ARC Raiders Update 1.13.0 Brings Major Changes in 2026

ARC Raiders Kicks Off 2026 With Its First Major Update

Embark Studios has released the first major ARC Raiders update of 2026. Update 1.13.0 is now live on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

This patch delivers new matchmaking options, a fresh map condition, long-term projects, and wide-ranging fixes. While the new map arrives later this year, this update sets the tone for what players can expect in 2026.

ARC Raiders 2026 Roadmap Is Just Getting Started

Embark recently revealed its full 2026 roadmap for ARC Raiders. Update 1.13.0 marks the first step in that plan. The next update, Shrouded Sky, is scheduled for next month. It will introduce a new map condition, ARC threat, raider deck, and player project. March will follow with Flashpoint, while April’s Riven Tides update will finally add a brand-new map and a massive ARC enemy.

ARC Raiders Adds Solo vs Squads Matchmaking

One of the biggest additions in this ARC Raiders update is Solo vs Squads matchmaking. This option targets skilled players who enjoy high-risk PvP. Solo Raiders at level 40 or higher can queue against full squads. Players who enable this mode earn a 20% XP bonus, whether they extract successfully or get defeated.

New Buried City Map Condition Arrives

Update 1.13.0 introduces a permanent rotating map condition for Buried City. Flocks of birds now occupy the area, creating lootable nests inside empty chimneys. The condition adds more bird traps, ziplines, flying ARC units, and rooftop combat encounters. This change pushes more vertical gameplay and increases player proximity.

Trophy Display Project Adds Long-Term Progression

A new long-term project called Trophy Display has arrived. Players must hunt increasingly dangerous ARC enemies and submit their parts. Completing each stage unlocks rewards such as blueprints and Raider Tokens. Full completion grants cosmetic items, a guitar, an emote, and 300,000 Coins. This project does not reset with Expeditions and has no fixed end date.

ARC Raiders Strengthens Anti-Cheat Measures

Embark continues to crack down on cheaters in ARC Raiders. The new three-strikes ban system rolls out with this update. The first offence results in a 30-day ban. A second offence triggers a 60-day ban. Repeat offenders receive a permanent ban. This change follows community backlash and streamer concerns over cheating issues.

Quality-of-Life Improvements and Gameplay Fixes

This ARC Raiders update improves core gameplay across the board. Players can now set parties to open, allowing friends to join seamlessly. Squadmates can invite others without party leader restrictions. Controller rebinding and mouse smoothing options have also been added.

Movement feels smoother, aim assist behaves consistently across framerates, and multiple crash issues have been resolved.

Map Fixes Improve Exploration and Combat

All major maps received attention in update 1.13.0. Buried City saw the removal of invisible walls and the musical puzzle. Stella Montis received extraction fixes and lighting updates. Dam Battlegrounds, Spaceport, and other locations gained collision and spawn improvements. These changes reduce frustrating deaths and stuck spots.

ARC Raiders Update 1.13.0 Sets the Pace for 2026

Update 1.13.0 delivers meaningful systems, not just bug fixes. New matchmaking, long-term projects, and stricter anti-cheat rules show Embark’s commitment to ARC Raiders’ future. With multiple major updates scheduled in the coming months, ARC Raiders players have a lot to look forward to in 2026.

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