The deep freeze has finally passed. After enduring one of the harshest winters the Rust Belt has ever recorded, the ice is thawing—and so are the Raiders, who managed to survive it. Those who didn’t withstand the Cold Snap remain frozen reminders of a world that shows no mercy. But for the hardened few who did? Their resolve has only sharpened.

 

As the frozen landscape loosens its grip, activity topside is surging. More Raiders are pushing their limits, risking everything for glory, reputation, and salvage. And they’ll need that fire—because on January 27, the Headwinds Update arrives, bringing new systems, new dangers, and new opportunities to prove what you’re truly made of.

 

Solo vs. Squads – A High-Stakes Matchmaking Shift

 

Veteran Raiders—those who’ve surpassed Level 40—are about to face a new challenge: entering a lobby of full squads as a solo competitor.

This isn’t just about survival. It’s about carving out your identity in a world where most rely on numbers to stay alive. Going solo in a squad's environment opens up a spectrum of playstyles:

 

• Silent Assassin – Shadow opponents, strike when they’re weak, and melt back into the ruins.

• Hidden Looter – Exploit the chaos, grab high-value goods, and escape before anyone knows you were there.

• Predatory Hunter – Take on full squads head-on and prove that positioning, mechanical prowess, and grit can overcome numerical disadvantage.

 

To reward those willing to brave the imbalance, solos entering squad lobbies will earn bonus XP, accelerating progression for players who embrace the challenge.

 

The question becomes: Will you be prey, or will you become the terrifying outlier that squads whisper about?

 

Trophy Display Project – Hunt ARC, Take Their Parts, Claim the Glory

Some Raiders are tired of merely defending themselves from ARC incursions—they’re going on the offensive.

 

The Trophy Display Project lets you track your conquests, build a trophy case, and proudly showcase the ARC machines you’ve dismantled. Each progression milestone comes with valuable rewards, making the hunt both meaningful and profitable.

 

This system reframes the Raider–ARC conflict: it’s no longer just survival. It’s sport, pride, and proof of mastery.

 

Bird City – A New Twist in the Buried City

 

With the Cold Snap easing, the natural world is slowly returning—even in a place as broken and buried as the Buried City.

 

Birds are flocking into exposed structures, scavenging materials to reinforce their nests. Raiders have quickly learned that the birds’ newfound activity often points to hidden opportunities.

 

• Check chimneys and rooftop recesses—they’re now rich with valuable loot.

• Stay sharp—while you inspect these perches, lurking Raiders may be tracking your movements, waiting for you to slip.

 

In Bird City, the environment isn’t just a backdrop—it’s part of the evolving risk-reward economy.

 

New Cosmetics – Gear for Survivors and Strategists

 

To mark the Headwinds Update, two new cosmetic sets arrive—each tailored for Raiders embracing high-risk engagement in a changed world.

 

Sandwalker Set

 

Lightweight, tactical, and built for mobility. Ideal for players who rely on:

 

• Stealth

• Precise movement

• Surgical decision-making

 

Whether you’re slipping through alleyways or stalking the dunes, the Sandwalker Set reinforces the identity of a survivor who thrives where others falter.

 

A second cosmetic set joins the drop as well, further expanding style options for players who want their appearance to match their ambitions topside.

 

Prepare Yourself—Headwinds Are Just the Beginning

 

The Cold Snap tested your ability to endure. The Headwinds Update will test your ability to adapt.

 

With new matchmaking dynamics, new progression systems, fresh environmental opportunities, and distinctive cosmetics, the shift in ARC Raiders is unmistakable: the world is escalating, and the developers are pushing players toward more daring, high-tension forms of play.

 

The machines aren’t slowing down. Raiders aren’t backing off. And the thaw has only revealed how much more there is to fight for.

 

The question now is simple:

 

Are you ready to face what’s coming next?

 

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