The Headwinds update for ARC Raiders goes live on January 27 and is meant as a smaller, transitional patch between the larger updates planned for February, March, and April. It arrives after a harsh in‑game winter, framing this patch as a shift into a more active, opportunity‑driven phase for raiders exploring Topside.
New Solo vs. Squads Matchmaking
A new matchmaking option, Solo vs. Squads, lets players above level 40 queue alone into lobbies normally filled with squads. In this mode, solo raiders can choose to play as hunters, silent assassins, or low‑profile looters, with bonus XP as a reward for taking on teams alone.
This mode primarily deepens the PvP experience rather than redefining the game. It caters to a smaller, high‑skill niche of players comfortable with 1v3 situations, while many PvE‑focused or casual players may have little reason to participate if XP is the only incentive. When searching for the best deals, head over to the U4GM game items shop, where they offer various ARC Raiders items with excellent customer support.
Project Trophy Display System
Headwinds introduces a Project Trophy Display, expanding on the earlier project system that mostly felt like simple scavenger hunts. Now, some raiders treat hunting Arcs as sport, tracking down elite enemy types such as Bastions, Rocketeers, and Leapers to earn trophies.
Players can build out a trophy case, progress through multiple levels, and unlock valuable items along the way. This does not completely overhaul projects, but it moves them toward more combat‑driven, PvE‑friendly goals rather than just visiting specific loot spots.
New Minor Map Condition: Bird City
A fresh minor map condition called Bird City now appears in the Buried City. With the ice melted, flocks of birds gather around chimneys and rooftops, where they hoard valuable loot in their nests. Raiders can climb up to these spots to secure extra rewards.
This condition works similarly to existing modifiers like Lush Blooms: it does not fundamentally change the game loop, but adds targeted loot opportunities in specific locations. Because these nests are on rooftops, they will naturally pull more players upward, likely increasing PvP encounters over high‑ground positions.
New Cosmetic Sets
Headwinds also brings two new cosmetic sets. The one shown in the trailer and blog is the Sand Walker set, designed with sandy tones and muted colors that help characters blend more naturally into the Buried City’s dunes and ruined structures.
A second cosmetic set is mentioned but not yet showcased. It is likely connected to the new project/trophy content, though details and visuals have not been fully revealed.
How Headwinds Fits the Bigger Picture
Headwinds is a minor update, adding modest but meaningful pieces rather than headline‑grabbing features. It expands PvP with Solo vs. Squads, nudges projects in a more combat‑driven direction, spices up Buried City runs with Bird City, and deepens cosmetic variety with new sets.
Over time, this patch is intended to act as one small tile in a much larger live‑service “tapestry” for ARC Raiders. Future players will likely see Headwinds not as a major milestone, but as an early step in the longer‑term evolution of the game’s maps, systems, and progression.
