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ARC Raiders is a PvPvE extraction shooter from the creators of The Finals, Embark Studios. Since its release on October 30, 2025, players have been flocking to the game to get their daily dose of extraction shooter goodness.
After its release, the first major update for the game was the North Line update, which introduced the Stella Montis map and Matriarch to the game. Following the first update, Embark also released the Cold Snap update in December 2025.
With the game heading into 2026, Embark has unveiled a roadmap up to April 2026, which kicks off with the January update, Headwinds. Here's a complete overview of everything we know about the Headwinds update coming to ARC Raiders.
Everything We Know About the ARC Raiders Headwinds Update
The Headwinds update is the third major update for ARC Raiders, as mentioned in the game's 2026 Q1 roadmap. The update will launch on January 27, 2026, across all platforms alongside the weekly hotfix and trials.
New Matchmaking Option – Solo vs Squads
Embark is officially adding a new matchmaking option which will be specifically for players above level 40. However, there's a catch here: with the new matchmaking option, solo players can now join squad lobbies. Solo players who join squad lobbies will get additional bonus XP.
New Minor Map Condition – Bird City
Embark is also adding a new minor map condition in the game. With the new condition, Bird City, sandstorms will be a new occurrence in Buried City. Aside from that, as Cold Snap has wrapped up, birds are making their way back to Buried City. Players can see birds lurking over chimneys, and these chimneys will carry valuable loot. This event is a revamp of Lush Blooms but for other materials instead of natural resources.
Player Project – Trophy Display
The new project, Trophy Display, will task players with finding some items by eliminating different ARCs on the map. No longer is it just about defence; players will 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.
Arc Raiders Headwinds Update Release Date and Times
The third major update for Arc Raiders launches on January 27, 2026, across all platforms. Here's a detailed look at the release date and times in Arc Raiders:
- USA: 4:30 AM EST / 1:30 AM PST
- Brazil: 6:30 AM BRT
- UK: 9:30 AM BST
- Central Europe: 10:30 AM CEST
- UAE: 1:30 PM UTC
- India: 3:30 PM IST
- China and Hong Kong: 5:30 PM CST
- Japan: 6:30 PM JST
- Australia: 8:30 PM AEDT
The Headwinds update will be the first major ARC Raiders update in 2026 following the end of Cold Snap. With the update, Embark is kicking off their road to the next three monthly updates.
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