Arc Raiders may be a new game, but it has turned into a surprise hit. The combination of survivability, multiple maps, and PvPvE elements has resonated with players, resulting in the game reaching around half a million players on Steam at launch. Capitalizing on the game’s surprise success, the developer intends to make 2026 filled with multiple large updates, and it all starts with Headwinds.
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What is the Headwinds update in Arc Raiders?
The Headwinds update went live on January 27 for all supported platforms. This is the first update in a four-month Arc Raiders content roadmap for 2026 announced by the developer.
Each update is expected to bring map changes, with the April update adding a new map. The game’s immediate future looks stacked, but if you don’t want to get left behind as these updates come out, then you may want to buy the game through LootBar.
What changes did the Headwinds update bring to Arc Raiders?
Being the first of multiple planned updates in 2026, it makes sense that Headwinds is intended to lay the groundwork for future updates. The biggest change this update brings may be with the matchmaking, but other affected factors include:
Map alterations
Progression improvements
Quality of life improvements
We dive deeper into every change below, ensuring you know what to expect when you next launch the game.
Matchmaking changes
The Headwinds update introduces a new change that allows players level 40 and above to queue solo without squads. This is a completely optional feature, and players can still queue with squads.
Playing against squads as a solo player is understandably much more difficult than the alternative. However, the higher risk also comes with greater potential rewards. In particular, players who choose this option can earn more experience, making the process worth it if you’re hoping to level up quickly.
This is the first major change to matchmaking, and players are already excited to see what other updates are planned for future updates. Adding new modes to the otherwise straightforward game would likely help Arc Raiders increase its lifespan, while making more players interested in it.
Map changes
The Headwinds update didn’t introduce any new maps, but it did add a new Bird City map condition. This additional map condition, when active, spawns multiple birds that leave behind nests for players to loot. The nests, usually found in chimneys across the map, contain trinkets for players to sell off. They can also have some epic loot, making them worth looking over whenever you have the chance.
New Player Project
The Headwinds update introduced the Arc Raiders Trophy Display project. This project allows players to upgrade a display case in their base by gathering parts from dangerous ARC machines.
While the project may seem like just a way for players to show off their achievements, it’s actually more important than that. Upgrading your display case can give you rewards like:
- Blueprints
- Coins
- Exclusive cosmetics that you won’t find anywhere else
Considering all of this, it makes sense that the project doesn’t have a time limit.
Other changes
Other changes introduced in the Headwinds update are mainly cosmetic and quality-of-life. The Sandwalker set has been added to the store, some UI improvements and bug fixes have been introduced, and certain balance adjustments have also been made. This current update is paving the road for the future updates planned for the roadmap.
What major changes will future updates bring to Arc Raiders?
Three upcoming updates have already been announced and are named Shrouded Sky, Flashpoint, and Riven Tides. In addition to basic additions like new quests and cosmetics, the major points of all three updates have already been revealed.
Shrouded Sky (February)
The February update will bring new map content, introducing environmental effects and potential dangers similar to the Cold Snap effect from the Flickering Flame event. A new enemy type will also be added, which squads will need to be wary of during raids. More progression content is also planned.
Flashpoint (March)
Players will continue to see similar changes in March, with another map condition and another new enemy type. More progression content and rewards are also planned for Flashpoint, but the biggest thing will be the Scrappy update. This will potentially introduce new mechanics for the Scrappy companion system.
Riven Tides (April)
Riven Tides is the last update in the roadmaps, which will release in April. It will notably bring a completely new map. This will be the first new map to be introduced in Arc Raiders after Stella Montis. The update will also bring another map condition and a large enemy, potentially a boss. The boss will require players to polish their gear beforehand, so it may be a good idea to buy an Arc Raiders Steam key in advance to prepare.
Conclusion
The Headwinds update brings many welcome additions and changes to Arc Raiders, such as the new map condition and the social element. It’s awesome to know that this is just the first of multiple updates the developer has planned for this year, since it means that Arc Raiders will only improve in quality.
