Halloween just got electrifying for Rivian owners. The electric vehicle manufacturer’s latest over-the-air update, version 2025.38, unleashes a “Spooky Swamp” mode that blends eerie fun with real-world perks for the R1T pickup and R1S SUV. The new Halloween features are inspired by the misty vibes of the American Bayou and transform the EVs into rolling haunted houses. As we explore the enhancements and how to activate them, the latest version comes just in time for trick-or-treating.
What’s New in Rivian’s Halloween Update
The Halloween over-the-air update is becoming a tradition for Rivian, marking the fourth consecutive year. Moving beyond the typical pumpkin spice and carved jack-o’-lanterns, the new Spooky Swamp Car Costume theme is now available until November 1, 2025. The new mode introduces four exterior displays—Swamp Gas, Player Piano, Bayou Blast, and Scary Spirit.
To give a proper spook, the motion-activated Gear Guard cameras activate dynamic light animations and haunting sound effects. Based on the themes, Swamp Gas plays alligator growls, Player Piano makes creepy screeches, Bayou Blast has light-sound explosions, and the Scary Spirit pops up with watchful eyes.
Inside the cabin, the infotainment screens display swamp-themed visuals with four background tracks—Bayou Blues, Cajun Crawl, Swampy Ambience, and Ghostly Gloom. Once the Halloween mode is activated, the cabin lights flicker like a horror movie, and sound effects like frog croaks, skeleton laughs, and thunder crashes fill the cabin.
The Rivian Gen 2 EVs come with all four exterior illumination and sound effects, lighting up both the front and back thanks to their full-color LED bars. Gen 1 models, on the other hand, get a single exterior light effect and three spooky interior sounds.
How to Activate Rivian Spooky Swamp Mode
It’s simple to activate Rivian’s Spooky Swamp Halloween Mode. First, make sure your mobile app is 3.6.0 and your Rivian software is up to current to 2025.38. Then launch the Rivian app, which is accessible till November 1, and tap the “Let’s Get Spooky” banner. Particularly for Gen 2 models, the Halloween theme syncs instantly and adds spooky lights, music, and entertaining motion-based features. For a distinctive haunted experience, alter the lighting, motion triggers, and Rivian’s attire. The lock sound on EVs can be changed to a “Bog Frog” croak.
Rivian Makes EV Charging Effortless
Moving beyond the Halloween glitz, Rivian’s latest update brings effortless charging to its EVs. With new Plug & Charge support, the customers plug in, and charging starts without the need for an app or a card. Live charging information, including station availability, power output, and reliability scores, is now easily accessible through Rivian’s navigation system.
There’s a catch, as this fast, convenient charging doesn’t include membership-rate discounts. For lower rates, Rivian owners must still use the charging network’s app, an issue common across EV brands, including Tesla Superchargers.
