Embark Studios recently dropped a new roadmap that laid the first 4 months of 2026, and now they’re back with even more detail for a new update to the game. The ARC Raiders ‘Headwinds’ update has been detailed, and it’s available tomorrow!
The team have it all detailed out on the ARC Raiders official website, but this new update sees the ice and snow of the Cold Snap thaw away, and with sunnier days ahead, Embark are bringing a new mode, an ARC ‘Trophy Case’ and plenty of feathery friends.
Per the blog post, “The ice has melted. You have survived one of the most punishing winters in recorded Rust Belt history. Others weren’t so lucky. Bodies that survived begin to thaw, revealing a hardened, resolute spirit. The Cold Snap either kills you, or it makes you stronger, and topside is experiencing more and more Raiders going against the odds for ever greater glory and rewards. On January 27th, our Headwinds update arrives.“
ARC Raiders Headwinds Update – All the Details
Solo vs Squads: Matchmaking Option
For those that have passed level 40 and are up to the challenge, it is now possible to test yourself as a solo in a lobby of squads. Will you be a hunter, a silent assassin, or a hidden looter? With extra XP on offer for joining as a solo against squads, all options are on the table.
Trophy Display: Project
Some Raiders have taken to hunting ARC for sport. No longer is it just about defence; these mavericks take the fight to the machines and harvest them for prizes. Build out your trophy case, progress through the levels, and unlock valuable items in the process.
Bird City
Have you noticed more birds hanging around the Buried City? Now the ice has melted, these intrepid survivors are stocking up on supplies for their nests. You’ll find a lot of valuable loot in chimneys, but watch out for other Raiders… some will just be waiting for you to drop your guard.
Cosmetics
Headwinds also sees the introduction of two new cosmetic sets, suitable for going up against the odds. Will you don the Sandwalker Set to out maneuver your opponents with stealth and skill? Now is the time to challenge yourself and truly test your mettle. This is just the beginning – we need to know if you’re ready for the impending escalation.
Not sure how I feel about a 1vs3 Matchmaking option, but then I suspect it’s really for the ARC Raiders sickos out there that really want a challenge. I’ll be with everyone else gathering birds eggs…
How do you feel about a 1vs3 mode? Let us know in the XboxEra Forums or make some noise in the lively XboxEra Community Discord Server. If you’re looking to be a bigger part of an amazing community, then either choice is a good one!
