Arc Raiders Frozen Trail 2.0: Pendola Pass, Skill Tree and Reward Pass Changes Explained

Embark Studios released the Frozen Trail (2.0) update for Arc Raiders on October 8, 2026 on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The patch notes describe it as the biggest update since the game launched. Here are the main changes.

Pendola Pass

The headline addition is Pendola Pass, a snowbound map beyond the mountains north of the Rust Belt. ExitLag describes it as an old Italian village combined with transport facilities belonging to Project Exodus. The update also adds two new map conditions, Frigate and Redirection, according to Beebom.

Skill tree, gear and progression

• Skill tree revamp: the whole tree was reworked.
• Weapon Stencils: learnable cosmetics, similar to blueprints, that you can apply to compatible weapons.
• New Outpost: unlocked by completing a project, and it adds a research bench.
• Feats rework: Feats are now split into Easy, Medium and Hard categories.
• Bigger stash: the maximum stash size gains two levels, to 328 without Expedition bonuses.
• New traversal gear: KeenGamer lists a grappling hook among the new gadgets.

Reward Pass replaces Raider Decks

The old Raider Deck system gives way to a Reward Pass. Only one Reward Pass can be active at a time, and your Reward Points go toward whichever you select. ExitLag reports that older decks stay accessible through a Legacy Pass that preserves your progress. A Collector DLC is also available.

The PvE test has ended

Embark scheduled a PvE mode test for October 13 to 20, 2026, offering an alternative to standard PvPvE matchmaking. That window has now closed. According to ExitLag, the studio will use feedback to decide next steps, and there is no guarantee the mode becomes permanent.

What to check first

Before your next run, look over the revamped skill tree, check your stash and Reward Pass selection, and read our Frozen Trail survival tips for extraction habits that suit the new map. You can also find more on the ARC Raiders game page.

Published October 24, 2026.

Sources

• Arc Raiders Frozen Trail Update Patch Notes, Beebom (October 8, 2026)
• ARC Raiders Frozen Trail update brings new map ahead of PvE test, ExitLag (October 2026)
• ARC Raiders Frozen Trail Adds Pendola Pass and Free Play Through Oct. 12, God Is a Geek (October 2026)
• ARC Raiders Frozen Trail 2.0 Patch Notes: All Changes, KeenGamer (October 2026)