Embark Studios released ARC Raiders Update 1.21.0 on March 24 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. This patch is light on new gameplay but includes fresh cosmetics and a set of fixes that should make runs Topside less frustrating.

What’s in Update 1.21.0

The short version: not a huge content drop, but useful fixes and some new gear for players who like looking good while fighting giant machines. The patch adds a new Raider Tool and a new Backpack set as purchasable cosmetics. More importantly, it addresses a number of bugs and exploits.

  • New cosmetic items: Raider Tool and Backpack set.
  • Fixed a crash that could happen with DirectX 11.
  • Fixed an issue where players could get stuck inside the Harvester or between destroyed ARC parts.
  • Fixed cases where ARC enemies would spawn inside geometry.
  • Fixed an exploit that allowed players to walk through walls while carrying a Fuel Cell or Field Crate.

Flashpoint Is Coming on March 31

Embark is preparing a bigger free update called Flashpoint, scheduled for March 31. This will be the third of four planned updates for the first half of 2026. Details are still sparse, but the studio shared a short teaser that hints the deadly Shredder enemy may appear on the Blue Gate map. The teaser’s caption suggested someone forgot to close the Stella Montis doors, and the footage showed the Blue Gate tunnels, implying the Shredder will no longer be confined to its original map.

Flashpoint arrives a few weeks after the Shrouded Sky update, which added a Hurricane Map Condition with dangerous weather effects, two new ARC enemies called the Firefly and Comet, a new Raider Deck, facial hair customization, and a new location on Dam Battlegrounds. The Firefly quickly became one of the more lethal ARC threats in the game.

Looking ahead, April’s Riven Tides update is expected to introduce a new map and a large ARC enemy. Early development footage has shown a big flying ARC, so many players suspect that will be the next major threat after the Queen and Matriarch.

For now, download 1.21.0 if you play on console or PC, scoop up the new cosmetics if you want, and enjoy a slightly smoother Topside experience while we wait for Flashpoint.