ARC Raiders Frozen Trail Update Adds Ice Map and Bases
The ARC Raiders Frozen Trail update launches on October 8, 2026, adding a new icy map, customizable player bases, and new enemy types.
ARC Raiders will receive its major Frozen Trail update on October 8, 2026. The update moves the game's action to a new frozen mountain pass location called Pendola Pass.
The new area contains an old Italian town and a transport hub from the Exodus Project. Players will also find the wreckage of one of the massive Emperor machines there.
New Base and Weapon Systems
To help explore this harsh environment, a character named Celeste will provide players with the Outpost. This is a new, customizable base of operations located in the mountains. It features a Research Workstation for applying modules, adding furniture, and accessing a new Amplified Weapons system.
This system introduces a fifth quality tier for 15 existing weapons. Unlocking it grants unique skill paths that can modify weapon behavior, such as enabling automatic fire or incendiary ammunition.
New Threats and Arsenal
The update significantly escalates the threat level with the arrival of the Frigate. This colossal patrol ship, sent by ARC, forces players to board its narrow corridors for close-quarters combat hundreds of feet in the air. Players can collaborate or fight against each other during these encounters.
The machine bestiary expands with three new enemies. The Bully is an aggressive, machine-learning creature that charges at high speed. The Skulker is a silent, opportunistic hunter that stalks from the shadows to attack from behind. The Hydra is a static turret composed of three autonomous sections that guards the Frigate with a triple arsenal.
To counter these dangers, the arsenal gains two new firearms. The Stiletto is a light combat rifle, ideal for long-distance engagements in the early stages of a match. The Bantam is a heavy-ammunition revolver equipped with a special hip-fire mechanic.
New utility items are also being added. The Grappling Hook allows players to scale buildings, rappel, and swing across terrain. The Tether Launcher can root enemies or tether players to moving machines. The Yank Grenade violently drags targets out of their cover.
Community Features and Reward Pass
The update includes several community and aesthetic additions. A functional Camera with zoom, focus, and selfie mode controls will save photos to the Codex. Musical instruments like the harmonica and banjo are being added, alongside Weapon Stencils for customizing firearms.
Finally, Frozen Trail introduces a new Reward Pass for player progression. It is divided into several tiers with the following contents:
| Pass Name | Type | Key Contents |
|---|---|---|
| Free Pass | Free | Five outfits and cosmetics |
| Premium Pass | Paid | Exclusive variants and 1,150 Raider Tokens |
| Legacy Pass | Free | Preserves progress from previous deck systems |
| Collector Set DLC | Paid Bundle | Access to both pass tracks, the Renzo outfit, Dragon’s Breath paint, Bob hairstyle, and 2,400 Raider Tokens |
The report confirms the update is packed with new mechanics, AI-driven enemies, and mobility devices. It represents a substantial expansion to the ARC Raiders frontier.
