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The “leak” in ARC Raiders Headwinds refers to a short trailer that Insider Gaming reported appeared early on a Japanese Embark social profile before being taken down. The mode it previewed was not left as a rumor: Embark announced Headwinds on January 26, 2026, and shipped Solo vs Squads in the January 27 update.
What the Headwinds trailer leak revealed
Insider Gaming reported on January 26, 2026, that a short trailer had appeared ahead of its intended timing on a Japanese Embark Studios social profile and was later removed. The outlet’s headline called it a “leak”; that characterization belongs to Insider Gaming’s report. It said the preview showed Solo vs Squads, Bird City, Trophy Display, and Sandwalker cosmetics. Insider Gaming’s report
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Embark published its own Headwinds announcement on January 26, then released the update in Patch Notes 1.13.0 on January 27. The official notes establish the mode’s live rules, so players do not need to treat the trailer’s matchmaking feature as an unconfirmed rumor. Embark’s Headwinds announcement · Headwinds Patch Notes 1.13.0
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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →How Solo vs Squads matchmaking works
Solo vs Squads is an opt-in way for eligible solo players to enter the Squads queue alone. It is not a separate solo-only queue: by enabling the option, a lone Raider agrees to match into a lobby of squads.
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- ARC Raiders Deluxe Edition includes the base game and the following content: The Wanderer Set, including the following cosmetic items: “Valente” Outfit" “Pathfinder” Backpack,“Blanket Roll” Backpack Attachment.
- Plus: Character Cosmetic, Finger Gun Rapid Fire Emote, Cowboy Scrappy Body Type and Skin, 2 400 Raider Tokens.
- Meet the level requirement. The Solo vs Squad option is for solo Raiders at level 40 or above.
- Choose the Squads queue. Use the “Solo vs Squad” toggle above matchmaking to opt in while queuing for Squads.
- Play the round alone against squads. Embark describes the feature as a challenge for experienced players interested in PvP.
- Receive the stated XP bonus at the end. The patch notes specify +20% bonus XP whether the round ends in a successful extraction or defeat.
The exchange is straightforward: you take on squads without teammates in return for the fixed XP bonus described in the notes. Embark’s published details do not quantify survival odds, expected loot, win rates, or how often players use the option.
What else came with Headwinds
Trophy Display project
Trophy Display is a long-term project with five steps. Players hunt increasingly dangerous ARC groups and submit parts; the listed rewards include blueprints, Raider Tokens, a Howl emote, a guitar, and 300,000 Coins for completion. The notes give it no fixed end date and say Expedition resets do not affect progress.
Bird City in Buried City
Bird City is a map condition for Buried City. Birds nest in chimneys where loot may be found. The patch notes describe it as permanent content for that map that rotates in and out weekly. They also flag more bird traps, ziplines, rooftop fights, flying ARC, and nearby players as part of the condition’s added hazards and activity.
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Other additions and changes
- Two new Epic Augment types and seven new quests.
- Open parties, allowing Embark and platform friends to join, plus expanded squad invitations.
- Mouse smoothing and gamepad rebinding options.
For the full official breakdown, see Headwinds Patch Notes 1.13.0. The publisher also issued a January 27 Headwinds update release.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where ARC Raiders is listed
ARC Raiders’ official site describes it as a multiplayer extraction adventure and lists Steam, Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and GeForce NOW. Storefront availability can vary by region and change over time; check the official site for current listings.
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- Capture and Tame Dinosaurs: Discover over 100 different dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures on the island, finding ways to tame them into useful additions for your tribe's dyno herd
- Survive Above All: Hunger, thirst, basic safety, and protecting yourself from the weather are all part of the game
- Harvest, Hunt and Build: Cut down trees and turn them into a basic home, which you can quickly expand into a Jurassic estate. Hunt for meat, scavenge for plants (or start your own garden!)
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- Explore the Island: Solve the mystery of The ARK as you explore this massive island, discovering Explorer's Notebooks (filled with clues!) throughout
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