[STEAM] The First Big Arc Raiders Update of 2026 Adds Solo vs. Squads Matchmaking, 'Bird City,' and More Tomorrow

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Developer Embark Studios is launching into new

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content when the Headwinds update brings a solo vs. squads matchmaking option, a Bird City map condition, and more to the experience tomorrow.

Following a few social media teases and a month of waiting, Embark confirmed plans to deliver the first real content drop of 2026 with a tense teaser trailer and release date of January 27 just moments ago. The announcement has the Headwinds update set to bring a set of smaller additions to PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X | S tomorrow, as fans wait to really get the ball rolling in February.

Although the next new map, new Arc threats, and major map conditions won’t arrive for a few more weeks, the January update sets Arc Raiders up for all of its future plans. Solo vs. squads matchmaking is probably the biggest addition here, with Embark describing the new ****** option as a way to let the more skilled players really test their mettle.

Where players thus far had been pitted against squads of equal count, solo vs. squads is only available to those over level 40, allowing them to match as a solo Raider against teams of as many as three people for extra XP. Players will also benefit from quality-of-life changes with open parties, which allow players to join between matches, and expanded squad invites, which lets squadmates invite additional players directly.

Arc Raiders players can also look forward to a rather bizarre new minor map condition for Buried City called Bird City. It’s more than a cheeky play on words, as it sees the population of topside birds swarming as they leave better loot on top of buildings. Other highlights from the Headwinds update include an Arc Trophy display, a new long-term player project, new quests, the Sandwalker cosmetic set, and what Embark describes as “a range” of gameplay updates and adjustments.

“Headwinds is about opening up new ways for the community to approach ARC Raiders and additional challenges for advanced players,” Embark design director Virgil Watkins said in a statement. “Between the expanded matchmaking options, new map condition and new player project, we’re excited to see how Raiders adapt and experiment — and we can’t wait to see the unexpected, funny moments and short clips the community starts creating as the update rolls out.”

Headwinds is the first of

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that has content scheduled out through April 2026. Next on the docket is the Shrouded Sky update, which adds a new map condition, Arc threat, player project, map update, Raider Deck, and more sometime in February. Flashpoint will then arrive in March with another map condition and Scrappy update, with Riven Tides rounding things out with a new map and a new large Arc in April.

Arc Raiders launched for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X | S October 30, 2025. For more while Embark’s 2026 plans roll out, you can read up on

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Michael Cripe is a freelance writer with IGN. He's best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and

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(@MikeCripe).

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