ARC Raiders Next Update “Headwinds” Releases January 27; Patch Preview Outlined
While Embark has revealed the first roadmap for ARC Raiders for 2026, raiders will be glad to know that the next update, titled “Headwinds,” will be out tomorrow, January 27!
This brings a new matchmaking option, a new map condition, new objectives and more.
While the complete patch notes aren’t out yet, we have the next best thing, and that’s a preview of the new content incoming.
ARC Raiders “Headwinds” Update Inbound on January 27
TL;DR / Key Newspoints
- ARC Raiders’ January update, Headwinds, launches on January 27, 2026
- New matchmaking option, Solo vs. Squads becomes available to Raiders who have reached level 40, allowing experienced solo players to opt into squad queues for higher-stakes encounters and bonus XP
- Open Parties and expanded Squad Invites streamline group play and reduce downtime
- New Bird City map condition overtakes Buried City as flocks of birds settle into rooftops and chimneys, reshaping how Raiders move, fight, and survive across the map
- New objectives introduce fresh quests and the ARC Trophy Display, a long-term Player Project that challenges players to hunt ARC enemies and submit their parts in exchange for progression rewards
Matchmaking Expands Player Choice
New matchmaking options broaden how Raiders enter each run by supporting different playstyles and experience levels. Solo vs. Squads matchmaking becomes available to Raiders who have reached level 40, allowing experienced solo players to opt into squad queues for higher-stakes encounters. Solo Raiders who choose this option receive bonus XP at the end of each run, regardless of outcome.
Group play is also streamlined in ARC Raiders through Open Parties and expanded Squad Invites, giving players more flexibility in how they join and organize sessions. Parties can be set to open so friends can join between matches, while squadmates can now invite additional players directly, reducing friction and downtime between runs.
The Birds Take Over Buried City
A new rotating minor map condition arrives in Buried City with the introduction of Bird City, reshaping how Raiders move, fight, and survive across the map. Flocks of birds settle into rooftops and chimneys, dropping their prized items, and drawing players in search of loot upward into more vertical combat spaces and tighter encounters. The condition rewards bold traversal and situational awareness, offering high-risk, high-reward opportunities through rooftop routes and chimney caches that can contain valuable materials and rare trinkets, while increasing player proximity and encounter frequency across the map.
New Objectives Take Shape Across Speranza
Additional content in Headwinds introduces new goals for Raiders to pursue over both short and long timeframes. The update adds ARC Trophy Display,, a long-term Player Project that challenges players to hunt increasingly dangerous ARC enemies and submit their parts in exchange for progression rewards. Advancing through the project unlocks new items and cosmetics tied to player achievements including rarer blueprints and Raider Tokens.
New quests are also introduced, providing fresh objectives that encourage exploration and varied approaches to each expedition. These additions are accompanied by a range of smaller gameplay updates and quality-of-life improvements, reinforcing ARC Raiders’ focus on evolving objectives and sustained engagement.
What’s Next
Embark confirmed that the next update is titled “Shrouded Sky” and is due for release in February. This update will bring a new extreme weather-based map condition, a map update, a new player project and a new ARC threat, along with a further free Raider Deck.
Aside from February, the March and April updates have also been outlined in the roadmap.
Stay connected to MP1st and the latest news by following us on Bluesky, X, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and Google News.
