Developer Embark Studios is launching into new Arc Raiders content material when the Headwinds replace brings a solo vs. squads matchmaking choice, a Chicken Metropolis map situation, and extra to the expertise tomorrow.
Following a couple of social media teases and a month of ready, Embark confirmed plans to ship the primary actual content material drop of 2026 with a tense teaser trailer and launch date of January 27 simply moments in the past. The announcement has the Headwinds replace set to deliver a set of smaller additions to PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Collection X | S tomorrow, as followers wait to essentially get the ball rolling in February.
Though the following new map, new Arc threats, and main map circumstances gained’t arrive for a couple of extra weeks, the January replace units Arc Raiders up for all of its future plans. Solo vs. squads matchmaking might be the largest addition right here, with Embark describing the brand new queue choice as a strategy to let the extra expert gamers actually check their mettle.
The place gamers up to now had been pitted in opposition to squads of equal rely, solo vs. squads is just accessible to these over degree 40, permitting them to match as a solo Raider in opposition to groups of as many as three individuals for further XP. Gamers will even profit from quality-of-life modifications with open events, which permit gamers to affix between matches, and expanded squad invitations, which lets squadmates invite further gamers straight.
Arc Raiders gamers may also sit up for a relatively weird new minor map situation for Buried Metropolis known as Chicken Metropolis. It’s greater than a cheeky play on phrases, because it sees the inhabitants of topside birds swarming as they depart higher loot on prime of buildings. Different highlights from the Headwinds replace embody an Arc Trophy show, a brand new long-term participant undertaking, new quests, the Sandwalker beauty set, and what Embark describes as “a spread” of gameplay updates and changes.
“Headwinds is about opening up new methods for the neighborhood to strategy ARC Raiders and further challenges for superior gamers,” Embark design director Virgil Watkins stated in a press release. “Between the expanded matchmaking choices, new map situation and new participant undertaking, we’re excited to see how Raiders adapt and experiment — and we will’t wait to see the surprising, humorous moments and brief clips the neighborhood begins creating because the replace rolls out.”
Headwinds is the primary of a four-phase roadmap that has content material scheduled out via April 2026. Subsequent on the docket is the Shrouded Sky replace, which provides a brand new map situation, Arc risk, participant undertaking, map replace, Raider Deck, and extra someday in February. Flashpoint will then arrive in March with one other map situation and Scrappy replace, with Riven Tides rounding issues out with a brand new map and a brand new massive Arc in April.
Arc Raiders launched for PC, PS5, and Xbox Collection X | S October 30, 2025. For extra whereas Embark’s 2026 plans roll out, you’ll be able to learn up on how the developer feels about gamers who spawn into matches late. It’s also possible to try the real-life Stella Montis lodge that Arc Raiders followers have bombarded with optimistic critiques.
Michael Cripe is a contract author with IGN. He is finest recognized for his work at websites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure you give him a comply with on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).