Patch 1.13.0 of ARC Raiders introduces the Solo vs Squads challenge

Embark Studios has just released the HEADWINDS update, the first major breath of ARC Raiders in 2026. The patch focuses on raising the challenge level for veterans and dramatically transforming the exploration dynamics on specific maps. The biggest news is undoubtedly the Solo vs Squads matchmaking option: players level 40 or higher can now choose to face entire squads alone, receiving a 20% XP bonus as a reward for the extreme risk.

For those who prefer long-term progression, the new Trophy Display project allows Raiders to build a trophy showcase in five stages, hunting down increasingly dangerous groups of ARCs. The rewards are generous, including 300,000 coins, exclusive emotes, and a guitar. It's the kind of "endgame" content that the extraction genre needs to keep the player base active between major seasons.

Patch 1.13.0 Highlights:

Bird City (Buried City): Permanent map condition with nests in chimneys containing valuable items. Expect more vertical combat and presence of flying ARCs.

New Items: Addition of 2 Epic Augments variants and 7 new quests.

Social and Groups: Option for Open Parties and squad invites released to all members, not just the leader.

Anti-Cheat: Implementation of a progressive banning system (30 days, 60 days, and permanent).

Technical Fixes: Gamepad control rebinding, mouse smoothing option, and collision adjustments in Dam Battlegrounds and Stella Montis.

Despite the good content additions, the patch also reveals how unstable the experience can still be in technical terms. The list of fixes is extensive, addressing issues from audio problems to critical extraction failures in the Seed Vault. It is commendable that Embark Studios is being transparent about the "Known Issues," such as the skill point allocation error, but seeing collision failures and AI glitches in a game that has already sold 12 million copies raises a red flag about the polish.

The "live or die" strategy in Solo vs Squads is expected to dictate the pace of Twitch streams in the coming weeks, creating moments of high tension reminiscent of the best days of Escape from Tarkov. If the developer can maintain server stability with these new matchmaking mechanics, ARC Raiders will continue to be the benchmark against which we measure the future of Marathon.

Full patch notes: arcraiders.com/en/news/patch-notes-1-13-0