We have a clearer idea of what’s coming to ARC Raiders in early 2026. While updates have been limited since the Flickering Flames event and the introduction of the Cold Snap map feature, players can expect new challenges above ground and a brand-new map soon.
The developers of ARC Raiders have announced their plans for updates between January and April 2026. Each month will introduce a new environmental condition to the game. February and March will bring new types of ARC enemies, and a completely new map will be released in April. These updates will also include fresh quests, challenges, events, items, cosmetic options, and ongoing improvements to make the game experience even better.
ARC Raiders Roadmap Promises New ARC In February & March, New Map In April
The next phase of support for ARC Raiders, called Escalation, focuses on tougher conditions with both extreme weather and more frequent ARC activity. The first update, Headwinds, arriving in January, will be relatively small, introducing a new map element and a new Project. It will also include a special matchmaking option for players who’ve reached level 40.
The February update, ‘Shrouded Sky,’ will be substantial. It includes a new map condition, a new ‘Project,’ and a new type of enemy threat called an ‘ARC threat.’ Players can also expect a third Raider Deck, another chance to participate in Expeditions, and a map update. While details are scarce, the map update means that at least one of the five current maps will be changed, though the extent of those changes is still unknown.
The Flashpoint update is coming in March and will introduce a new type of enemy for ARC. Along with more map challenges and Projects, the update is described as “Scrappy,” which could mean a new upgrade level for your Scrappy pet, or changes to how it functions and what materials it collects.
The development roadmap for ARC Raiders ends in April with the Riven Tides update. This update will introduce a sixth map and a major new enemy, known as a ‘large ARC.’ The game’s previous major additions – the Stella Montis map and the Matriarch enemy – were released in November, shortly after ARC Raiders launched.
Expect ARC Raiders Headwinds Update Next Week
With only one week left in January, the Headwinds update for ARC Raiders should be arriving shortly. Updates usually come out on Tuesdays, making January 27th the most likely release date. However, a few updates have been released on Thursdays before, so if you don’t see it on the 27th, look for it on January 29th. Embark Studios isn’t sharing many details just yet, stating they won’t be revealing everything right away.
Recent discoveries within the game files suggest a new map condition might involve a toxic swamp, though the latest update artwork hints at a sandstorm. Previous minor map conditions, like ‘Lush Blooms’ which increased food availability, have been relatively harmless. While reduced visibility from a sandstorm would be more noticeable, it likely wouldn’t be as dangerous as the frostbite from the ‘Cold Snap’ event. Whatever comes to ARC Raiders next week, we now have a good idea of the game’s plans for the coming months.
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2026-01-23 22:10