ARC Raiders Live Update 1.39.0 Tests a New Defensive PvP Matchmaking Rule
The update also fixes grenade damage, adds stackable trinkets, introduces the Dweller Outfit, and addresses issues across maps, projects, stability, and the UI.
ARC Raiders Live Update 1.39.0 is rolling out on July 28, 2026, with a major matchmaking test, fixes for inconsistent Seeker Grenade and Wolfpack Grenade damage, stackable trinkets, and the new Dweller Outfit in the store. Embark Studios detailed the changes in its official Steam announcement.
The biggest system change is a test that removes defensive PvP from a squad’s playstyle estimate. Only fights a squad starts will affect that estimate during the test, while defending against another squad will not count toward it.
Embark previously reduced the weight given to defensive encounters in an adjustment introduced on May 20, after feedback from players. The studio said those changes received positive feedback and is now testing whether removing the impact entirely produces better matchmaking results. A squad is considered to be defending when another squad damages, downs, or knocks out one of its members first.
The intensity of an encounter still matters. Longer firefights with more damage and downs carry more weight than an accidental hit or a brief exchange where the attacking squad quickly leaves. Joining an ongoing fight between two other squads also counts as starting a fight.
Embark will monitor matchmaking data and player feedback over the next few weeks. The Solo, Duo, and Trio matchmaking tracking from Update 1.36.0 remains active, as do the matchmaking optimization changes introduced in Update 1.38.0. Players can share feedback through the official matchmaking survey.
The update also continues the ARC Raiders and THE FINALS crossover. Players have until July 30 at 3:00 p.m. CEST to complete the required Contracts in THE FINALS and earn the Azimuth outfit and Archaeologist Backpack bundle in ARC Raiders. After that, players can earn the Azimuth bundle in THE FINALS by playing ARC Raiders.
Patch Notes: ARC Raiders Live Update 1.39.0
This update covers matchmaking, audio, cosmetics, grenade damage, item behavior, map collision, stability, localization, and several Project and Expedition interface issues. It also adds the Dweller Outfit to the store while leaving a number of known Xbox, animation, gadget, and map issues under investigation.
Matchmaking Update: Testing Defensive PvP
- Who’s defending: If the other squad damages, downs, or knocks out any of your squadmates first, your whole squad counts as defending – the squad that strikes first is the one that started the fight.
- How it’s weighed: The more serious the encounter, the more it counts. A drawn-out firefight – with more damage dealt and raiders downed – weighs heavily, while a stray accidental hit or a brief exchange where the other squad flees after minimal damage still counts as starting a fight but weighs far less.
- Third-partying: Jumping into a fight between other squads that’s already underway counts as starting a fight, too.
Matchmaking Changes: Follow-up
- Solo, Duo, and Trio matchmaking tracking from 1.36.0 remains active.
- Matchmaking optimization adjustments from 1.38.0 remain active.
Bug Fixes & Content Updates
Audio
- Improved footstep audio in water.
- Added more distinct Dodge Roll sounds and variations.
- Adjusted ambient audio for certain cinematics.
Cosmetics
- Fixed mislabeled customization toggles for the Blindspot Set. “No Headset” now controls the headset on Blindspot.
- Updated customization toggles: The Triumph Set now uses Helmet Only; The Scorta Set now uses Gauntlet Off.
- Updated Scorta outfit color names in the UI to better match the actual colors.
- Fixed a missing UI string for a blue backpack cosmetic.
Gameplay
- Fixed inconsistent damage for Seeker Grenade and Wolfpack Grenade.
Items
- Fixed an issue where the Train model could appear in two places in the Raider Den when only one was owned.
- Trinkets introduced alongside the Converging Paths project now stack similarly to other trinkets, and their drops have been adjusted for more consistent looting across maps.
Map
- Fixed multiple clipping issues, floating props, landscape holes, and spots where players could get stuck on Dam Battlegrounds.
- Fixed multiple collision and clipping issues on Buried City (including invisible obstacles), corrected materials, and resolved a spot where downed players could get stuck near an overpass.
- Closed a hole in Buried City that allowed using the Snap Hook to go out of bounds.
Stability
- Fixed an issue that could cause players to get stuck in the End of Round tunnel after leaving a map.
- Fixed a startup crash that could occur after the photosensitive warning screen.
UI
- Polished UI text and updated localization across supported languages.
- Fixed an issue where item prices over 10,000 were shown with incorrect shorthand in the Trader tab when using Japanese or Simplified Chinese.
- Updated localization for Trinket names and ARC terminology across menus.
- Updated the start screen with a new looping background video.
- Fixed an issue where pressing L3 on gamepad wouldn’t toggle the item tooltip on Ermal’s Select Items screen, and added a background blur to improve readability.
- Updated Projects list and screens to group related Projects for easier browsing.
- Updated Project UI: corrected text, improved previews for multi‑phase projects, and projects now unlock after playing 5 rounds.
- Fixed an issue with background visuals updating incorrectly
- Fixed an issue where Projects could fail to advance to the next step after completing a goal, even after contributing the required items.
- The Projects Tab has been improved with added quest & step descriptions, more consistent text and reward tiles and restored navigation so completed stages can be reviewed after finishing a project.
- Fixed an issue where the Trophy Display Raider Project rewards preview showed a duplicate “Howl” Emote.
- Improved Expedition and Project UI: grouped projects only appear when at least one is active, fixed top bar navigation, and corrected Expedition step display.
- Standardized the timer display across Project and Expedition screens for clearer countdowns.
Known Issues
- We are investigating an ongoing issue where some XBOX players (particularly on Series S) are experiencing crashes.
- The Quick Wheel item selection may suddenly swap to another item on the Wheel when closing the Quick Wheel and re-opening it quickly.
- The Dolabra, Hullcracker and Rascal do not deal damage to training dummies on Practice Range.
- The throw animation may sometimes fail to play when attempting to detonate a Trigger ‘Nade immediately after throwing it.
- Some gadgets and throwables lack a “Cancel” button when preparing to throw them.
- The weapon swap animation may appear broken if weapon swapping right after vaulting.
- Player animations may appear broken when interrupting a search of the Baron Husk.
- Shredders float to the ceiling in some rooms of the Hidden Bunker.
- Leapers can jump through the ARC Turbine.
- When picking up items, the pickup sound may not be the correct one.
- When bringing items that give Merits with you into a Raid, the items will wrongfully display a Merits icon.
- Shots taken while riding ARC may not register correctly.
- Some doors may allow player flashlights’ beams to pass through instead of blocking the emitted light.
- Some hairstyles may clip through the Reaver Outfit helmet.
- We are aware of some clipping issues with the Triumph and Azimuth outfits.
- Old Ermal offers may appear to be available in the ‘Acquire and Craft’ menu (visual only).
Have you noticed changes in matchmaking or any of the fixes from Update 1.39.0? Share your thoughts in the comments, and follow us on X, Bluesky, YouTube, and Instagram.
ARC Raiders
Developed by Embark Studios
ARC Raiders is a multiplayer, extraction adventure, set in a lethal future earth, ravaged by a mysterious mechanized threat known as ARC.
- Genre: Shooter
- Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5
- Modes: Multiplayer, Co-operative
- Release: 2025-10-30
- Publisher: Embark Studios
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Age Rating:
- IGDB Rating: 89.7/100
