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The January–April 2026 ARC Raiders roadmap was an early plan, not a firm release schedule. Embark initially aimed for monthly content updates, but in May it changed course: major updates would arrive twice a year, with routine live updates and events continuing. As of October 7, Embark had scheduled its next major update, Frozen Trail, for October 8, featuring the new Pendola Pass map, more ARC threats, and expanded Raider Den and weapon-progression systems.
What did the January–April 2026 roadmap promise?
Embark published its January–April roadmap on January 23, 2026. It described 2026 as the game’s first full year and said the studio was aiming to deliver one content update each month. The roadmap offered a broad look at the kinds of additions players could expect—including enemies, maps, conditions, and other changes—rather than a complete feature list or guaranteed schedule.
Embark explicitly cautioned: “This roadmap reflects our current plans and is subject to change.” Read it as an outlook for those four months, not a promise that every listed item would arrive on a fixed date.
The new map, more Arcs, and Scrappy
PCGamesN’s January 23 summary of the roadmap graphic associated the Escalation phase with high-level matchmaking, map conditions, new ARC threats, a new map, and an update for Scrappy. These details are a secondary outlet’s summary of the graphic; the accessible text of Embark’s roadmap article does not spell out each item. The official roadmap therefore supports the broad monthly-update plan, while those specific Escalation details should be understood as reported descriptions.
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- ARC Raiders Deluxe Edition includes the base game and the following content: The Wanderer Set, including the following cosmetic items: “Valente” Outfit" “Pathfinder” Backpack,“Blanket Roll” Backpack Attachment.
- Plus: Character Cosmetic, Finger Gun Rapid Fire Emote, Cowboy Scrappy Body Type and Skin, 2 400 Raider Tokens.
How did Embark change the update cadence?
On May 13, 2026, Embark said the pressure to produce a major update every month was limiting the impact and sustainability of updates. In its official development update, Executive Producer Aleksander Grøndal announced: “Going forward, we’ve made the decision to release major updates twice a year – larger in scale, more impactful, with the goal to genuinely change how you play the game.”
The change applies to major updates, not all live-service activity. Embark said a dedicated team would continue regular live updates, balance changes and bug fixes, store updates, and player events. That distinction matters when comparing the January roadmap’s monthly content-update aim with the later plan: the studio shifted its major-release cadence while saying smaller ongoing support would continue.
What was in the upcoming Frozen Trail update?
As of October 7, 2026, Embark listed Frozen Trail for October 8; it had not yet launched at the time of the announcement. The September 23 official preview described it as the studio’s largest update since launch, with broader changes to progression and the game world. The preview is an announcement of intended content, not a report of post-launch gameplay.
Pendola Pass and new ARC threats
The new map is Pendola Pass, an old Italian village and former Exodus transport hub, with the wreck of an Emperor ARC as its focal point. The preview also names the Frigate, a large ARC vessel, and three enemies: Bully, Skulker, and Hydra.
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- Capture and Tame Dinosaurs: Discover over 100 different dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures on the island, finding ways to tame them into useful additions for your tribe's dyno herd
- Survive Above All: Hunger, thirst, basic safety, and protecting yourself from the weather are all part of the game
- Harvest, Hunt and Build: Cut down trees and turn them into a basic home, which you can quickly expand into a Jurassic estate. Hunt for meat, scavenge for plants (or start your own garden!)
- Customize Everything: An extensive crafting system invites you to mix and match materials scavenged from the island, while also modifying the colors, textures, shapes, and styles
- Explore the Island: Solve the mystery of The ARK as you explore this massive island, discovering Explorer's Notebooks (filled with clues!) throughout
The Outpost and weapon progression
Frozen Trail extends the Raider Den with the Outpost, where players can use modules and furniture. It also introduces an upgraded Research Workstation for higher levels of weapon customization and modding. Embark said a fifth weapon quality level would roll out to 15 weapons, with more planned.
Weapons, equipment, and other announced additions
The preview also lists the Stiletto battle rifle, Bantam revolver, Grapple Hook, Tether Launcher, Yank Grenade, and a camera. For non-combat additions, it names a harmonica, banjo, weapon stencils, and a new Reward Pass. These are items Embark announced for Frozen Trail; the preview does not establish how they perform in play.
Rank #4
- Use cunning strategy and tactics to tame, train, ride and breed the 100+ dinosaurs and other primeval creatures roaming the dynamic, persistent ecosystems across land, sea, air, and even underground Build your character's strengths and gain items, skills, and pet creatures using in-depth role-playing systems
- Start a tribe with hundreds of other players to survive and dominate competing tribes...and ultimately discover ARK's true purpose
- Build a fire or shelter, then craft customizable clothing & armors to help protect against damage and extreme temperatures on your way to unlocking advanced technologies and equipment
- Chop down trees and mine metal and other precious resources to build massive multi-leveled structures composed of complex snap-linked parts
Can new players try Pendola Pass during the free-play period?
Embark’s October 2 free-play announcement scheduled the period for October 8 at 09:00 UTC through October 12 at 08:00 UTC on Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation. It said new players could access Pendola Pass immediately by teaming up with players who had already unlocked the map. Those dates are the announced window and may no longer be current after October 12.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where can you play ARC Raiders?
Embark’s official game page lists Steam, Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and GeForce NOW. The free-play announcement specifically names Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation, so its platform list should not be read as a complete list of every platform on which the game is offered.
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