Will Frozen Trail Bring a PvE Mode to ARC Raiders? | August 31 Interview May Have the Answer

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• ARC Raiders Update 1.44.0 Hidden Clues Hinting at Preparations for Frozen Trail: Focusing on Outfits and Shotgun Parts

  Following the conclusion of Gamescom 2026, ARC Raiders team returned to their regular schedule, released Update 1.44.0 this Tuesday.

  While the content of Update 1.44.0 was relatively minimal, the arrival of September signals that the launch of Frozen Trail is drawing ever closer.

  Consequently, any seemingly minor adjustment made by the development team from this point forward could well be a step toward delivering a superior Frozen Trail experience.

  To ensure you are fully prepared for the deep gameplay experience awaiting you in ARC Raiders: Frozen Trail, launching on October 8, we have analyzed the contents of Update 1.44.0 to speculate on potential changes and help you get ready in advance.

  

  The launch and temporary removal of the new set

  Update 1.44.0 was a straightforward store update; it did not include bug fixes or similar technical patches, focusing instead on the release of the new Static set.

  Awkwardly, before players could even log in to find the set in the store, the development team issued an emergency hotfix to temporarily remove both Static and Cavalier sets from the store and customization menus.

  The official explanation cited the need to tweak certain visual details. While this does not appear to be a complex technical fix, ARC Raiders team has not specified a date for their return.

  

  Static Set may herald a new era of frigid weather

  Although Static set did not launch as scheduled, images of the complete outfit are already available. Visually, it is a standard winter combat ensemble: a thick coat and trousers paired with a fully sealed helmet.

  This aesthetic inevitably brings to mind what we already know about ARC Raiders: Frozen Trail. While Frozen Trail far surpasses last year's Cold Snap in terms of map complexity and gameplay content, the two share a common theme: extreme cold.

  It is reasonable to suspect that Static set is a precursor to a wider range of sets designed for Frozen Trail, and that the recent modifications aim to better align the gear with the expansion's visual style.

  If you have played Cold Snap condition, you know that the freezing climate takes a toll on your health and defense; Frozen Trail is likely to escalate these consequences through new map conditions or other environmental elements.

  How to prepare to acquire potential new sets?

  While specific sets and their pieces aren't the primary means of surviving the freezing cold in ARC Raiders, wearing outfits suited to the environment will certainly enhance your Frozen Trail experience.

  Most ARC Raiders sets are obtained by exchanging Raider Tokens in the shop. Beyond completing specific projects and acquiring Raider Decks, you can now also earn these tokens by completing Expedition Departure missions.

  The next opportunity is Expedition 5 Departure mission, which begins on September 8 and runs for three weeks. If you deal at least 100,000 points of damage during this period, you can earn 750 Raider Tokens as a reward.

  Additionally, Phantom Targets project, launched in early August, concludes on September 6. Completing all its steps will also unlock a small amount of tokens.

  Removal of Shotgun Parts from Ermal's shop

  A second key update from the hotfix accompanying Update 1.44.0 is the removal of Shotgun Parts from Ermal's shop.

  As the game's newest vendor, Ermal allows you to trade surplus loot for ARC Raiders items you actually need, with the available inventory rotating weekly.

  Shotgun Parts, a common crafting material, would occasionally appear in Ermal's rotating stock. They are essential for crafting various high-level gear items, with the part's tier corresponding to the gear's tier.

  The removal of Shotgun Parts in Update 1.44.0 means that, for the foreseeable future, acquiring these parts, and consequently crafting the associated guns, will become slightly more difficult.

  It is reasonable to speculate that the development team made this change to encourage players to put more effort into scavenging and combat once Frozen Trail launches, ensuring they fully experience the new maps and enemies.

  

  How to deal with this removal?

  Although you can no longer obtain Shotgun Parts through trading with Ermal, other farming sources remain reliable, and lower-tier Shotgun Parts are generally easier to acquire.

  For instance, Simple Gun Parts can be found randomly while scavenging, traded for with Celeste (another ARC Raiders vendor), or obtained as drops by defeating specific ARCs.

  In other words, once you know these methods, earning extra Shotgun Parts ahead of Frozen Trail launch won't be difficult.

  It is also worth noting that, in addition to Raider Tokens, the permanent rewards for Expedition 5 launch window missions include five random blueprints.

  You can therefore prioritize using your recently acquired Shotgun Parts for the crafting recipes corresponding to these blueprints, allowing you to prepare weapons capable of handling the new content more quickly before Frozen Trail begins.

  ARC Raiders at Gamescom 2026

  Update 1.44.0 also mentioned ARC Raiders' presence at Gamescom 2026. Although the developers didn't reveal much new information beyond the functionality of Camera Gadget, they created an engaging booth and hosted entertaining offline events.

  This demonstrates that, despite the lack of major updates for nearly six months, the development team remains highly confident that Frozen Trail will bring players back to the game.

  Ultimately, while preparing for a smooth transition into Frozen Trail will require more than just the steps mentioned above, Update 1.44.0 offers a great starting point, allowing you to get a head start and approach the new content with greater confidence than others.

• ARC Raiders Shields Explained: Is a Shield Still Worth Bringing? Why Medium Shield Stands Out?

  In the current ARC Raiders, bringing a Shield into raids sometimes feels like an unnecessary expense for players.

  More and more players are choosing not to bring a Shield, especially when using inexpensive gear or joining a squad through matchmaking. This raises a simple yet highly controversial question: Is a Shield still worth bringing?

  Recent discussions in the community have clearly demonstrated the division among players on this issue. One post criticized teammates who repeatedly enter raids without a Shield, with many players stating that this was particularly frustrating during Stella Montis night raid.

  Other players, however, believe that these players simply want to loot and rely on teammates to provide sufficient protection for a successful extraction.

  

  Why Choose Not to Bring One?

  Most players choose not to bring a Shield because of cost.

  ARC Raiders is an extraction shooter; every item brought into a looting raid can be lost. If the goal is simply to complete a low-risk looting trip, then bringing expensive gear may not always be a wise move.

  Mobility is also a factor to consider. Light Shields avoid the movement penalty of heavy shields, while Medium and Heavy Shields sacrifice some mobility for greater survivability.

  This trade-off can be especially important for players who heavily rely on movement, dodging, and quick repositioning.

  Besides these objective factors, some players intentionally carry very little gear into raids, especially when farming specific loot or blueprints. This is even more pronounced in group matchmaking. They want to leverage the better gear of their teammates to achieve their goals without risking using expensive gear themselves.

  This is the main reason why this issue is so controversial. If you're a solo player, you only need to consider your own survival even without a shield, but if you're in a group, it increases the pressure on your teammates.

  Is It Still Worth It?

  For most average players, the answer is yes.

  Embark has always considered shields an important part of character customization, not just a piece of armor. More importantly, the current ARC Raiders environment still gives Raiders ample reason to prioritize survivability.

  Even if you perfectly avoid combat, you might still encounter a sudden ARC attack or an enemy player appearing unexpectedly while looting. In such situations, a Shield can provide extra buffer time, preventing you from being instantly killed and ruining your mission.

  This value is even more apparent in squad operations. If a player is immediately downed after an ambush, the remaining teammates must decide whether to continue fighting, revive them, or abandon the position. A Shield can buy the squad a few seconds to disengage, heal, or reposition.

  Of course, this doesn't mean you must use a Shield, or that not using one is a mistake. In certain terrains in ARC Raiders, using a Shield can actually create a strategic disadvantage. For example, in Hurricane condition, Debris weakens Shields and also makes players using Shields easier to spot.

  In other words, ARC Raiders isn't a game that automatically selects the strongest defensive gear in all situations; the real question is what you want to achieve during an ambush.

  Similarly, choosing the right Shield model is crucial depending on the specific match conditions and objectives.

  

  Shield Selection

  Currently, there are three main types of shields in ARC Raiders:

  • Light Shield
  • Medium Shield
  • Heavy Shield

  For players who prioritize mobility, Light Shield is the simplest choice. Heavy Shield offers stronger protection but also restricts movement, making it more suitable for players willing to sacrifice some mobility for greater survivability.

  Medium Shield occupies a middle position, and this position makes it the most frequently used shield.

  Medium Shield

  The biggest advantage of ARC Raiders Medium Shield isn't its greater protection or mobility, but rather the greater margin for error it provides.

  You have time to react if you're unexpectedly attacked while looting. You also have enough time to find cover when under attack from ARCs. Furthermore, you still have a chance to reposition yourself if you're at a disadvantage in an engagement with another raider.

  These three situations are very common in ARC Raiders, which is why Medium Shield offers excellent value for money.

  Secondly, the value of carrying a Medium Shield becomes even more apparent in squad combat.

  A teammate without a shield might survive quietly looting, but the situation changes drastically once the squad is forced into combat.

  If a teammate falls, it's not just about losing a gun; it can force other players to expose their positions, abandon supplies, retreat from objectives, or fight outnumbered in an attempt to revive them.

  However, if everyone carries sufficient protective gear for the initial engagement, the team has more options when unexpected situations arise.

  Acquisition Methods

  Currently, the most direct method in the game is crafting it using the required materials in Gear Bench 2.

  Alternatively, it can be obtained by exchanging 6,000 ARC Raiders coins from Lance, or through Scavenging in Raids.

  It's important to note that Medium Shield should be considered part of your regular gear setup, not an item to be kept indefinitely.

  Some players, fearing the loss of their shields, never use them, which may actually increase the chance of losing weapons and loot brought into dungeons while saving gear.

  Overall, the debate about shields is unlikely to end here, as no single gear setup works for all raiders.

  However, for most players seeking reliable gear, Medium Shield offers higher protection than a Light Shield without sacrificing too much mobility like a Heavy Shield.

  Its greater capacity is especially important in sustained PvE combat, while its protective capabilities give players more room for error in PvP and group battles.

  It is arguably the safest choice among all shields for ARC raiders.

• ARC Raiders Phantom Targets Event Part 2 Countdown | Don't miss the showcase of the new Camera Gadget Feature Meanwhile!

  The period spanning late August and early September seems to be a peak time for game updates. If you play ARC Raiders but also juggle other titles, you might overlook key milestones, such as the end date for Phantom Targets Part 2!

  Admittedly, recent ARC Raiders news might not have grabbed your attention immediately. However, with the launch window for Expedition 5 fast approaching, it is wise to start gathering resources now to complete the associated missions.

  Phantom Targets event consists of two parts, with three steps in each. Part 2 concludes on September 6, meaning you have just one week left to complete it.

  Below, we outline the mission requirements for each of the three steps and the rewards you will earn upon completion.

  

  Step 1: Bring In Glitched Wasp Parts for Testing

  Regardless of the elaborate backstory surrounding Phantom Targets event, your main priority is simply understanding the requirements for each step and completing them on time.

  Part 2, Step 1 requires you to collect ten of each of four specific ARC Raiders items. The first three were introduced with Update 1.42.0 and may be removed once Phantom Targets ends:

  • Glitched ARC Power Converter
  • Glitched ARC Transmitter
  • Glitched ARC Phased Array
  • Advanced ARC Powercell

  Upon collecting and submitting these items, you will receive the following rewards:

  • 1x Canto III
  • 1x Stable Stock III
  • 1x Extended Medium Mag III
  • 1x Silencer III

  How to farm the three Glitched items?

  The three Glitched items mentioned above are obtained by eliminating a special enemy type known as Erratic Wasp. While Glitched ARC Power Converter can occasionally drop from ARC Raiders Hornets or Pops, focusing on Erratic Wasps is clearly more efficient.

  Like Glitched items themselves, Erratic Wasp, also known as Glitched Wasp, was introduced to the game specifically for Phantom Targets event.

  It is a variant of the standard Wasp ARC you are likely familiar with; while their appearance and combat mechanics are largely identical, Erratic Wasp displays signs of malfunction, its lights flicker chaotically, and its audio sounds off, as if it is in need of repair.

  If encountered naturally on the map, its movement is erratic and unsteady due to its malfunction, and it moves more slowly than a standard Wasp. Consequently, if you have some gameplay experience, shooting it down shouldn't be difficult.

  Upon spotting you, Erratic Wasp will target you with a red laser before firing continuously. During this engagement, you should constantly seek cover while looking for opportunities to target and destroy the enemy's thrusters.

  Each Erratic Wasp has four thrusters, and fortunately, they are fully exposed. Once the thrusters are destroyed, Erratic Wasp loses control and may even crash outright.

  To farm more efficiently and ensure your safety, it is best to use a Lure Grenade before opening fire.

  When thrown, this item attaches to a surface and draws Erratic Wasp's attention, causing it to shift its focus; this allows you to eliminate the group of enemies more easily and with concentrated fire.

  How to farm Advanced ARC Powercells?

  This ARC Raiders item is classified as Rare, so most destroyed ARCs will drop it. If you have spare Assessor Matrices, you can also obtain additional Advanced ARC Powercells by recycling or salvaging them.

  Step 2: Perform Final Tests on Glitched Wasp Parts

  The requirements for Step 2 are essentially the same as Step 1, though the materials needed have changed (you still need ten of each):

  • Glitched ARC Light Ring
  • Glitched ARC Circuitry
  • ARC Thermo Lining
  • ARC Circuitry

  There is no need to re-explain how to obtain the two Glitched items; ARC Thermo Lining can be found by scavenging during raids or by defeating most common PvE enemies.

  In contrast, the enemy types that drop ARC Circuitry are more limited and consist mostly of large ARCs, such as Bastion, Matriarch, Queen, and others.

  If you are concerned about facing these specific ARCs, you can prioritize scavenging ARC Probes instead. It cannot attack you directly; you simply need to retreat before the enemies it attracts arrive. Alternatively, you can craft ARC Circuitry at Refiner 2 workshop by consuming 8x ARC Alloy.

  Rewards for completing this step include:

  • Fireworks Box Blueprint
  • Vulcano III
  • Extended Shotgun Mag III
  • Shotgun Silencer

  Step 3: Conduct One Final Explosive Test

  The only requirement for this step is to deal 100 points of damage to any flying ARCs using fireworks, specifically, the fireworks obtained as a reward in Step 2.

  More precisely, you need to use the blueprint to craft a Fireworks Box, place it in an area where flying enemies frequently spawn, lure them nearby (using traps or other methods), and then trigger the fireworks remotely.

  

  If you use a Fireworks Box but fail to reach the target damage, don't worry; the item can also be obtained through scavenging or by trading with Shani.

  As for Fireworks Box blueprint recipe, you need to unlock Explosives Station 2 and gather at least 1x Explosive Compound and 3x Pop Trigger.

  Rewards for Step 3 include:

  • 1x Computer Mouse Backpack Charm
  • 1x Crash Mat Blueprint
  • 1x Anvil IV
  • 1x Anvil Splitter

  Crash Mat is particularly noteworthy. It is essentially a special grenade that deploys an inflatable pad upon impact with the ground; landing on it reduces fall damage. Crafting requirements include 1x Electrical Components, 1x Durable Cloth, and Utility Station 1.

  Completing all the above marks the end of ARC Raiders Phantom Targets event, meaning you can start preparing to unlock the permanent rewards for Expedition 5!

  Camera Gadget is coming in October!

  Gamescom 2026, the biggest offline gaming event of the second half of the year, is currently in full swing, and ARC Raiders is participating.

  While the team hasn't revealed new details about core gameplay yet, they announced the launch of Camera Gadget feature for October and released a dedicated short video for it.

  

  This means you'll be able to use the in-game camera to capture and preserve fun moments during your raids. We might see previews of more new features before Gamescom 2026 concludes.

  That covers everything for now. Also, this week's trials are ending soon, so be sure to manage your time wisely to avoid missing out on any rewards!

• Can Frozen Trail Save ARC Raiders? | The Biggest Test for the Extraction Shooter

  ARC Raiders' Frozen Trail is just over a month away from its full reveal, and the official team will begin its marketing campaign in September, gradually introducing everything they have been preparing over the past few months.

  In fact, Gamescom 2026 would have been an excellent opportunity for promotion, but the official team chose not to reveal any information about Frozen Trail. It seems they mainly wanted to maintain a presence at the event, while saving more substantial reveals for September.

  Some information about Frozen Trail was already revealed on August 12, including the map, new ARC enemies, and skill tree adjustments. Before the official team reveals more details, let's first discuss whether it can save ARC Raiders.

  

  Opening Promises

  ARC Raiders has certainly made quite a few mistakes throughout its live service, and it all goes back to the beginning. When the game first launched, the development team promised monthly updates to ensure that the content would remain fresh.

  However, that became their first major mistake because it created expectations that were simply too high and unrealistic.

  Even the largest game studios in the industry would struggle to deliver substantial updates every single month.

  Based on the wording used by the official team at the time, it seemed to suggest that a large amount of content was already prepared and waiting to be released. The reality, however, was quite different.

  The new ARC enemies and new map conditions they introduced were both fairly good, but they still could not hide the underlying lack of content.

  What actually had a positive impact were Close Scrutiny event and Vaporizers. These challenging activities provided a welcome test for veteran Raiders who were beginning to find the core gameplay loop increasingly repetitive.

  Reward System

  

  ARC Raiders has always had some serious problems with its reward system. The rewards only remain meaningful during the early stages, and once players reach the endgame, even rare and legendary loot can no longer generate much excitement.

  This is partly because legendary weapons not only fail to outperform blue or pink-tier weapons, but can even be slightly worse in certain situations.

  They have a higher value and a more impressive appearance, but from a risk-to-reward perspective, they are simply not worthwhile because players carrying these weapons often become like cheese that attracts huge numbers of rats.

  Blueprints also make it much easier for players to obtain these weapons. As long as they have the required materials, they can craft them repeatedly, so losing one is not something they need to worry about.

  Player Loss

  On May 13, the promise of monthly updates was proven to be unrealistic. The official team announced that updates would instead be released only twice a year going forward, explaining that this would provide enough time to make meaningful and substantial changes to the game.

  The news was a major blow. The situation was even more disappointing given the expected performance of Riven Tides.

  Although this situation was frustrating and temporarily killed the game's momentum, it was indeed the right decision. The game genuinely needs a large-scale and comprehensive overhaul to fundamentally change the gameplay experience.

  At the same time, item duplication exploits and cheating problems also pushed the in-game environment into a very poor state. It seemed like almost everyone had a fully equipped Tempest 4, with much of this gear coming from duplication exploits.

  Due to this gear disparity, the current environment isn't favorable for starters or those who participated in Expedition reset. If you don't want to be complicit with cheaters, you can buy ARC Raiders items at IGGM.com to gain the ability to fight back.

  If you're a registered IGGM user, remember to use IGGM check-ins to accumulate points. You can accumulate a large number of points to redeem discounts and cash coupons, with discounts up to 10%.

  Can Frozen Trail Save ARC Raiders?

  If you expect players to endure a long period of silence, then every update cannot simply be a new biome, several new threats, and another activity to try out. It needs to provide genuine reasons for players to log in every day, continue forming squads, and remain invested in their own progression.

  According to the information released by the official team, Frozen Trail is large in scale and densely packed with explorable areas both above and below ground, which seems substantial enough to keep players occupied for a long time.

  Risks 

  But the risks remain. Frozen Trail may expand the game's breadth while still lacking depth. A new map can look visually impressive and yet fail to become a space that players actually want to explore repeatedly.

  New high-difficulty operations may be tense and exciting at first, but they could eventually lose their appeal if their scope is too narrow. A new ARC Boss may initially become a major challenge for players, but if its behavior patterns are easy to predict, players will quickly adapt to it.

  Still, there is reason for cautious optimism. October 8 is not that far away. The official team has also mentioned improvements to matchmaking, stability, and overall quality.

  Because no matter how much content a game has, it cannot save an online game if the underlying experience remains rough or unstable. Players pay attention to major features, but they also immediately notice friction throughout the game.

  If the game runs more smoothly, the controls feel better, and the overall Raider experience becomes more seamless, these improvements could be just as valuable as a visually stunning new region.

  Will it Be a Complete Failure?

  ARC Raiders was extremely popular when it first launched, and Frozen Trail may not be able to recreate that level of excitement. Every update is likely to bring a massive wave of returning players, followed by another gradual decline in the player count until the next update arrives.

  It is similar to Fortnite. At its peak, it attracted almost everyone, yet its popularity inevitably faded over time. Even so, Fortnite remains full of life to this day.

  If September Frozen Trail reveal can demonstrate genuine endgame pressure and progression systems that meaningfully strengthen the core gameplay loop, it could reignite ARC Raiders' momentum. If the reveal remains vague, or the final patch delivers less than what the marketing suggests, ARC Raiders may end up moving toward an even longer development cycle, which would not be good news for the game.

• ARC Raiders Update 1.43.0: New Set Arrives Alongside Another Account Ban Warning

  ARC Raiders Store Update 1.43.0 is now live. This update is relatively small, focusing on new store items, the continuation of Phantom Targets event, and community activities. At the same time, the official team has once again reminded players to be aware of account security and anti-cheat issues. Let's take a closer look at what Store Update 1.43.0 brings.

  Heavy Duty Roamer Set

  

  The highlight of this store update is undoubtedly the newly added heavy duty Roamer Set. Judging from its name and positioning, this set of gear is tailor-made for Raiders who dare to venture deep into the surface and engage in long-term exploration. Whether it's durability or endurance, Roamer Set aims to help players go further and survive longer in the perilous surface environment.

  To experience this new gear, simply restart the game, update to the latest version, and then go to the in-game store to view and unlock it. The addition of Roamer Set, a new shop addition in version 1.43.0, further enriches players' gear options.

  

  Phantom Targets Event is Underway

  Phantom Targets event is now in its crucial phase and will continue until September 6th. Raiders must venture to the surface to hunt the aberrant Wasps - ARC units exhibiting unusual behavior never before seen by Shani, emitting strange noises and carrying mysterious malfunctioning technology.

  By participating in the event and contributing to the research, players will earn a range of generous rewards:

  • Anomalia Outfit - the core reward of Phantom Targets Part 2, a limited-edition, futuristic outfit
  • Finger Guns Wave emote - a fun and interactive emote
  • Trashpile Bag - a unique wasteland-style decoration
  • Raider Tokens - can be used to redeem in-game items

  

  The official statement says these rewards will help you prepare for the upcoming challenges. For ARC Raiders items collectors and players looking to express their individuality in the wasteland, this is undoubtedly an opportunity not to be missed. It's worth noting that the Phantom Targets event already launched its second phase in update 1.42.0, and update 1.43.0 continues this event. If you haven't started participating yet, now is a good time to catch up - the event ends on September 6th, so time is limited.

  Anti-Cheat Enhancement: Linked Account Risk Warning

  As the studio continues to strengthen its anti-cheat efforts, 1.43.0 update brings an important account security warning.

  The official statement clearly states that if someone (whether or not with your permission) logs into your account and is found cheating, even if the cheating was not done by you personally, your account may still be banned.

  This means that account security is no longer just about personal privacy; it directly affects your game progress, purchased content, and future gaming eligibility. To avoid such situations, the official recommendation is for players to immediately take the following security measures through their login platforms (Steam, Sony, Xbox, Epic, etc.):

  • Use a strong and unique password
  • Enable two-factor authentication
  • Never share your login information with anyone

  It's important to emphasize that this warning is not unfounded. The official team has been continuously strengthening its anti-cheat measures - in July of this year, they completed the full deployment of Denuvo Anti-Cheat to all players; simultaneously, the studio is collaborating with Anybrain to improve hardware detection, software detection, and machine learning-based telemetry analysis.

  Previously, the official team also implemented a strict joint-account ban policy for Steam Family Sharing. The tightening of account association in version 1.43.0 is the latest step in this series of anti-cheat measures.

  Wasp Week Community Highlights Submissions Still Open

  The official team is still accepting player submissions and plans to select Top 5. The final selected works will receive a Wasp Hunter DLC set.

  The official announcement specifically mentioned some interesting submission directions, such as riding a Wasp through the air, using a Snap Hook to pull a Wasp to the ground, or repeatedly using a Snitch Scanner to provoke a swarm of Wasps.

  For ARC Raiders, this kind of activity is also quite in line with the game's characteristics. Unplanned chaos often occurs during raids: ARC, other Raiders, resource points, and extraction routes interfere with each other, easily creating exciting moments that cannot be deliberately crafted in ordinary missions.

  Therefore, if you've been farming Phantom Targets or dealing with Wasps recently, you can record some interesting combat clips and try submitting them for this Community Highlights.

  Gamescom 2026 Ongoing

  In addition to in-game content, the official announcement also stated that ARC Raiders team will be participating in Gamescom from August 26th to August 30th, preparing merchandise and some free items, and also mentioned that they will be traveling with Scrappy.

  However, judging from the timing, Gamescom falls right at a crucial stage in the current content rollout of ARC Raiders. The official announcement of the fifth Expedition and the confirmation that Frozen Trail will launch on October 8th are just some of the details. Let's look forward to seeing if they reveal any more future content during Gamescom.

  Overall, while Store Update 1.43.0 isn't a massive release, it adds a significant amount of content to the current version, from new items and event continuations to anti-cheat measures and community activities. With Gamescom progressing and Expedition and Frozen Trail approaching, it remains to be seen what other news ARC Raiders will bring.

• ARC Raiders Expedition 5 Launch Window Date and More Changes Revealed: It's the Last One until 2027!

  Regardless of whether a major update has just launched, Expeditions remain a key, regularly updated feature in ARC Raiders. Participating allows you to unlock permanent rewards by completing missions and embark on a fresh adventure starting from scratch.

  After the preparation phase for Expedition 5 has been underway for about a month, ARC Raiders has finally announced more details regarding the launch window for this expedition.

  Since the end of this window coincides closely with the launch of the next update, Frozen Trail, several changes have been made to Expedition mechanics. Here are the details.

  

  Expedition 5 launch window duration

  The launch window for this expedition opens on September 8 at 4:00 AM PT and closes on September 29 at 1:00 AM PT. This gives you three weeks to complete challenges and earn permanent rewards exclusive to ARC Raiders Expeditions.

  You can continue collecting materials for Expedition 5 preparation phase right up until the launch window closes. However, to avoid delays in your mission progress, it is advisable to buy ARC Raiders items to complete material submissions quickly.

  What's new?

  If you have participated in previous ARC Raiders Expeditions, you will likely notice that Expedition 5 window opens nearly two weeks earlier than previous ones, and the duration has been extended back to three weeks (up from the two-week duration of Expeditions 3 and 4).

  This change likely serves two purposes: providing you with ample time to gather resources given the recent lack of new game content, and ensuring you have the opportunity to earn more permanent rewards so you can experience Frozen Trail at a more relaxed pace.

  It is worth noting that there is no seamless transition between the old and new Trials seasons this time; Season 5 concludes on September 22, followed by a two-week hiatus until Frozen Trail launches on October 8, at which point Season 6 Trials cycle will begin.

  Additionally, Last Call feature, introduced this past April, has been removed for Expedition 5 launch window. This means you must sign up during the designated window; otherwise, you will miss out on this round of challenges.

  Finally, to address player feedback regarding repetitive mission lines after an expedition ends, the game now allows you to retain your mission progress and pick up where you left off, rather than forcing a complete reset.

  However, since one of the primary ways to obtain Hullcracker blueprint in ARC Raiders is by completing The Major's Footlocker quest, a new method for acquiring this blueprint will be introduced after Expedition 5 window concludes.

  

  Expedition 5 launch window missions and rewards

  During the launch window, once you complete the five-step process of gathering and submitting materials, you can immediately register and begin progressing through Expedition missions.

  The mission structure mirrors that of ARC Raiders Expedition 4 window: you must deal a specific amount of damage using various combat methods within a three-week period.

  There are five reward tiers to achieve; unlocking each one grants you 150 Raider Tokens and a random blueprint that can be used during the preparation phase for the next expedition:

  • Level 1: Deal 5,000 damage
  • Level 2: Deal 10,000 damage
  • Level 3: Deal 30,000 damage
  • Level 4: Deal 50,000 damage
  • Level 5: Deal 100,000 damage

  In other words, if you reach Level 5 before Expedition 5 launch window ends, you will earn five unique random blueprints (with no duplicates) and a total of 750 Raider Tokens.

  Additionally, upon completing all damage objectives, Expedition 5 window offers the complete Zenith Outfit, 12 extra stash slots (up to a maximum of 60), and consecutive boost buffs for XP, Scrappy materials, and repair value.

  It is worth noting that these three types of buffs can only be upgraded a maximum of three times; this means that if you participated in and completed the launch windows for Expeditions 3 and 4, these buffs will reach their maximum level after Expedition 5 concludes.

  Rewards for Expedition 1 and 2 windows included extra permanent skill points. If this is your second, third, or fourth time participating in an ARC Raiders expedition, you can use the catch-up mechanic to claim those missed skill point rewards, provided the total value of items in your stash meets the required threshold.

  Future Expeditions paused!

  In addition to these new details and changes regarding Expedition 5 launch window, ARC Raiders development team has announced that, in order to improve Expedition gameplay experience, updates to this mechanic will be paused after the current window ends, with a return scheduled for early 2027.

  In fact, this decision might not come as a huge surprise, as players have long criticized ARC Raiders Expeditions mode for lacking originality and sustainability. Previous adjustments only scratched the surface without addressing the core issues.

  Therefore, pausing the mode is essential to fundamentally revamp it. The development team plans to share more details about this decision sometime in September; if you have any ideas, feel free to share your feedback, it might just get implemented!

  Rest assured, pausing Expeditions mechanic will not affect the rewards you earn from completing existing Window missions.

  Don't miss Subway Crossover

  In addition to updates on Expedition 5 Window, ARC Raiders has recently launched a collaboration with the fast-food chain Subway!

  From August 20 to October 26, 2026, simply get a qualifying meal at participating Subway locations in the US, via the app, or on the official website to receive an exclusive, onetime-use redemption code. The code is valid until November 10.

  

  You can then log in to your ARC Raiders account and enter the code in the designated section to unlock two rotating weekly in-game items, Subterranean outfit, and one of three potential Subway-themed outfit variants.

  That's all for now. We hope the next four months bring truly valuable updates and changes to ARC Raiders, reigniting the intense combat atmosphere we experienced last year!