ARC Raiders Frozen Trail 2.0 Guide – Everything New in the Update

ARC Raiders Frozen Trail 2.0 Guide – Everything New in the Update

ARC Raiders has received its biggest update since launch. Frozen Trail 2.0, released on October 8, 2026, introduces a massive amount of new content, including the frozen Pendola Pass map, dangerous ARC enemies, new weapons, a customizable Outpost, and major changes to progression.

Whether you're returning to ARC Raiders or exploring the Rust Belt for the first time, there's plenty to discover.

In this guide, we'll cover everything introduced in Frozen Trail 2.0, explain how the new systems work, and share useful tips to help you prepare for your next raid.

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What's New in ARC Raiders Frozen Trail 2.0?
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The update introduces several major additions:

• New map: Pendola Pass

• New map conditions: Frigate and Redirection

• Three new ARC enemies: Bully, Skulker, and Hydra

• Two new weapons: Bantam and Stiletto

• Amplified Weapons with additional upgrades

• A completely revamped Skill Tree

• The Outpost and Research Workstation

• New gadgets, including the Grappling Hook and Tether Launcher

• A new Reward Pass progression system

• 22 additional quests and improved quest rewards

• Weapon Stencils and furniture customization

• Increased Stash capacity and gameplay improvements

Let's take a closer look at the most important changes.

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New Map: Pendola Pass

Pendola Pass is the highlight of Frozen Trail 2.0 and the first major new location introduced with this update.

Located beyond the mountains surrounding the Rust Belt, Pendola Pass is an abandoned Italian village and former Exodus transportation hub.

Unlike the familiar environments of previous maps, this frozen region combines narrow mountain passages, abandoned buildings, dangerous weather, and valuable technology waiting to be recovered.
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How to Unlock Pendola Pass:

To unlock Pendola Pass, you need to complete 25 rounds in ARC Raiders. The requirement is based on rounds played rather than your character level.

Once available, you can select the map and begin exploring the mountain region.

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New Map Conditions: Frigate and Redirection

Frozen Trail introduces two new map conditions that create additional opportunities for challenging encounters and valuable rewards.

Frigate

The Frigate is a massive ARC vessel patrolling the region.

Players can board the vessel, explore its interior, access restricted sections, and face powerful robotic enemies.

Unlike fighting ARC in open terrain, combat aboard the Frigate often happens inside confined spaces, where limited cover and restricted movement can make encounters more dangerous.

The vessel also presents the possibility of encountering other Raiders pursuing the same rewards.

Tip: Prepare healing supplies, ammunition, and reliable weapons before attempting the Frigate. Moving carefully and watching for other players is often more important than rushing forward.
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Redirection

Redirection is a special Pendola Pass map condition centered around Emperor technology.

During the event, players can interact with Emperor Relays, recover special beacons, and redirect valuable payloads toward their position.

These payloads can provide important resources connected to the new Emperor and Amplified Weapons progression.

Because the event involves valuable loot, expect competition from other Raiders.

Tip: Secure the required materials first and avoid spending too much time around a contested payload after collecting your rewards.

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Three New ARC Enemies

Frozen Trail introduces three mechanical enemies that require different combat strategies.
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Bully

The Bully is an aggressive ARC machine designed to pressure Raiders.

It moves quickly, closes the distance, and uses powerful attacks to force players out of comfortable positions.

How to fight it: Use solid cover, maintain distance when possible, and avoid getting trapped in open areas. Time your attacks rather than continuously exposing yourself.
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Skulker

The Skulker uses an entirely different approach.

Instead of charging directly into combat, it attempts to remain unnoticed, reposition itself, and surprise distracted players.

It can become particularly dangerous when you're already fighting other enemies.

How to fight it: Stay aware of your surroundings and listen carefully for nearby movement. Avoid focusing entirely on one target when a Skulker may be nearby.
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Hydra

The Hydra is one of the most dangerous new enemies.

Found aboard the Frigate, this stationary defense system consists of three independently operating sections equipped with dangerous weapons.

It can threaten several Raiders simultaneously, making uncoordinated attacks especially risky.

How to fight it: Use cover, coordinate with teammates, and avoid exposing the entire squad to its attacks at the same time.

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New Weapons: Bantam and Stiletto

Two additional firearms expand the available weapon selection.
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Stiletto – Light Ammo Battle Rifle

The Stiletto is an accessible battle rifle designed for players who prefer accurate, controlled shooting.

It uses Light Ammo and serves as an early-game alternative to the Renegade.

The weapon is relatively inexpensive to craft, making it an interesting choice for players who don't want to risk expensive equipment.

Its firing speed can be high, but shooting too quickly may reduce accuracy.

Best for: Medium-range engagements, controlled shooting, and budget-friendly loadouts.

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Bantam – Heavy Ammo Revolver

The Bantam is a compact revolver that uses Heavy Ammo.

It delivers powerful shots and is effective against both enemy Raiders and ARC machines.

Its distinctive hip-fire capabilities make it particularly interesting for players who prefer aggressive close-range combat.

The Bantam also occupies the Uncommon hand-cannon role previously held by the Anvil.
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Best for: Close-range encounters, high-impact shots, and players who enjoy revolver-based gameplay.

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Amplified Weapons – A New Endgame Upgrade System

Amplified Weapons are among the most important additions for experienced ARC Raiders players.

This system introduces a fifth weapon quality level, allowing players to unlock upgrades that can significantly change how their favorite guns perform.

Instead of simply improving numerical statistics, certain Amplified upgrades modify weapon behavior.

Examples include:

• A fully automatic Burletta

• A scoped Renegade

• A Rattler equipped with incendiary ammunition and a 64-round magazine

The system initially supports 15 weapons, with additional weapons planned for future updates.
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How to Unlock Amplified Weapons:

Amplified Weapon progression is connected to the new Outpost and its Research Workstation.

Players must develop their Outpost and fully upgrade the relevant research facilities to gain access to advanced weapon modifications.

The system also introduces new upgrade materials and additional reasons to explore dangerous endgame locations.

Tip: Focus on developing your Outpost early if your long-term objective is to obtain powerful Amplified Weapons.


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The Outpost – Build Your Own Base

Frozen Trail introduces the Outpost, a customizable personal space that expands what players can do outside regular raids.

Unlike the standard Raider Den, the Outpost supports additional modules, furniture, and research facilities.
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How to Unlock the Outpost

The Outpost is unlocked through a dedicated project.

One of the initial objectives requires taking a photograph of a farmland house using the Camera gadget.

You can purchase a Camera from Shani, craft one at the Workbench, or find one while exploring Topside.

After progressing through the project, you can unlock the Outpost and begin expanding it.
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Furniture and Customization

The update introduces 100 Furniture Designs.

These designs unlock crafting recipes for decorations and other furniture that can be placed inside your Outpost.

Furniture Designs can be obtained through exploration, Outpost upgrades, the Reward Pass, and DLC content.
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Research Workstation

The Research Workstation is the Outpost's most important functional addition.

It provides access to advanced weapon research and customization, including the Amplified Weapon system.

For players interested in long-term progression, upgrading this workstation should be a major priority.


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Skill Tree Rework

The entire Skill Tree has received significant changes.

The developers have reworked existing abilities, introduced new skills, and adjusted the progression structure to make character builds more meaningful.
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New Skill Choices

The middle of each skill branch now features a choice between two abilities. Only one can be selected at a time.

At the end of each branch, players can select up to two skills from three available options after meeting the necessary skill point requirements.

This system encourages more specialized builds rather than simply unlocking every available perk.
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Existing Skill Improvements

Several familiar skills have also received improvements.

• Fight or Flight: Stamina gained per level increased by approximately 25%.

• Stubborn Mule: Stamina regeneration values increased by approximately 33%.

• Back on Your Feet: Healing increased from 30 to 40.
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Tip: Review your entire Skill Tree after updating the game. Your previous build may no longer be the best choice for your preferred playstyle.

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New Gadgets and Equipment

Frozen Trail brings several new tools that create additional movement, combat, and exploration possibilities.

Grappling Hook

The Grappling Hook allows players to climb difficult surfaces, descend from structures, and swing across gaps.

This makes vertical exploration more flexible, particularly on maps with significant height differences.

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Tether Launcher

The Tether Launcher connects targets or surfaces with a cable, creating opportunities to restrict enemy movement.

It can be used creatively against both ARC machines and other Raiders.
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Yank Grenade

The Yank Grenade violently pulls nearby targets when activated.

It can disrupt enemies, pull Raiders away from cover, and interfere with airborne ARC machines.
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Cameras

Basic and Advanced Cameras introduce dedicated photography functionality.

Players can adjust photography settings, take pictures during their expeditions, and store images in their Codex.

Cameras are also used in certain quest objectives.
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Additional Items

Other additions include the Mountaineer's Detector and two playable musical instruments: the Banjo and Harmonica.


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New Reward Pass System

Frozen Trail replaces the previous Cred-based progression with the Reward Pass system.

Players now earn Reward Points, which automatically contribute to their currently selected pass.

The Frozen Trail Pass contains 60 levels divided into Free and Premium reward tracks.
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Free and Premium Rewards

The Free track includes outfits, cosmetic items, Raider Tokens, gameplay rewards, and other collectibles.

The Premium track adds exclusive cosmetics, weapon stencils, outfit variations, hairstyles, and additional Raider Tokens.
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What Happens to Old Raider Decks?

Previously released Raider Decks have not been deleted.

They are now available through the Legacy Pass, allowing players to continue earning rewards from earlier content.

Already-unlocked rewards remain available.

Only one Reward Pass can be active at a time, meaning your Reward Points are applied to whichever pass you've selected.

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Feats and Weekly Rewards

Feats have been reorganized into three difficulty categories.

Weekly milestones are unlocked after reaching 4, 8, and 12 progress points.

Each completed milestone grants 250 Reward Points, meaning players can earn up to 750 additional Reward Points per week from milestones.

Completing harder Feats generally helps you reach these milestones faster.
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Tip: Prioritize Feats that fit naturally into your usual raids. This lets you advance your Reward Pass without constantly changing your preferred gameplay style.

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Important Weapon and Gameplay Balance Changes

Frozen Trail also changes several existing weapons and mechanics.

Anvil Rarity Increased

The Anvil has moved from Green (Uncommon) to Blue (Rare) rarity.

Its effectiveness against both Raiders and ARC made it unusually strong for its previous rarity level.

The developers have adjusted its position in the game's economy while preserving its general combat identity.
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Snap Hook Nerf

The Snap Hook has received several adjustments.

StatBeforeAfterMaximum range20 m18 mDurability consumed2%4%Power cost5060

These changes make the Snap Hook more specialized for short bursts of movement rather than repeated unrestricted traversal.
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Explosive Weapon Changes

Explosive damage against ARC has been rebalanced.

Weapons such as the Hullcracker now deal more than 50% additional damage against armored plates, while damage against more fragile parts has been reduced by approximately 30%.

This makes explosives particularly useful when dealing with heavily armored ARC targets.

Quality-of-Life Improvements

Several smaller improvements can make a noticeable difference during regular gameplay.

• Larger Stash: Maximum capacity has increased to 328 slots without applicable bonus storage.

• Backpack Light Toggle: Players can disable glowing backpack elements for a less visible appearance.

• Downed Map Access: You can now open your map while downed.

• Improved Movement: The new Scrambling mechanic allows short bursts of movement up steep slopes.

• Quest XP: Completing quests and quest objectives now awards experience points.

• Updated Map Selection: The destination interface has been redesigned for improved navigation.

• Matchmaking: The Solo vs. Squads option has been removed while developers reconsider its place in the matchmaking system.

• New Cosmetics: Fourteen Weapon Stencils have been introduced, including designs obtainable through Topside exploration.

The update also includes performance optimizations, improved audio, animation adjustments, and numerous bug fixes.
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What Should You Do First in Frozen Trail 2.0?

If you're unsure where to start, here's a recommended progression route.

• Explore Pendola Pass. Learn its locations, extraction points, and dangerous weather mechanics.

• Begin the Outpost project. Obtain a Camera and complete the early objectives.

• Experiment with the new equipment. Try the Stiletto, Bantam, and movement gadgets.

• Review your Skill Tree. Reconsider your abilities after the major rework.

• Start progressing the Reward Pass. Complete Feats and weekly milestones to collect rewards.

• Prepare for endgame content. Work toward upgrading your Research Workstation and acquiring Amplified Weapons.

• Challenge the new ARC enemies. Once properly equipped, explore the Frigate and other high-risk locations.

Newer players should focus on exploration, quests, and building up their resources before tackling the most difficult encounters.

Experienced Raiders may want to prioritize Outpost progression, Amplified Weapon materials, and the new endgame challenges.

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ARC Raiders Frozen Trail 2.0 FAQ

When was Frozen Trail 2.0 released?

The update launched on October 8, 2026, introducing new locations, weapons, enemies, progression systems, and gameplay improvements.

How do you unlock Pendola Pass?

Pendola Pass becomes available after playing 25 rounds in ARC Raiders.

What are Amplified Weapons?

Amplified Weapons are advanced weapon upgrades that introduce a fifth quality level and can unlock additional modifications that change weapon performance.

How do you unlock the Outpost?

Complete the dedicated Outpost project, beginning with research objectives that include photographing a farmland house with a Camera.

What are the new ARC enemies?

Frozen Trail introduces the Bully, Skulker, and Hydra, each with different attack patterns and combat mechanics.

Are the old Raider Decks gone?

No. Previously released Raider Decks remain available through the Legacy Pass, and previously unlocked rewards are preserved.

How many new weapons were added?

The update adds two new standard weapons: the Stiletto battle rifle and the Bantam revolver. It also introduces Amplified upgrades for existing weapons.

Is the Frozen Trail Reward Pass free?

The pass includes both Free and Premium tracks. Players can progress through the Free track without purchasing the Premium track.
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Final Thoughts

Frozen Trail 2.0 is a major expansion of the ARC Raiders experience, introducing new challenges for both casual and experienced players.

Pendola Pass offers a dangerous new environment to explore, while the Frigate, Redirection events, and additional ARC enemies make high-risk expeditions even more exciting.

The Outpost and Amplified Weapons add meaningful long-term goals, giving players more reasons to collect resources, complete quests, and refine their loadouts.

Combined with the Skill Tree overhaul and improved Reward Pass system, these changes create new opportunities to experiment with different playstyles and progression strategies.

Whether you're hunting rare technology, building your Outpost, or simply exploring the frozen mountains, there's plenty to keep you busy in Frozen Trail 2.0.