Arc Raiders Introduces Unrequested Matchmaking Feature

Embark Studios has unveiled the details for the Headwinds update, marking the first significant update of 2026 for the popular extraction shooter, Arc Raiders. Players are buzzing with a mix of excitement and confusion about what’s coming.

Set to launch tomorrow, January 27, the standout feature of Headwinds is the new Solo vs Squads matchmaking mode. This mode, exclusive to Raiders at level 40 and above, allows solo players to earn extra XP by taking on multiple three-player squads. It’s definitely not for the faint-hearted or inexperienced players.

On social media, the community is voicing their opinions.

“This mode feels like it’s designed for streamers and hardcore players,” one user commented on the Arc Raiders subreddit. “They should have implemented a minimum gear requirement to avoid constant encounters with players using free kits. I’m pretty disappointed.”

“I doubt this mode will attract more than a small fraction of the player base,” another player chimed in. “Those who can survive solo against squads aren’t the ones camping extracts or pretending to be friendly, so it won’t change much for the PvE crowd.”

However, some players are willing to give Embark the benefit of the doubt, at least until they can experience Headwinds firsthand.

“Maybe Embark has data showing that most players below level 40 are the ones using free kits, which could justify this decision,” an optimistic Raider noted. “I’m sure there’s some reasoning behind it, right?”

Embark Studios has shared limited information about the new mode through a blog post focused on Headwinds.

“It is now possible to test yourself as a solo in a lobby of squads,” the post states. “Will you be a hunter, a silent assassin, or a hidden looter? With extra XP available for going solo against squads, all strategies are on the table.”

Details on the number of solo players in the Solo vs Squads mode remain unclear, but the name suggests there may only be one solo player per match. Additionally, the Headwinds update introduces the Trophy Display Project, allowing players to showcase their achievements (like defeating The Queen or The Matriarch) and earn “valuable rewards” for their efforts. Once Headwinds is live, the Buried City map will also feature a new minor condition called Bird City, where loot-filled nests will appear on rooftops, hinting at plenty of valuable finds in the chimneys.