ARC Raiders 1.13.0 Update: Solar vs Squads, New Quests, Skins, and More
ARC Raiders is back in full force with the January 1.13.0 update, bringing a wealth of new content, gameplay improvements, and quality-of-life changes that players have been eagerly anticipating. From matchmaking updates to new quests, skins, and patches across maps and systems, this update is shaping up to be one of the most comprehensive yet. Here's a breakdown of everything you need to know about the latest ARC Raiders patch.
Solar vs Squads Matchmaking
One of the headline features in the 1.13.0 update is the introduction of Solar vs Squads matchmaking. This feature allows players to switch seamlessly between solo play and squad-based gameplay. Previously, joining a squad or playing alone could feel cumbersome, but now, whether you're on your own or with friends, the interface makes it simple to toggle between modes.
Additionally, squad invites have been improved. Now, not only the party leader but also squad members can send invites to others, streamlining the process for building your team. This update ensures more accessible open play, allowing friends to join easily and fostering a better multiplayer experience.
Trophy Display Project
Another major addition is the Trophy Display Project, an exciting new feature that gives players a visual way to showcase their achievements. To start this project, you'll need ARC Raiders items such as rusted bulbs, pop triggers, tick pods, and surveyor vaults.
Completing each step of the trophy display rewards players with ARC Raiders blueprints and Raider Tokens, while full completion unlocks additional rewards like a howl emote, guitar, and 300,000 ARC Raiders coins.
The project is ongoing and not tied to expedition resets, giving players the freedom to progress at their own pace. This new system not only adds a layer of personalization to player profiles but also provides long-term goals for dedicated Raiders.
New Quests and Gameplay Content
The update introduces seven new quests, providing fresh objectives and rewards for players. These quests allow you to acquire new gear, explore unique challenges, and further immerse yourself in ARC Raiders' expansive world. While opinions on the quests vary, the addition adds valuable content that keeps the gameplay loop engaging and rewarding.
Players should also keep an eye on the workshop, which now includes two new types of epic augments. Though details are still scarce, these augments promise exciting new customization options for your builds once they drop.
New Items and Skins
The store in ARC Raiders has received several notable updates.
Sand Walker Set
The Sand Walker set is a standout addition, available for 1,300 Raider Tokens. This bundle includes a highly detailed armor skin with multiple color variations-blue, beige, and black-and customizable components such as the bag, gas mask, goggles, radio, and scarf. The set also features a humorous Boo emote (available separately for 400 Raider Tokens) and a striking blue forehead paint option.
Fans have praised the Sand Walker skin for its intricate design and versatility, making it a top choice for cosmetic collectors.
Alpine Rescue Set
For those who prefer utility and style, the Alpine Rescue set provides a snowy mountain pickaxe as a harvesting tool. The set is available as a bundle for 700 Raider Tokens, with individual items like the raider tool priced at 500 tokens. Additional cosmetic touches include the rose flare backpack charm and backpack attachments for the snow rescue kit, offering fun customization for snowy environments.
Buried City and Bird City Updates
ARC Raiders continues to evolve its environments with updates to Buried City and the upcoming Bird City events. Notably, the musical guitar puzzle in Buried City has been removed, but players can now purchase a guitar daily from Shanny for 70 credits. While some players may miss the puzzle, the change ensures that all players can access the reward without frustration.
Additionally, the map now features updated icons, including minor bird indicators for certain objectives, which enhance navigational clarity and immersion.
Quality-of-Life and Bug Fixes
The 1.13.0 patch includes a substantial number of fixes and quality-of-life improvements across the game. Some highlights include:
Achievements: Fixes for issues affecting tracking, such as "Enemy of My Enemy" and "Hook, Line, and Sinker."
ARK Mechanics: Improved traversal for leapers, proper scavenger item labeling for shredders, and snitches no longer making noise post-destruction.
Tick Mechanics: Players now have a dodge roll window to remove ticks instead of manually pulling them off.
Audio and Voice Chat: Fixed missing voice lines for emotes and improved voice chat connectivity.Map adjustments include:
Container spawn rates: Condition-specific blueprint containers in zones like the electromagnetic storm, hidden bunker, and lock gate now have lowered spawn rates.
Weapon case improvements: Higher chances of acquiring tiered weapons, enhancing loot quality.
Unique items adjustments: Slightly reduced drop rates for Matriarch and Queen unique armor pieces to maintain balance.
Bug fixes: Raiders can no longer get stuck in previously problematic areas of the maps, including D.A.M.N. Battlegrounds, Water Treatment, and Buried City.
Additional fixes were made for Spaceport and Stella Montis, including a seed vault extraction glitch and night raid lighting adjustments, improving overall gameplay consistency.
Matchmaking and Anti-Cheat
The update introduces a matchmaking delay option to reduce stream-sniping, a crucial addition for competitive and streaming players.
Anti-cheat has been significantly strengthened, implementing a three-strikes progressive player ban system:
1.First offense: 30-day ban
2.Second offense: 60-day ban
3.Third offense: Permanent ban
This new system ensures that repeat offenders are progressively penalized, maintaining fair play and community integrity.
UI and Control Improvements
Several UI improvements and control options were added, enhancing player experience:
Mouse smoothing and gamepad rebinding: Allows for more precise and customizable control options.
Party UI updates: Players now receive a display notification when friends join the party while already topside.
Interaction fixes: Issues like defibrillator overlap, which previously allowed players to revive with full HP improperly, have been corrected.
Overall Impact
The January 1.13.0 update is one of the most comprehensive updates in ARC Raiders history, addressing player feedback, expanding gameplay, and introducing cosmetic and functional content that enhances the game's longevity. The combination of new quests, skins, Trophy Display Project, and bug fixes ensures a more polished and engaging experience for both solo players and squads.
The improvements to solo vs squad matchmaking, along with squad invite flexibility, allow players to adapt their gameplay style more effectively. Meanwhile, the Trophy Display Project adds a fun, long-term progression goal, rewarding both effort and creativity.
Cosmetic updates, such as the Sand Walker and Alpine Rescue sets, bring flair to the game, allowing players to customize their look while retaining functional utility. Map updates, bug fixes, and gameplay adjustments ensure a smoother and more balanced experience across all modes.
Finally, the anti-cheat system, along with the matchmaking delay option, strengthens competitive integrity and protects the community from unfair advantages, which is crucial as ARC Raiders continues to grow.
Looking Forward
While the Bird City event and some environmental updates have yet to fully roll out, the foundation laid by this patch promises exciting new experiences for Raiders. Players can anticipate engaging with upcoming bird mechanics, new quests, and further expansions of the Trophy Display Project.
Overall, Embark has delivered a robust and player-focused update. From quality-of-life fixes to cosmetic content and new gameplay mechanics, 1.13.0 enhances the core experience of ARC Raiders while paving the way for future content. Whether you're exploring Buried City, customizing your loadout, or tackling new quests, there's plenty to engage with in this expansive update.
MMOexp ARC Raiders Team