ARC Raiders Update 1.13.0 introduces Bird City, Solo vs Squads and Open Parties
ARC Raiders’ latest 1.13.0 update adds a high-risk Solo vs Squads mode, the new Bird City map condition, and expanded social features, marking a major step forward in depth and flexibility for Embark Studios’ extraction shooter.
ARC Raiders has received one of its most substantial updates yet, with Update 1.13.0 introducing a new map condition, expanded matchmaking options, and long-requested social features.
The headline addition is Solo vs Squads, a high-risk matchmaking option aimed at veteran players.
Available to solo raiders at level 40 and above, the mode allows individuals to queue directly into squad matches, taking on full teams alone.
To offset the difficulty, successful or failed runs grant a 20 per cent bonus XP, positioning the mode as a test of skill rather than a replacement for standard play.
Update 1.13.0 also adds Bird City, a new rotating condition for the Buried City map.
Flocks of birds now nest across rooftops and chimneys, introducing new traversal routes, trinket rewards, and denser combat encounters.
Developer Embark Studios has said Bird City is designed to push more vertical fights, with additional ziplines, traps, and flying ARC enemies encouraging rooftop engagements and closer player proximity.
On the progression side, players can now take on the Trophy Display project, a long-term objective that tasks raiders with hunting increasingly dangerous ARC units.
Completing stages unlocks cosmetic rewards, blueprints, Raider Tokens, and a sizeable currency payout, with no time limit or expedition reset pressure.
Social play also gets a meaningful upgrade, as Open Parties will allow friends to join a group seamlessly, even while a match is in progress, while Squad Invites let any party member invite additional players.
Discord-linked users can also join directly, reducing friction for coordinated play.
Beyond new features, the patch includes two Epic Augments, seven new quests, extensive bug fixes, controller rebinding, mouse smoothing options, and anti-cheat updates introducing a progressive ban system.
