Rivian Halloween Mode Brings Ghostbusters Lights Sounds and Games to Every Vehicle This Fall

Rivian owners woke up to a free software update that turns every R1 and R2 into a rolling Ghostbusters prop. Collaboration with Sony Pictures delivered the package starting October 9 and keeps it active through November 2. Bill Murray appears as Peter Venkman in a short film directed by Gil Kenan, the filmmaker behind the recent Ghostbusters sequels. In the spot Slimer digs through a suburban fridge while lights flicker, then an Ecto-R1 arrives with sirens and Murray in the jumpsuit. The same vehicle, built by Rivian’s Special Projects team, features white 22-inch aero wheels, a red graphic with the No-Ghost logo, restored vintage emergency lights, a roof rack carrying sirens, spotlights, a radar dish and side tanks, plus a compass design visible from above.

Owners gain full access to all of this spookiness through a unique Ghostbusters app, which is only available until your vehicle has reached software version 2026.36.0 on R1 models or 2026.36.40 on R2. As soon as you click the software update button, a prompt appears on the driver display asking, in effect, are you ready to go ghost hunting. The program itself is simple to use: a large red toggle at the top lets you practically kick things into high gear in Park, while morphing the display to launch the original Ghostbusters theme song and dimming the interior lights.

The exterior LEDs and speakers combine to create a brilliant, flashing show that is sure to attract attention. Behind that toggle, you may select from six different “theme packs,” including Ecto-1, Proton Pack, Slimer, Ghost Trap, Peter Venkman, and Random. Each one features its own distinct combination of external light displays and officially licensed movie music. Plus, Motion Mode activates automatically when someone passes by the parked vehicle, which could be especially useful if you’re parked on a driveway crowded with trick-or-treaters.


Lock and unlock chimes can also change. First-generation R1 vehicles get the Ecto-1 siren while second-generation R1s and all R2s can choose among Ecto-1, Proton Pack or a chant. A scavenger hunt sits inside the same app. Clue cards direct drivers to hunt for hidden figures like Ghost Guard or Slimer on common screens like as Drive Modes, Gear Guard settings, side cams, and the Energy app. Finding one results in a brief animation and a burst of audio.


There’s also a new arcade game, Mallow Mash, which is only available in Park and challenges you to pop as many Mini-Pufts as possible against the clock, and if that wasn’t enough, all of these controls are still accessible via the Rivian app on your phone. Some owners will also be able to see a real-life Ecto-R1 parked in Rivian locations in Laguna Beach, Austin, Venice, Miami Brickell, San Francisco, and New York’s Meatpacking District. They’ll be able to view one in person and capture some really fantastic shots as well. There will also be limited merchandise and themed treats for sale. The Ecto-R1 will also make appearances at special events such as the New York City Village Halloween Parade and a Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt pop-up in Los Angeles.
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