Arc Raiders Headwinds Update continues to reshape Arc Raiders, pushing expeditions toward higher risk, stronger PvP pressure, and long-term progression systems. With Headwinds now live, this is a good moment to dive into the latest changes, explore new activities, and see what rewards await experienced Raiders.
Arc Raiders Headwinds Update Key Takeaways:
- Arc Raiders Headwinds Update start date is January 27.
- Arc Raiders Headwinds Update shifts the focus toward higher risk, stronger PvP pressure, and long-term progression.
- Solo vs Squads introduces a high-skill matchmaking option with bonus XP for experienced players.
- Trophy Display Event adds permanent progression similar to Flickering Flames, unaffected by resets.
- Bird City rotates Buried City into a more vertical, PvP-heavy map condition.
- New Epic Augments expand build options without bloating the loot pool.
- Seven new quests provide additional structure for regular expeditions.
- Quality-of-life improvements smooth out party play, controls, and voice chat.
- Anti-cheat updates introduce a stricter three-strike ban system.
4.9Arc Raiders Headwinds Update Release Date
The Arc Raiders Headwinds Update was released on January 27, alongside Patch 1.13.0. This patch introduces new activities, PvP-focused matchmaking, long-term progression systems, and a wide range of quality-of-life and gameplay improvements for current expeditions.
If you want to experience Headwinds on your own terms, you can choose the type of lobby that fits your playstyle. Whether you prefer PvP-intensive, PvE-focused, or balanced encounters, our Arc Raiders Lobby Customization Service lets you play in the environment you want, without relying on random matchmaking.
Arc Raiders Headwinds Update What’s New
Arc Raiders Headwinds Update represents a clear change of direction for Arc Raiders when it comes to risk, PvP, and progression. It’s a patch that’s focused on making the game more aggressive and forcing players to engage with the map and the game world as they run through it. ARC Raiders Headwinds Update makes the following changes:
- New Solo vs Squads matchmaking for the best PvP experience;
- New long-term activities;
- New items and augments;
- New quests;
- New map condition for Buried City;
- Quality of life and system updates.
If you want to take full advantage of the Headwinds meta and expand your loadout faster, our Arc Raiders Weapons Farm service helps you secure Epic and Legendary weapons without wasting time on risky or repetitive runs.
Arc Raiders Headwinds Update New Activities
The Arc Raiders Headwinds Update does not add a lot of new activities to the game. Instead, the new activities that are introduced are focused on the experienced player. It’s a game where the developers have chosen to add fewer features, but features that change the game and how players engage with the game world. In the Arc Raiders Headwinds Update, the new activities are as follows:
- New Solo vs Squads matchmaking;
- New Trophy Display progression project;
- New Bird City map activity for Buried City.
Arc Raiders Headwinds Solo vs Squads
Arc Raiders Headwinds Solo vs Squads is a new matchmaking option designed for experienced players who are looking for the most stressful PvP experience the game has to offer. It is designed to allow players to enter the Squads queue by themselves and fight against teams of players who have squads with them. Essentially, this is a numbers disadvantage every time you fight, so it is best for players who have good aim, good rotations, and good decision-making skills.
To be able to use the Solo vs Squads option, you need to be level 40 or higher. Once you have reached level 40, you will be able to turn on the “Solo vs Squad” option in the matchmaking menu, which will allow you to enter the regular Squad matchmaking pool as a solo Raider. The best part about this option is that you get a +20% bonus XP reward, regardless of whether you win or lose, so you are getting paid to take the risk, even if you lose the fight.
The best part about Arc Raiders Headwinds Solo vs Squads is the challenge it presents, as you are essentially going against teams that have the advantage of being able to trade, revive, and hold angles. While you have to rely on your own skills and disruptions to get the job done. You need to have good aim and be able to pick, as it is better to disengage and get away than to stay and fight, so if you are someone who enjoys PvP and wants to get XP quickly while doing it, this is the cleanest form of “hard mode” Headwinds has to offer.
Arc Raiders Headwinds New Event
The Arc Raiders Trophy Display Event is a long-term progression activity similar in structure to the Arc Raiders Flickering Flames Event. Like Flickering Flames, this event revolves around collecting specific resources during expeditions and turning them in for rewards, rather than completing a fixed-time challenge.
In the Trophy Display Event, players hunt increasingly dangerous ARC enemies and submit their parts to upgrade a display case over several stages. Each step grants practical rewards such as blueprints and Raider Tokens, while full completion unlocks bonus cosmetics, including a Howl emote, a guitar, and 300,000 Coins. The event has no fixed end date and is not affected by Expedition resets, making it a steady side goal rather than a limited-time grind.
If you prefer to skip the repetitive grind, our Arc Raiders Project Completion helps you complete Trophy Display objectives safely and unlock all rewards without slowing down your regular gameplay.
Arc Raiders Headwinds New Map Activity
Arc Raiders Bird City is a dynamic map state for the Buried City map that changes the focus to rooftop combat. Birds will nest on rooftops, sometimes with loot, and additional ziplines will force players to get close to one another. When Bird City is enabled, the Buried City map is faster, louder, and far more focused on PvP combat.
Arc Raiders Headwinds Update New Content
The Arc Raiders Headwinds Update is a minor update that brings new content to the game, with developers focusing on progression rather than flooding the game with new content. The update brings new content to the game in the form of new quests that will give players additional challenges while playing the game.
In addition to new quests, the update also brings new items to the game, including new types of Epic Augments. The new items will give players the ability to change their builds as needed, especially when it comes to high-risk PvP combat.
Arc Raiders Headwinds New Items
The Arc Raiders Headwinds Update does not bring an overwhelming number of new items to the game. But it does bring new items that will help players with their current builds. The new items will give players the ability to change their builds as needed, especially when it comes to high-risk runs. The new items that have been added to the game with the Arc Raiders Headwinds Update are:
- Looting Mk. 3 (Safekeeper) — improves resource security during runs, making it easier to extract with valuable loot after risky engagements.
- Tactical Mk. 3 (Revival) — enhances revival utility, giving squads more breathing room in prolonged fights and chaotic PvP situations.
Arc Raiders Headwinds New Quests
With the Arc Raiders Headwinds update, there is a new set of quests that will help organize exploration without forcing you to engage in long, scripted content. The new quests will naturally complement moving, fighting, and ARC encounters, allowing you to progress naturally while playing as you normally do.
With the new update, there are seven new quests to look out for. This will give you additional goals to pursue with each playthrough. The new quests will complement existing long-term activities and projects nicely. If you want to know the new goals and the best ways to achieve them, you should look out for the Arc Raiders quests guide when it is updated.
If you’d rather skip time-consuming or stuck objectives, our Arc Raiders Quest Completion service helps you complete all quests safely and unlock rewards without slowing down your progress.
Arc Raiders Headwinds Quality of Life Improvements
This Arc Raiders Headwinds update also works on improving the quality of life in the game. While there are no new features to speak of, you will notice that the game is now more comfortable to play. The quality of life improvements in the Arc Raiders Headwinds update include:
- Open Parties, allowing friends to join your group even while you are in a round.
- Squad Invites for all members, not just the party leader.
- Mouse smoothing option, giving players more control over aiming feel.
- Full gamepad rebinding, improving controller customization.
- Voice chat fixes and connection improvements, reducing cut-outs and delays.
- Anti-cheat Update.
- Map Improvements.
Arc Raiders Headwinds Anti-Cheat Update
The Arc Raiders Headwinds update will include a three-strike progressive ban system. If you continue to break the rules, you will face a 30-day ban, then a 60-day ban, and if you continue to “push it,” you will be banned permanently.
Arc Raiders Headwinds Maps Improvements
The Arc Raiders Headwinds Update will include a slew of improvements to smooth out movement, close loopholes, and improve combat flow in several areas. The developer’s goal here is to fix collision glitches, eliminate unintended entry points, and improve visibility, all without changing the underlying map layout. Some of the notable map changes in Arc Raiders Headwinds include:
- Buried City — removed invisible barriers, smoothed rooftop pathways, and retired the musical puzzle.
- Dam Battlegrounds — fixed various snag points, cliff collisions, and elevator shaft issues.
- Spaceport — removed floating items and adjusted ARC spawn points during events.
- Stella Montis — shut down extraction exploits, improved lighting, and cleared dozens of stuck spots.
- All maps — refined container interaction, balanced loot spawns, and lighting improvements.
Arc Raiders Headwinds Control Improvements
The Arc Raiders Headwinds Update focuses on making controls feel more consistent across different setups and framerates. These changes aim to reduce input issues and give players better control over how the game handles movement and aiming. Control improvements in Arc Raiders Headwinds include:
- Mouse smoothing toggle, allowing players to fine-tune aim feel.
- Consistent aim assist across framerates, removing unfair advantages.
- Fixed input registration issues, especially at higher framerates.
- Improved ladder interactions, preventing unwanted jumps and falls.
Arc Raiders Headwinds Update FAQ
This FAQ covers the most common questions about the Arc Raiders Headwinds Update. Including new activities, matchmaking changes, progression systems, and gameplay adjustments. If you’re looking for quick answers without digging through patch notes, this section highlights what matters most for everyday play.
What Is the Arc Raiders Headwinds Update?
The Arc Raiders Headwinds update contains many exciting features, including new PvP content, long-term progression, new map activities, and quality-of-life changes.
What Is Solo vs Squads in Arc Raiders Headwinds?
It is a new matchmaking option for players level 40 and up, where you can play Squad matches solo against teams of players by yourself.
What Rewards Does Solo vs Squads Give in Arc Raiders Headwinds?
You will receive a 20% bonus XP reward after every match, regardless of whether you win or lose.
What Is the Trophy Display Event in Arc Raiders Headwinds?
It is a long-term progression activity where players hunt ARC enemies, turn in their loot, and receive rewards after progressing through multiple stages.
Is the Trophy Display Event Time-Limited in Arc Raiders Headwinds?
Nope, it is not time-limited and does not have an end date, nor is it related to Expedition resets.
What Is Bird City in Arc Raiders Headwinds?
Bird City is a new map condition for Buried City, where players fight on rooftops, have more ziplines, bird traps, and player encounters.
How Many New Quests Are in The Arc Raiders Headwinds Update?
The Arc Raiders Headwinds Update introduces seven new quests, designed to progress naturally during regular expeditions.
What Anti-Cheat Changes Were Added in Arc Raiders Headwinds?
Headwinds introduces a three-strike progressive ban system, escalating from 30-day bans to permanent bans for repeat offenders.
Does Arc Raiders Headwinds Improve Controls and Performance?
Yes, the update includes mouse smoothing options, full gamepad rebinding, more consistent aim assist, and fixes for input and movement issues.
4.9The Arc Raiders Headwinds Update changes the way you traverse the Rust Belt, increasing PvP intensity, new progression objectives, and new map features. It adds high-stakes solo matchmaking and permanent activities, making Raiders change and become more strategic with every decision.
