Hey, Daily Quest readers.
Tomorrow is the day. On January 27, 2026, ARC Raiders kicks off its massive Escalation Roadmap with the Headwinds update. Embark Studios is dialing up the tension in the Rustbelt, shifting the focus to veteran play and environmental chaos as the winter ice finally begins to melt.
Whether you're a "Lone Wolf" looking to humiliate full squads or a scavenger hunting for rooftop riches, here is everything you need to know before the patch hits.
Headwinds Breakdown: Solo vs. Squads & Bird City
The headline feature for tomorrow is the long-awaited Solo vs. Squads Matchmaking. Restricted to Raiders Level 40 and above, this mode allows you to intentionally queue into lobbies filled with three-man teams.
The Reward: You’ll earn bonus XP for every run, regardless of whether you extract or die.
The Playstyle: This is for the "assassins" and "silent looters." Expect a surge in stealth builds as high-level solos try to pick off squads from the shadows.
Bird City (Buried City Map Condition): The thawing ice has changed the behavior of the Rustbelt's avian population. Flocks of birds are now swarming the Buried City, nesting on chimneys and rooftops. Why should you care? Because these nests are stuffed with valuable loot that the birds have scavenged during the winter. This turns rooftops into high-tier loot zones—and prime spots for snipers.
The 2026 "Escalation" Roadmap
Headwinds is just the beginning. Embark has committed to a monthly content cadence through April, and it looks like a total game-changer for the genre:
| Month | Update Title | Key Highlights |
| January 27 | Headwinds | Solo vs. Squads (Lv 40+), Bird City Condition, Trophy Project |
| February | Shrouded Sky | New ARC Threat (Flying?), Raider Deck, Map Overhaul |
| March | Flashpoint | Lightning Strike Condition, Scrappy Update, New ARC Threat |
| April | Riven Tides | BRAND NEW MAP (Coastal/Beach), Massive Boss ARC |
New Player Project: The Trophy Display
Starting tomorrow, you can begin the Trophy Display Project in Speranza. This is a long-term progression goal where you hunt specific ARC machines to harvest parts for prizes. Completing tiers in your trophy case will unlock exclusive cosmetics, Raider Tokens, and weapon blueprints.
Pro Tips for Tomorrow's Drop:
Verticality is King: With Bird City active, you need to bring a grapple hook. If you aren't on the rooftops in Buried City, you're missing 80% of the new loot.
Solo Stealth: If you're brave enough for Solo vs. Squads, prioritize the Sandwalker Cosmetic Set (dropping tomorrow) for those dusty, stealthy vibes.
Blueprint Grind: Focus on the Trophy Project early. New blueprints often mean a shift in the meta—don't get left behind with old tech.
Are you going to test your luck in the Solo vs. Squads queue, or are you sticking with your trio? Let me know in the comments—I want to hear about your first 1v3 wipe!
Share this with your squad before you head topside, and stay locked for the patch notes.
Stay questing!
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