Trials Season 4 is the first Trials season built around the Riven Tides update in Arc Raiders, and it makes some important changes to how the mode works. The big goal this time is to make Trials easier to access, less dependent on lucky map rolls, and more consistent for players who just want to grind rank and unlock the season cosmetics.
1. When Does Trials Season 4 Start?
Trials Season 4 starts on April 29, 2026, one day after Riven Tides launches, and Trials are no longer tied up by the same scheduling limits that previously got in the way. Embark also removed the old advantage where major map conditions awarded 2x progress, and Season 4 challenges are no longer locked to specific map conditions.
2. How Trials Season 4 Works
At its core, Trials is still ARC Raiders’ seasonal competitive challenge system. Trials are a set of weekly rotating tasks where you make progress inside raids, then need to extract safely to bank that progress.
Challenge rewards in Season 3 were tied to 1,000, 2,500, and 4,000 points on a single Trial, and players competed inside a pool of 100 Raiders for promotion and demotion between ranks.
3. All Changes in Trials Season 4
Trials Wildcard rank
Trials Season 4 is less about reinventing the mode and more about removing the parts that slowed progression down in earlier seasons. The biggest changes all push in the same direction: less waiting for the right map conditions, fewer progression bottlenecks, and a more consistent path to climbing ranks and unlocking rewards.
| Change | What it means |
|---|---|
| Season 4 starts April 29, 2026 | Trials begin one day after Riven Tides launches. |
| Trials start earlier in the content cycle | Previously, Trials were unavailable during the Expedition window, but now you can start progressing rank while exploring the new shoreline. |
| Major Map Conditions no longer give 2x points | You no longer need to chase major map conditions just for faster Trial progress. |
| Trials are no longer tied to specific map conditions | Objectives like getting hit by lightning or disarming mines will no longer depend on the right map condition appearing. |
| New challenge types are being added | Embark specifically mentions melee combat challenges, objectives tied to specific gadgets or grenades, and objectives involving unique containers. |
| Long-term review of the system is ongoing | Embark says it is still reviewing issues like squad-size fairness and leaderboard integrity for future Trials updates. |
4. All Trials Season 4 Rewards
Arc Raiders Trails Sesaon 4 Outfit reward
The main Season 4 reward set is the Blindspot Outfit, which is themed around the new Riven Tides resort map. The base outfit unlocks at Tryhard I, and then additional toggles and cosmetic variants unlock as you rank up through the season. Embark also confirms that Hotshot and Cantina Legend award alternate colors for the set.
Alongside the outfit, Season 4 also includes a new backpack color, a backpack charm, a backpack attachment, and the River Dance emote, which unlocks at Daredevil rank.
| Reward | Confirmed unlock |
|---|---|
| Blindspot Outfit (base) | Tryhard I |
| Blindspot Outfit toggles/variants | Earned as you progress through the season. |
| Blindspot alternate colors | Hotshot and Cantina Legend |
| New backpack color | Confirmed seasonal reward |
| Backpack charm | Confirmed seasonal reward |
| Backpack attachment | Confirmed seasonal reward |
| River Dance emote | Daredevil rank |
5. Best Ways to Progress Fast in Trials Season 4
Destroying Rocketeer
Start by treating Trials as a general grind system, not a mode that needs a perfect weather roll. Since objectives are no longer tied to specific map conditions, you can focus on playing more consistently across any map state instead of waiting for a narrow setup.
- Play immediately once Season 4 starts on April 29. It starts right after Riven Tides launches, so early play gives you more time to climb.
- Do not chase major map conditions just for points. They no longer give double progress, so that route is gone.
- Build for objective flexibility. Embark specifically calls out melee challenges and gadget/grenade challenges, so loadouts that can handle more than one challenge type should be stronger this season.
- Check containers carefully. New Trials will include more key objective trials, like searching weapon cases, Raider Caches, etc.
- Extract safely instead of overextending. Extraction is the key way to secure your Trial progress and rewards.
