Trouble is brewing once again in the Rust Belt. After one of the harshest winters on record, the ice has finally melted — and what’s emerging topside is tougher, bolder, and far more dangerous. On January 27, ARC Raiders launches its latest major update, Headwinds, introducing a high-stakes Solo vs Squads mode, a brand-new long-term Trophy Display project, fresh map conditions, new cosmetics, and a huge list of gameplay improvements.
For fans of extraction shooters and PvP-heavy survival games, this update signals a clear escalation in Embark Studios’ post-apocalyptic world.
Solo vs Squads: A New Challenge for Elite Raiders
One of the headline additions in the Headwinds update is Solo vs Squads, a new matchmaking option aimed squarely at experienced players who thrive on PvP encounters.
Available to Raiders level 40 and above, this toggle allows solo players to queue directly into squad lobbies, taking on full teams alone. To balance the risk, solo Raiders who opt in will earn a +20% XP bonus, whether they successfully extract or fall in battle.
It’s a bold move that reinforces ARC Raiders’ emphasis on player choice: go loud and hunt squads head-on, lurk as a silent assassin, or play the long game as a stealthy looter.
Trophy Display Project: Hunting ARC for Glory
Defence is no longer the only option. With the introduction of the Trophy Display Project, Raiders can now actively hunt increasingly dangerous ARC enemies and submit their parts for long-term rewards.
Much like the Candleberry Project, the Trophy Display unfolds across five upgrade stages, each adding new visual elements to your display case. Rewards along the way include:
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Exclusive blueprints
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Raider Tokens
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A Howl emote
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A guitar cosmetic
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300,000 Coins upon full completion
Notably, this project has no fixed end date and will persist across Expedition resets, making it a long-term goal for dedicated players. Learn more about ARC enemy design and Embark Studios’ philosophy via the official ARC Raiders site.
Bird City: A New Threat in Buried City
The melting ice has drawn flocks of birds into Buried City, nesting inside abandoned chimneys and hoarding shiny loot. Dubbed Bird City, this new permanent map condition rotates weekly and applies exclusively to the Buried City map.
Players can expect:
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More rooftop combat
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Increased vertical traversal via ziplines
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Additional bird traps
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More flying ARC and closer player proximity
The result is a faster, riskier urban battlefield where greed can quickly turn fatal. If you enjoy high-tension map design, you’ll want to keep an eye on our latest features covering standout multiplayer maps.
New Items, Quests and Social Features
Headwinds also expands the game’s progression and social systems with:
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Two new Epic Augments
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Seven new quests
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Open Parties, allowing friends to join seamlessly between rounds
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Expanded squad invite permissions
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Discord integration for party invites
These changes make it easier than ever to squad up — or intentionally go it alone.
Cosmetics: Style Meets Survival
Two new cosmetic sets arrive with the update, designed for Raiders who want to look the part while pushing their limits. The Sandwalker Set focuses on stealth and mobility, fitting perfectly with the harsher conditions sweeping across the Rust Belt.
Major Bug Fixes and Gameplay Improvements
Beyond new content, Headwinds delivers a sweeping list of fixes and refinements across nearly every system:
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Improved ARC traversal and enemy behaviour
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Movement fixes for ladders, ziplines and network interruptions
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UI upgrades, including full gamepad rebinding
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Audio improvements to voice chat and emotes
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Map polish across Buried City, Stella Montis, Dam Battlegrounds and more
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Anti-cheat enhancements, including a three-strike progressive ban system
These changes aim to make Expeditions smoother, fairer, and more consistent across platforms, including PS5 and PC.
The Cold Snap Is Over — The Real Test Begins
The Cold Snap either killed you, or it made you stronger. With the Headwinds update, ARC Raiders leans fully into that philosophy, rewarding skill, risk-taking and long-term commitment.
Whether you’re stepping into Solo vs Squads, hunting ARC for trophies, or navigating the rooftops of Bird City, this update marks the beginning of a more punishing — and more rewarding — chapter for Raiders everywhere.
