Headwinds, the first of many Arc Raiders updates coming this year, is just hours away and brings with it a host of features and cosmetics. While it will include a new map condition, the big draw is the ability for those over level 40 to “test themselves” as a solo in a lobby of squads – but more on this later. Here, we’ll go through when the Headwinds update releases in your region, before diving into everything included in Embark Studio’s first big content drop of the year.
When does the Arc Raiders Headwinds update release?
Arc Raiders Headwinds will be releasing on January 27, 2026. It replaces the Cold Snap update, which rolled out on December 15, 2025. There are no official release times as yet, but previous Arc Raiders updates and patches tend to land at 10:30 AM CET, so we wouldn’t expect Headwinds to be any different. To make things easier, we’ve broken down the release times into the different regions.
| Region | City | Time Zone | Release Date | Release Time |
| North America (West) | Los Angeles | PST (UTC-8) | Jan 27, 2026 | 01:30 AM |
| North America (East) | New York | EST (UTC-5) | Jan 27, 2026 | 04:30 AM |
| United Kingdom | London | GMT (UTC+0) | Jan 27, 2026 | 09:30 AM |
| Europe (Central) | Berlin / Paris | CET (UTC+1) | Jan 27, 2026 | 10:30 AM |
| Asia | Tokyo | JST (UTC+9) | Jan 27, 2026 | 06:30 PM |
| Australia | Sydney | AEDT (UTC+11) | Jan 27, 2026 | 08:30 PM |
Arc Raiders: Headwinds Update – Key Features & New Content
The Arc Raiders Headwinds update consists of four big additions and changes:
1. New “Solo VS Squads” Matchmaking
Designed for veteran players, this new mode allows Level 40+ Raiders to jump into lobbies against full squads. It’s high risk, high reward with significantly better XP on the cards if you do manage to make it out in one piece. Sounds like the perfect way to test your skills – as well as acting as a great incentive for newer players to level up.
2. The “Trophy Display” Project
Players can now start building out their own Trophy Display Project, through hunting down specific ARC units. Filling out your trophy case unlocks exclusive rewards and items.
3. “Bird City” Map Condition (Buried City)
Cold Snap is over and the ice has thawed, being replaced with the new Bird City’ map condition. Expect to find plenty of high-value loot hidden in the rooftops, but keep your eye out for other raiders.
4. New Sandwalker set
Finally, there’s the new Sandwalker Set, designed to appeal to players who prefer to outmaneuver opponents with stealth and skill. It’s a mean looking cosmetic that will offer excellent camouflage amidst the dust.
After Arc Raiders hit 12 million players in just a single month, Embark Studios announced that multiple new maps will be coming to Arc Raiders over the course of 2026. The game will also receive brand-new enemies and new guns to shake up the current best weapons available right now.
