variants

  

  This Store Update introduces two new color variants for Misthorn Set: Blue Silver and Green Wood. It has been confirmed that all players who already own Misthorn Set will automatically unlock these two color variants and can view and use them in the gear menu without restarting the game.

  Misthorn Set was initially released during Flickering Flames event in December 2025. With its unique and imposing appearance - hooded armor, a gold, expressionless mask, and a highly recognizable headgear - Misthorn Set was affectionately nicknamed griefer skin or sweat skin by players in the community, and these nicknames gradually became the impression players had of the outfit.

  While Misthorn Set is purely a cosmetic item and doesn't provide any stat bonuses, its striking silhouette and bizarre visual style can still influence other players' first impressions in PvPvE extraction shooters.

  The newly added Blue Silver and Green Wood colors further enrich the set's appearance options. The former, with its cool color scheme, fits the winter atmosphere, while the latter uses more subdued natural colors, providing new styling possibilities for the already distinctive Misthorn Set.

  Frozen Trail is coming soon

  For players who already own Misthorn Set, this update brings more of a visual refreshment. However, more noteworthy than the two new colorways themselves is perhaps the timing of this Store Update. With version 1.48.0 being the last Store Update before the release of Frozen Trail, the official focus will gradually shift to the upcoming Frozen Trail.

  The core of Frozen Trail is the new map, Pendola Pass, and a series of new challenges surrounding this area.

  Compared to previous ARC Raiders maps, Pendola Pass will place greater emphasis on vertical space and exploration. Players will not only need to search for resources on the surface but also enter underground facilities, while facing sudden severe weather. The official announcement has confirmed the presence of a special environmental threat called Flash Freeze, where extreme low temperatures may force players to temporarily change their routes and tactics.

  In addition to the new map, Frozen Trail will also introduce a new, high-difficulty ARC Operation - Frigate, a large ARC ship. Players will need to board the ship, find their way inside, and face ARC attacks, while other Raiders will also enter to compete for resources. Due to Frigate's high-altitude and relatively confined combat environment, this challenge will place a greater emphasis on player cooperation, judgment, and risk-taking.

  Meanwhile, Frozen Trail will also introduce three new ARC enemies: Bully, Skulker, and Hydra. Bully prefers frontal assaults and will actively pursue players; Skulker excels at stealth and ambush, attacking when players are distracted; Hydra is a heavy turret with three independent firepower units, primarily appearing in Frigate area.

  The addition of these three enemies means that players will need to adjust their established combat habits.

  

  PvE Mode to Undergo Limited-Time Testing

  Compared to Frozen Trail, the recently announced PvE Matchmaking Toggle is also noteworthy.

  This feature will not be released as a permanent mode with Frozen Trail on October 8th, but will instead undergo a limited-time test from October 13th to October 20th. During the test, players can choose between a traditional PvPvE mode and a PvE mode.

  In PvE mode, players do not deal damage to each other; the focus shifts to looting, completing missions, and cooperating against ARC enemies. Solo, Duo, and Trio modes will all offer corresponding PvE matchmaking, allowing players to explore solo or with teammates.

  However, due to the lack of threat from other Raiders in PvE mode, the developers have adjusted the test environment accordingly. The value of ARC Raiders items obtainable in the test will be reduced to balance the relatively safe game environment; simultaneously, ARC's behavior after a player is downed will be more dangerous - if a player continues crawling after being downed, ARC may re-lock onto them, while remaining still will avoid being attacked again.

  The developers stated that this mechanism aims to compensate for the lack of tension in PvE mode due to the absence of PvP threats. Furthermore, content relying on player encounters and high-intensity PvE combat, such as Night Raids, Hidden Bunker, Locked Gate, and Frigate, will not appear in this PvE test.

  After the test, the development team will decide whether to continue refining this feature based on player feedback and actual data. In other words, the more significant aspect of this test, which began on October 13th, is observing how ARC Raiders player base perceives an extraction experience without PvP threats.

  

  Therefore, for players currently playing ARC Raiders, this week's Store Update may only be a temporary pause. The truly anticipated content has been reserved for Frozen Trail on October 8th. With new maps, new enemies, and the upcoming PvE test, we eagerly await to see how the game will change.

• ARC Raiders One-Week PvE Mode Beta Finally Confirmed for October 13: Key Tips for Getting Involved

  Ever since ARC Raiders launched, the community has been calling for a dedicated PvE mode. Now, as the game approaches its one-year anniversary and the major Frozen Trail update is set to launch, the development team has finally made it official!

  Here, we'll detail how ARC Raiders will implement this pure PvE strategy and the advantages it offers in the competitive shooter market for the second half of the year.

  

  When does ARC Raiders PvE mode launch?

  According to the announcement made by the development team on September 24, ARC Raiders will host a one-week PvE mode beta starting October 13 and ending October 20.

  PvE option will be removed once the beta concludes. A final, permanent release date will be determined only after further optimization based on actual gameplay and player feedback.

  Notably, Frozen Trail update launches on October 8, meaning you'll have the chance to experience the new map, and battle new types of ARC enemies in a pure PvE setting.

  How does PvE mode work?

  ARC Raiders PvE mode isn't a separate, standalone game mode; instead, it integrates into the existing matchmaking environment, allowing you to toggle between PvPvE and PvE.

  In the pure PvE environment, you can still cooperate with other players or squads to take down dangerous ARCs more easily, but players cannot attack one another.

  Furthermore, PvE and PvPvE environments aren't isolated from each other; the development team is committed to seamless switching, letting you change your combat environment whenever your needs shift.

  However, the player behavior assessment systems for the two environments operate independently. As you likely know, the type of human players you match with in PvPvE depends on your personal playstyle.

  Additionally, to ensure the experience remains intense and high-stakes on maps defined by thrilling combat, such as Hidden Bunker and the upcoming Frigate, these locations are excluded from PvE beta.

  

  Further distinctions in pure PvE

  Beyond the obvious inability to engage in combat with other players, at least during the test period, the overall value of loot in ARC Raiders' Pure PvE mode will be lowered, while the base loot value in PvPvE will see a slight increase.

  This adjustment accounts for the safer combat environment created by the absence of PvP conflict; without the threat of ambushes by rats, players can extract with large amounts of resources more easily. If loot values remained unchanged, it would create an unfair imbalance for PvPvE players.

  Furthermore, to compensate for the loss of excitement associated with PvP, the danger level of ARC enemies in PvE mode has been slightly raised. Specifically, if you are downed but not yet dead, moving around may cause enemies to re-target and attack you.

  This means that successfully defeating ARCs and extracting in PvE mode requires mastering highly mobile combat tactics and making full use of ARC Raiders items that enhance your character's stealth.

  Things to note for PvE beta

  If you plan to be among the first to experience ARC Raiders PvE on October 13, you should be aware of the following two points in addition to the mechanics mentioned above.

  First, the introduction of a PvE mode will inevitably split the player base. Consequently, whether you are focusing on the test or playing the standard PvPvE mode, matchmaking times may increase, particularly during off-peak hours or on servers with lower populations.

  Second, participating in the test does not guarantee that PvE mode will be officially released in the future, especially if the feedback is poor, so please keep this in mind.

  What drove the development team to launch PvE beta?

  Player requests were only one factor behind the launch of this ARC Raiders test; the development team made the decision based on a deep analysis of the player community and the resulting data.

  Data released by ARC Raiders indicates that the current player base consists of 37% cooperative, PvE-leaning players; 27% hybrid players; and 34% pure PvP players.

  Among the player base, the proportion of friendly players has been steadily rising, while the share of PvP-focused players has remained relatively stable.

  However, players across all categories feel that hostile PvP encounters in ARC Raiders occur too frequently; some friendly players even try to avoid PvP entirely.

  Beyond player demand, the developers have stated that when the project first began, the plan was to create a PvE-focused scavenge-fight-extract game. That original vision was shelved due to insurmountable difficulties, eventually evolving into the current PvPvE format.

  Given the strong player support for pure PvE, the development team believes it is time to take action, satisfying player needs while gradually realizing the original development vision.

  Competitor Marathon also launching a PvE mode

  Shortly after ARC Raiders announced its PvE beta, its main rival in the genre, Marathon, announced that it would introduce a permanent PvE mode in December Symbiosis update.

  While specific details remain scarce, Marathon appears committed to launching a PvE mode directly, rather than following ARC Raiders approach of testing first before deciding on future plans.

  

  If ARC Raiders does not launch an official PvE mode immediately after the test, or delays it until next year, some players might switch to Marathon in December once the novelty of Frozen Trail update wears off.

  Whether the beta is a stopgap measure for ARC Raiders or a necessary step toward refining the official PvE mode, the shift toward a pure PvE environment is clearly the prevailing trend. We look forward to ARC Raiders delivering a satisfying beta experience on October 13!

• ARC Raiders Will Introduce a Limited-Time PvE Mode | Matchmaking, Loot Changes, and Economic Risks

  ARC Raiders officially released a new blog on September 24, announcing that it is testing a PvE matchmaking toggle for ARC Raiders. The test will run from October 13 to October 20, 2026, beginning five days after October 8 Frozen Trail update.

  Players can choose the classic PvPvE experience, or opt for a co-op-focused PvE experience where they work with other Raiders to fight against ARC. Let's take a look at what this test includes and the potential issues that PvE mode could bring.

  

  Player Data and Feedback

  ARC Raiders development team relies heavily on player data when adjusting the game. They usually make key decisions from three perspectives: what the data shows, what players are saying, and what their own instincts suggest.

  This time, the decision to introduce PvE mode is directly based on changes in player data:

  • 37% are friendly co-op players, and this group has continued to grow since launch.
  • 27% are mixed players who play both PvE and PvP.
  • 34% are pure PvP players, and this proportion has remained stable since launch.

  More than 70% of friendly players and 40% of PvP players want fewer hostile encounters, while 51% of surveyed players are interested in a dedicated PvE option. Friendly players often try to avoid PvP entirely and have become frustrated by ratting and camping.

  How PvE Test Works?

  PvE matchmaking toggle in this test will appear as a slider or option in the preparation interface, similar to the choices for filling teammates or playing solo. During the test, players can switch between the classic PvPvE and PvE experiences.

  In PvE experience, player damage is set to zero, and each session focuses entirely on ARC threats and co-op social dynamics. PvE sessions will include solo, duos, and trios.

  However, Night Raids, Hidden Bunker, Locked Gate, and Frigate will be excluded from the PvE matchmaking test. These activities were originally designed around high risk and high reward, and removing PvP from them would make valuable ARC Raiders items far easier to obtain.

  In addition, PvE sessions will not affect PvPvE matchmaking rating. Once the test ends, the toggle will be removed and matchmaking will return to its previous state. In PvE, players can loot, complete missions, and explore with relatively little risk.

  The overall loot value in PvE will also be reduced to compensate for the safer environment. Players should be careful when crawling after being downed by ARC machines, as they may retarget you, but they will ignore you if you remain still. The goal is to preserve some tension even without the threat of PvP.

  Differences from Security Protocol in China

  

  Previously, Chinese client tested a mode called Security Protocol. Similar to activities such as Night Raids, everyone entered in a PvE state, but players could switch to PvP during the session and would receive map indicators, audio warnings, and even red antennas.

  However, the version being tested globally is completely different. The development team is using a separate matchmaking queue. Once players load into a session, everyone remains in PvE and cannot switch to PvP during the session. The only way to disable PvE is to switch the option before queueing from the main menu, after which players enter a separate server.

  Risks of the PvE Test

  The development team has also publicly listed several risks that this experiment could bring.

  First, the economy could be affected. Friendly PvE players are more likely to extract successfully, and more successful extractions mean more value entering the economy. This is also why PvE loot will be reduced while PvPvE loot will be increased.

  Matchmaking times could also become longer. Because the player pool is split, regions with lower populations may experience longer queue times, with the effect becoming more noticeable during off-peak hours. Even regions with larger populations could be affected. The development team said it will continue monitoring the situation throughout the test.

  ARC Raiders was originally a PvE game, but it shifted toward PvPvE after the initial testing did not succeed. PvE removes much of the experience that was originally built around competition between players, which could reduce some of the fun and tension of the game.

  Moreover, since peaceful and friendly players may move into PvE sessions, the players remaining on PvP servers could be more aggressive overall. This could make the environment in the standard mode more hostile, with players encountering rats more frequently.

  Will PvE Mode Become Permanent?

  The official team is also uncertain whether the PvE mode represents a better overall game experience. It has therefore emphasized that this test does not represent a commitment to having a PvE mode in the future, although the team is seriously considering it. Future versions could be completely different.

  The development team needs to consider several questions:

  • How much lower should PvE loot be?
  • Will the reward progression system remain the same?
  • Will Squad Queue selection work properly?
  • What happens if PvE performs far beyond expectations?
  • What happens if the PvPvE queue is significantly affected?

  These questions could determine whether this PvE Mode remains a short-term test or becomes a permanent pillar of the game.

  This PvE test will last only seven days. Anyone who plays during the test, whether they prefer PvP or PvE, can provide the official team with data and help reveal the impact of the PvE mode, which could influence future decisions. So remember to return and play during the test.

• ARC Raiders Frozen Trail First Look Reveals Exciting New Content and Details: Pendola Pass Map, Frigate Vehicle, and More

  With the official launch of ARC Raiders Frozen Trail just three weeks away, the development team offered a first look on September 23rd, revealing more details about the update.

  The team describes Frozen Trail as the largest update in the game's history since launch. It brings a massive amount of new content and includes significant upgrades to core game mechanics, among other features.

  Based on the first look and other known information, we've put together a preliminary preview of Frozen Trail. Let's see how the new content compares to community speculation and satisfy your curiosity!

  

  New map Pendola Pass and environmental mechanics

  Previously, there was speculation that the new map accompanying the update would also be named Frozen Trail (much like Riven Tides). However, the first look revealed that the new core map is officially named Pendola Pass.

  Located north of Rust Belt, this is a brand-new, unexplored region where Raiders have yet to set foot; it is currently the largest map in ARC Raiders.

  Early impressions suggest a diverse range of terrain. The map features expansive open-field battlegrounds, tight indoor close-quarters combat zones, and areas with significant verticality, all designed to enrich and add fun to the combat gameplay.

  To tie in with the frozen theme, the team designed a mechanic for Pendola Pass called Flash Freeze. Unlike standard map conditions that trigger at set times, Flash Freeze occurs randomly during a match and is temporary.

  More specifically, Flash Freeze is a sudden, extreme cold snap. Once it hits, it deals intense freezing damage or inflicts other debuffs over a short period.

  To avoid these effects, you must quickly find and enter indoor facilities scattered across the map for shelter. If you are forced to remain outdoors, you should equip specific ARC Raiders items to provide extra protection against the cold.

  

  Core ARC vehicle: Frigate

  High above Pendola Pass map, a massive patrolling ARC vehicle known as Frigate will appear. It is currently one of the largest ARC vehicles in the game.

  As it is a vehicle, Frigate is not a standard enemy that will directly attack you. It is a massive warship that both you and ARC forces can board; it conceals both enemies and abundant loot.

  To profit from ARC Raiders Frigate, you must forcibly board the vessel, solve puzzles, navigate holographic exploration routes, and prepare to face various types of ARC enemies, both old and new.

  Given the incredibly rich loot hidden inside Frigate, fierce PvP battles are inevitable alongside PvE encounters. Deciding whether to cooperate to clear the objective or turn against one another presents an intriguing choice.

  In other words, Frigate is less of a standard enemy and more of a micro-map designed around a warship vehicle.

  While the first look didn't go into detail, rumors and datamining suggest Frigate may appear on multiple maps, rather than being restricted solely to Pendola Pass.

  

  Three new ARC enemy types

  In addition to Frigate vehicle, Frozen Trail update introduces three new ARC enemy types: Bully, Skulker, and Hydra.

  Bully is a heavily armored ground unit that combines the mobility of Leaper with the heavy machine-gun firepower of Bastion. Preliminary analysis suggests its weak point is its legs; hitting them makes the unit more likely to stagger.

  Skulker is a smaller, more agile ARC unit equipped with a burst-fire turret on its back. Thanks to its compact size, it excels at staying concealed during combat, requiring you to remain vigilant and eliminate it quickly.

  The third new enemy type is Hydra. It normally remains in a retracted, disc-like state but unfolds during combat to reveal three pairs of gun barrels. This grants it multi-target locking capabilities, allowing it to engage multiple Raiders simultaneously.

  

  Personal base expansion: Raider Outpost

  Previously, ARC Raiders lacked a dedicated base for your character; there was only a rudimentary Raider Den based on Speranza, which offered limited functionality and storage for furniture.

  Frozen Trail update upgrades this Den into an Outpost, designed to provide a highly customizable, personal space.

  Here, you can explore the game's lore, manage character progression and assets, craft and arrange furniture and decorations, and even expand the facility with additional, interesting functional modules.

  More importantly, Outpost will feature a new research bench alongside the existing crafting system, allowing you to upgrade weapons to Ascended tier, essentially a Level 5 upgrade.

  

  New gear and crafting system upgrades

  To craft these Level 5 weapons using the new Ascended Weapons mechanic, you must complete specific challenges at Outpost's research bench and expend rare materials to unlock unique upgrade paths for specific pieces of gear.

  These upgrades go beyond simple stat boosts; they represent comprehensive functional enhancements. For instance, Burletta can be modified for fully automatic fire, while Renegade can be fitted with a scope.

  However, note that not all existing gear is compatible with Ascended system. Upon the launch of ARC Raiders: Frozen Trail, support will be available for 15 weapons, with the eligible roster expanding over time.

  Additionally, Frozen Trail introduces two brand-new weapons: Stiletto and Banttom. The former uses light ammo and offers superior range and shield-breaking capabilities, while the latter delivers higher lethality at close range and features a unique hip-fire animation.

  Beyond performance enhancements, ARC Raiders is introducing a weapon skin system for gear customization. Be warned, however: if you are defeated by another player, your gear, along with its skin, will be confiscated by the enemy.

  

  Other new items

  ARC Raiders: Frozen Trail also significantly expands the game's tactical movement and interaction options. New additions include a throwable grappling hook that adheres to surfaces, enabling climbing, rappelling, and swinging across gaps.

  There is also a zipline launcher for creating connections between two points, as well as a cable grenade that can grab nearby heavy objects to slam into the ground or forcibly pull enemies out of cover.

  Further additions include playable musical instruments and an in-game camera feature, previously announced at Gamescom 2026, which supports selfies and various standard photography settings.

  Raider Decks overhaul

  The removal of Cred system a few weeks ago signals a major overhaul of the game's progression and reward systems by ARC Raiders development team.

  This first look reveals that the game's battle pass system is evolving into a new three-tiered structure: a free Legacy Pass based on Raider Decks, a standard Free Pass, and a Premium Pass. Additionally, there is a higher-tier Collector's Pack.

  More than just a first look

  Beyond what was shown in the first look, ARC Raiders development team will host a Q&A livestream later this Friday to address player questions regarding Frozen Trail, and perhaps reveal even more details.

  It is safe to say that, starting this week, the momentum ARC Raiders lost over the past six months could quickly return. How will Frozen Trail ultimately perform? Let's wait and see!

• ARC Raiders Store Update 1.47.0 Tightens Shared License Restrictions and Teases Frozen Trail First Look Ahead of October 8!

  ARC Raiders Store Update 1.47.0 is now live! This update introduces two brand-new colorways for Riposta outfit, fixes various bugs to further improve overall stability, and includes a new round of anti-cheat system upgrades.

  However, the highlight of this update is undoubtedly Frozen Trail first look. The developers will premiere this special preview on their official YouTube channel on September 23 at 10:00 AM PDT, revealing details about what promises to be the game's largest update to date.

  Frozen Trail First Look: The Biggest Reveal Before the October 8 Launch

  

  While specific details of Frozen Trail first look haven't been officially unveiled yet, we can glean the general direction of this major update from the roadmap previously shared by the developers.

  The released teaser focuses on a close-up of the legs of a massive new ARC enemy. Although its full form and specific mechanics remain unknown, the footage hints that Frozen Trail may introduce a heavy unit capable of shifting the pace of battle.

  According to previously released information, a key feature of Frozen Trail is a brand-new map. Set in a frozen settlement nestled beneath the mountains at the edge of Rust Belt, the area - once home to a village, factories, research facilities, and an observatory - now lies in ruins.

  In terms of level design, the new map emphasizes verticality and depth of exploration. Players must contend with threats not only on the surface but also deep underground, navigating various elevations and environments to scavenge resources and plot their routes.

  Additionally, a high-difficulty ARC Operation designed for veteran Raiders will launch alongside Frozen Trail. Described by the developers as centering on meaningful choices, dynamic encounters, and moments requiring cooperation and careful judgment, the operation will force players to make strategic trade-offs between combat, teamwork, risk management, and ultimate survival.

  The introduction of a new ARC enemy is another major highlight of this update. Officials previously revealed that the new enemies will span a range of sizes and behaviors - from small but tricky troublemakers to massive machines capable of stopping players in their tracks. Given the towering mechanical figures seen in the trailer, this aspect is likely to be key to how Frozen Trail alters the current combat pacing.

  Meanwhile, the progression system is set for significant adjustments. The reward mechanics for Raider Decks will be integrated into a more comprehensive reward system, scheduled to launch alongside this update.

  

  Of course, these details are currently based on previously announced plans; the actual map scale, specific mechanics of the new ARC units, and more will only be confirmed during the livestream on the 23rd. This makes the upcoming first look a highly anticipated reveal ahead of the official launch on October 8.

  Store Update 1.47.0: Paving the Way for Frozen Trail

  As Frozen Trail first look approaches, Update 1.47.0 does not introduce major new gameplay features; instead, it focuses on stability, the player experience, and the continued optimization of a fair competitive environment. In other words, this version serves primarily as preparation for the upcoming major content update.

  Further Strengthening Anti-Cheat Measures

  In this update, the developers highlighted their recent efforts regarding fair play.

  Officials stated that the team has recently carried out multiple rounds of bans targeting accounts exhibiting bot-like behavior. They plan to expand the scope of detection, including identifying activities such as abnormal XP farming in the future. At the same time, they are continuously monitoring and addressing actions that impact the game economy, such as the transfer of unusually high-value ARC Raiders items and item duplication.

  Additionally, the studio is tightening restrictions related to shared licenses. If an account is sanctioned for cheating, associated licenses may face further restrictions, making it more difficult for cheaters to re-enter the game by purchasing or using other accounts.

  Regarding the ban mechanism, officials also announced an expansion of the scope for first-strike permanent bans. The team aims to take faster action against violations where detection confidence is sufficiently high.

  Stability and Bug Fixes

  Beyond fair play, Store Update 1.47.0 includes several adjustments to game stability.

  This update fixes an issue that could cause the game to crash when the server shut down and improves crash detection and diagnostic tools. For PS5 version, fixes have been implemented to address frequent crashes related to the physics engine, and the stability of the inventory interface has been further improved.

  Regarding performance, the developers fixed an issue where inventory item tooltips could retain stale data. Previously, this issue could cause memory usage to gradually increase during extended play sessions, thereby compromising stability over time.

  Additionally, various minor issues - such as those involving keyboard input, door synchronization, item trading, and backpack containers - have been resolved. For instance, a bug where keyboard input might fail after returning to the game from the background or launching it while the window was out of focus has been fixed; synchronization issues where doors appeared open to the player but remained closed in reality have also been corrected.

  On the map front, the issue of abnormally dark lighting in Buried City has been improved, and certain visual glitches in Riven Tides have been fixed. Meanwhile, incorrect color rendering for various objects - including lockers, toolboxes, office chairs, vehicles, treasure chests, and shipping containers - has been addressed.

  Other Noteworthy Updates

  

  Beyond the fixes included in this update, the developers are reminding players to claim the community-created Rubber Ducks. Distribution of the reward emails will cease after October 8; players who have not yet claimed them must log in and do so before the deadline.

  Furthermore, the registration window for the fifth Expedition is closing soon; players need to complete their preparations by 1:00 AM PT on September 29. The developers have specifically noted that there will be no Last Call phase this time, meaning late registration via an additional period will not be possible.

  Overall, Store Update 1.47.0 serves as a period of refinement and reinforcement ahead of the official launch of Frozen Trail. It balances ongoing adjustments to anti-cheat measures, stability, and the general player experience with the steady release of teasers regarding Frozen Trail content. Specific details about this frozen map, the new ARC, and ARC Operation will be revealed during the upcoming first look.

• ARC Raiders Frozen Trail First Look Coming on September 23: Data-Mined Content Credibility to be Revealed!

  After six months of build-up and various teasers, and alongside the confirmed final launch date, ARC Raiders recently announced that a first look at Frozen Trail update, revealing further details, will drop on September 23rd.

  In fact, eager players have already used in-game data mining and other methods to uncover potential content coming with Frozen Trail. While the reliability of these findings remains unconfirmed, they are certainly worth noting.

  Below, we combine official updates with community insights to predict what Frozen Trail, or rather, the first look arriving in three days, might reveal.

  

  What clues does the brief teaser offer?

  On September 19th, the official ARC Raiders social media channels released a very short video, less than twenty seconds long, primarily to announce Frozen Trail first look.

  However, the video itself contains significant information. It shows a section of a massive ARC machine, though it is unclear if it has toppled over or been completely destroyed. Given the stark white background, this ARC structure might also be part of the new map.

  

  This could be a preview of new enemies or map details, or simply a teaser shot that doesn't necessarily reflect the final in-game experience.

  One thing is certain, however: at the end of the teaser, the development team showcased a new gear set that is expected to launch alongside Frozen Trail.

  The set features a distinct winter aesthetic, incorporating cold-weather elements like padded jackets and fur lining. Additionally, the helmet's visor sports a polarized finish, giving the entire outfit a stunning look.

  A closer inspection reveals even more details, such as intricate wiring on the forearms. You can even spot a pickaxe at the waist, possibly a piece of gear you'll be able to use in ARC Raiders in the future.

  Beyond the set itself, the promotional image offers a glimpse of the new map on the right side. The area appears to be blanketed in snow and features numerous large-scale structures.

  

  What surprises did data mining uncover?

  As the first major patch following ARC Raiders' shift in update cadence, Frozen Trail promises a wealth of new content. With the official launch date approaching, some of these details appear to be already hidden within the current game.

  A PvE-only mode

  Since the launch of ARC Raiders, there has been persistent demand for a dedicated PvE mode; this anticipation was further fueled by the introduction of the Rebellion mode, which leans heavily toward PvE, in Chinese server version.

  In the game files for Update 1.45.0, players discovered references to a PvE-only mode: a flag controlling PvE-exclusive matchmaking was found set to off and added to the list of default feature flags.

  Additionally, data miners uncovered PvE-specific social options, UI elements labeled for PvE-only play, and even configuration settings for round-based loot in PvE mode, suggesting that a potential PvE-only mode might feature its own independent loot pool.

  However, these remain preliminary speculations; it is still unknown whether the mode will actually launch during Frozen Trail season or what form it might take.

  One thing is certain: if these predictions prove true, the game's gear meta could shift significantly. After all, weapons that underperform in PvPvE environments might prove far more effective in a PvE-only mode.

  Given the likelihood of new gear being introduced, if you want to explore the new maps or mechanics efficiently during Frozen Trail, you should buy ARC Raiders items when necessary to ensure your gear setup doesn't hold you back.

  A new ARC: Frigate

  It was already known that ARC Raiders would introduce new enemy types in Frozen Trail. Now, data mining suggests one of these enemies could be a ship-like ARC boss named Frigate, appearing on every map except Stella Montis.

  Frigate's hull appears to feature various interactive elements, including ziplines, buttons, hatches, and specific weak points. This implies that players may need to complete objectives inside Frigate rather than simply engaging it in direct combat.

  Data indicates that when Frigate spawns on the map, it patrols while dropping cargo, though the timing intervals and trigger mechanisms for these drops remain unclear.

  What is the sky bucket?

  According to the game's lore, there is no direct underground tunnel network leading to Frozen Trail. Consequently, players must cobble together various traversal devices to cross the mountains and reach or leave the area.

  The sky bucket is one such potential device. It functions similarly to extraction points on other maps, yet there are a few key differences. First, the sky bucket has limited seating, meaning there is a cap on how many players can extract at once, it isn't an option available for immediate, unlimited use.

  It remains unclear whether there is a limit on how many times the sky bucket can be summoned or if there is a cooldown period, though it likely requires a specific method to activate. Additionally, the descent takes time, and the landing spot is not fixed.

  What might the new map look like?

  Based on available information, Frozen Trail map shares similar environmental conditions with the previous Cold Snap map condition, featuring heavy snow and cold waves throughout.

  While data mining only reveals an early prototype version of the map, it offers a rough idea of its scale and layout. It appears comparable in length to Spaceport but is wider.

  Furthermore, the map features a flash freeze mechanic, which seems to be an upgraded version of Cold Snap mechanic. The system announces where a flash freeze is forming and marks nearby shelters, accompanied by voice prompts.

  The difference between a flash freeze and a cold snap is that the former spreads from a specific point on the map and moves toward the other side, whereas a Cold Snap persists in a fixed location once it spawns. The slowing effect and damage caused by a flash freeze are likely far more severe than those of Cold Snap.

  That covers everything for now. Some of these details have been officially confirmed, while others remain speculative, though we can expect more concrete information once the first look is released! Stay tuned!