With Frozen Trail, Embark is releasing a new game environment for ARC Raiders. We were given the chance to test the map in advance – and not only explore the icy landscape, but also take a closer look at new weapons and enemies.
The moment you set foot on it, it’s clear just how vast the new map is. The snow-covered landscape not only offers visual variety but also changes the feel of the game. Between sprawling outdoor areas, large halls and the remains of former residential buildings, there are numerous ways to navigate the map.
When it comes to hiding spots in particular, Frozen Trail is somewhat reminiscent of a mix between “Stella Montis” and “Blaues Tor”. Sometimes you’ll be traversing open snowfields; at other times, buildings and ruins provide cover or open up new paths. As a result, even in our first few rounds, the map feels pleasantly varied and offers scope for different approaches.
This should prove particularly interesting once players really get to grips with the map during normal gameplay. After all, only time will tell how well the individual areas work when other raiders are also on the move in search of loot.
New weapons and nasty enemies
There are also new weapons to try out. In our initial sessions, however, these didn’t always feel as straightforward straight away as the established classics.
Anyone who gets on well with tried-and-tested guns like the Anvil is therefore unlikely to have any compelling reason to ditch their usual arsenal just yet. The new weapons are still fun, though, and with a bit of practice could offer interesting alternatives.
The more exciting question is probably how well they work against the new enemies and what strategies you’ll now need to come up with. Because this is precisely where Frozen Trail really steps it up a gear. Some of the new opponents can become quite a nuisance even in our first few rounds – and that’s meant in a positive sense.
Alongside the Skulker, the Bully in particular lives up to its name and causes us quite a few problems. Precisely because the familiar ARC opponents can become routine over time, it’s refreshing when new threats ensure you have to keep a closer eye on your surroundings and your approach.
The enemies could therefore play a key role in ensuring that Frozen Trail doesn’t simply feel like an extra map where the usual routines kick in again after a few hours.
Undiscovered Depths: Welcome to the Dungeon
Another highlight is the announced dungeons. We weren’t able to take a look inside them during our sessions, however. We did manage to get a first impression nonetheless – and just the sight of the enormous behemoth commands a certain amount of respect.