The Arc Raiders 1.13.0 update is a major step in Embark Studios’ four-month update streak, introducing new augments, gameplay tweaks, map changes, and balance adjustments. While some features are exciting additions, others have sparked debate within the community. Here’s a complete breakdown of everything included in the January 1.13.0 update and what it means for Raiders heading into future patches.

New Matchmaking Option: Solo vs Squads

One of the more surprising additions is the Solo vs Squads matchmaking toggle, unlocked at level 40. This mode allows solo players to queue against full squads, offering bonus XP as the primary reward. While the concept encourages high-risk gameplay, many players feel the reward could have been more compelling, such as unique loot or higher-tier drops.

Still, the system shows Embark experimenting with queue options, which could lead to more flexible matchmaking systems in the future.

Trophy Display System and Arc Hunting Rewards

The new Arc Trophy Display adds a long-term progression goal similar to the Candleberry project. Players can hunt specific Arc enemies, submit parts, and visually upgrade their trophy display. Rewards include:

- New emotes
- Up to 300,000 coins
- Ongoing progression incentives

While not game-changing, it’s a thematic and fun addition that adds depth to Arc hunting.

Bird City Event and Map Conditions

A new Bird City minor event has been added to Buried City, featuring:

- Bird nests that drop extra trinkets
- Increased Arc activity
- Additional ziplines across the map

This event rotates weekly as a permanent map condition, opening the door for future dynamic map modifiers—a big win for replayability.

New Epic Augments: Safe Pocket and Revival Mark III

Looting Mark III – Safekeeper

This epic augment introduces a safe pocket that can store any item, including weapons. This is huge for high-risk boss runs, allowing players to protect valuable gear like the Equalizer or Jupiter.

Key features include:

- Two trinket slots
- Medium shield
- Decent weight balance

While it doesn’t fully replace top-tier survival augments, the safe pocket alone makes it incredibly valuable.

Revival Mark III (Epic)

The second epic augment appears to be an upgraded combat augment, offering:

- Periodic healing
- Potential built-in defibrillator functionality

Exact stats are still being tested, but it’s clearly aimed at improving squad survivability.

Blueprint and Loot Nerfs

Not all changes were welcomed. The update includes:

- Reduced blueprint container spawn rates during specific conditions
- Lower chances of obtaining Matriarch and Queen reactors via armor shearing

This makes crafting legendary weapons more difficult without fully defeating these bosses, slowing progression for efficient farmers.

Arc, Enemy, and Combat Improvements

Several quality-of-life improvements and fixes arrived with 1.13.0:

- Arc Leapers now remain mobile after losing legs
- Dead Shredders are properly scavengeable
- Ticks can be rolled off briefly before dealing damage
- Snitches no longer make noise when destroyed

These changes improve combat flow and reduce frustration during encounters.

Anti-Cheat System Update

A new three-strike anti-cheat system has been implemented:

1. 30-day ban
2. 60-day ban
3. Permanent ban

This system aims to reduce false positives while still punishing repeat offenders.

Final Thoughts on Arc Raiders 1.13.0

The Arc Raiders 1.13.0 update feels more like a content-heavy patch than a full expansion. While features like new augments, Bird City, and trophy displays are welcome, blueprint nerfs and reward limitations may frustrate some players.

That said, with a new map and major content planned for April, this update serves as a solid stepping stone rather than a final destination. For now, Raiders have plenty to explore—and plenty to debate—as the roadmap continues to unfold.