DriversRecommendedOutdated drivers can make a good PC feel brokenScan driver issues before chasing fixes manually.Scan NowOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsSlow PC?RecommendedPC slow today? Run a repair scan before it gets worseResolve common Windows issues and optimize system performance.Scan Now×
Skip to content
VGSources
Blog

ARC Raiders’ Frozen Trail Update: Pendola Pass Map and the Frigate

Frozen Trail brings ARC Raiders to Pendola Pass, a frozen Italian settlement, with the boardable Frigate and three named threats: Bully, Skulker and Hydra.
Length3 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Embark Studios scheduled ARC Raiders’ Frozen Trail update for October 8, 2026. Its new map is Pendola Pass, a frozen Italian village and former Exodus transport hub beyond the Rust Belt. The huge threat teased earlier is the Frigate: one of ARC’s largest vessels, which Raiders can board. The update also introduces three named ARC threats—Bully, Skulker and Hydra. The available announcements establish the scheduled date, but not an exact release time or whether the update was live at the time of the latest source.

What are the new map and massive enemy?

In its August 12 announcement, Embark called Frozen Trail its biggest update since launch and teased a new map, new ARC threats and an enormous operation aimed at experienced players. On September 23, the studio named the map and detailed the threats. Executive Producer Aleksander Grøndal described the enemy lineup as ranging “from a small and nifty problem-maker to an enormous machine that will halt you in your tracks.” Embark’s August announcement and September’s Frozen Trail preview supply the details below.

What is Pendola Pass?

Pendola Pass is an old Italian settlement and former Exodus transport hub, isolated beyond the peaks around the Rust Belt. Embark’s preview describes it as a place where “icy air preserves Pendola Pass in its eerie grasp.” Raiders are drawn by a fallen Emperor and the prospect of rare technology, but the valley’s flash freezes and ARC presence add danger.

The preview identifies several landmarks: a supermarket, town square, observatory and buried train depot. Embark has not published a map-area figure in the cited announcement, so the setting’s scale should not be inferred from the teaser.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
ARC Raiders Deluxe - PC Steam [Online Game Code]
  • ARC Raiders Deluxe Edition includes the base game and the following content: The Wanderer Set, including the following cosmetic items: “Valente” Outfit" “Pathfinder” Backpack,“Blanket Roll” Backpack Attachment.
  • Plus: Character Cosmetic, Finger Gun Rapid Fire Emote, Cowboy Scrappy Body Type and Skin, 2 400 Raider Tokens.

What is the Frigate?

The Frigate is one of ARC’s largest vessels, and Raiders can board it. Embark describes an encounter that involves navigating interior passageways, opening routes and facing ARC machines as well as other Raiders in close quarters high above the ground. The studio does not label it a boss or give it a formal ARC model name; “Frigate” is the name Raiders have started using for the vessel.

Hydra is a separate threat encountered aboard the Frigate, not another name for the vessel. It is a stationary turret made up of three stacked autonomous portions.

Which new ARC enemies are named?

Threat What Embark says Encounter context
Bully Aggressive and fast-moving. Named among the new ARC threats in the Frozen Trail preview.
Skulker Waits at the edge of a Raider’s vision and attacks opportunistically. Its described behavior is suited to ambushes; the preview does not rank its difficulty.
Hydra A stationary, multipart turret with three stacked autonomous portions. Found aboard the Frigate.

The Arc Turbine is a different large ARC machine from the earlier Riven Tides update, not one of Frozen Trail’s three newly named threats. In a developer-authored Xbox Wire guide published May 1, 2026, Senior Game Designer David Spinnier said it relies on defensive maneuvers, electrically charged attacks and motion-detection mines, and tends to avoid Raiders until provoked. The guide says it can operate in the air and on the ground.

What else is included in Frozen Trail?

Embark’s pre-release preview also announced progression, equipment and activity changes. These are developer plans described before the scheduled launch, not independent hands-on findings.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
  • Outpost: A customizable space with modules and furniture, alongside a Research Workstation.
  • Progression: Weapon upgrades, new questlines and a reworked Skill Tree.
  • Weapons and gear: The Stiletto battle rifle, Bantam revolver, Grapple Hook, tether gadgets, a camera and instruments.
  • Other additions: Weapon stencils, a Reward Pass and a new Map Condition.

Embark also said the first rollout of a new weapon quality level would cover 15 weapons. That figure refers to the initial rollout, not the game’s total weapon count.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

When was the update scheduled, and where can it be played?

Embark scheduled Frozen Trail for October 8, 2026, in its August teaser and September preview. Those announcements do not establish a release hour or confirm live availability. The official game site lists Steam, Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and GeForce NOW.

Rank #4
ARK: Survival Evolved - Nintendo Switch
  • Capture and Tame Dinosaurs: Discover over 100 different dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures on the island, finding ways to tame them into useful additions for your tribe's dyno herd
  • Survive Above All: Hunger, thirst, basic safety, and protecting yourself from the weather are all part of the game
  • Harvest, Hunt and Build: Cut down trees and turn them into a basic home, which you can quickly expand into a Jurassic estate. Hunt for meat, scavenge for plants (or start your own garden!)
  • Customize Everything: An extensive crafting system invites you to mix and match materials scavenged from the island, while also modifying the colors, textures, shapes, and styles
  • Explore the Island: Solve the mystery of The ARK as you explore this massive island, discovering Explorer's Notebooks (filled with clues!) throughout

GamesRadar reported that Embark’s four-day free trial was scheduled to run October 8–12, 2026, on Steam, PlayStation and Xbox. That is a dated announcement, not confirmation that the offer remains available; check the relevant platform listing for current access and regional terms. GamesRadar’s trial report covers the announced window.

Best Value
ARC Raiders Video Game Stickers Ideal for Cars Laptop Skateboard Wall Décor Flask UV and Weather Resistant (C 3-Pack, 3" in)
  • ARC Raiders–Inspired Design: Bold, high-quality graphics with vibrant colors that capture the iconic ARC Raiders aesthetic.
  • Durable Premium Vinyl: Made from thick, high-grade vinyl for long-lasting use on cars, laptops, skateboards, walls, and flasks.
  • UV & Weather Resistant: Fade-proof, waterproof, and scratch-resistant—perfect for indoor and outdoor applications.
  • Easy Application & Removal: Applies smoothly without bubbles and removes cleanly with no sticky residue left behind.
  • Versatile Décor & Gift Idea: Ideal for personalizing gear, accessories, and spaces, and a great gift for ARC Raiders fans.

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.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More quests from Patch Notes

  1. How to Turn On Vibrant Visuals in MinecraftMinecraftBlog3min
  2. Best Multiplayer Games for Low-End PCsBlog4min
  3. Minecraft: How To Use And Install OptiFineBlog5min
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.