Arc Raiders Hits Six-Month Peak After Frozen Trail Update and Free Weekend

Key points

• Arc Raiders reached a six-month high of 1.7 million daily active users on October 14, 2026, according to Alinea Analytics.
• The surge followed the release of the Frozen Trail update on October 8, which included a new map, weapons, and mechs.
• A free trial weekend from October 8 to 12 and a 50% discount to $19.99 drove the player increase.
• The game sold 150,000 new copies in the three days after the free trial, generating roughly $3 million in revenue.
• A PvE mode test ran from October 13 to 20, which may have contributed to the peak player count.

Background

Arc Raiders had previously lost its initial launch audience, leading Embark Studios to implement a strategy of launching a major update alongside a free weekend to attract new and returning players. The Frozen Trail update, which upgraded the game to version 2.0, included significant content additions and a PvE mode test to accommodate the game's community.

How outlets are covering it

Eurogamer and TechPowerUp both report on the six-month high in player numbers, but they emphasize different aspects of the surge. Eurogamer highlights the impact of the Frozen Trail update and the free weekend, while TechPowerUp focuses on the role of the PvE mode test in driving the peak player count. Both outlets agree that the 50% discount and the free trial were significant factors in the player increase.

Why it matters

The six-month high in player numbers for Arc Raiders demonstrates the effectiveness of Embark Studios' strategy of combining major updates with free trials and discounts. The success of the Frozen Trail update and the PvE mode test suggests that the game has the potential for further growth and retention, especially if the studio continues to implement community-driven changes.

What to watch

Embark Studios may consider permanently splitting Arc Raiders' PvEvP gameplay into PvE and PvP modes, as suggested by executive producer Aleksander Grøndal. The studio is also involved in film and TV adaptations of Arc Raiders and The Finals, which could further boost the game's visibility and player base.