Arc Raiders Patch 1.13.0 Headwinds: Complete Guide to Solo vs Squads, Trophy Display & New Features

Embark Studios has unleashed the Headwinds update for Arc Raiders, marking the game’s first major content drop of 2026. Patch 1.13.0 introduces game-changing features including Solo vs Squads matchmaking, the Trophy Display long-term project, and the Bird City map condition. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about the update, from new gameplay systems to critical bug fixes.

Whether you’re a seasoned Raider looking to test your skills solo or a collector chasing that 300,000 Coins reward, this update has something for everyone. Let’s dive into the details.

Patch 1.13.0 includes significant adjustments to the game’s economy and loot systems. These changes are designed to combat lazy farming strategies while rewarding skilled, active play.

• Buffs & Improvements: Increased chances of finding higher-tier weapons in weapon crates, Bird City nests provide access to valuable trinkets, and +20% XP for Solo vs Squads participants.
• Nerfs & Difficulty Increases: Matriarch & Queen parts now have reduced drop rates from armor pieces (complete destruction required for reliable unique parts), fewer container types spawn rare blueprints during special conditions, and the Seedvault extraction glitch on Stella Montis has been fixed.

These changes push players toward more active, skill-based gameplay. The days of easy boss farming are over – precision and complete ARC destruction are now essential for obtaining the best loot.

Headwinds delivers highly requested social improvements that make playing with friends significantly more convenient.

• Open Party System: Players can now set their party to “open,” allowing Embark and platform friends to join seamlessly, even while you’re in a round. This eliminates the need for constant manual invites.
• Expanded Squad Invites: Any squadmate can now invite others to the party, not just the party leader, making team formation more flexible and democratic.
• Discord Integration: Players with linked Discord accounts can now invite Discord friends directly or allow them to auto-join if open party is enabled. A new notification appears when friends join while you’re topside.
• Additional Improvements: Mouse smoothing option for PC players, full gamepad button rebinding, matchmaking delay option for stream sniping mitigation, aim assist consistency across framerates, and fixed input registration issues above 30 FPS.

Multiple ARC types received AI and behavior improvements to make encounters more challenging and realistic. Leaper now demonstrates improved mobility when legs are destroyed, remaining a persistent threat even when crippled. Snitch had a bug fixed where Lure Grenades would cancel ARC calldowns and no longer makes noise after destruction. Spotter no longer gets stuck when following players into buildings. Tick now allows players a brief dodge-roll window to remove them after being grabbed, adding counterplay. General improvements include enhanced obstacle traversal across all ARC types, dead Shredders properly labeled as scavengeable when pinged, and fixed Bastion spawning out of bounds on Stella Montis.

Headwinds balances competitive integrity with new progression content. On the enforcement side, Embark Studios is rolling out a three-strike progressive ban system to help maintain fair play: a 30-day ban for a first offense, 60 days for a second, and a permanent ban for a third.

The patch also addresses progression reliability, with “Enemy of my Enemy” and “Hook, Line, and Sinker” now expected to track correctly, making achievement progress feel more consistent.

For players focused on builds and objectives, Headwinds introduces two new types of Epic Augments and seven new quests, offering more variety and direction across expeditions. And if you’re chasing style upgrades, the update adds two new survival-themed cosmetic sets, including the Sandwalker Set—built for Raiders who prefer stealth, movement, and smart outplays in the Rust Belt’s harsh conditions.

Embark Studios has identified several minor issues that will be addressed in future patches:

• No popup notification when Solo vs Squads unlocks at level 40
• Some cosmetics from Raider Tokens may be missing from customization menu
• Marco set helmet variant displays incorrectly in preview but correctly in-game
• Occasional skill point display bug – fixed by restarting or playing another round

Embark Studios has revealed their ambitious roadmap for the next four months, promising substantial content drops through April 2026.

February – Shrouded Sky: Major new map condition, new enemy type, new player project, additional Raider Deck, map updates across multiple locations, and second Expedition window opening.

March – Flashpoint: Another new map condition, new ARC threat, new player project, and updates to Scrappy the Rooster.

April – Riven Tides (Biggest Update Yet): Entirely new map location, new Large ARC enemy type, additional new map condition, and another Expedition window.

Patch 1.13.0 Headwinds represents a significant evolution for Arc Raiders. The introduction of Solo vs Squads offers hardcore players a genuinely challenging alternative playstyle, while the Trophy Display provides meaningful long-term progression for PvE-focused players. The Bird City condition adds welcome variety to Buried City, and the extensive bug fixes demonstrate Embark’s commitment to polish.

The economy changes strike a fair balance: combating lazy farming strategies while rewarding active, skilled play with better weapon crate loot and Bird City trinkets. The quality of life improvements, particularly the open party system and extended invite privileges, remove friction from group play and make the social experience feel more organic.

With an ambitious roadmap promising three more major updates through April, including an entirely new map in Riven Tides, 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year for Arc Raiders. Whether you’re a solo wolf hunting for that +20% XP bonus, a completionist chasing the 300,000 Coins from Trophy Display, or simply enjoying the refreshed dynamics of Bird City, this update has something substantial to offer.