ARC Raiders’ biggest update yet arrives April 28 — new map, massive boss, and the end of resource grinding

On April 28, ARC Raiders is getting Riven Tides — the fourth and final update of its first 2026 content wave. In terms of scale, it’s the largest patch since the game’s launch.

The headline feature is a brand-new map. This coastal location in the southwestern part of the Rust Belt includes the abandoned Exodus hotel — complete with a pool, terrace, and rooftop bar — as well as an industrial port area filled with cranes, containers, and wrecked ships. It’s the first completely new map since the release of Stella Montis in November 2025.

Alongside the map comes a new ARC-class boss. Teasers depict it as a slow, ominous presence circling above the harbor. Fans are already speculating: one theory suggests it could be the long-rumored spider-like machine with lasers from pre-release materials that never made it into the game. The update will also introduce a new environmental condition for the map — possibly storms or flooding.

But the most important change is to the expedition system, which has been controversial since launch. Progression is no longer tied to the value of resources stored in your stash — instead, it now depends on the damage you deal in combat. Hoarding loot is no longer necessary: what matters is fighting. Bonus skill points are now free and earned through active gameplay. The game recently won “Best Multiplayer” at the 2026 BAFTA Awards — and the studio clearly isn’t slowing down.

The third expedition window opens on April 29 and runs until May 4.

Do you think Embark made the right call shifting progression from resource grinding to combat activity? What do you think about the update? Share your thoughts in the comments.