Embark Studios has unveiled details regarding the next major update for its cooperative PvE shooter, Arc Raiders, titled Frozen Trails. This update will introduce a new frozen map, fresh enemy types, and a high-level challenge designed for experienced players.
The centerpiece of the Frozen Trails update is the titular frozen map, which will take players into a tundra environment to investigate a mysterious signal. This new area features abandoned structures, villages, research facilities, and an observatory, all ripe for exploration and looting. However, players will face environmental threats and new enemies as they traverse these uncharted territories.
These new threats include a variety of ARC enemies, developed to specifically challenge players' established movement and combat strategies. Executive producer Aleksander Grøndal stated that these new arcs will range from "small and nifty problem-makers" to "an enormous machine that will halt you in your tracks." The development process for these new enemies involves extensive iteration, from initial concepts and animation to AI and machine learning systems, aiming to give them a unique presence.
Beyond new enemies and a new map, Frozen Trails will also feature a new Arc Operation. This activity is intended as a "new high-level challenge" for veteran players, emphasizing meaningful decisions, dynamic encounters, and cooperative gameplay. Grøndal described it as an experience that demands players balance combat, teamwork, risk, and survival, promising one of the most intense experiences offered in Arc Raiders to date. More details on this new operation are expected closer to its release in October. The update aims to provide variety and encourage players to adapt their habitual playstyles, offering a fresh experience for the game's regulars.