Arc Raiders free trial from 8 to 12 October on Steam, PlayStation and Xbox
Embark Studios is making Arc Raiders free to play from 8 to 12 October on Steam, PlayStation and Xbox, alongside the Frozen Trail update.
What happened
Embark Studios has announced a limited-time free play period for Arc Raiders. The trial runs for four days, from 8 October 2026 at 09:00 UTC to 12 October 2026 at 08:00 UTC, and will be available on Steam, PlayStation and Xbox. The announcement ties the trial directly to the launch of Frozen Trail, meaning the free period and the update arrive in the same window.
According to Embark, the trial gives access to the full Arc Raiders game. That means the trial is not described as a limited demo with only a selection of content, but as a temporary way to play the full game within the stated period. The source does not mention any extra conditions for progression, matchmaking, or account requirements.
Frozen Trail adds a new map, along with new Arc enemies, weapons, and gadgets. Embark also mentions changes to ammo, crafting, and a more standard battle pass. The provided information does not confirm whether all of those features will be available at the same time within the trial, but it does confirm that the update is rolling out during the same period as the free play window.
The timing is set in UTC. The trial starts on 8 October at 09:00 UTC and ends on 12 October at 08:00 UTC. That makes the promotion four days long. The source does not mention any regional exceptions or any extension after the trial ends.
Timeline
5 October 2026: coverage of the free trial and Frozen Trail appears, with the first concrete details on timing and platforms.
8 October 2026 at 09:00 UTC: the free trial begins on Steam, PlayStation and Xbox.
8 October 2026: Frozen Trail arrives in the same period with new content and system changes, including a new map and new Arc enemies.
8 to 12 October 2026: the trial runs for four days and, according to Embark, gives access to the full game.
12 October 2026 at 08:00 UTC: the free trial ends, with no confirmed extension or extra period.
Background
Arc Raiders is a game from Embark Studios, the studio behind The Finals. The trial is being rolled out at the same time on Steam, PlayStation and Xbox, so the promotion is not tied to a single platform. The source does not mention an exclusive console deal, a PC head start, or separate launch times by platform.
The Frozen Trail update combines new content with changes to existing systems. Alongside the new map and new enemies, Embark also mentions adjustments to ammo, crafting and the battle pass. The source describes that battle pass as more standard, but does not provide further technical details. It also does not confirm whether the update is free for all players outside the trial or only relevant to those logging in during the free period.
The provided information does not confirm whether all parts of Frozen Trail will be available immediately within the trial. What is clear is that the free period and the update overlap. That makes the 8 to 12 October window important for players who want to try the game without buying it.
The source does not mention regional restrictions, extra progression or matchmaking conditions, or any extension beyond 12 October 2026. It also does not say whether the trial requires a separate download package, or whether existing players and new players get the same access. The available facts are limited to the duration, platforms, full-game access, and the contents of Frozen Trail.