ARC Raiders Update 1.39 Is a Game Changer: Self-Defense No Longer Affects Matchmaking, Plus Hidden Events, Trial Tips & New Skins Comprehensive Guide

Summary

ARC Raiders Update 1.39 is now live, and while it doesn't introduce a new map or a major gameplay expansion, it completely reshapes the matchmaking experience, making it easier to farm and protect valuable ARC Raiders Items. Can you finally fight back without being labeled an aggressive PvP player? Is the new Dweller Outfit worth picking up? And does the mysterious "Phantom Targets" notification hint at October's massive update? Alongside sweeping matchmaking improvements, Update 1.39 also delivers dozens of bug fixes, UI upgrades, gameplay refinements, and quality-of-life improvements. If you're preparing for the next stage of ARC Raiders, here's everything you need to know.

1. Self-Defense Is Finally "Safe"—The Fairest Matchmaking Update Yet

For months, Embark has made matchmaking one of its highest priorities, and Update 1.39 introduces the community's most requested change.

Previously, even if another squad attacked first, fighting back would still slightly increase your Playstyle Estimate, making peaceful explorers and loot-focused players more likely to be matched with aggressive PvP squads over time.

That changes with Update 1.39.

During this new matchmaking test, only fights that your squad chooses to start will affect your playstyle estimate. Defending yourself—including knocking out enemies who attacked first—will no longer impact your matchmaking profile.

Embark also clarified exactly how the new system works:

Who started the fight? If another squad damages, downs, or knocks out one of your teammates first, your entire squad is treated as the defending side.

Fight intensity matters. Long firefights with heavy damage and multiple knockdowns have a much greater impact than accidental shots or brief encounters where the enemy quickly retreats.

Third-partying still counts as aggression. Joining an ongoing fight between two other squads is still treated as starting combat.

The developer also confirmed that the Solo, Duo, and Trio matchmaking tracking introduced in Update 1.36, along with the matchmaking optimizations from Update 1.38, remain active while additional player feedback continues to shape future improvements.

Key Takeaways:

Self-defense no longer affects matchmaking.

Initiating combat still increases your aggression rating.

Third-party engagements are still treated as offensive PvP.

Solo, Duo, and Trio matchmaking improvements remain in place.

2. Massive Quality-of-Life Improvements Across the Entire Game

Beyond matchmaking, Update 1.39 includes dozens of fixes covering nearly every major gameplay system.

One of the biggest gameplay improvements addresses inconsistent damage from the Seeker Grenade and Wolfpack Grenade, making both gadgets much more reliable during combat.

Several maps have also received extensive polishing. Dam Battlegrounds and Buried City now feature fewer collision issues, invisible obstacles, clipping bugs, and terrain exploits. Players can no longer use the Snap Hook to escape outside the playable area.

Stability has also improved with several important fixes, including:

Fixed an issue where players could become stuck inside the extraction tunnel after leaving a raid.

Fixed a startup crash that occurred after the photosensitive warning screen.

Xbox Series S crashes remain under investigation.

Audio has received noticeable improvements as well. Water footsteps are now easier to hear, dodge-roll sounds are more distinct, and ambient audio has been refined to improve enemy awareness during exploration and combat.

Key Takeaways:

Seeker and Wolfpack Grenades now deal consistent damage.

Major map exploits and collision bugs have been fixed.

Stability continues to improve across multiple systems.

Audio changes make enemy positioning easier to identify.

3. Projects, Trinkets, and the New Dweller Outfit Receive Major Upgrades

Update 1.39 also delivers one of the largest user interface overhauls since launch.

The Project system has been significantly improved with:

Better grouping for related Projects.

Clearer quest and step descriptions.

Improved previews for multi-phase Projects.

The ability to review completed Project stages.

Projects now unlock after completing five matches.

Another long-requested change is finally here: Trinkets introduced during the Converging Paths event can now stack just like other Trinkets. Embark has also adjusted their drop distribution, making loot acquisition more consistent across different maps while reducing unnecessary inventory clutter.

The in-game store now features the brand-new Dweller Outfit, which includes three color variants and multiple customization options, including backpacks, goggles, robotic arms, masks, and additional cosmetic accessories.

Meanwhile, many players also noticed an unexpected in-game notification labeled "Phantom Targets." Although it wasn't mentioned anywhere in the official patch notes, it has sparked widespread speculation that Embark is quietly teasing a future event—or even laying the groundwork for October's highly anticipated major update.

Key Takeaways:

The Project interface is now much easier to navigate.

Trinkets finally support stacking.

The Dweller Outfit offers extensive cosmetic customization.

Phantom Targets could be an early teaser for future content.

4. Embark Continues Polishing the Game Ahead of October

Alongside the improvements, Embark also published an updated list of known issues currently under investigation.

These include Xbox Series S crashes, Quick Wheel selection bugs, Trigger 'Nade animation issues, weapons failing to damage Practice Range dummies, animation glitches, cosmetic clipping problems, incorrect Merit icons, and several remaining visual bugs.

While these issues haven't been resolved yet, the scope of Update 1.39 clearly shows that the developers are focused on strengthening the game's core systems before introducing major new content.

After three consecutive updates centered around matchmaking improvements, it's becoming increasingly clear that Embark wants to deliver a much more balanced, stable, and player-friendly experience before launching the highly anticipated October expansion. For players planning to buy ARC Raiders Items, these improvements should create a healthier in-game economy and a more rewarding overall experience.

5. Pro Tips

Don't fire the first shot if you want to keep a lower aggression rating.

Joining an ongoing fight still counts as initiating PvP.

Take advantage of the new Trinket stacking system to free up inventory space.

If the Project menu isn't available, simply complete five matches to unlock it.

Keep an eye on Phantom Targets—it may be the first hint of October's next major event.

6. Who Benefits Most from Update 1.39?

Solo Players: Defending yourself no longer hurts your matchmaking, making exploration much less stressful.

PvP Players: A more accurate matchmaking system creates fairer and more competitive fights.

Loot Farmers: Trinket stacking and map fixes improve farming efficiency and inventory management.

Cosmetic Collectors: The new Dweller Outfit provides one of the most customizable cosmetic sets released so far.

Long-Term Players: Understanding these system changes now will help you prepare for the major October update and whatever Phantom Targets has in store.