ARC Raiders Pendola Pass Map: Areas, Frigate and New ARCs
What the Map Is and Why It Plays Differently
Pendola Pass is the new map from the Frozen Trail 2.0 update, which launched on October 8, 2026. It is a frozen Italian mountain settlement beyond the mountains that surround the Rust Belt. It once belonged to the Exodus transport network.
The headline features are a fallen Emperor holding rare ARC technology, the airborne Frigate, the Flash Freeze ice storm and dynamic loot zones. The map is noticeably more vertical than earlier ones and has underground areas, so threats can come from above and below.
The practical takeaway is that a memorized route works poorly here. Valuable zones change between raids, weather can catch you in the open, and another squad can easily end up in the same spot. Plan a fallback for every stage of the raid.
The map suits players who like vertical fights and risk. If you prefer short, predictable raids, expect to get used to the weather and to loot value that is not tied to a fixed place.
Areas and Landmarks Worth Knowing
The map splits into four regions, each with its own points of interest. Names are given in English as they appear in game.
Northern Tracks: Researcher Lodgings, Dispatch Tower, Frozen River, Deep Space Telescope and Cielo Sereno Observatory. The observatory is an Exodus building with technological loot.
Almatera Village: the Fallen Emperor itself, Old Town, Piazza della Rupe, Almatera Station and Porta Benvenuti.
Freight Terminal: Railyard, Commissary Supermarket, Railroad Junction, Weather Station and Loading Platforms. The Commissary Supermarket offers commercial and medical loot.
Southern Pass: Old Hamlet, Truck Stop and Electrical Substation.
If you are chasing objectives, look at the Commissary Supermarket, the observatory and the Railyard: according to player reports, several quest chains lead there. Current objectives and help with completing them are collected in the Quests service on DVING.
The Fallen Emperor and the Frigate
The Fallen Emperor is a huge ARC machine that crashed into the valley. It holds rare technology, and that is exactly why Raiders are sent to Pendola Pass. Destroying the Emperor triggers a heavier ARC response, so count how much ammo and healing you are ready to spend.
The Frigate is a massive airborne ARC carrier that appears over the map. To get aboard you complete a sabotage sequence, which opens a route into the cargo section with high-value containers. Inside you get a confined space with ARCs, and a run-in with a rival squad is entirely possible.
Agree in advance who covers the entrance, who opens containers and who watches the sounds and the map.
Practical tips:
go to the Frigate with a full squad and a good ammo reserve;
do not linger once you have the main haul: every extra minute aboard is a risk of meeting another squad;
keep room in your backpack for loot and clear your stash before the raid; if space is tight, a stash expansion helps.
New ARCs: Bully, Skulker and Hydra
Three new enemies appear on Pendola Pass. Each needs its own approach, so decide in advance who draws attention and who hits the weak points.
ARC | How it fights | Where to aim |
|---|---|---|
Bully | Heavy four-legged unit: shotgun blasts, cluster grenades and charges | Leg joints and head |
Skulker | Stealthy ambusher: strikes fast and retreats when it loses the advantage | Central turret when exposed |
Hydra | Three-section turret aboard the Frigate: each section can target a different player | One section at a time, as a squad |
Hydra is the biggest threat to coordinated squads because its three sections pressure different players at once. Against Bully, aim for the leg joints and head, and take on Skulker together: it strikes fast and retreats, so do not chase it alone.
Flash Freeze and Avalanche Shelters
Flash Freeze is an ice storm that can sweep across the map at any moment of a raid. Outside cover it deals constant damage, much like Frostbite from the Cold Snap update, and sprinting in it drains health fast. Doors can freeze shut too, and only a Flame Thrower will open them.
When the storm approaches, Avalanche Shelters open up. They protect against the cold and can contain extra loot, but other Raiders may head to the same shelter. Be ready for a fight right at the door.
Because of the constant damage outside cover, it helps to plan the raid in short legs, from shelter to shelter. Sprinting costs health, so a protected route through buildings beats a dash across open ground.
A simple routing rule: note the nearest shelter in advance and do not stray far from it without a reason. If a valuable zone forces you to take the risk, bring healing and a way out.
Redirection: The Map-Specific Condition
Redirection is a minor map condition that exists only on Pendola Pass. Activate the Transmitter and it diverts Harvester Payloads from the Collector toward your position. This draws both ARCs and rival squads, so expect pressure from several sides at once.
The reward is worth the risk: Emperor Payloads gained during Redirection are used for Pneumatic Actuators and Pressure Regulators, which go into Amplification, the fifth weapon upgrade tier. If you are building an amplified weapon, plan for this and check that your crafting station upgrade level lets you make the components.
Loot, Extraction and Keys
Pendola Pass has no permanently designated high-loot zones. A zone keeps its loot category, but its overall value changes between raids: a spot that was high last time can be medium the next. Zone information is shown on the map selection screen, so check it before every drop.
Because of dynamic zones, there is no point heading to the same spot every time. First see which zones are marked valuable right now, then pick an entry point close to them and to cover. That saves travel time and keeps you out of the storm more often.
One extraction method is the Ballistic Gondola: it has to be called in and boarded quickly, and it holds just three Raiders. If your squad is larger, plan another way out in advance. Keys will help with locked rooms, and a reserve of coins covers gear for risky runs.
Before a raid, open the skill tree and pick perks that match your role in the squad.
Preparing for Your First Raids
Alongside the map, Frozen Trail 2.0 brought the Bantam and Stiletto weapons, a grapple hook, Rewards Pass rewards and the fifth upgrade tier, Amplification. Set your priorities and start with weapon blueprints: the Frigate and the Emperor demand proper gear.
Route: choose your start with shelters in mind, not just loot.
Squad: assign roles in advance, especially for the Frigate and Hydra.
Gear: healing, ammo and a Flame Thrower for frozen doors.
Space: keep free backpack slots for a lucky find.
While the map is fresh, careful play with a flexible route and a clear exit plan works best.