ARC Raiders Getting New Content Next Week

The next major ARC Raiders content update seems to be all but confirmed for next week, as players discover evidence that suggests a new map modifier will be released on the week of January 19. While Embark Studios has yet to reveal what the next map modifier for ARC Raiders will be, fans have discovered in-game evidence that points to a new Toxic Swamp feature, which many believe will be similar to the recent Cold Snap modifier.

Back in December, Embark kept the new ARC Raiders content rolling with the release of the highly anticipated Cold Snap update. The patch was available to all players for free and added a brand-new map modifier to the game. For those who might be unaware, ARC Raiders‘ map modifiers add new gameplay twists that usually come with even more lucrative loot. Night Raids, for example, increase ARC activity while also decreasing visibility. The added risks aren’t for nothing, though, as loot is usually much more valuable. The Cold Snap map modifier took things to a new level, covering the map in snow and forcing players to seek shelter quickly or risk taking damage from the blistering conditions.

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ARC Raiders’ Next Map Modifier May Release Next Week

Earlier today, Embark Studios confirmed in a new tweet that the Cold Snap event in ARC Raiders will come to an end tomorrow, January 13. While the studio hasn’t officially said what event or map modifier will be up next, the community has discovered that it’s likely going to be Toxic Swamp, and it looks set to release the week of January 19. As new updates are often released on a Tuesday, it’s possible that the new modifier will arrive on January 20 alongside a new update. Reddit user InquisitorOverhauls noted how fellow players can change their date to January 19, 2026, to see this information for themselves in-game. By adjusting the time, ARC Raiders will show players the associated Trials challenges for that week, with one in particular only being associated with a new Toxic Swamp map condition.

It’s unclear how this new map modifier may work, but many are speculating that it could be pretty similar to Cold Snap. Players believe this could be a simple reskin of the recent event; instead of being damaged by snow, the map could be covered in a toxic green hue that will damage players for staying outside too long. This has yet to be confirmed by Embark, but with Cold Snap coming to an end this week, it might not be long before the studio reveals some official details on the first content update of 2026.

While the next content update could still be another week away, Embark has revealed that a major balancing patch will be released tomorrow, January 13. The next ARC Raiders update is set to include some big adjustments, as the controversial Trigger Nade item will be receiving a nerf, as well as the overpowered Stitcher. Specific details on the nerfs will be revealed in the patch notes tomorrow, but Embark has also said it will be reducing the fire rate of the Kettle due to players making use of macros to fire it at a much faster rate than intended.

Fans will also be pleased to know that Embark is continuing to combat cheaters in ARC Raiders with new anti-cheat updates. After players discovered a way to access console commands and alter features of the game that weren’t intended to be accessible, Embark promptly released a new hotfix and disabled the feature. Players also recently discovered that the studio has finally begun banning cheaters, but not everyone was happy about it, as Embark appears to be handing out short, temporary bans as opposed to permanent ones. The developer says it will continue to implement significant changes to the game’s rulesets and deploy new detection mechanisms to identify and remove cheaters.