Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsARC Raiders’ Frozen Trail 2.0 update went live on October 8, 2026. It adds the Pendola Pass map, three ARC enemy types, two weapons, new Outpost features and quests, and a redesigned skill tree. It also changes explosive damage and other balance values, and its official notes list known issues that may change after hotfixes. Embark’s official patch notes contain the full change list.
What’s in the Frozen Trail 2.0 update?
Embark describes Frozen Trail as the game’s largest update since launch. Its headline additions span a new map, enemies, weapons, progression systems, and Outpost content.
- Map and conditions: Pendola Pass, plus the Frigate and Redirection map conditions.
- ARC enemies: Bully, Skulker, and Hydra.
- Weapons: Bantam and Stiletto, alongside amplified weapons.
- New items: Grappling Hook, Basic and Advanced Cameras, Tether Launcher, Yank Grenade, Mountaineer’s Detector, Banjo, and Harmonica.
- Outpost: A Research Bench and lootable Design items that unlock craftable furniture.
- Quests and rewards: 22 new quests, a Reward Pass system, and weapon stencils.
- Interface and inventory: A redesigned map-selection screen, revised default gamepad mapping, and two additional stash-size levels, bringing the maximum to 328 slots excluding Expedition bonuses.
Embark’s update notes count 14 Weapon Stencils: five exclusive to the Frozen Trail Premium Pass, one DLC-exclusive, and eight obtainable Topside. They list 100 furniture designs: four Frozen Trail Pass exclusives, one DLC-exclusive, 73 found Topside, and 22 unlocked through Outpost upgrades. These are the counts stated in the published notes.
How did the skill tree and Reward Pass change?
Skill tree choices
The revised Raider Skill Tree replaces the former large nodes with more constrained choices. At the middle of each branch, choose one of two skills; that choice can be changed by resetting the tree. At a branch’s end, players who meet the required investment can choose up to two skills from three. Embark says the redesign is intended to make builds more meaningful and may be adjusted further.
#1 Best Overall
Reward progression
Cred is removed and replaced by Reward Points, which are automatically applied to the currently active pass. Frozen Trail has 60 levels across Free and Premium tracks. Earlier Raider Decks move to a Legacy Pass, and only one Reward Pass can be active at a time.
What combat and equipment balance changed?
The most notable damage change affects explosives: Embark says explosive weapons such as the Hullcracker deal over 50% more damage to armor plates and around 30% less to fragile parts. The percentages are the patch notes’ stated balance changes, not independent test measurements.
Rank #2
- MLB The Show 26 Full Game on PlayStation 5
- Includes 5 The Show Packs
- NEW Road to Cooperstown & Expanded Amateur Years Career
- Build your ultimate fantasy team with a new Red Diamond rarity tier and World Baseball Classic player cards featuring elite game-changing players
- NEW Revamped Front Office Experience Play the nail-biting key matches and moments of your Franchise GM career with streamlined seasons and Custom Game Entry
| Weapon or system | Change in the patch notes |
|---|---|
| Anvil | Rarity changes from Green to Blue. |
| Bantam | Takes the uncommon hand-cannon role. |
| Snap Hook | Range decreases from 20 m to 18 m; durability consumption per use rises from 2% to 4%; power cost rises from 50 to 60. |
| Heavy Shield | Durability decay decreases from 0.20 to 0.15; movement penalty decreases from 15% to 10%. |
Other gameplay changes include the addition of Scrambling on steep slopes and adjustments to existing skill values.
What changed on the maps, and what are Dynamic Loot Zones?
Dynamic Loot Zones are being tested exclusively on Pendola Pass. A zone’s loot type stays fixed, but the value of loot in certain areas can vary between raids, making the value of a particular route less predictable. Embark also says Riven Tides’ overall loot value increased by approximately 15%.
Rank #3
- Only at Amazon Limited Edition Content - The Rogue Infiltrator Character Pack includes cosmetics for Kay and Nix.
- Discover a galaxy of opportunity. Explore distinct locations with bustling cities and cantinas. Race across sprawling outdoor landscapes on your speeder. Each location brings new adventures, unique challenges, and enticing rewards if you’re willing to take the risk.
- Experience an original scoundrel story. Live the high-stakes lifestyle of an outlaw. Turn any situation to your advantage with Nix by your side: fight with your blaster, overcome enemies with stealth and gadgets, or find the right moments to distract enemies and gain the upper hand.
- Embark on high-stakes missions. Take on high-risk, high-reward missions from the galaxy’s crime syndicates. Steal valuable goods, infiltrate secret locations, and outwit enemies as one of the galaxy’s most wanted. Every choice you make influences your ever-changing reputation.
- Jump into the pilot seat. Pilot your ship, the Trailblazer, as you engage in thrilling dogfights with the Empire and other foes. Find the right opportunities to chase, evade, and attack to get the upper hand.
The update includes map lighting, collision, texture, and stuck-player fixes. It also improves hit registration when shooting while on ARC and removes Solo vs. Squads from matchmaking while Embark reevaluates the mode’s role.
What else was fixed or optimized?
Embark lists changes across audio, cosmetics, gameplay, weapons, traders, quests, social features, user interface, and visual effects. Notable examples include quest completion granting XP and fixes for in-game voice chat and Xbox party-join issues.
The notes also describe memory, performance, and stability optimizations, including lower enemy memory use in busy encounters, a fix for a crash related to graphics settings, and an upgrade to AMD FSR 4.1.1. The notes do not provide an independent comparative performance test.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What known issues does Embark list?
The official page’s known-issues section includes the following. Some are described as rare or conditional; the list may change as updates and hotfixes roll out.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Best Value
![Assassin's Creed Shadows [PlayStation 5]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51cgBmgsqGL._SL160_.jpg)
- Experience an epic, historical action adventure in feudal Japan and become a deadly Shinobi assassin and a powerful legendary samurai as you explore a beautiful open game world in chaotic times
- Sneak as a Naoe to not be discovered, use your agility to confuse your opponents and stretch down your opponents with deadly precision and power as a Yasuke
- Use information as weapons and build your own spy network to have eyes and ears everywhere and find your targets easier and recruit new allies on the go with unique skills to help you with your missions
- Create a fully customizable hideaway for your growing Shinobi league, where you train recruits, craft new equipment and interact with important characters; set the room layout, decoration and accessories yourself
- Field Repair may be unavailable until the game is restarted, and Tether Launcher repair is unavailable.
- Rare invisible-lobby behavior; partially invisible weapon meshes; and occasional unexpected launches from movable surfaces.
- Footsteps may be inaudible under a particular shoulder-swap and sprint condition.
- Hydra attacks may pass through walls in the Cargo area, and an elimination hazard is present at the side of the Cargo drop.
- Outpost furniture may clip or have blocked slots; cameras may obstruct the view or reset it; low-shadow settings may cause lighting corruption; and an Outpost indicator may be missing.
- A quest cinematic may not trigger. “Picking up the Pieces” cannot currently be completed on Pendola Pass according to the notes.
- Weapon audio may be affected on low-spec PCs, non-English keyboard bindings may reset, and Pendola Pass has assorted collision issues.
Embark says most Outpost fixes are already in progress for a future Live Update. Consult the current official notes for the latest status.
When was the free-play event, and what platforms did it include?
The temporary free-play period ran from October 8 at 09:00 UTC through October 12 at 08:00 UTC, 2026, on Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation, with access to the full game during the event. That dated event has ended. Embark’s free-play announcement says players could access Pendola Pass by teaming with someone who had unlocked the map.
The October 8 launch announcement also described a Collector Set DLC containing the Renzo cosmetic set, Dragon’s Breath Weapon Stencil, Bob Hair Style, 2,400 Raider Tokens, and access to the Frozen Trail Premium Reward Pass. The announcement did not state a price. See Embark’s launch notice for its original launch details.
Official patch notes
Read the full Frozen Trail – 2.0 Update patch notes from Embark. They are dated October 8, 2026 and attributed to The ARC Raiders Team.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
