The ARC Raiders Frozen Trail update, which players are searching for as update v1.50, launches on Thursday, October 8, 2026 as a free update on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. It adds the Pendola Pass map, the Frigate encounter, three new ARC enemies, personal Outposts, Weapon Amplification, a reworked skill tree and a new Reward Pass. However, as of the latest update, Embark has not confirmed a version number for the patch, and the full patch notes are not out yet. The game is also free to play from launch until October 12.
Summary: ARC Raiders Frozen Trail update
- Release: October 8, 2026, around 9:00 UTC (2 a.m. PT, 5 a.m. ET).
- New map: Pendola Pass, a frozen mountain region with Flash Freeze storms and a Ballistic Gondola extraction.
- New enemies: Bully, Skulker and the three-part Hydra turret, plus the Frigate encounter.
- Progression: Outposts, Weapon Amplification, a skill tree rework and a 60-level Reward Pass.
- Before launch: Cred expires when the update goes live, so check your balance.
Is the Frozen Trail Update Version 1.50?
Many players search for Frozen Trail as update v1.50, but Embark has not confirmed that number in the sources I checked. The latest numbered release before it is 1.48.0, which arrived on September 29. Embark also skipped its regular Tuesday update on October 6 to make room for Frozen Trail.
So treat the version number as unconfirmed until the official patch notes go live. Then you can check the number against the in-game version screen.
Frozen Trail Release Date and Time
Frozen Trail launches on October 8, 2026. Embark has not posted a separate downtime window, but the free-play period starts at 9:00 UTC on October 8, and that matches the slot where major updates usually go live.
| US region | Expected time on October 8 |
|---|---|
| Pacific | 2:00 a.m. PDT |
| Mountain | 3:00 a.m. MDT |
| Central | 4:00 a.m. CDT |
| Eastern | 5:00 a.m. EDT |
Because this is the biggest update since launch, expect a large download. One outlet estimates more than 20 GB, but Embark has not confirmed the size, so leave extra storage free and allow for a short login queue.
ARC Raiders is also free to play on Steam, Xbox and PlayStation from launch until October 12.
What Is New in Frozen Trail at a Glance
| Feature | What it adds |
|---|---|
| Pendola Pass | A new frozen mountain map with Flash Freeze weather and a gondola extraction |
| The Frigate | A giant airborne ARC vessel that you board and fight through |
| New ARC | Bully, Skulker and Hydra |
| Outposts | A customizable surface home with a Research Workstation |
| Weapon Amplification | A fifth quality tier with branching upgrades for 15 weapons |
| New weapons | Stiletto battle rifle and Bantam revolver |
| New gadgets | Grappling Hook, Tether Launcher, Yank Grenade and Camera |
| Skill tree rework | New and revised skills, with fewer ways to unlock everything on one build |
| Reward Pass | Replaces Raider Decks with a 60-level pass |
Pendola Pass: The New Map
Pendola Pass sits beyond the mountains at the northern edge of the Rust Belt. It is an old Italian village and former Exodus transport hub, with a supermarket, town square, observatory and buried train depot. The wreck of a fallen giant ARC called the Emperor dominates the map.
Embark designed this map around verticality. As a result, you will fight above ground and below it, and you will use dense interiors more than on earlier maps.
Flash Freeze and Avalanche Shelters
The cold works like a countdown. Flash Freeze storms can sweep across the map at any time, so you need to find shelter before the cold hurts you. Avalanche Shelters give you places to warm up, but other Raiders know where they are too.
The Ballistic Gondola
Pendola Pass adds a new extraction method called the Ballistic Gondola. You must call it in and board quickly, and it holds only three Raiders, so extraction can turn tense fast.
The Redirection map condition
Redirection is a minor map condition that only appears on Pendola Pass. It lets you pull Harvester Payloads toward your own position, which also draws ARC and rival Raiders to that spot.
The Frigate and the New ARC Enemies
The Frigate is the update’s biggest challenge. You reach it through the Emperor’s interior, and Embark describes the area as its first dungeon-style content, with the Frigate working as a late-game ARC Operation for Pendola Pass.
Three new ARC enemies arrive with it:
- Bully: an aggressive enemy that pressures you directly.
- Skulker: an ambusher that waits for you to drop your guard.
- Hydra: a three-part turret you meet aboard the Frigate.
The new ARC appear mainly on Pendola Pass for now, so your existing maps should feel familiar.
Outposts and Weapon Amplification
Outposts are a customizable surface home that extends your Raider Den. You can decorate them, and they also hold the new Research Workstation.
That workstation unlocks Weapon Amplification, which adds a fifth quality tier. Amplified weapons get branching upgrade paths, and the system covers 15 existing weapons, such as the Burletta, Renegade, Rattler, Hairpin and others.
A few details matter before you plan around it:
- You need a fully upgraded Research Workstation to reach the fifth tier.
- Each upgrade path adds a different effect. For example, the Rattler gets an incendiary rounds path.
- You also need Amplification Modules to upgrade weapons.
In addition, Weapon Stencils let you apply reusable weapon skins. After you learn and consume a stencil, you can apply it to any compatible weapon.
New Weapons and Gadgets
Two new weapons join the pool. The Stiletto is a light-ammo battle rifle that works as an early alternative to the Renegade. Meanwhile, the Bantam is a heavy-ammo snub-nosed revolver built to hit hard.
Four gadgets also arrive: the Grappling Hook, Tether Launcher, Yank Grenade and Camera. The first three change how you move and interact with enemies, and the Camera supports the new photo mode. Embark also adds new instruments.
Skill Tree Rework
The three existing skill paths stay, but the skills inside them change. Embark added new skills and revised old ones, and you will no longer be able to unlock everything on a single character. Some skills now give mechanical abilities, such as a sprint that knocks back players and ARC.
Reports also say everyone gets a free skill tree reset at launch, and the 15 extra skill points from Expeditions remain. Embark has not published the full list of skill changes yet, so wait for the patch notes before you plan a new build.
Reward Pass Rewards
The Reward Pass replaces Raider Decks. Frozen Trail launches with two passes, the Frozen Trail Reward Pass and a Legacy Reward Pass.
| Track | Cost | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free | Gameplay rewards such as weapons and gadgets, cosmetics and up to 200 Raider Tokens |
| Premium | 1,150 Raider Tokens | Extra cosmetics and up to 1,150 Raider Tokens, but no weapons or gadgets |
The pass has 60 levels. Based on current information, the Premium pass can pay for itself if you finish every level, and it only adds cosmetics. Therefore, you do not need to buy it to get the new weapons and gadgets.
A Collector Set DLC also exists. It bundles both passes with a cosmetic set, including a Dragon’s Breath Weapon Stencil and a hair style, plus 2,400 Raider Tokens.
What to Do Before Frozen Trail Launches
- Check your Cred balance. Embark says Cred expires when Frozen Trail goes live.
- Free up storage. Expect a large download.
- Plan around the skill reset. Reports say you can rebuild your skills at launch, so wait for the full notes first.
- Read the patch notes. They should confirm the version number, size and any downtime.
Common Mistakes and Clarifications
- Assuming the version is 1.50. Embark has not confirmed it, so verify in the official notes.
- Buying Premium for gear. The free track already includes weapons and gadgets.
- Expecting every system on day one. Embark describes some content, such as the PvE toggle test, as separate. Reports place that test from October 13 to 20.
- Treating leaks as official. Wait for the patch notes before you trust specific numbers.
What Could Change Next
Embark has called Frozen Trail the first update under a new model with longer gaps between major updates. Everything above is accurate as of October 7, 2026, but launch details, the download size and the version number can change. So check the official patch notes once the update is live.
Conclusion
Frozen Trail brings a new map, the Frigate, three new ARC enemies, Outposts, Weapon Amplification and a Reward Pass to ARC Raiders on October 8. The version number and full patch notes are still unconfirmed, so verify them after launch. Before then, check your Cred, free up storage and plan around the skill tree changes.
FAQs
When does the ARC Raiders Frozen Trail update come out?
It launches on October 8, 2026, around 9:00 UTC, which is 2 a.m. PT and 5 a.m. ET.
Is the Frozen Trail update version 1.50?
Embark has not confirmed a version number. The latest numbered release before it is 1.48.0.
What is the new map in Frozen Trail?
Pendola Pass, a frozen mountain map near an old Italian village with the fallen Emperor and a gondola extraction.
Is the ARC Raiders Reward Pass free?
There is a free track with weapons, gadgets and cosmetics. The Premium track costs 1,150 Raider Tokens and adds cosmetics.
Is ARC Raiders free to play right now?
It is free to play on Steam, Xbox and PlayStation from the Frozen Trail launch until October 12.
What happens to Cred?
Embark says Cred expires when Frozen Trail launches, so check your balance first.
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