ARC Raiders is heading into the mountains on October 8, 2026. Embark’s Frozen Trail update brings a frozen map, new machines, weapons, and an Outpost, alongside changes to progression. For players waiting for a fresh reason to gear up, this is the game’s biggest update since launch.
In brief:
- Pendola Pass introduces a snowy region with a fallen Emperor and dangerous weather.
- The Frigate arrives alongside three new enemies: Bully, Skulker and Hydra.
- Stiletto and Bantam join the arsenal, with Amplified Weapons expanding customization.
- Outposts, new gadgets, Reward Passes and a Skill Tree rework are also coming.
Pendola Pass Introduces a Fallen Emperor and Flash Freezes
Pendola Pass takes Raiders beyond the Rust Belt into an abandoned Italian settlement and former Exodus transport hub. A fallen Emperor holds rare technology inside, giving players a compelling reason to brave the cold.
Flash Freeze weather adds another problem. Players will need to find shelter, potentially cutting a promising loot run or firefight short.
The Frigate Brings a New Challenge Above the Battlefield
The Frigate is a separate vessel dispatched in response to the fallen Emperor. Raiders can board it, fight through its interior, and tackle a challenge built around sabotage.
Obviously, that creates an interesting dilemma when other players arrive. Cooperation could help everyone survive, but valuable loot is rarely a recipe for lasting friendship.
Three New ARC Enemies: Bully, Skulker and Hydra
Frozen Trail’s new machines bring different combat pressures:
- Bully: An aggressive ground enemy that charges after Raiders.
- Skulker: A mobile threat that attacks before slipping away.
- Hydra: A turret aboard the Frigate that can engage multiple targets.
Together, they should make positioning and awareness just as important as bringing enough ammunition.
Outposts Add a Personal Base and Weapon Research
The Outpost gives Raiders a customizable space outside Speranza, with furniture, crafting facilities, and weapon research. At launch, it functions through menus rather than as a freely explorable home.
Research feeds into weapon upgrades, giving players another reason to bring useful materials back safely.
Stiletto, Bantam and Amplified Weapons Expand Loadouts
Two new firearms are joining ARC Raiders:
- Stiletto: A battle rifle using light ammunition for measured shots at range.
- Bantam: A compact revolver using heavy ammunition, complete with distinctive hip-fire animations.
Amplified Weapons initially support 15 guns. A fully upgraded Research Workstation unlocks a fifth quality level with branching enhancements. Embark’s examples include an automatic Burletta, a scoped Renegade, and a Rattler with incendiary ammunition and a 64-round magazine.
So, familiar weapons could earn another chance in your loadout.
Grappling Hook, Tethers and More New Gear
A Grappling Hook expands traversal, while the Tether Launcher and Yank Grenade let players manipulate enemy movement. Pulling someone out of cover could be particularly nasty during a tense fight.
A camera, harmonica, banjo, and Weapon Stencils round out the additions.
Reward Passes and Skill Tree Changes
Reward Passes arrive with free and premium tracks. The free track includes five outfits and 200 Raider Tokens, while premium adds customization options and 1,150 tokens.
A free Legacy Pass preserves existing Raider Deck progress. New quests and a reworked Skill Tree also launch with Frozen Trail on October 8.
