Embark Studios has revealed its plans for the future of ARC Raiders, and it looks like content will be dropping thick and fast. The roadmap details plans up until April 2026, but the first batch of updates falls under a mysterious title—Headwinds.
Substantial updates are what keep live-service titles like ARC Raiders alive and fresh, and the rust-belt has been pretty barren since Cold Snap ended. Well, new content is just around the corner, as Headwinds is set to soar into the game pretty soon.
Here’s when you can expect Headwinds to arrive in ARC Raiders, as well as what content has been confirmed for the update.
When Does ‘Headwinds’ Release In ARC Raiders?
The Headwinds update has been confirmed by Embark Studios to arrive in ARC Raiders on January 27, 2026.
When the roadmap was initially revealed for ARC Raiders, it was fairly surprising to see a slate of content listed to arrive in January, as the month was practically over. However, Embark Studios clearly didn’t plan to partake in dry January, as new content is just around the corner.
Headwinds is expected to launch at the usual update times for ARC Raiders, but if you’re unfamiliar with those, Insider Gaming has them listed down below:
| Time Zone | ARC Raiders Headwinds Release Times & Dates |
|---|---|
| Pacific Time (PST) | 1:30 AM—January 27 |
| Central Time (CT) | 3:30 AM—January 27 |
| Eastern Time (EST) | 4:30 AM—January 27 |
| Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) | 9:30 AM—January 27 |
| Australian Eastern Time (AET) | 8:30 PM—January 27 |
All ‘Headwinds’ Confirmed Content For ARC Raiders
As announced within the roadmap, three new pieces of content can be expected to drop with the Headwinds update for ARC Raiders.
These are the following:
- New Matchmaking Option Level 40+
- New Minor Map Condition
- New Player Project
As things stand, a trailer has surfaced online, offering more in-depth details surrounding Headwinds.
The trailer follows a solo raider taking on a trio in Buried City, as the new Matchmaking Option is revealed to be Solo vs Squads. As the trailer continues, a desert-themed store set is shown, called The Sandwalker, as well as the new Player Project, titled ARC Trophy Display.
The trailer mentions the Cold Snap ending, and whilst many thought a sandstorm would take its place, it appears the Minor Map Condition will instead be Bird City. You’ll find loot-filled nests high-up in Buried City, in places such as chimneys, but beware of raiders down below, ready to steal your findings.
It seems to be an interesting assortment of updates, but the surprise is easily the Solo vs Squads Matchmaking Option. You’ll earn more XP for partaking in this, but with plenty of players at max-level, is this enough of an incentive?
As for the Player Project, you’ll be hunting down ARC in return for valuable rewards, all whilst filling up a trophy case.
Check out the trailer for yourself down below.
Should more information be announced before the Headwinds update, Insider Gaming will be sure to update this article with the latest details.
Are you excited for the Headwinds ARC Raiders update? Is it enough to keep the game fresh? Share your thoughts in the official Insider Gaming Discord server.
For more ARC Raiders, check out Insider Gaming’s ARC Raiders meta guns tier list.
