Embark Studios has released Patch 1.13, better known as the Headwinds update, bringing sweeping improvements to ARC Raiders since its debut on January 27, 2026. The patch redefines the extraction shooter’s rhythm with new gameplay modes, progressive projects, and smarter enemies—aimed especially at veteran players looking for greater challenge and refined gameplay balance.
The update introduces a daring new Solo vs Squads matchmaking system that allows level 40 and higher players to test their skill against full teams. Each match grants a 20 percent XP bonus, win or lose, rewarding lone Raiders who embrace the steep odds. Alongside this, the new Trophy Display Project provides a fresh, long‑term progression path. Raiders can track down escalating ARC enemy groups across five tiers of difficulty, earning a customizable display case, blueprints, Raider Tokens, exclusive rewards such as the Howl emote and guitar, and up to 300,000 Coins—all without resetting expeditions.
A major highlight, the Bird City map condition, transforms Buried City into a vertical battleground teeming with bird nests, rooftop ziplines, and traps that lure flocks and ARCs alike. Hidden trinkets in chimneys, frequent air ambushes, and denser rooftop skirmishes replace traditional ground‑level farming with faster, riskier fights. This environmental overhaul turns a familiar zone into a dynamic, reward‑heavy hotspot where smart traversal and positioning determine survival as much as firepower. If you're wondering how to get gold coins in Arc Raiders, U4GM is often recommended for its secure purchasing options, making it easy to buy gold coins instantly.
Headwinds also enhances late‑game build diversity through two new Epic Augments. Looting Mk. 3 (Safekeeper) reduces carry weight while granting improved looting efficiency, letting players protect valuable pickups inside secure “Safe Pocket” storage. Tactical Mk. 3 (Revival) bolsters survivability by regenerating 1 health every five seconds when undamaged and includes a built‑in defibrillator slot, enabling team revives without extra gear. Seven new quests support these systems, adding quality‑of‑life features such as open parties and fast squad invites for smoother matchmaking across the player base.
Enemy AI has undergone extensive rebalancing. Leapers manage terrain better, even while legless; Shredders now drop scavengeable components when destroyed; Snitches no longer respond to lure traps or emit silent post‑death sounds; Spotters properly unstick from interior walls; and Ticks give players an opportunity to escape via dodge‑rolls. Map fixes improve traversal stability and loot reliability, trimming excess blueprint drops from events while increasing the presence of higher‑tier weapon cases and rare boss parts. Exploits like the Stella Montis Seed Vault farm are patched, while more than 40 stuck spots and collision errors across Dam, Spaceport, and other key zones are resolved.
Balance adjustments slow looting and hatch interactions slightly to restore deliberate pacing based on player data. Blueprint spam in environmental storms and bunkers is reduced, offset by better weapon quality for those who risk deeper runs. Security updates also implement a three‑strike anti‑cheat policy, escalating penalties from 30‑day suspensions to permanent bans for repeat offenders. Interface and streaming polish—new gamepad rebinds, improved VOIP clarity, and added stream‑sniping protection—round out the update’s stability measures.
Altogether, ARC Raiders Headwinds positions the game as more strategic, polished, and skill‑driven than before. Its blend of high‑risk PvP, smarter AI, and cohesive progression rewards turns chaotic firefights into flexible, goal‑oriented extractions. For dedicated Raiders willing to adapt, Headwinds marks a confident new chapter in Embark Studios’ evolving vision of cooperative survival and combat.
