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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallYou can play the Frozen Trail update for free, but only during a short event. Embark Studios has announced that ARC Raiders is free to play on Steam, Xbox and PlayStation from October 8, 2026 at 09:00 UTC to October 12, 2026 at 08:00 UTC. The window includes Frozen Trail’s launch and grants access to the full game. It is not a permanent free-to-play conversion.
How to join the free-play window
Embark’s announcement names three platforms and gives a time window. It doesn’t describe a specific store button, a preload process, a country list or any platform subscription rules, so check those yourself on launch day.
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- Convert the start time to your time zone: October 8, 2026, 09:00 UTC.
- Open the store for your platform (Steam, Xbox or PlayStation) shortly before then and look for ARC Raiders. Availability or requirements may differ by region or platform, and the announcement doesn’t cover this.
- Install the game and launch it from that platform.
- Have your accounts ready. Embark’s official site says you need an internet connection, an Embark ID, a third-party platform account and acceptance of the terms. It also states an age threshold of 13+.
- Play before the window closes on October 12 at 08:00 UTC.
Embark describes the event as a chance to try the game before buying. In the official words of The ARC Raiders Team (October 2, 2026): “Free play will grant access to the full ARC Raiders game, so you can try out the award-winning extraction adventure before you buy!” Post-event prices and regional store terms haven’t been published in the sources available, so check your store for what the game costs afterwards and whether progress carries over.
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Reaching Pendola Pass as a new player
Frozen Trail launches during the free window. Embark says: “New players will be able to access Pendola Pass immediately if teamed up with other players who have already unlocked the new map.”
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![ARC Raiders Deluxe - PC Steam [Online Game Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51I3Aj2PM0L._SL160_.jpg)
- 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.
The condition is the squad. The announcement doesn’t promise immediate solo access for a new player, so if you’re new, group up with someone who has already unlocked the map.
What Frozen Trail adds (per Embark’s September 23 preview)
These details come from Embark’s preview and may change in the live patch.
Map and enemies
- Pendola Pass: an old Italian village and Exodus transport hub beyond the Rust Belt, with icy conditions and flash freezes.
- The Frigate: a high-risk challenge aimed at experienced Raiders.
- New enemies: Bully, Skulker and Hydra.
Base-building and gear
- An Outpost with modules and furniture.
- A Research Workstation for deeper weapon customization and modding.
- Amplified weapon upgrades, initially for 15 weapons.
- New weapons: the Stiletto battle rifle and the Bantam revolver.
- New gadgets: a Grapple Hook, tether gadgets, a camera and instruments.
- New quests and skill changes.
Free Pass or Premium: what costs money
Free access to the game is separate from the Frozen Trail Reward Pass. Embark’s September 28 explainer describes a 60-level pass in two tiers.
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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →| Free Pass | Premium Pass | |
|---|---|---|
| Contents | Base outfits, cosmetics, weapons, gadgets and items | Outfit toggles, modifications, colorways, weapon stencils and hairstyles |
| Raider Tokens | Up to 200 | Up to 1,150 |
| Gameplay advantage | Includes gameplay items | None; Embark says it contains no gameplay-benefiting weapons or gadgets |
| Cost | Free | 1,150 Raider Tokens; Embark says completing it earns the currency back |
So skipping Premium costs you cosmetics, not power. Two other options are also optional. The Legacy Pass combines rewards from existing Raider Decks, and rewards you’ve already earned stay unlocked. The Collector Set DLC bundles a cosmetic set, 2,400 Raider Tokens, Premium Pass access, a Retro Sofa for the Outpost, and the only blueprint route Embark identifies for the Banjo instrument. None of these is stated as a requirement for joining the free event.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If you already own the game: spend your Cred
Embark’s Live Update 1.45.0 notes (September 8) say Cred stays usable until October 8. Any remaining balance expires when Frozen Trail launches, so spend it first if you want to use it.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- ARC Raiders–Inspired Design: Bold, high-quality graphics with vibrant colors that capture the iconic ARC Raiders aesthetic.
- Durable Premium Vinyl: Made from thick, high-grade vinyl for long-lasting use on cars, laptops, skateboards, walls, and flasks.
- UV & Weather Resistant: Fade-proof, waterproof, and scratch-resistant—perfect for indoor and outdoor applications.
- Easy Application & Removal: Applies smoothly without bubbles and removes cleanly with no sticky residue left behind.
- Versatile Décor & Gift Idea: Ideal for personalizing gear, accessories, and spaces, and a great gift for ARC Raiders fans.
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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
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