ARC Raiders is preparing for its biggest post-launch expansion yet. Embark Studios has revealed more details about the Frozen Trail 2.0 update, which will take Raiders beyond the Rust Belt and into the dangerous mountain region of Pendola Pass. The free update is scheduled to launch on October 8, 2026, across PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and NVIDIA GeForce NOW.
Frozen Trail arrives around the first anniversary of ARC Raiders and significantly expands the game’s extraction adventure with new ways to explore, fight and survive Topside. Its centerpiece is Pendola Pass, a vertically designed snowy map featuring new points of interest, environmental dangers and a unique extraction method.
The update also adds new ARC enemies, progression systems, gameplay items, quests, weapon customization and a new Reward Pass. With so much content arriving simultaneously, Frozen Trail is positioned as a major new chapter for ARC Raiders rather than a routine content update.
ARC Raiders Frozen Trail Adds the Pendola Pass Map
Pendola Pass takes Raiders to the northern edge of the Rust Belt, where a harsh mountain environment creates new challenges. The map features greater verticality, dense interiors and complex terrain, with locations including an old village, an observatory and a buried train depot.
One of the most notable discoveries is a massive fallen Emperor that players can explore. The location is tied to the mysterious signals that lead Raiders toward the remote region, giving players another major point of interest to investigate while searching for valuable loot.
Pendola Pass also introduces Flash Freeze, a dynamic weather condition that can suddenly sweep across the map. Raiders must find shelter before the freezing conditions become dangerous.
Avalanche Shelters activate when a Flash Freeze approaches, providing protection and potential loot. However, these locations can also attract rival Raiders, turning shelter into another high-risk encounter.
The map introduces the Ballistic Gondola, a new extraction option that must be called and boarded quickly. It can accommodate only three Raiders, creating another potential source of tension during an extraction.
New ARC Enemies and Redirection Map Condition
Frozen Trail adds three new ARC threats alongside the massive Frigate airborne carrier. The Bully specializes in aggressive hit-and-run attacks, while the faster Skulker uses more tactical behavior to pressure Raiders.
Players who venture aboard the Frigate will face Hydra, an ARC capable of targeting multiple players simultaneously and respawning during encounters. This gives experienced Raiders another high-level challenge to tackle.
Pendola Pass also receives an exclusive minor map condition called Redirection. Raiders can use it to redirect Harvester Payloads away from the Collector toward their own location.
However, activating the transmitter attracts both ARC enemies and rival players. Raiders therefore have to clear and defend the area before they can secure the valuable payload.
Frozen Trail Expands Progression and Weapon Customization
The update adds Outposts, allowing Raiders to establish personal spaces outside Speranza. These areas can be expanded with workbenches, crafting options and decorations.
A new Research Station introduces Weapon Amplification, allowing weapons to be upgraded beyond the existing limit through special gameplay mechanics. Frozen Trail also adds Weapon Stencils, which let players permanently unlock visual designs for compatible weapons without changing their statistics.
New gameplay additions include the Grappling Hook and a Camera gadget that lets Raiders take first-person photographs. The quest system is also being expanded with optional objectives that provide bonus XP.
The Raider skill tree is receiving new and improved skills, giving players more meaningful ways to customize their playstyles. Frozen Trail also begins Trials Season 6 with a fresh set of challenges.
New Reward Pass and Collector Set
Frozen Trail introduces a 60-level Reward Pass with Free and Premium tracks. The Premium Pass costs 1,150 Raider Tokens and adds 50 additional rewards, including exclusive cosmetics and another 1,150 Raider Tokens.
A new Frozen Trail Collector Set DLC will also launch on October 8. It includes the Renzo outfit, Dragon’s Breath Weapon Stencil, Bob Hair Style, 2,400 Raider Tokens and access to the Premium Reward Pass.
The ARC Raiders Frozen Trail update launches October 8, 2026, on PC through Steam and Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and GeForce NOW. The core update will be available at no additional cost to players.
| Release Date | February 14, 2023 |
|---|---|
| Platforms | Oculus Quest, HTC Vive, Valve Index |
| Developer | Vertigo Games |
