ARC Raiders Headwinds Update Adds Level-Gated Solo vs Squads Matchmaking, Bird City

Embark Studios released the Headwinds update for ARC Raiders on Jan. 27, 2026, adding a level‑gated Solo vs. Squads matchmaking option, a rotating Buried City condition called Bird City, and a multi-step PvE progression project alongside social and quality‑of‑life changes.

Solo vs. Squads is designed for experienced players and unlocks at Raider level 40. The Arcraiders patch notes state, “Solo vs Squads is a new matchmaking option for our experienced and highly skilled players who enjoy the PvP aspect of the game. Solo Raiders level 40 and above will get the 'Solo vs Squad' toggle above matchmaking to join the Squads queue and tackle squads of Raiders head-on. When opting in, players will receive +20% bonus XP at the end of the round on both successful extract, and defeat.” PCGamesN quoted the same incentive in the patch notes, writing, “When opting in, players will receive +20% bonus XP at the end of the round on both successful extract, and defeat,” Embark Studios confirms in the new patch notes. The feature places solo players into lobbies filled with three-player teams, creating a high-risk, high-reward option that PCGamesN said “will either be a genius addition to keep high-skill players entertained or a total disaster,” a framing that captures the likely split in community reaction.

Bird City transforms Buried City engagements by driving players to rooftops and chimneys. Game8 reported, “Rooftops and chimneys now attract flocks of birds that signal concentrated loot areas, naturally drawing players into tighter spaces where the chances of an ambush may increase.” IGN and PCGamesN also noted the rooftop funneling, positioning Bird City as a map condition intended to tighten encounter geometry and increase tension in skirmishes.

The update also introduces Trophy Display, a long-term PvE project. Arcraiders describes it as: “Trophy Display: A new long-term project which requires players to hunt increasingly dangerous groups of ARC to submit their parts for rewards. Raiders will be able to build a new Display Case over 5 different steps (same as for the Candleberry Project) and each level will add a new item to the Display Case.” Game8 added that completing goals will unlock what developers called “valuable items,” underlining the push toward extended PvE progression.

Social and interface improvements aim to smooth pickup play. Arcraiders lists “Open Parties” and “Squad Invites” among patch highlights, writing, “The option to set your party to open so your Embark and platform friends can join you seamlessly (even when you're in round to wait in the lobby to join your next match).” and “Added the option for squadmates to invite others to the party as well as the party leader.” The patch also brings achievement fixes, a Stella Montis Seed Vault extract fix, a mouse smoothing option, and gamepad re-binding. New cosmetics such as the Sandwalker Set, additional quests, and Epic Augments arrive with the update, while Altchar and PCGamesN flagged extensive stability, audio, and UI fixes and a “new chain of punishments for cheaters.”

Arcraiders published a short Known Issues list that warns players of several rollout quirks: “The ‘Solo vs. Squads’ matchmaking option currently does not have a pop up when the option becomes available to players when reaching or above level 40.” “Cosmetics acquirable through Raider Tokens that have not yet been purchased may be missing from the customization menu.” “One of the Marco set helmet variants may appear incorrectly in preview and in the menu but will appear correctly in game.” “Players may occasionally not receive a skill point as indicated in the result screen. A reboot/playing another round fixes the issue.”

Platforms for Headwinds remain PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. The update kicks off an Escalation Roadmap running January through April, with IGN listing the next phases as Shrouded Sky in February, Flashpoint in March, and Riven Tides in April. Version labels differ across outlets and site navigation, Altchar calls the patch January Update 1.13.0 while the Arcraiders site referenced 1.12.0, so developers may clarify the internal build number later.

For players, Headwinds adds fresh ways to push for progression and rewards and reshapes where fights happen in Buried City. Level 40 Raiders now have a concrete toggle to test solo skill against squads for +20% end‑of‑round XP, but the community debate on balance will likely drive quick telemetry and tuning in coming weeks. The official patch notes close with the developer sign-off: “See you Topside, //Ossen And the ARC Raiders Team.”