ARC Raiders Update 1.42.0 Traces Phantom Targets to Strange Wasps

ARC Raiders Update 1.42.0 is live, and it pushes the Phantom Targets storyline toward a strange new threat: erratic Wasps. The patch also brings the second part of the event, regional map-condition scheduling, fresh rewards, anti-cheat updates, and a long list of audio, gameplay, UI, and stability fixes. Embark Studios detailed the full change set in its Update 1.42.0 announcement.

The Phantom Targets event now moves into its second phase through the Phantom Targets Part 2 Raider Project, with the Anomalia Outfit also arriving as part of the update. Raiders can pick up the Tick Hunter Set, while new Twitch Drops include a Car Freshener and Ceramic Vase through the Twitch Drops page.

Update 1.42.0 follows the August 11 Store Update 1.41.0, which added Vulpine outfit colors and startup fixes for Steam players.

Phantom Targets points toward erratic Wasps

Shani has finally identified the source of the phantom targets after receiving help from Raiders. The culprit is a group of Wasps behaving in ways she has never seen before, including strange noises, unpredictable flight patterns, and unknown technology attached to them.

All of the affected ARC units are moving toward one location, but Shani still needs more help figuring out what awaits them there. The new event content gives Raiders another reason to keep an eye on the skies while working through the latest Player Project.

Map conditions now follow regional schedules

Map Conditions no longer rely on one global schedule. Starting with Update 1.42.0, each region receives an offset schedule designed around its peak playing hours.

The goal is to make it less common for players to miss a particular condition simply because it appeared during inconvenient hours in their region. The in-game and website information has been adjusted as well, and the Map Condition tracker now reflects the regional timing.

Embark outlines its latest fair-play actions

Embark says it is investigating reports of third-party software whenever the tool may provide an advantage in a match or at the account level. The studio also warned that unofficial software can expose personal data, compromise connected accounts, and lead to a ban.

Players are advised to use two-factor authentication or passkeys on every external account connected to their Embark ID, and to keep their login details private. The note even includes a reminder not to hand over credentials for any number of ducks—which is probably good advice in every possible situation.

Work with Anybrain and Denuvo Anti-Cheat has led to action against a large number of accounts using cheat tools that had recently spread. Embark is also working on permanent penalties for repeat offenders, methods to make replacement accounts harder to obtain, and faster detection of accounts involved in economy exploits.

Separate efforts are aimed at teaming and matchmaking abuse. The studio says some regions and time periods make it easier for groups to force their way into lobbies and grief other players, with more information planned once those efforts are ready.

Rubber Duck contest winners are coming to the Raider Den

Three finalists from the Rubber Duck Design Contest were selected by popular vote on August 20. Embark has started working on adding the winning designs to the game in a future update, giving Raider Dens some wonderfully strange new decorations.

The selected creators are gekko.rar, im_AshCheeks, and nassguhl.

ARC Raiders Update 1.42.0 Patch Notes

The changelog covers sound improvements, new ARC behavior, combat fixes, better controls, a repaired Buried City zip line, UI changes, and several crash fixes. The update also leaves a number of known issues under investigation, including crashes on Xbox Series S and a PC problem linked to Windows Update KB5121003.

Content and Bug Fixes

Audio

• Refined footstep and movement sounds indoors: removed scuff sounds, improved audibility at distance, and updated occlusion and concrete surface cues.
• Improved footstep audio when moving through foliage for clearer, more natural sound.
• Added unique footstep sounds when moving over plastic cloth and tarp surfaces.
• Added different audio for all Tier 3 magazine upgrades firing sounds.

Gameplay

• The Snitch can now call in a Rocketeer. Additionally, it can also call in a Firefly and Hornet duo. Snitch Scanners should not be affected by this change.
• Fixed stomp attacks from the Queen and Matriarch sometimes hitting through walls or from much farther away than intended.
• The Photoelectric Cloak now works against Turbine lightning attacks and Matriarch missiles.
• Added spawn protection to the Surge Coil Trap to avoid affecting players as they spawn in.
• Added the ability to rebind Quick Wheel slots.
• The Dolabra, Hullcracker and Rascal now deal damage correctly in the Practice Range.

Map

• Fixed an issue where a zip line in Buried City couldn’t be interacted with by repositioning it to ensure it can be used.

Performance

• Improved UI texture streaming cache for better memory efficiency and reliability.

Stability

• Fixed several crashes and made various improvements to stability.

UI

• Fixed project tiles incorrectly showing “Part X completed” on projects without parts.
• Corrected spelling errors and updated localized text across multiple languages.
• Polished matchmaking error messages for clarity.
• Completed project quests now correctly bring you to the associated project page when pressing the “Claim” shortcut button in the logbook.
• Added a Region label on the Map selection screen, which displays your current Matchmaking region.

Known Issues

• We’re continuing to investigate reports of crashes on XBOX Series S. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your reports. As soon as we know more, we’ll let you know.
• We’re aware of issues with crashing on PC, related to Windows Update KB5121003. Please consult our workaround shared here while we work on a fix.
• Players on Epic may experience a sudden loss of keyboard input.
  • While we look into this, we recommend disabling any Overlay you may have active. Additionally, you can try alt-tabbing out and back into the game.
• The Projects tab has a sticky notification dot.
• The throw animation may sometimes fail to play when attempting to detonate a Trigger ‘Nade immediately after throwing it.
• 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 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.
• We are aware of some clipping issues with the Triumph, Reaver and Azimuth outfits.
• Old Ermal offers may appear to be available in the ‘Acquire and Craft’ menu (visual only).

What do you think of the Phantom Targets reveal and the new regional scheduling? Share your thoughts in the comments, and follow us on X, Bluesky, YouTube, Instagram, Steam, and Telegram.

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. Enlist as a Raider and scavenge the surface to thrive in a desolate world. But beware of the machines. Beware of Raiders preying on others.

ARC Raiders blends the tension from extraction shooters with atmospheric settings from the adventure genre. Lurking threats—from deadly machines to other Raiders—create a constant ebb and flow of intensity, where every moment is charged with the thrill of high stakes. Extract valuable loot and explore the unfolding mysteries of a vibrant, lethal world.

ARC Raiders supports seamless social play across PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. Play with your squad and thrive as a team, or rise in the ranks as a lone ranger.

• Genre Shooter
• Platforms Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5
• Perspective Third person
• Modes Multiplayer, Co-operative
• Release October 30, 2025
• Publisher Embark Studios
• Age Rating

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