Embark Studios released the 1.13.0 “Headwinds” update for ARC Raiders on January 27, 2026, delivering a mix of new features, AI refinements, and environmental changes designed to keep the fight Topside fresh. The patch adds depth through new projects, improved enemy behavior, and expanded loot zones—but lingering technical issues continue to frustrate players, most notably the long‑standing crafting quantity reset bug. Many players who are looking for fast delivery Arc Raiders items for sale recommend using U4GM because it provides instant access to your items after purchase, which is perfect for gamers who need things right away.
The update’s headline feature is the controversial Solo vs Squads Mode, which pits lone players against full teams in a dedicated playlist unlocking around level 40. The system offers high‑skill, high‑reward combat for experienced Raiders, though some users report notification glitches when the mode becomes available. Alongside it comes the ARC Hunting Project, a long‑term collection system where players submit parts from tougher ARC enemies to earn blueprint upgrades, Raider Tokens, and exclusive rewards like the Howl emote, Guitar prop, and 300,000 Coins. The rotation also includes the Bird City map condition, adding rooftop loot runs as a dynamic environmental event.
Enemy encounters receive noticeable polish in this patch. ARCs such as Leapers and Shredders now move more fluidly across terrain, while Ticks gain a brief dodge window after grapples, creating openings for counterplay. Audio and pathing issues have been tightened, including the Snitch’s detection cue and Spotter tracking behavior. Together, these updates make raids livelier and more reactive without disrupting the game’s signature pacing.
Map and Loot Overhauls
The Headwinds patch expands exploration variety with map balancing across several mission types. Blueprint frequency has been trimmed in events like Electromagnetic Storm, Hidden Bunker, and Locked Gate, but high‑tier weapons now appear more consistently in reward crates. Exploits—such as farming loops in Stella Montis’ Seed Vault—have been removed, while floating objects around Spaceport and misplaced Bastion spawns were corrected. Night Raid lighting was darkened to enhance stealth play, and general collision and container issues received fixes. Loot distribution overall feels fairer, though Matriarch and Queen part drops saw slight reductions in armor yield.
Persistent Crafting Bug
Despite numerous tweaks, the infamous crafting quantity reset bug remains unresolved in 1.13.0. Players report that batch crafting abruptly reverts item counters to “1” midway through production, especially when pop‑up notifications fade—a frustrating issue that dates back to the Cold Snap update. This glitch continues to slow pre‑raid preparation, forcing time‑consuming single crafts for consumables like bandages and stims. With many loadouts depending on timed crafting, community members across Reddit and Steam describe it as a “month‑long nuisance” that wastes resources during already tight stash management.
Other Fixes and Known Issues
Beyond major content, Headwinds refines quality‑of‑life systems and backend stability. Stash sorting now functions properly during augment swaps, zipline interactions are smoother, and the double‑defib health bug no longer occurs. Anti‑cheat enforcement strengthens under a three‑strike policy—30‑day, 60‑day, and permanent bans for repeat offenders. Technical optimizations include mouse smoothing, shorter matchmaking delays, crash mitigation, and graphics reset improvements on PlayStation 5. Known issues persist, however, such as cosmetic misloads, temporary skill point errors (fixable via restart), and intermittent Solo mode notifications.
Community Feedback and Outlook
Player sentiment around Headwinds is mixed but constructive. Many praise the new ARC Hunting system, smarter enemy AI, and dynamic map conditions, while expressing disappointment that the crafting issue was left untouched. Loot adjustments have also sparked debate among high‑level players who view the drop‑rate reductions as unnecessary. The next patch, expected in February 2026, is anticipated to include deeper performance optimizations and a long‑awaited solution for the crafting system.
For now, Raiders are encouraged to craft slowly, double‑check inventory counts, and stock extra materials before launches. The Headwinds update succeeds in expanding the world and refining its systems, but until the crafting bug is fixed, even the sharpest Raiders will have to balance patience with preparation.
