ARC Raiders' Frozen Trail update is live as of October 8, 2026, alongside a free-play period on Steam, Xbox and PlayStation. Embark confirmed the launch, opening the snowy Pendola Pass region and adding new enemies and equipment.
The free-play event gives access to the full game from 10am BST on October 8 until 9am BST on October 12. Those times are 09:00 UTC and 08:00 UTC respectively. New players can enter Pendola Pass immediately when teamed with someone who has already unlocked the map.
What's in Frozen Trail?
The 2.0 patch notes list the new Bully, Skulker and Hydra enemies, Bantam and Stiletto weapons, a grappling hook and a revamped skill tree. Players can also unlock an Outpost through a project, then expand it with modules and furnish it using craftable designs.
Embark's content preview explains how the Outpost's upgraded Research Workstation unlocks a fifth weapon quality level. Branching upgrades change how supported guns behave, including a fully automatic Burletta and a scoped Renegade.
Returning players should also check their progression settings. Reward Passes replace Raider Decks, and existing unlocked rewards remain in the Legacy Pass. Only one pass can be active at a time, so new Reward Points go towards the selected pass.
The patch has known issues. Embark warns that the Hydra can shoot through walls in the Cargo area and that standing on the side of the Cargo drop can instantly eliminate players. The full patch notes list other problems and workarounds.
Cover image: © 2026 Embark Studios AB, from the Frozen Trail launch announcement.