Embark Studios adds Bird City and solo matchmaking to ARC Raiders

ARC Raiders kicks off 2026 with new matchmaking, a risky map twist, and flex cosmetics, pushing solo players into absolute chaos.

Roadmap execution and update drop

• Embark Studios ships the Headwinds update.
• The patch lands January 27, 2026.
• This marks the first 2026 content beat.
• The roadmap runs January through April 2026.

New map condition shakes the Rust Belt

• ARC Raiders adds Bird City conditions.
• Birds swarm chimneys and stash resources.
• Climbs invite ambushes from lurking Raiders.
• Environmental risk spikes hard.

Solos versus squads matchmaking arrives

• High-skill players unlock Solos vs. Squads.
• Entry requires level 40 or higher.
• Lone Raiders face full enemy teams.
• Rewards scale up with danger.

Progression, cosmetics, and market impact

• Trophy Display tracks defeated ARC machines.
• Sandwalker Set expands cosmetic options.
• Sales passed 12 million copies.
• The game earned multiple DICE Awards nominations.