The wind howled, carrying sand that stung my eyes as I crested the dune. My squad was pinned, ammo dwindling, and the storm was only getting worse. Then, a garbled transmission crackled over the comms: reinforcements were inbound with specialized gear. ARC Raiders is about to throw us into just that kind of chaos with its latest update.
ARC Raiders recently received a new roadmap, outlining what Embark Studios plans to introduce to the game in the coming months.
The first update, Headwinds, is poised to bring a new queue, map conditions, and more to ARC Raiders.
Here’s everything you should know about it.
Everything we know about the ARC Raiders Headwinds update
Have you ever felt the sting of sand whipped up by a desert storm? That’s the kind of environmental intensity the Headwinds update seems ready to deliver. ARC Raiders‘ recently shared roadmap revealed several updates between January and April, including a new map by the end of this cycle for 2026. The first update, Headwinds, is confirmed for Jan. 27.
Details are limited, but we can infer details from the roadmap and promotional material shared by Embark Studios:
- A new matchmaking option that allows players level 40 and above to queue separately. This fosters advanced play, keeping it separate from more casual players.
- A new map condition, probably themed around sandstorms and deserts, potentially bringing Buried City vibes to other maps. It could add variety to Spaceport and Buried City.
- A new “player project” similar to Expeditions and Flickering Flames. It’ll require specific loot and tasks in exchange for completion rewards. The event will possibly tie to the Buried City and Spaceport maps.
Will ARC Raiders be pay to win?
Currently, there’s no concrete evidence suggesting ARC Raiders will become pay to win. The player projects mentioned seem to be more about skillful play and resource management, rather than purchasing power. However, player sentiment can shift quickly based on how such systems are implemented, so vigilance is key.
Embark Studios keeps its cards close to the chest regarding updates, so we’ll need to be patient until Jan. 27 when Headwinds drops.
How big is the ARC Raiders player base?
Pinpointing the exact player count for ARC Raiders is difficult as Embark Studios doesn’t publicly release this data. However, Steam Charts and similar services offer estimates based on concurrent players, providing a directional view of the game’s popularity. Remember, these are just snapshots, and the true player base likely fluctuates considerably.
What are similar games to ARC Raiders?
If you enjoy ARC Raiders’ blend of tactical shooting and scavenging, consider titles like Hunt: Showdown, with its tense atmosphere and extraction-based gameplay, or Deep Rock Galactic, which offers cooperative action in procedurally generated environments. Each provides a different spin on the core loop of risk versus reward.
The anticipation feels like waiting for a monsoon to break – a tense calm before the storm. Until then, we speculate, strategize, and prepare. This update is a shot of adrenaline into the game’s veins. Is the community ready for the challenges Headwinds will throw our way?