Are you still topside trying to get gear for Speranza? We are! And now, Embark Studios just dropped a look at what’s coming to ARC Raiders in the first half of 2026.
Dubbed the “Escalation” phase, the next few months are looking packed. New toys, tougher challenges, and a very interesting change to how we matchmake.
Here’s the breakdown of what we’re looking at through until April.
Exclusive Matchmaking for the Pros
Starting in January (which is basically now), Embark is introducing a new matchmaking option specifically for Level 40+ players. Rewarding those that have put in the effort in Arc Raiders, seems like a great move.
If you’ve put in the hours and reached the cap, you’ll soon have the option to drop into lobbies exclusively with other high-level Raiders.
While this is a great way to ensure you’re running with (and against) people who actually know their way around a Fusion Cell, it’s also a clever move to help keep the “cheater” element at bay and focus the high-stakes extraction gameplay among the veterans.
We’ve already talked about the new Arc Raiders matchmaking, this feels like another solid step from Embark to really make the game enjoyable.
The Roadmap: January to April 2026
January (“Headwinds”)
Along with the Level 40+ matchmaking, we’re getting new “Minor Map Conditions” (keep an eye out for that toxic swamp data-mine coming to life) and a new Player Project to grind out.
2026 in Arc Raiders is going to start with some good stuff to get stuck into.
February (“Shrouded Sky”)
Things get atmospheric. Expect a new map condition (wind/fog focused), a fresh ARC threat to deal with, and a new Raider Deck.
What on earth will a new ARC threat look like?
March (“Flashpoint”)
A lightning-themed map condition is coming, along with a “Scrappy Update.” Hopefully, this means our favourite chicken pal is getting some utility upgrades or expanded resource scavenging.
ideally he won’t be filling out our limited space quite so much, or perhaps finding better scrap? Who knows?!
April (“Riven Tides”)
This is the crown jewel of the roadmap. We’re getting a brand-new map, which looks to be a coastal/beach setting. It also promises a “Large” ARC threat—think Queen or Matriarch levels of “run for your life.”
More Maps on the Horizon
In a recent chat with GamesRadar, Design Lead Virgil Watkins confirmed that April’s beach map isn’t a one-off. Embark is aiming for a “spectrum of size” with their 2026 maps.
Some might be tighter, more vertical urban zones like Stella Montis, while others are planned to be even “grander” than what we have now.
The philosophy here seems to be pairing every new location with a specific experience—new weather, different loot tiers, or unique enemy compositions—rather than just giving us a new floor to mop.
Verdict
It’s been a hell of a run since launch, and with over 12 million players having stepped into the Rustbelt, it’s great to see Embark doubling down.
The monthly cadence of updates (new quests, feats, and “Raider Decks”) should keep the Speranza social hub buzzing while we wait for that beach trip in April.
Stay safe topside, Raiders.
