Embark Studios is already executing on the first part of its recently revealed January to April 2026 roadmap for ARC Raiders, with its first new update for the year, titled Headwinds, arriving to all players tomorrow, January 27, 2026, introducing a new map condition, a new Trophy Display project, and most importantly, a new Solos vs. Squads matchmaking queue option.
Following last year's Cold Snap update, the Rust Belt has thawed, and the Buried City is becoming 'Bird City,' with plenty of birds flocking to the area and gathering resources in nests on high chimneys, resources that are ripe for the picking if you're able to climb to them. Bird City is the update's new map condition, with Embark warning that you'll want to have a serious look around before going for one of the nests, as you're likely to draw the attention of another Raider, waiting to catch you off guard.
The new matchmaking option, Solos vs. Squads, is a big update for PvP-focused players. If you feel like you could take on a full enemy squad on your own, and you're above level 40, then this new matchmaking option will let you really push your limits for a chance at higher XP and loot rewards.
The update also adds a new Trophy Display project, where you can build out your trophy case of the different ARC machines you've taken down. Lastly, the update also brings some new cosmetics, introducing the Sandwalker Set for users to grab.
Embark's new entry into the extraction shooter genre has sold more than 12 million copies since it launched last October, and was one of the best-selling games on Steam in 2025. It's currently nominated for several DICE Awards, including Game of the Year.
For more on ARC Raiders, check out our Complete Walkthrough and Guides Hub, which is constantly getting updated with new guides to help you survive the Rust Belt.
About the author: David has been writing about videogames, technology, and culture since 2020, with a focus on reporting daily news across multiple publications, including GameDaily.Biz, GameSkinny, and PlayStation Universe before joining Wccftech in 2025. David started contributing as Canada/US reporter for Wccftech's gaming section in 2025. Besides being up-to-date on the industry's movements, he loves interviewing developers, reviewing games, and writing intricate essays about the symbolism and layered meanings to be found in rich narratives as he's done for publications like GamesIndustry.Biz, LostInCult, and others. Outside of games he loves movies, music, theatre, his hometown, and his family, though not necessarily in that order.
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