ARC Raiders Frozen Trail moves Raiders into Pendola Pass, which is a frozen valley past the Rust Belt. In this valley, a dead Emperor holds technology that needs to be brought back to Speranza. The ARC Raiders 2.0 update, Frozen Trail, gives that technology a purpose. The Weapon Amplification modifies common weapons, while the Outpost provides room for experimentation and customization.
ARC Raiders Frozen Trail Key Takeaways:
- Release: Frozen Trail launched on October 8, 2026, as update 2.0.
- Pendola Pass: This new mountain map features Flash Freeze weather conditions, vertical climbs, and Ballistic Gondola extraction.
- ARC threats: Bully, Skulker, and Hydra demonstrate unique fighting styles. The Frigate features large-scale boarding.
- New weapons: Stiletto works with Light Ammo, while Bantam is a Heavy Ammo revolver with a particular hip-fire animation.
- Amplification: Fifteen supported weapons get the fifth level of upgrading and acquire new shooting modes, types of ammunition, and other changes.
- Outpost: Create your own base and access the Research Station there to unlock additional equipment and weapons.
- Reward Pass: In Frozen Trail, there are Free and Premium paths. The Legacy Pass retains the bonuses obtained from previous Raider Decks.
4.9ARC Raiders 2.0 Release Date
ARC Raiders Frozen Trail launched on October 8, 2026. The game supports PC through Steam and the Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and GeForce NOW. The Premium Reward Pass and Collector Set DLC are optional purchases.
Newer Raiders still need levels to earn skill points for the revised tree. Raider Progression provides help reaching a chosen level, with coins and resources earned along the way.
ARC Raiders 2.0 New Map
ARC Raiders Pendola Pass occupies a frozen mountain basin beyond the existing Tube network. Its village, supermarket, observatory, and buried railway facilities provide several places to explore.
The fallen Emperor draws Raiders into the region. Its interior contains valuable technology, while the surrounding terrain connects rooftops, buildings, and exposed approaches. Choosing where to cross matters as much as choosing where to loot.
ARC Raiders How to Unlock Pendola Pass
Pendola Pass unlocks after 25 played rounds. A new player can also join someone who already has the map unlocked. We recommend using your first visit to learn the extraction terminals and nearby shelter. Bring equipment you can comfortably replace. Save the expensive kit for a run with a clear objective.
ARC Raiders Dynamic Loot Zones
The Pendola Pass is an exercise in altering the value of the loot zones between raids. However, the base type of loot zone remains constant. A Residential zone gives Residential loot, although at a different value. Verify the current map layout before attempting the same raid path as the day before. The buildings may be familiar, but the value will likely differ from last time.
ARC Raiders Flash Freeze and Avalanche Shelters
The hazard Flash Freeze introduces in Pendola Pass is extreme cold. During a storm, there are civilian shelters that offer safe havens. These ARC Raiders Avalanche Shelters have treasure inside them and can attract Raiders as well.
Make sure to find a close shelter before moving to an exposed area. Being late puts you in the situation where you choose the weather or the first one at the entrance.
ARC Raiders Ballistic Gondola Extraction
Pendola Pass uses Ballistic Gondolas to return Raiders to Speranza. Start the process at a Gondola Transceiver. To extract ARC Raiders Pendola Pass:
- Activate the transceiver.
- Locate the marked landing area.
- Reach the gondola and open a pod.
- Board and launch.
Each gondola comprises three closed-off pods. Regroup before getting into the pod, as the countdown for the departure begins once someone starts climbing in. It is possible for players to drop off from the outside by using a Grappling Hook.
ARC Raiders Frozen Trail Map Conditions
Frozen Trail adds Redirection and ARC Frigate. Redirection belongs to Pendola Pass, while Frigate appears across several ARC Raiders maps.
ARC Raiders Redirection
Redirection lets Raiders use the fallen Emperor’s signal to call down valuable payloads. The ARC Raiders Redirection event follows a short sequence:
- Find a Damaged Emperor Relay.
- Search it for an Emperor Beacon.
- Deploy the beacon beneath open sky.
- Leave the impact area while debris falls.
- Breach and loot the arriving payload.
ARC Frigate Operation
The Frigate is a large ARC vessel that Raiders can board and explore. Inside, you navigate passageways, unlock routes, and fight through its defenses. Other players can enter the same space and compete for its technology. The ARC Frigate operation appears on these maps:
- Dam Battlegrounds;
- Buried City;
- Spaceport;
- The Blue Gate;
- Riven Tides;
- Pendola Pass.
Frigate conditions disable Raider Hatches and Free Loadouts. Plan your equipment and extraction before boarding. The Frigate’s loot can bring us into close fights with other squads. Our PvP Equipment Bundle includes upgraded weapons, attachments, augments, and coins for rebuilding a depleted raid kit.
ARC Raiders New ARC Enemies
The new machines demand different responses. Learn their behavior before committing to a prolonged fight. Frozen Trail introduces three new ARC enemies, each with a different combat style:
- Bully — aggressively pursues Raiders and pressures their position.
- Skulker — stalks targets and repositions for surprise attacks.
- Hydra — a stationary turret with three independent weapon sections that can engage multiple Raiders.
Bully
Bully approaches you quickly and attempts to corner you. Ensure you have plenty of room for maneuver when attacking it. Take shelter behind an object, leave an exit, and do not waste your last stamina point just before it arrives, since the narrow passage leaves little room for error.
Skulker
Skulker will stalk and then attack when your guard is down. This mob will also disappear and reappear in another place in order to surprise you. You should be constantly on the lookout even after being attacked by this mob.
Hydra
Hydra is a turret that has three individual weapons turrets. This arc can fight multiple Raiders, and it defends both the Emperor and the Frigate. Always try to split its attention by using different angles. You should move between cover locations and start attacking when your partner distracts it with shooting. If you stand in the open, Hydra’s weapons will easily find your target.
ARC Raiders Frozen Trail New Weapons
Both new guns sit in the Uncommon bracket in the ARC Raiders 2.0 update, giving players additional options before reaching expensive equipment.
| Weapon | Type | Ammunition | Main Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stiletto | Battle Rifle | Light Ammo | Controlled shots at medium and longer ranges |
| Bantam | Hand Cannon | Heavy Ammo | Revolver fire against Raiders and armored ARC |
A lost weapon is easier to replace when we already know its recipe. Our Weapon Blueprint Collection helps obtain missing recipes for guns we use regularly.
ARC Raiders Stiletto
Stiletto is a semi-automatic rifle that starts easy to handle and accurate. Rapid fire for sustained periods makes it difficult to control. Take your time shooting when the target is farther away. Stiletto provides an additional ranged weapon for early progression without using Renegade rounds.
ARC Raiders Bantam
The Bantam is a short-barreled revolver that excels in piercing ARC Armor, but its accuracy and range have their drawbacks. The special hipfire mode makes it perfect for short ranges. Aim your shots for more accuracy, then transition when you close the range.
ARC Raiders Amplified Weapons
ARC Raiders Amplification opens a fifth upgrade level for 15 supported weapons. These upgrades can alter firing modes, ammunition, reload behavior, and sights. The requirements give you a clear progression target:
- Unlock the Outpost.
- Upgrade your Gunsmith and Research Station to Level 4.
- Obtain the required Amplification Modules from the Frigate or fallen Emperor.
- Research the relevant upgrades and gather their application materials.
Several familiar ARC Raiders guns demonstrate the available changes:
| Weapon | Amplification Example |
|---|---|
| Burletta | Full-auto conversion |
| Renegade | Scope upgrade |
| Rattler | Incendiary rounds or a larger drum magazine |
| Anvil | Anvil Splitter upgrade |
Regular crafting and repairs also draw on our supply of basic materials. Our Scrappy Upgrade service gathers his upgrade materials, helping improve the resources he brings back between raids.
ARC Raiders Outpost
The Outpost in ARC Raiders provides a personal space for research, modules, and furniture. Open its menu to begin the Sheltered Retreat project.
ARC Raiders How to Unlock the Outpost
The first project stage asks you to document surviving Topside housing. Start with these How to Unlock the ARC Raiders Outpost steps:
- Open Sheltered Retreat in the Outpost tab.
- Bring a Camera.
- Photograph a farmland house around Ruined Homestead on Blue Gate.
- Complete the remaining building-material and ARC objectives shown in the project.
Finishing the project unlocks the Outpost and its Research Station. Further station upgrades require the matching Outpost level. Station requirements can block a recipe even after we unlock it. With Workshop Upgrades, our team gathers the required materials and completes selected crafting station upgrades.
ARC Raiders Research and Furniture
Research in ARC Raiders gives you a deliberate way to unlock selected blueprints. Spend Research Points and materials on the equipment you want to obtain. The new weapons provide two useful starting targets:
| Blueprint | Station Level | Research Points | Materials |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bantam | 1 | 3,000 | 8 Hornet Drivers |
| Stiletto | 1 | 3,000 | 15 Wasp Drivers |
Grappling Hook research also becomes available at Level 1, costing 2,000 Research Points and 10 Rope. ARC Raiders Furniture Designs work as learned crafting recipes. Collect a design, learn it, and use materials to furnish the Outpost. You can expand the space with additional modules as you progress.
ARC Raiders New Gadgets
The ARC Raiders’ new traversal and tether tools give you more control over movement.
| Item | Function |
|---|---|
| Grappling Hook | Climb, descend, or swing across gaps |
| Tether Launcher | Connect targets or objects with a tether |
| Yank Grenade | Pull a nearby target with force |
| Basic and Advanced Cameras | Take photographs during raids |
| Banjo and Harmonica | Play music Topside |
ARC Raiders Skill Tree Rework
ARC Raiders skill tree update keeps Conditioning, Mobility, and Survival. Larger nodes will have choices between skills. At the center of a node branch, you get to choose among two different skills. Further down the line, you can pick up to two skills among three different options. The number of points you invest will determine what combination of skills will be available to you.
ARC Raiders Trader Changes
In addition, Frozen Trail introduces 22 quests. ARC Raiders quests and objectives give players XP for completing them. There are also some previous photography objectives that need the new Camera to be accomplished. Make sure that you have equipped your character properly before undertaking some missions such as The League and Reduced to Rubble. Changes to the Trader system include:
| Trader | Change |
|---|---|
| Nomadic Envoys | Cassio replaces Ermal; Anvil and Hullcracker enter the weekly offer rotation |
| Shani | Offers use Coins and include Cameras and social items |
| Celeste | Trades new furniture and gameplay materials |
| Apollo | Gains Epic Augment offers |
ARC Raiders Frozen Trail Reward Pass
The Frozen Trail Reward Pass has 60 levels with Free and Premium tracks. The Legacy Pass contains rewards from previous Raider Decks.
| Pass | Main Rewards | Raider Tokens |
|---|---|---|
| Free Track | Base outfits, cosmetics, weapons, gadgets, and items | Up to 200 |
| Premium Track | Outfit options, colorways, hairstyles, and exclusive Weapon Stencils | Up to 1,150 |
| Legacy Pass | Previous Raider Deck rewards, preserving existing unlocks | Depends on remaining rewards |
ARC Raiders Quality of Life Changes
Returning players should account for several equipment changes in ARC Raiders Frozen Trail:
| Feature | Change |
|---|---|
| Anvil | Now Rare |
| Anvil Splitter | Moves into Amplification |
| Explosive damage against ARC | Over 50% stronger against armor; around 30% weaker against fragile parts |
| Snap Hook | Range 18 m; durability cost 4%; power cost 60 |
| Heavy Shield | Movement penalty reduced to 10% |
| Stash | Base maximum rises to 328 slots |
You can also open the map while downed and drop loot directly from containers. Scrambling adds a way to climb steep slopes briefly. Solo vs. Squads is currently unavailable.
ARC Raiders Frozen Trail Events
Three activities accompany the ARC Raiders Frozen Trail update, with separate dates and requirements:
- Free Play Weekend (October 8–12) — access the full game on Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
- Twitch Drops (October 8–November 4) — watch participating ARC Raiders streams to earn the Oxygen Respirator and Mailbox rewards.
- PvE Toggle Test (October 13–20) — try matchmaking with player-to-player damage disabled and lower loot values.
ARC Raiders Frozen Trail Free Play Weekend
Free access runs from October 8, 09:00 UTC, through October 12, 08:00 UTC on Steam, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. The event provides access to the full game. PS5 players in Germany pay a €0.25 fee. Newcomers can visit Pendola Pass with a teammate who already unlocked it.
ARC Raiders Frozen Trail Twitch Drops
The campaign runs from October 8 through November 4, 2026. Watch eligible streams to earn these backpack attachments:
- Oxygen Respirator: 60 minutes.
- Mailbox: 120 minutes.
Link your Twitch account to Embark ID and check your Drops inventory for progress.
ARC Raiders Frozen Trail PvE Toggle Test
Embark will test PvE matchmaking from October 13–20, 2026. During the test, Raiders can choose sessions without player-to-player damage.
Solo players, duos, and trios share these sessions. Loot has a lower overall value, and Frigate, Night Raids, Hidden Bunker, and Locked Gate remain excluded. The toggle will disappear after the test while Embark evaluates feedback and results.
ARC Raiders Frozen Trail FAQ
These answers cover the main ARC Raiders Frozen Trail update access and progression questions.
When Did ARC Raiders Frozen Trail Release?
Frozen Trail launched on October 8, 2026, as update 2.0.
Is ARC Raiders Frozen Trail Free?
The core update is free for existing owners. The Premium Reward Pass and Collector Set DLC require separate purchases.
How Do You Unlock Pendola Pass in ARC Raiders?
Play 25 rounds, or join a teammate who already has the map unlocked.
How Do You Unlock Weapon Amplification in ARC Raiders?
Complete the Outpost project, then upgrade your Gunsmith and Research Station to Level 4. Research the required upgrades and gather modules.
What Are the New Weapons in ARC Raiders 2.0?
Frozen Trail adds Stiletto, a Light Ammo battle rifle, and Bantam, a Heavy Ammo revolver.
How Much Does the Premium Reward Pass Cost?
The Premium track costs 1,150 Raider Tokens and returns up to 1,150 tokens through its rewards.
What Happens to Existing Raider Deck Rewards in ARC Raiders?
Previously unlocked rewards remain available through the Legacy Pass. Select it to continue earning the rewards you missed.
Does Frozen Trail Add Permanent PvE Matchmaking?
The announced PvE option is a limited test scheduled for October 13–20, 2026.
4.9Use this ARC Raiders Frozen Trail Overview to choose a manageable first goal. Discover the shelter points and extraction points of Pendola Pass, and then proceed to perform the Sheltered Retreat mission while beginning your research on items of interest. You will be able to utilize the Frigate and the fallen Emperor once you know what upgrades require their resources.
