Arc Raiders Patch Notes Update 1.13.0 (June 2026) Solo vs Squads & More
The Arc Raiders Headwinds Update 1.13.0 arrived on January 27, 2026, bringing revolutionary changes to the extraction shooter landscape. This major update introduces Solo vs Squads matchmaking for level 40+ players, the Trophy Display long-term project, and the Bird City map condition for Buried City. Players can now experience enhanced ARC behavior, two new Epic Augments, seven fresh quests, and comprehensive anti-cheat measures with a three-strike ban system.
Quick Overview: Headwinds Update Highlights
| Feature | Release Date | Platform | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solo vs Squads | January 27, 2026 | PC, PS5, Xbox Series X | S |
| Trophy Display | January 27, 2026 | All platforms | Long-term progression |
| Bird City | January 27, 2026 | All platforms | Map variety |
| New Epic Augments | January 27, 2026 | All platforms | Build diversity |
| Anti-Cheat System | January 27, 2026 | All platforms | Fair play |
What Makes This Update Special?
The Headwinds update represents Embark Studios’ first major content drop of 2026, setting the stage for an ambitious four-phase roadmap extending through April 2026. Unlike typical balance patches, this update fundamentally reshapes how experienced players approach the game while addressing critical community concerns about cheating and progression systems.
Contents
Solo vs Squads: The Ultimate Challenge
How It Works?
Solo vs Squads matchmaking stands as the crown jewel of Update 1.13.0, offering a high-risk, high-reward experience for the most skilled Raiders. Available exclusively to players who have reached level 40, this mode pits individual players against full squads of up to three opponents, creating intense 1v3 scenarios that test every aspect of your gameplay.
Key Features:
- Level Requirement: Only available to Raiders level 40 and above
- XP Bonus: Grants a 20% XP bonus on both successful extractions and defeats
- Matchmaking Toggle: Appears above the standard matchmaking interface
- Queue Integration: Places solo players directly into the existing Squads queue
Strategic Implications
This new mode fundamentally changes the PvP meta, encouraging stealth, tactical positioning, and resource management. The 20% XP bonus serves as both incentive and compensation for the increased difficulty, making it an attractive option for experienced players looking to accelerate their progression while testing their skills against overwhelming odds.
Pro Tips for Solo vs Squads:
- Prioritize stealth and avoid direct confrontations
- Focus on extraction timing rather than elimination
- Use verticality and environmental advantages to your benefit
- Consider loadouts that emphasize escape and evasion over direct combat
Trophy Display Project: Hunt for Glory
Project Structure
The Trophy Display introduces a new long-term progression system that rewards dedicated ARC hunters with unique cosmetic items and substantial rewards. Similar to the Candleberry Project in structure, this five-step progression system challenges players to hunt increasingly dangerous ARC enemies and submit their parts for advancement.
Progression Steps:
- Initial Display Case: Basic trophy placement
- Enhanced Collection: Mid-tier ARC parts required
- Elite Hunter Section: High-value ARC specimens
- Master Raider Display: Rare and dangerous ARC components
- Legendary Completion: Ultimate ARC hunting achievement
Reward Structure:
- Blueprints: Each step unlocks valuable weapon and equipment blueprints
- Raider Tokens: Premium currency for cosmetic purchases
- Unique Rewards: Howl emote, Guitar, and 300,000 Coins upon full completion
- Permanent Progress: No reset during Expedition cycles
- No Time Limit: Complete at your own pace
ARC Hunting Strategy
Success in the Trophy Display project requires systematic hunting and efficient resource management. Players should focus on specific ARC types based on their current progression step, prioritizing higher-value targets for later stages while building a sustainable hunting routine.
Recommended Approach:
- Start with common ARC types for early progression
- Gradually increase difficulty as your skills improve
- Focus on specific maps known for targeted ARC spawns
- Coordinate with other hunters for difficult targets
Bird City: Vertical Combat Revolution
Map Transformation
Buried City undergoes a dramatic transformation with the introduction of Bird City, a permanent map condition that rotates weekly. This new environment emphasizes vertical combat, rooftop engagements, and strategic positioning, fundamentally changing how players approach this familiar location.
Environmental Changes:
- Bird Nests: Empty chimneys now contain bird nests with valuable loot
- Enhanced Verticality: More ziplines and climbing opportunities
- Rooftop Focus: Combat concentrated on elevated positions
- Increased Flying ARC: More aerial threats to contend with
- Player Density: Higher concentration of Raiders around rooftop areas
Tactical Considerations
Bird City demands a complete rethinking of Buried City strategies. The increased verticality and concentrated player activity create new opportunities for ambushes, flanking maneuvers, and strategic positioning that weren’t possible in the standard map configuration.
Key Strategies:
- Master rooftop navigation and escape routes
- Utilize ziplines for rapid repositioning
- Monitor bird nests for high-value loot opportunities
- Adapt loadouts for vertical combat scenarios
- Expect increased enemy density in elevated areas
New Epic Augments: Build Diversity Enhanced
Augment Details
Update 1.13.0 introduces two powerful Epic Augments that significantly expand build possibilities for experienced players. These new options focus on specialized playstyles, offering unique trade-offs that cater to different approaches to the game.
Looting Mk. 3 (Safekeeper):
- Function: Trades weight capacity and utility slots for increased looting potential
- Ideal For: Dedicated loot runners and resource gatherers
- Strategic Value: Maximizes extraction value at the cost of combat flexibility
- Best Use Cases: Farming runs, resource collection, economic-focused gameplay
Tactical Mk. 3 (Revival):
- Function: Restores 1 health every 5 seconds, pauses for 30 seconds after taking damage
- Ideal For: Survivors and players who value sustainability
- Strategic Value: Provides consistent health regeneration for extended engagements
- Best Use Cases: Long expeditions, defensive playstyles, solo survival
Build Integration
These new Augments open up fresh build possibilities that complement existing playstyles while introducing new strategic considerations. Players must carefully weigh the trade-offs involved, particularly with the Safekeeper’s weight restrictions and the Revival’s damage-based healing pause.
Quality of Life Improvements
Social Features
The Headwinds update significantly enhances the social experience with improved party management and matchmaking options:
Open Parties:
- Seamlessly allow Embark and platform friends to join your party
- Friends can queue into your lobby even during active rounds
- Reduces friction for group play and team coordination
Expanded Squad Invites:
- Squadmates can now invite additional players beyond the party leader
- Improves team building flexibility and reduces dependency on single organizers
- Streamlines the process of filling incomplete squads
Interface and Accessibility
Several critical improvements enhance the user experience across all platforms:
Gamepad Improvements:
- Complete gamepad rebinding options for all major functions
- Improved VOIP interface clarity for push-to-talk and toggle modes
- Enhanced button mapping accessibility for different playstyles
Mouse and Keyboard Enhancements:
- New mouse smoothing option for precision aiming
- Improved input registration above 30 FPS
- Consistent aim assist performance across different framerates
Comprehensive Bug Fixes and Improvements
ARC Behavior Enhancements
Significant improvements to ARC enemy behavior create more predictable and engaging encounters:
General Improvements:
- Enhanced obstacle traversal for all ARC types
- More consistent pathfinding and movement patterns
- Reduced instances of ARC getting stuck on environmental elements
Specific ARC Fixes:
- Leaper: Improved movement behavior after losing legs, more realistic crawling mechanics
- Shredder: Proper labeling when dead and scavengeable, improved visual feedback
- Snitch: Fixed Lure Grenade interaction bugs, eliminated post-destruction sound effects
- Spotter: Resolved building-following issues and pathing problems
- Tick: Added dodge-roll window for escape after being grabbed
Audio and Communication
Critical audio improvements enhance the immersive experience and team coordination:
- Fixed missing emote voice lines in store and customization previews
- Resolved voice chat cutting issues in various scenarios
- Improved overall voice chat connection stability
- Enhanced audio clarity during intense combat situations
Map-Specific Improvements
General Map Enhancements:
- Reduced condition-specific blueprint container spawns during special events
- Increased chances of finding higher-tier weapons in weapon cases
- Slightly reduced unique part drop rates from Matriarch and Queen armor pieces
- Fixed multiple non-interactable containers across all maps
- Resolved raider hatch timing and camera lock issues
Location-Specific Fixes:
- Dam Battlegrounds: Adjusted collision areas, improved elevator shaft functionality
- Buried City: Removed invisible walls, eliminated musical puzzle (guitar now purchasable)
- Spaceport: Fixed floating environmental elements, adjusted ARC spawn locations
- Stella Montis: Fixed Seed Vault extraction exploit, improved lighting, resolved 40 stuck locations
Anti-Cheat System: Fair Play Enforcement
Three-Strike Progressive Ban System
Responding to community concerns about cheating, Embark Studios has implemented a comprehensive anti-cheat system with escalating consequences:
Ban Structure:
- First Offense: 30-day temporary ban
- Second Offense: 60-day temporary ban
- Third Offense: Permanent ban from the game
This system addresses the cheating issues that led prominent streamers like TheBurntPeanut and Shroud to threaten quitting the game, demonstrating Embark’s commitment to maintaining a fair competitive environment.
Future Content Roadmap
Upcoming Updates
The Headwinds update is the first in a four-phase content roadmap extending through April 2026:
February – Shrouded Sky:
- New map condition
- New ARC threat type
- Additional player project
- Map updates and improvements
- New Raider Deck content
March – Flashpoint:
- Additional map condition
- Scrappy update content
- Gameplay refinements and balance changes
April – Riven Tides:
- New map introduction
- Third large ARC enemy
- Major content expansion
- End-game content updates
Community Resources and Official Channels
Stay Connected
For the latest updates and community discussions, connect through these official channels:
- Official Discord: Real-time discussions and developer interactions
- Reddit Community: Player discussions, strategy sharing, and feedback
- Official Website: News, updates, and comprehensive patch notes
- Twitter/X: Quick updates and community highlights
- YouTube Channel: Developer commentary and gameplay showcases
Community Engagement
The Arc Raiders community remains active and engaged, with regular discussions about optimal strategies, build recommendations, and update reactions. Players are encouraged to share their experiences with the new Solo vs Squads mode and Trophy Display progress through official channels.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I access Solo vs Squads matchmaking?
Solo vs Squads becomes available automatically when you reach level 40. Look for the toggle option above the standard matchmaking interface. Note that there may not be an explicit notification when this feature unlocks, so check your matchmaking options after reaching level 40.
What are the best strategies for the Trophy Display project?
Focus on systematic hunting of specific ARC types based on your current progression step. Start with common ARC varieties for early progression, then gradually target more dangerous enemies. Consider coordinating with other players for difficult targets, and prioritize maps where your target ARC frequently spawn.
How often does Bird City appear in rotation?
Bird City is a permanent map condition for Buried City that rotates weekly. When active, it completely replaces the standard Buried City experience with the rooftop-focused, bird-infested variant.
What happens if I’m caught cheating?
The new three-strike system imposes escalating penalties: first offense results in a 30-day ban, second offense brings a 60-day ban, and third offense leads to a permanent ban from the game.
Are the new Epic Augments worth using?
Both new Epic Augments offer significant advantages for specific playstyles. The Safekeeper excels for loot-focused builds despite its weight restrictions, while the Revival provides valuable health regeneration for survival-oriented players. Consider your preferred playstyle when choosing between them.
Will my Trophy Display progress reset?
No, Trophy Display progress is permanent and unaffected by Expedition resets or other game cycles. You can complete this long-term project at your own pace without fear of losing progress.
Conclusion: A New Era for Arc Raiders
The Headwinds Update 1.13.0 represents a significant milestone in Arc Raiders’ development, introducing transformative features that reshape the gameplay experience while addressing critical community concerns. The addition of Solo vs Squads matchmaking creates new competitive opportunities, the Trophy Display project provides long-term progression goals, and Bird City offers refreshing variety to familiar environments.
As the first step in Embark Studios’ ambitious 2026 roadmap, this update sets the stage for continued evolution and improvement. With comprehensive bug fixes, enhanced anti-cheat measures, and quality-of-life improvements across all systems, Headwinds demonstrates the developer’s commitment to creating a fair, engaging, and continuously evolving extraction shooter experience.
Players diving into Update 1.13.0 will find ample opportunities to test their skills, pursue long-term goals, and experience the Rust Belt in exciting new ways. Whether you’re a seasoned Raider looking for the ultimate challenge in Solo vs Squads or a dedicated hunter working toward Trophy Display completion, the Headwinds update offers something for everyone in the Arc Raiders community.
