Summary:
ARC Raiders' Frozen Trail update launches on October 8, bringing a major new map, endgame challenge, enemies, weapons, gadgets, progression systems, and rewards. Players can explore Pendola Pass, board the dangerous Frigate, unlock Amplified Weapons, ARC Raiders Items, build a Raider Outpost, use new mobility tools, and progress through the new Reward Pass system.
1. Pendola Pass and Flash Freeze
Pendola Pass is the major new map beyond the Rust Belt. It contains an old Italian village, supermarket, town square, observatory, and buried train depot connected to the Exodus Project. A fallen Emperor is also located there, containing rare technology that Raiders must find a way to reach.
The map combines different combat spaces, while Flash Freeze introduces a dangerous new Map Condition. When extreme cold arrives, Raiders must find indoor locations or shelters to survive.
2. Frigate and Three New ARC Enemies
The Frigate is one of the largest ARC vessels and creates a high-level challenge. Raiders must board it, navigate internal passageways, unlock routes, and fight ARC enemies while dealing with other Raiders competing for the same opportunity.
Frozen Trail adds three ARC enemies. The aggressive Bully constantly pressures players with lethal attacks. The Skulker waits for openings, attacks from unexpected positions, and quickly disappears. The Hydra is a three-part turret found on the Frigate that can threaten entire squads, requiring players to use cover and coordinate their attacks.
3. Amplified Weapons and New Guns
The fully upgraded Research Workstation at the Outpost unlocks a fifth quality level for 15 weapons. Amplified Weapons use branching upgrade paths that can change weapon behavior. Examples include a fully automatic Burletta, a scoped Renegade, and a Rattler with incendiary bullets and a 64-round magazine.
Two new weapons are also added. The Stiletto is a light-ammo battle rifle designed as an early-game alternative to the Renegade. The Bantam is a heavy-ammo snub-nosed revolver with a unique hip-fire feature.
4. New Gadgets and Exploration Features
The Grappling Hook lets Raiders climb difficult locations, descend from buildings, and swing across gaps. The Tether Launcher connects two points with a wire and can restrict movement, while the Yank Grenade pulls nearby targets with strong force.
The update also adds a functional Camera with zoom, aperture, manual and automatic focus, and selfie mode. Photos can be saved to the Codex. Banjo and Harmonica instruments also arrive, with the Banjo Blueprint available through the Collector Set DLC.
5. Outpost, Rewards and Customization
The Raider Outpost is a customizable home where players can add modules and furniture. Its Research Workstation also provides access to advanced weapon customization.
The Reward Pass evolves Raider Decks. The Free Pass includes 200 Raider Tokens, five outfits, gameplay items, and 20 cosmetic rewards. The Premium Pass adds outfit options, exclusive colorways, weapon stencils, hairstyles, and 1,150 Raider Tokens. The free Legacy Pass combines existing Raider Decks without removing previous progress.
Weapon Stencils let players personalize their guns, although another Raider can take the customized weapon after defeating its owner. The Collector Set DLC includes both Reward Pass tracks, a new cosmetic set, the Renzo Dragon's Breath Weapon Stencil, Bob Hairstyle, and 2,400 Raider Tokens.
Frozen Trail also brings new questlines, improvements, ARC Raiders Items for sale, and a Skill Tree rework with new and improved skills. The update launches October 8, with a developer Q&A scheduled for September 25 at 6 p.m. CEST.
