ARC Raiders is experiencing a massive revival on the back of a “Spider-Man” style grappling hook mechanic. The PvPvE extraction shooter originally launched in October 2025. It became an instant hit, reaching an all-time peak of 481,966 concurrent Steam players in January. However, the massive audience slowly declined over time. By September, the game averaged roughly 21,000 concurrent players, with a peak of just 39,900.
Now, developer Embark Studios has successfully breathed new life into the title. Since the Frozen Trail update launched on October 8, the Steam player count has exploded. ARC Raiders recently hit a 24-hour peak of 185,443 concurrent players. This figure represents a 4.6 times increase over September’s high and the strongest showing since March.
‘Spider-Man’ Grappling Hook & A Free Weekend in Arc Raiders
One specific gameplay addition is stealing the spotlight. The Frozen Trail update introduced a brand-new Grappling Hook. This gadget gives players an exciting new way to navigate the environment. You can swing across gaps and reach powerful vantage points quickly.
Inevitably, fans are directly comparing the new gadget to Spider-Man’s web-swinging. Players on Reddit have shared exciting stories about their traversal experiments. They are swinging around Cargo Dock and climbing high above patrolling ARC enemies. Overall, returning players heavily praise the update for making the game feel incredibly fresh.
ARC RAIDERS LETS YOU SWING LIKE SPIDER-MAN WITH THE NEW GRAPPLE HOOK!
🎥MisterMediocre https://t.co/XM22wmv5RZ
— ARC Now (@ArcRaidersNow) October 9, 2026
The new update is not the only reason for this sudden player spike. Embark Studios is also hosting a free weekend event. Right now, players can access the full game for free across PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. This promotion runs through today, October 12. Clearly, the major update and the free weekend worked perfectly together to bring back lapsed fans.
Slower Updates & Massive Content
Frozen Trail brings much more than just a single movement gadget. Embark Studios calls it one of the biggest updates since the game’s launch. The patch includes the snowy Pendola Pass map, new weapons, and fresh ARC enemies. Additionally, players get an Outpost and Research Bench, 22 quests, and several new tools. The update also introduces a completely revamped Skill Tree and a new Reward Pass system.
Interestingly, Embark Studios has actively changed its development strategy. Earlier this year, the developer completely abandoned its plan for monthly major updates. They argued that a monthly pace was unsustainable and left little room for meaningful changes. Moving forward, major updates will only arrive twice per year. Frozen Trail serves as the first real example of what this slower approach can deliver.
While the current player surge is a massive win, a few questions remain. Some returning fans wonder if Frozen Trail offers enough long-term progression to last until the next major patch. Ultimately, the developer’s real challenge begins after the free weekend officially ends today.