The freeze has finally lifted in the Rust Belt, but the danger hasn't. Embark Studios has officially deployed the Arc Raiders Headwinds update today, January 27, 2026, marking the start of the game's ambitious "Escalation" roadmap. Following the winter-themed Cold Snap event, Headwinds shifts the meta dramatically with a high-stakes Solo vs. Squads matchmaking toggle and the peculiar new "Bird City" map condition. Whether you are a lone wolf looking to humble full teams or a completionist eyeing the new Trophy Display rewards, this guide covers everything you need to survive the shift.

Mastering Solo vs. Squads: High Risk, Higher Reward

The headline feature of the Headwinds update is undoubtedly the new matchmaking option for veteran Raiders. For the first time since the October launch, players level 40 and above can voluntarily toggle Solo vs. Squads. This isn't just a bragging rights mode; opting into this 1v3 nightmare grants a flat +20% XP bonus for the entire match, applicable to both successful extractions and defeats.

Surviving as a solo against coordinate trios requires a complete shift in tactical approach. In a standard solo queue, you might rely on pure aim duels, but against a squad, you must embrace guerilla warfare. The sheer volume of fire from three opponents means you cannot trade shots openly.

Solo Strategy: The "Rat" vs. The Hunter

There are two viable playstyles for this mode. The "Rat" approach focuses on stealth and scavenging. Use the chaos of squad-on-squad fights to loot peripheral areas. If you engage, do so only when you have a guaranteed kill and an immediate escape route. The new mouse smoothing options added in this update can help with precision tracking, but your best asset is silence.

The "Hunter" playstyle is for those chasing the thrill of the wipe. To succeed here, you must isolate squad members. Use the verticality of maps like Buried City to separate a team. Down one player and immediately rotate; do not thirst for the finish unless it's safe. A squad's instinct is to revive, which makes the downed body your best bait.

Best Arc Raiders Loadouts 2026 for Headwinds

With the meta shifting toward asymmetrical engagements, your loadout needs to prioritize versatility and burst damage. The recent balance changes to Epic Augments—two new types dropped with this update—have opened up new build potential.

  • The Silent Assassin: For Solos, a suppressed Viper or Badger is non-negotiable. You need to drop targets before their teammates can pinpoint your location. Pair this with a high-mobility gadget like the Grapple to break line-of-sight instantly.
  • The Squad Buster: If you are hunting groups, consider the Grenadier archetype. Area-of-denial weapons are crucial for flushing squads out of cover or stopping a revive train. The Stitcher remains a top-tier choice for its raw DPS, capable of melting a heavy ARC or an unaware player in seconds.

Navigating the "Bird City" Map Condition

The Headwinds update introduces a dynamic map condition that sounds whimsical but plays tactically: Bird City. This modifier is currently active on the Buried City map, which will cycle in and out of rotation weekly. The thawing ice has brought flocks of birds to the Rust Belt, and they have nested primarily in the map's chimneys and rooftops.

This condition changes the flow of looting significantly. The birds have a habit of collecting shiny objects, meaning the nests located in chimneys often contain high-tier loot or valuable trinkets. However, accessing them requires you to be on the rooftops—the most exposed part of the map. Furthermore, disturbing a flock can act as a visual and audio alarm, alerting nearby players to your position. Treat the birds like organic alarm traps; watch where they fly to track enemy movements.

How to Complete the Trophy Display Project

For the completionists, Headwinds adds a massive long-term goal: the Trophy Display Project. Similar to the Candleberry Project, this is a five-step progression track that tasks you with hunting increasingly dangerous groups of ARC machines to harvest specific parts.

Completing all five levels is a grind, but the rewards are substantial. You will unlock exclusive blueprints, piles of Raider Tokens, and unique cosmetics including the new Howl emote and a playable guitar. To progress efficiently, focus on Dam Battlegrounds for high densities of mid-tier ARC enemies. Bring a squad if possible, as the later steps require taking down heavy ARC units that can easily overwhelm a solo player. Keep an eye out for the new Sandwalker Set in the store if you want to look the part while you grind.

Looking Ahead: Flashpoint and Riven Tides

While mastering the Headwinds update will take time, Embark has already outlined what's next. The Flashpoint update is scheduled for March, promising another map condition and a new ARC threat type. Following that, the massive Riven Tides update in April will introduce a completely new map. For now, focus on leveling past 40 to unlock the Solo vs. Squads toggle and start farming those chimney nests in Buried City. The Rust Belt is more dangerous than ever—adapt or get extracted in a body bag.