The match timer ticks down. You hit the storefront at 2 AM PT and suddenly your squad chat blows up—everyone wants Pendola Pass. I’ll walk you through the loopholes and limits so you don’t waste that free window.
I’ve been tracking weekend trials and free-play windows across Steam, PlayStation, and Xbox for years; you’ll save time by following a clear playbook. Read fast: the trial is short, the rewards are real, and some content is gated unless you bring a veteran along.
Can you access the Frozen Trail update during the free trial?
The Steam and console store pages flip from “buy” to “free trial” and friends ping each other—that’s your cue to act. Yes: the game is free-to-play from October 8 at 2 AM PT (5 AM ET) to October 12, 2026, at 1 AM PT (4 AM ET) on PC via Steam, PS5, PS5 Pro, and Xbox Series X|S.
During that window you can play every listed game mode, experiment with map conditions, and try most maps without paying. But there’s a catch for newcomers: the new Pendola Pass map, part of the Frozen Trail update, is not immediately available to brand-new accounts.
Is there any way to play Arc Raiders for free?
Yes—during the announced free trial dates above anyone can download and play the full trial on Steam, PlayStation Store, or the Xbox Store. Treat the window like a pop-up sale: if you don’t jump in, the chance disappears.
Can I play the Pendola Pass map in the free trial?
Not by yourself. You can only experience Pendola Pass if you join a group that already has that map available on their accounts. Think of the map as a locked room you can peek into only with a friend—bring someone who’s already been there and they’ll bring you along.
Is Arc Raiders free on Game Pass?
No. The free trial is a separate event and the title is not available through Xbox Game Pass during this period.
Will Arc Raiders stay free after the Frozen Trail event?
Free weekends end and the price tag returns—stores don’t leave the “free” flag up forever. The free trial expires on October 12, and the game reverts to paid status afterward. That means if you want to keep playing beyond the trial you’ll need to purchase a copy on your platform of choice.
The developer is running a PvE toggle beta starting October 13; players who only joined during the free trial will not have access to that beta. Good news: progress you make during the free weekend is saved, so if you buy later your progress will carry over.
How to get the most from the free window
My observation: your best nights to learn a game are when your friends are online. Squad up ahead of time, install via Steam or your console store before the clock flips, and test one mechanic at a time.
Quick checklist I use:
- Pre-download the trial on Steam, PS5, or Xbox Store so you don’t waste the first hours on patching.
- Line up a veteran player if you want to see Pendola Pass during the trial.
- Try multiple modes to understand which playstyle hooks you—your saved progress will follow into a purchased copy.
The free weekend is a narrow tunnel and timing matters; treat it like a limited raid invite and plan accordingly. Will you bring a friend to snoop around Pendola Pass, or will you first learn the basics solo this weekend?