ARC Raiders Frozen Trail: Release Date, New Map & Everything Coming October 8

ARC Raiders Frozen Trail arrives October 8, 2026, bringing the biggest update since launch to ARC Raiders.

The October update introduces the new Pendola Pass map, a major ARC operation, new threats, weapons, gadgets, the Outpost, progression changes and much more.

Here’s everything confirmed so far about ARC Raiders Frozen Trail and what Raiders can expect when the update launches.

ARC Raiders Frozen Trail Release Date

The ARC Raiders Frozen Trail release date is October 8, 2026.

Frozen Trail is a major content update rather than a new ARC Raiders game. Embark has moved away from smaller monthly releases in favor of fewer but much larger updates, with major updates now planned twice a year.

Frozen Trail will be the first major release under that strategy – and Embark describes it as the biggest ARC Raiders update since launch.

New ARC Raiders Map: Pendola Pass

At the center of Frozen Trail is Pendola Pass, a frozen region located beyond the mountains at the edge of the Rust Belt.

The new Pendola Pass map takes Raiders to an abandoned Italian village and former Exodus transport hub. Players will explore locations including a supermarket, deserted town square, observatory and a buried train depot.

Embark says the new environment has been designed with greater verticality, exploration and opportunities for discovery, with threats waiting both above and below ground. It is also set to become the largest map in ARC Raiders.

But the biggest discovery in Pendola Pass is hard to miss.

A fallen Emperor lies in the region, with rare technology potentially waiting inside. Getting to it won’t be easy, with brutal flash freezes, ARC activity and other Raiders standing in your way.

The Frigate Brings a New High-Level Challenge

The fallen Emperor has caught ARC’s attention too.

A huge ARC vessel known as the Frigate will patrol Pendola Pass. Raiders who manage to get aboard will have to navigate its internal passageways, unlock new paths and survive encounters with ARC while hundreds of feet above the ground.

Other Raiders can also be chasing the same objective, adding another layer of risk to the encounter.

The Frigate is designed as a high-level ARC challenge for experienced players, where combat, teamwork, positioning and survival all become important.

Meet the New ARC Threats

Frozen Trail introduces several machines with very different combat styles.

Bully is an aggressive machine that rapidly pushes toward a Raider’s position, forcing players to use cover and react quickly.

Skulker takes a different approach. It stays around the edges of your vision, waits for an opportunity and attacks when you least expect it.

Then there’s Hydra, a three-part autonomous turret found aboard the Frigate. Its three weapons make it capable of challenging entire squads, encouraging Raiders to use cover, divert its attention and choose the right moment to strike.

Stiletto, Bantam and Amplified Weapons

There’s more coming with Frozen Trail than a new map and ARC threats.

The update introduces the Stiletto, a light-ammo battle rifle built around accurate ranged fire, alongside the Bantam, a heavy-ammo revolver with a unique hip-fire ability.

Frozen Trail also expands weapon customization through Amplified Weapons.

Using the Research Workstation, Raiders will be able to take selected weapons to a new fifth quality level and choose between upgrades that change their characteristics.

The system will support 15 weapons at launch, with more planned for future updates.

Grappling Hook and New Gadgets

Exploring Pendola Pass won’t only be about what you’re carrying – how you move around the map is changing too.

The Grappling Hook introduces a new way to navigate the environment, allowing Raiders to reach difficult locations, descend from buildings and swing across gaps.

The update also adds the Tether Launcher and Yank Grenade, providing new tactical options when dealing with ARC and rival Raiders.

Combined with the increased verticality of Pendola Pass, these tools could open up completely new ways to approach exploration and encounters.

The Outpost Expands the Raider Den

Another major Frozen Trail feature is the Outpost, a new home away from home located between the Rust Belt and the mountain range surrounding Pendola Pass.

Players will be able to customize the Outpost with different modules and furniture.

More importantly, the Outpost introduces the Research Workstation, which connects directly to the new weapon progression system.

Embark describes the Outpost as the first step toward reclaiming parts of the surface and says it plans to expand the system further in future updates.

Major Progression Changes Are Coming

Frozen Trail isn’t simply adding another area to explore.

The update brings major progression changes, including a Skill Tree rework with new and improved skills, new questlines and the new Reward Pass system.

Reward Passes evolve the existing Raider Deck system and are split into Free, Premium and Legacy tracks. Existing Raider Deck progress will carry over through the Legacy Pass, while the other tracks introduce additional gameplay items and cosmetic rewards.

Weapon Stencils will also allow players to personalize their weapons with new designs.

Why Frozen Trail Is ARC Raiders’ Biggest Update Yet

Frozen Trail represents a major change in how Embark plans to expand ARC Raiders.

Instead of simply stacking more content onto the existing game, the studio says it wants major updates to make broader changes to progression, gameplay and the world itself. Frozen Trail is the first major step in that new direction.

The combination of the largest map in the game, Pendola Pass, the Frigate, new ARC threats, Outpost, Amplified Weapons, new gadgets and progression systems makes this much more than a standard content drop.

And Embark has made it clear that Frozen Trail is only the beginning of its longer-term plans for ARC Raiders.

Get Ready for ARC Raiders Frozen Trail

ARC Raiders Frozen Trail launches October 8, 2026.

Whether you’re exploring Pendola Pass, boarding the Frigate or fighting other Raiders for valuable loot, Frozen Trail is bringing plenty of reasons to head back Topside.

And if you’re playing ARC Raiders on PC, precise and responsive controller input can make a difference when every encounter counts.

The AIM Marius Board is built specifically for PC gaming, with native 8000Hz polling, TMR sticks and advanced calibration for fast, precise control.

GEAR UP. HEAD TOPSIDE. STAY IN CONTROL.

[DISCOVER MARIUS BOARD]

ARC Raiders Frozen Trail FAQ

When does ARC Raiders Frozen Trail release?
Frozen Trail arrives on October 8, 2026.

What is the new map in ARC Raiders Frozen Trail?
The new map is Pendola Pass, a frozen region beyond the Rust Belt featuring an abandoned Italian settlement, Exodus infrastructure and a fallen Emperor.

Is Pendola Pass the largest ARC Raiders map?
Yes. Embark has described the new Frozen Trail environment as the largest map in the game.

Is Frozen Trail a new ARC Raiders game?
No. Frozen Trail is a major update to the existing ARC Raiders game.

What new ARC are coming with Frozen Trail?
Confirmed additions include Bully, Skulker and Hydra, alongside the massive Frigate vessel.

What else is coming with Frozen Trail?
The update includes Pendola Pass, the Frigate, Outpost, new weapons and gadgets, Amplified Weapons, Weapon Stencils, a Skill Tree rework, new quests, a new Map Condition and the Reward Pass system.