Table of Contents
- Arc Raiders Update 1.13.0 Patch Notes Overview
- Solo vs Squads Matchmaking Option
- Trophy Display Long-Term Project
- Bird City Map Condition
- New Items, Augments & Quests
- Social Features & Quality of Life Changes
- Enemy, ARC & Bug Fixes
- What This Means for Arc Raiders Players
1. Arc Raiders Update 1.13.0 Patch Notes Overview
The Arc Raiders Update 1.13.0 patch notes are officially live, detailing the first major content patch for the extraction shooter in 2026. This update—rolling out as part of the Headwinds content drop—introduces several new gameplay systems, quality-of-life features, and map adjustments designed to refresh the endgame and squad interaction for experienced Raiders.
2. Solo vs Squads Matchmaking Option
One of the most notable entries in the Arc Raiders Update 1.13.0 patch notes is the introduction of the Solo vs Squads matchmaking option. This feature allows experienced solo players (level 40+) to join squads in matchmaking lobbies, challenging themselves against coordinated teams in exchange for a +20 % XP bonus regardless of victory or defeat.
The toggle for this mode appears above the matchmaking selector and places Raiders directly into squad queues, bringing high-risk, high-reward encounters to those seeking extra challenge and prestige.
3. Trophy Display Long-Term Project
Another major addition is the Trophy Display, a new long-term progression project that encourages players to hunt down dangerous ARC groups and collect parts. This project unfolds in five upgrade steps and culminates in a visually striking display case.
Rewards during progression include:
- Rare blueprints
- Raider Tokens
- Emotes and cosmetic items
- A unique Howl emote, guitar item and 300,000 Coins upon full completion
Unlike seasonal challenges, the Trophy Display does not reset with Expeditions, allowing players to chip away at it over time.
4. Bird City Map Condition
The update also reshapes the Buried City map with a new rotating condition known as Bird City. Large flocks of birds now inhabit the area, building nests in chimney structures and holding shiny trinkets for Raiders to discover.
This condition ramps up vertical combat and exploration as players must navigate ziplines, rooftop traps, and increased ARC activity in tighter spaces. The dynamic environment encourages fresh strategies for seasoned Raiders.
5. New Items, Augments & Quests
Arc Raiders Update 1.13.0 patch notes bring additional depth to builds and goals with:
- Two new Epic Augments to expand customization and combat options
- Seven new quests providing fresh objectives and narrative incentives
These additions aim to enrich endgame options and give seasoned players reasons to revisit familiar areas with new challenges.
6. Social Features & Quality of Life Changes
This update improves social interaction with new features:
- Open Parties — Allows friends to join even when a game or round is underway.
- Expanded Squad Invites — Any squad member can now invite others, not just the party leader.
These changes are expected to streamline group formation and make cooperative gameplay smoother.
7. Enemy, ARC & Bug Fixes
Patch 1.13.0 also tackles a range of balancing and quality issues:
- ARC behavior updates, improving traversal and encounter consistency
- Movement and collision fixes for specific enemy types
- Achievement tracking corrections for select objectives
- General UI, input, and stability improvements across maps
These polish touches aim to create a more consistent and fair experience for all Raiders.
8. What This Means for Arc Raiders Players
Overall, the Arc Raiders Update 1.13.0 patch notes reflect Embark Studios’ commitment to evolving the game’s depth, challenge, and community experience. The Solo vs Squads matchmaking and Trophy Display project provide both high-risk content and long-term goals, while map adjustments and quality-of-life changes offer renewed ways to enjoy the world of Arc Raiders.
With the Headwinds update now live, Raiders can jump back into the action and explore both familiar terrain and fresh challenges.