Embark Studios has gone into more detail about what players can expect from the Headwinds update for Arc Raiders, which drops on January 27. Its most notable addition is “Solo vs. Squads” matchmaking, which no longer restricts solo players from only playing with other solo players.
Previously, it was impossible for those playing Arc Raiders by themselves to queue into matches where squads of players working together were also present. After the Headwinds update drops, players who are over level 40 can choose to use Solo vs. Squads matchmaking to allow for that. This will likely make Arc Raiders much harder for you, as squads tend to be more aggressive than solo players, but the XP bonuses and rewards will be greater for solo players.
Although the Solo vs. Squads matchmaking is the most tantalizing addition for hardcore players, it’s not the sole thing being added in this update. On the social side of things, Open Parties and Squad Invites are now a thing within the Arc Raiders client, so it’s easier to invite and add players to a squad without having to leave the game or start a new party.
When it comes to gameplay-related content, the Buried City map can now have the “Bird City” condition. If Bird City is active, more loot will appear on rooftops and in chimneys, which changes up the typical choke points and loot locations found on the map. New player quests are also being added, as is the “Arc Trophy Display” long-term Player Project that can net players rare blueprints and Raider Tokens but requires them to take on some of the tougher Arc enemies.
Overall, it’s a pretty significant update for the extraction shooter, and should keep some attention on it the week of Highguard’s launch. This is also only the start to Arc Radiers’ 2026 update roadmap, as Embark has already outlined what players can expect to be added to the game through April.
