What’s New in the ARC Raiders Headwinds Update?

Everyone loves getting cool rewards in games, and the Headwinds Update brings a ton of them! You can now earn money and items in the new Bird City event by exploring rooftops instead of just battling. Plus, there are seven new quests with great prizes, including a huge 300,000 coin reward and some stylish cosmetic items. This guide will help you find the best loot and finish those new quests quickly.

Key Takeaways

Master Bird City by Looking Up, Not Fighting: This new map modifier turns the Buried City into a vertical scavenger hunt. Prioritize climbing and exploring rooftops to find valuable loot stashed by birds, rather than engaging in constant combat.
Go Solo Against Squads for a High-XP Challenge: If you’re level 40 or higher, you can test your skills in a new mode that pits you against full teams. Success relies on stealth and smart positioning, and you’ll earn a major XP bonus for the risk.
Adapt Your Strategy with New Augments and Quests: The update introduces game-changing gear, including a “safe pocket” to protect one item and a passive healing augment. You can also complete seven new quests to earn currency and unique cosmetic rewards.

Everything New in the ARC Raiders Headwinds Update

The new Headwinds Update is here, bringing exciting changes to the game! The biggest addition is the Bird City map modifier, which completely changes the Buried City. Now, flocks of birds fill the map, hiding valuable loot in chimneys. This means finding treasure is less about fighting and more about exploring and knowing the map well. Keep an eye upward and learn the best climbing routes to find hidden coins – it’s a great way to earn more!

In addition to the Bird City event, this update brings several changes to how you play. You can now find new Trinkets to collect, and Ziplines have been added to help you move around the map faster and more vertically. These additions make exploring the world feel more fluid and give you more ways to approach challenges.

If you prefer playing alone, Embark is introducing a new ‘Solo vs. Squads’ mode! However, you’ll need to be level 40 or higher to participate. This challenging mode offers increased XP rewards for players brave enough to take on full teams on their own. The update also includes a new feature letting you display your trophies – and this is just the first step! The trophy system will be improved over time, giving you even more ways to showcase your accomplishments.

Welcome to Bird City: Your New Go-To Farming Spot

The Headwinds update introduces a great way to earn rewards! Explore Bird City, a new map that changes the Buried City into a treasure hunter’s paradise. Unlike most areas focused on fighting, Bird City is all about discovering loot. Flocks of birds have taken over and hidden valuable items everywhere, so get ready to search!

Bird City is like a huge scavenger hunt across the map, with a big coin reward for finding everything. Instead of constant fighting, you’ll focus on getting around quickly – climbing, zip-lining, and searching everywhere for hidden items. It’s a nice break from the usual action, and knowing the map and being observant are more important than having powerful weapons. This event is a great way to earn lots of valuable items and resources without worrying about other players attacking you. If you want to quickly build up your wealth, Bird City is the place to be!

Master the Weekly Map Rotation

Bird City isn’t a permanent part of the game; it’s a special event that rotates in weekly with other map changes. When it’s active, the Buried City is filled with birds that drop valuable items, mostly from chimneys. Keep an eye on the weekly schedule to know when Bird City is available for farming. Because it doesn’t last forever, it creates a sense of urgency to collect as much loot as possible before the event ends.

Use Bird Traps and Zip Lines

This event emphasizes quick movement and exploration. The developers have included features like zip lines to help you navigate easily. Your priority should be collecting valuable items to earn coins quickly, rather than engaging in battles. It’s actually better to avoid fighting whenever possible. Knowing the Buried City’s layout will significantly speed up your progress. Try to create a path that allows you to grab lots of loot while staying hidden.

Find Shiny Trinkets in Chimneys

Okay, so I’ve been trying to figure out where all the good stuff is hiding in Bird City, and let me tell you, look UP! These birds are obsessed with stashing their treasures in high places – like, seriously high. I’m talking chimneys, rooftops, all over the place. It actually makes you think about how you explore, because you need to climb and look for those hidden spots. It’s a really cool way to see the map from a different angle and, of course, load up on loot. Seriously, keep looking up and don’t be afraid to climb – you won’t regret it!

Go Solo vs. Squads (If You’re Level 40+)

Reached level 40 and want a real challenge? The new Headwinds update introduces Solo vs. Squads mode – a playlist where you go head-to-head against full teams all by yourself. It’s a tough test of your skills, strategy, and courage! Playing as a lone player against a whole world of teams is incredibly intense, and winning feels amazing. Every sound will keep you on edge, as you try to figure out where the enemy squads are closing in.

This game mode completely changes how you play. You’re on your own – no relying on teammates to help you get back up or provide support. Every choice you make – whether to fight or retreat – is crucial. It’s designed for experienced players who want a real challenge, a way to show they can beat teams single-handedly. If you perform well under pressure and enjoy a difficult fight, you’ll love this mode.

How Aggression-Based Matchmaking Works

The difference between playing Solo and with Squads comes down to a new matchmaking system that focuses on how players approach the game. It’s not random – the system recognizes that solo players and full squads play very differently. If you’re playing Solo, you’ll have more success being sneaky, avoiding direct fights, and taking enemies down from a distance. The game encourages a stealthy playstyle, hitting hard and then disappearing. Squads, however, are built for direct confrontations and tackling tough challenges. This creates an interesting dynamic where each type of player has different strengths and weaknesses in every match.

Score Extra XP and Better Loot

Why would anyone choose to fight against a full team alone? The benefit is a big boost to experience points (XP). Developers are rewarding solo players who take on squads with a significant XP bonus, making it a quick way to level up if you’re skilled. This feature is designed for endgame players – only Raiders level 40 and above can participate. Beyond the XP, tougher fights also mean better chances for valuable loot, giving you even more incentive to try it out. It’s a challenging but potentially very rewarding experience for experienced players.

Gain a Strategic Edge as a Solo Player

As a huge fan, I can tell you that playing Solo vs. Squads is something special. It’s not just about winning, it’s the feeling of being the underdog. Knowing you’re facing a whole team on your own totally changes how you play – every sound feels more threatening, and you’re always on edge. But honestly, that’s what makes it so amazing! It really pushes you to think smarter, use the map to your advantage, and predict what the enemy is going to do. It’s a seriously intense, adrenaline-pumping experience – my heart races every time, and it’s unbelievably satisfying when you pull off a win!

Gear Up with New Augments and Quests

The Headwinds update introduces a new map and changes up gameplay with new equipment and goals. If you want to improve your strategy and find great new items, check out the latest augments and quests. They add more depth to the game and give you long-term objectives, encouraging you to explore everything Bird City has to offer and keep playing.

Two New Augments to Change Your Playstyle

This update brings two major new additions that will change how you build your gear. First, the “safe pocket” augment lets you lock away one weapon or item so you can’t lose it – perfect for keeping your best gear safe for critical moments, like a powerful sniper rifle. Second, the passive healing augment slowly restores your health automatically, improving your ability to stay alive and reducing the need to constantly find health packs. These augments will definitely influence your strategies and how you approach combat.

Take On Seven New Quests for Unique Rewards

If you enjoy having specific goals in the game, you’ll be happy to hear about the new update! It includes seven new quests with awesome rewards. Completing these quests earns you raider tokens to spend in the game, but the best rewards are exclusive cosmetics and a large sum of 300,000 coins – including space coins! There’s also a new trophy display you can start collecting for, which is like a never-ending expedition – a perfect way to show how dedicated you are to the game.

What Rewards Can You Earn from the Headwinds Update?

We all love fresh content, but great rewards are what really keep players engaged. The Headwinds Update delivers on this front, offering a good balance of useful in-game currency and cool cosmetic items that make the effort feel worthwhile. Whether you’re focused on improving your resources or just want to personalize your look, you’ll find something to enjoy. By completing the new quests and activities, you’ll earn valuable rewards and expand your collection, giving you plenty of incentive to explore Bird City and tackle the new challenges. These aren’t just items – they’re a way to show off how far you’ve come in ARC Raiders.

Raider Tokens and 300,000 Coins

The new Headwinds Update adds a big boost to your in-game wallet! Completing the new content lets you earn 300,000 coins, which is a lot of currency to spend on new items, equipment, and everything else you need to improve your game. You’ll also collect Raider Tokens, giving you more control over what you acquire instead of depending on luck. This is a fantastic way to progress quickly and finally get that gear you’ve been wanting.

Cosmetics: The Howl Emote and Guitar

This update is all about letting you show off your style! You can unlock cool new cosmetic items like the Howl emote and a guitar. The Howl emote is great for adding some fun to any situation – celebrate wins or just mess around with friends. The guitar lets you express yourself even more when you’re relaxing between matches. These items won’t make you stronger, but they’ll definitely help your Raider stand out and show off your personality!

Show Off Your New Trophy Display

Want to show off all the awesome gear you’ve earned? The new Headwinds Update lets you do just that with a trophy display! It’s a dedicated space to visually showcase your accomplishments – not just a simple list. You can customize the display to impress visitors and remind yourself of everything you’ve achieved. It’s a great way to personalize your base and celebrate your progress, proving your skills to everyone who sees it.

Enjoy Smoother Aiming with Better Mouse Movement

The Headwinds update includes a really nice, though understated, improvement to how the game handles mouse movement. The developers have refined the input system, making the controls feel much more immediate and responsive. It’s the kind of update you might not read about in the patch notes, but you’ll immediately notice it when you’re playing. This change creates a smoother, more direct link between your actions and what happens in the game, eliminating a slight delay or ‘floaty’ feeling that could disrupt your aim.

For players focused on improving their aim, this direct input method is a significant advantage. It lets your practiced movements flow naturally into the game, making your aiming more accurate and consistent. Whether you’re shooting from far away or reacting quickly up close, a precise connection between your mouse and the screen is essential. It’s a subtle change that can greatly improve how reliably you perform and help you truly master the game.

Why Removing Mouse Smoothing Matters

Have you ever noticed your aim feels slightly inconsistent? A game setting called mouse smoothing might be the reason. It tries to make your on-screen movements look smoother by averaging out your mouse actions, but this can actually make your aim feel less accurate and add a small delay. The recent Headwinds update improves this by essentially turning off mouse smoothing. Now, your in-game actions will directly reflect your mouse movements, offering a more responsive and precise experience. This is great for improving your aim over time and building consistent muscle memory.

Improve Your Precision in Competitive Matches

Now is a great time to adjust your mouse settings to get the most out of the game’s improved controls. Many pro players reduce their mouse DPI and in-game sensitivity. It might feel a little slow at first, but this encourages bigger arm movements when turning, giving you more precise control for aiming. This is key for consistently hitting accurate shots, like headshots. Try different settings to find what works best for you – even a small change can make a big difference in battles.

How to Win in Solo vs. Squads

Playing against full teams when you’re on your own is much harder than playing with your squad. Winning in the new Solo vs. Squads mode requires a different approach than just good shooting skills. No matter if you prefer sneaking around or working as a team, this mode offers a unique challenge for everyone.

Success in this game depends on knowing what you do well and what you don’t. Playing alone means you’re quick and quiet, but also easily defeated. Playing with a team gives you powerful attacks and the ability to help each other, but you’re much louder and attract attention. To win, focus on your preferred style and take advantage of your opponent’s weaknesses. It’s a tense and exciting game where clever strategy can lead to incredibly satisfying victories. The pressure is on, as any sound could signal an enemy team. But that’s what makes it thrilling! Beating a full squad on your own is a fantastic feeling. However, coordinating with friends to flawlessly outmaneuver and defeat an enemy team is just as rewarding. This game isn’t about finding the “best” way to play; it’s about becoming a master of the tactics that fit your chosen role.

Use Stealth and Range as a Solo Player

Playing alone requires a careful approach: focus on staying hidden and keeping your distance. Don’t rush into fights! Instead, move like a ghost – use shadows, silencers, and high ground to spot enemies before they see you. Choose your battles wisely, and try to take out at least one or two enemies before they can respond, ideally from far away. A good long-range weapon is essential, so make sure your Warzone loadout is well-prepared. Generally, avoid getting into direct, head-to-head fights – they’re usually a disadvantage when you’re on your own.

Coordinate Your Squad for the Win

Playing with a squad relies on good communication and teamwork. While one person can play alone, a coordinated squad is much more powerful. Use pings and voice chat to tell each other where enemies are, plan attacks, and watch each other’s backs. A team that attacks together can easily defeat anyone, even players who are caught off guard. The strength of a squad isn’t just having more firepower—it’s about acting as one. Stay close, share your loot, and make sure everyone agrees on a plan before you attack.

Weighing Risk vs. Reward

Going up against teams when you’re playing alone creates a really intense experience. Every sound could mean a whole squad is nearby, and every choice feels more important. But that extra danger is what makes it so exciting. Do you take a chance on a building for better items, even if a team might be inside? Or do you play it safe and stay near the edge of the safe zone? There’s nothing better than joining a fight between two squads and winning all the loot! This mode makes you constantly think about the risks and rewards of every move.

Your Strategy Guide for Bird City

Bird City isn’t just a new map – it changes how you play and find loot. It’s a fast-paced, unpredictable area, so running in and shooting won’t get you far. You’ll need a strategy! Think of it like a challenging scavenger hunt where the birds are surprisingly dangerous. These tips will help you survive, stay hidden, and collect the best items Bird City has to offer.

Master Verticality and Climbing

When playing a typical shooter, you usually check corners, but in Bird City, you need to look upwards. The game is designed to encourage climbing and exploring vertically, as birds hide their best items in high, difficult-to-reach places. Think of chimneys, rooftops, and ledges as your new treasure chests! Get used to using zip lines and climbing over obstacles to get to them. The best items aren’t on the ground, so focus on moving upwards during your gameplay. Quickly scanning the skyline can actually reveal more opportunities than searching on the ground for a long time.

Manage Your Noise to Avoid Unwanted Attention

In ARC Raiders, making noise is always dangerous, and the Bird City area is no different. Gunshots, explosions, and even loud footsteps will attract enemies. The developers emphasize that managing noise is a key part of the game’s strategy. If you want to focus on collecting loot rather than fighting, you’ll need to be careful about the sounds you make. Use silencers whenever you can, move quietly, and avoid unnecessary explosions. A stealthy approach will allow you to sneak in, grab what you need, and escape before the enemy robots even realize you’re there.

Plan for the Weekly Rotations

The special Bird City map, which adds extra rewards dropped by flocks of birds, doesn’t stay active forever. It’s part of a weekly rotation, so you’ll need to check the schedule to know when it’s available. When Bird City is active, focus your gameplay there to get the most loot. Keeping track of these weekly changes is important for a successful long-term strategy, helping you consistently find the best places to farm. Make sure to check the weekly schedule so you don’t miss out!

Get Your Free Blueprint Giveaway

How to Enter and What You’ll Get

Everyone loves free stuff! To mark the launch of the Headwinds Update, streamer IceManIsaac is giving away blueprints, and entering is simple. Just add him as a friend in-game – his username is Iceman Isaac#3850. Then, head to his stream and type your in-game name in the chat so he can include you in the giveaway.

The rewards you receive depend on how you support the channel. Members and subscribers can choose two free blueprints – a fantastic benefit! Even if you just follow the channel, you’ll receive one free blueprint for participating. This is a great way to get new items and connect with other fans. You can find all the specifics in IceManIsaac’s video about the update.

Jump Into the Headwinds Update

The new Headwinds Update for ARC Raiders is now live, adding exciting challenges and ways to play. It focuses on encouraging players to try different strategies and rewarding those who are flexible and curious.

The new Bird City map modifier dramatically changes how you explore the Buried City. It introduces flocks of birds that hide valuable loot in high-up, tricky spots like chimneys and rooftops, encouraging you to climb and look upwards to find hidden treasures. You’ll also discover more trinkets throughout the city. These can’t be used for crafting, but they offer powerful bonuses, giving you even more incentive to thoroughly explore the map.

The latest update brings a challenging new mode for experienced players: Solo vs Squads. Players level 40 and above can now choose to play as a lone wolf against teams of Raiders. It’s a tough fight, but succeeding earns you a big XP boost! This mode adds a new level of difficulty for veterans and makes every battle more unpredictable. From scaling buildings in Bird City to taking on full squads alone, the Headwinds Update offers exciting new ways to play.

Deus Ex LFG: Connect with Other Augs in LFG Feature on Z League App

Frequently Asked Questions

Okay, so about Bird City… you can’t just pick it whenever you want. It’s not a map you can select directly. Instead, it changes up the Buried City map as part of the weekly rotation. Basically, you have to check the schedule to see when it’s available. And when it is live, you really want to focus on running it as much as possible! That’s when you can get the best trinkets, but they won’t be there forever once the rotation changes.

Playing Solo against Squads might seem tough because you’re outnumbered, but it’s meant to be a really challenging and rewarding experience for skilled players. The biggest benefit is a huge XP boost – it’s a quick way to level up if you’re good! It also creates a uniquely intense gameplay experience where you have to be smart, sneaky, and strategic, and it’s incredibly satisfying to defeat a whole team all by yourself.

Want to find the best loot in Bird City? Think upwards! Valuable items are hidden in high places like rooftops and chimneys, placed there by the birds. Instead of searching buildings floor by floor, prioritize climbing and using the zip lines to get a better view of the area. Being stealthy and moving quickly will help you grab loot and escape before attracting enemies.

You can get the new cosmetic items, like the guitar and howl emote, by completing the seven new quests added in the Headwinds update. These quests reward you with things like Raider Tokens, coins, and the new cosmetic items. Just finish the quests, and you’ll unlock them!

You don’t need to be an experienced player to enjoy this update! The new Solo vs. Squads mode is designed for level 40+ players, but everyone else can still participate. All players can explore the new Bird City map when it’s available, complete new quests for prizes, and discover new augments to customize how they play.

2026-02-10 17:50