Embark Studios revealed its early 2026 plans for ARC Raiders at the start of the year, and it’s already almost time for the third big update: Flashpoint.
Fans have already enjoyed the two prior updates, with Headwinds offering a smaller release back in January, whilst Shrouded Sky introduced the new Hurricane Map Condition, as well as two entirely new ARC enemies to battle.
However, Flashpoint is set to up the ante in ARC Raiders once again, and you won’t have to wait long to explore what it has to offer.
When Does Flashpoint Release In ARC Raiders?
Embark Studios has confirmed that the Flashpoint update will arrive in ARC Raiders on March 31, 2026.
It’s been the case that the updates have arrived towards the back end of the month, but this is as far back as a March update could go! Still, the wait is almost over, and based on what was revealed in the original roadmap, it could turn out to be an update worth waiting for.
- More Insider Gaming: ARC Raiders Map Condition Schedule
Flashpoint is expected to launch at the usual update times for ARC Raiders, but in case you’re unfamiliar with those, Insider Gaming has them listed below in a variety of time zones for your convenience.
| Region / Time Zone | ARC Raiders Flashpoint Release Dates & Times |
|---|---|
| Pacific Time (PT) | 1:30 AM—March 31 |
| Central Time (CT) | 3:30 AM—March 31 |
| Eastern Time (ET) | 4:30 AM—March 31 |
| Brasilia Time (BRT) | 5:30 AM—March 31 |
| British Summer Time (BST) | 9:30 AM—March 31 |
| China Standard Time (CST) | 4:30 PM—March 31 |
| Korean Standard Time (KST) | 5:30 PM—March 31 |
| Japan Standard Time (JST) | 5:30 PM—March 31 |
| Australian Eastern Time (AET) | 7:30 PM—March 31 |
| New Zealand Daylight Time (NZDT) | 9:30 PM—March 31 |
All Flashpoint Confirmed Content For ARC Raiders
A trailer for the Flashpoint update has finally been released by Embark Studios, and it details everything new arriving with the update.
Here’s everything coming with the Flashpoint update:
- Major Map Condition—Close Scrutiny—ARC Operation
- New ARC Threat—Vaporizer
- 2 New Weapons—Canto SMG & Dolabra Energy Shotgun
- Player Project—High-Gain Antenna
- Spreading ARC Shredders
- Scrappy Feeding Boost
The new Major Map Condition is bound to be one of the highlights for the update, as it introduces a new kind of condition: ARC Operations. The first to be added is Close Scrutiny, which will see strange probes, named Assessors, land on various maps. Less loot will be available across the map, but riches are there to be found in the probe—just prepare for heavy ARC patrols.
Joining those patrols is a new ARC, named the Vaporizer. This new flying ARC can be found around the Assessors, but prepare for devastating laser attacks similar to those of the Queen. It looks heavily armoured, so bring your best gear.
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Arguably most excitingly, it seems like two new weapons are being introduced: the Canto SMG and the Dolabra shotgun. The SMG runs on medium ammo, whilst the Dolabra uses energy ammo and allows for variable fire: either shoot in a wide burst, or fire a focused funnel of electricity. If you’re looking for the Blueprint, your best bet is with the Close Scrutiny ARC Operation.
Another Player Project is set to be added, and it looks like it should tie into the strange shapes seen in the skies during the Hurricane Major Map Condition. Also, Scrappy is seeing an update. Feed him particular items, and Scrappy will drop you some more valuable loot—so long as you keep feeding him.
Finally, there are some smaller updates: Shredders have broken out of the Stella Montis containment and can be found across all other maps under Map Conditions, whilst some handy improvements have been made to the crafting, with the intention of streamlining the Speranza experience.
You can find the full trailer down below:
Are you excited for the Flashpoint update in ARC Raiders? Share your thoughts in the official Insider Gaming Discord Server.
For more ARC Raiders content, check out the complete Surgeon Deck, as well as the news that ARC Raiders was silently recording your Discord DMs.
Charlie is one of Insider Gaming's Guides Writers who's been in the gaming industry for a little over a year. Unfortunately for him, he enjoys every video game genre out…
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