Rivian's 2026 Halloween Update Adds Ghostbusters Mode — SkimNews
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- Rivian released its 2026 Halloween update themed around Ghostbusters, adding optional cosmetic changes including new light sequences, sounds, and an 'eerie' voice for its in-car assistant
- The update includes a scavenger hunt to find hidden characters in the UI and a Ghostbusters-themed game playable on the center display while the vehicle is parked
- The Halloween features ship as software version 2026.36.0 on the R1 and 2026.36.40 on the R2, and are only active from October 9 through November 2
- Rivian built a one-off ECTO-R1 by dressing up an R1S as the Ghostbusters' classic Ectomobile, mirroring the movie car's modifications on top of the original 1959 Cadillac design
- Bill Murray appears in a short Halloween promotional spot featuring the ECTO-R1, following David Hasselhoff's cameo in Rivian's previous Knight Rider-themed update
- Rivian has made Halloween 'costumes' an annual tradition, with past themes including Knight Rider and Back to the Future in 2024 and Swamp Thing in 2025
Why it matters: Rivian is using nostalgia-driven pop-culture tie-ins and celebrity cameos to differentiate its software experience and engage owners year after year. The limited October 9–November 2 window turns the feature into a time-bound event, creating urgency for owners to visit dealerships or update before it disappears.
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