ARC Raiders Store Update 1.40.0 Breakdown: Queen Stomp Bug Fix Incoming and What's Coming August 18

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• ARC Raiders Chinese Producer Interview Blows the Lid Off the Biggest Lore Secrets | Frozen Trails May Reveal More ARCs' Origins in October!

  Perhaps due to a lack of significant new developments regarding the international version, some ARC Raiders players have shifted their attention to the recently launched Chinese version, while others have begun delving into the game's lore.

  Interestingly, a connection between the two has recently emerged; the publisher of Chinese version revealed several plot-related details in a recent interview, covering topics such as the origins of ARC, the lore behind The Exodus, and more.

  Was this information revealed inadvertently, or does it serve as a teaser for a larger ARC Raiders initiative? Could it be linked to the potential Frozen Trails update coming in October? We break it all down below.

  

  What lore details have sparked speculation?

  To enhance the experience and immersion, almost every game in the survival genre constructs a post-apocalyptic backstory.

  Adhering to this convention, ARC Raiders sets its story on a future Earth. Before the apocalypse struck, the planet endured a severe ecological crisis, necessitating a period of massive reconstruction.

  During this time, vast industrial complexes and spaceports were constructed, yet they failed to halt the planet's environmental decline. Eventually, the wealthy elite evacuated to space aboard alien-tech colony ships, an event known in the game as The Exodus.

  However, the majority of the population was left behind, forced to survive on dwindling resources. To make matters worse, decades after The Exodus, the mysterious ARC arrived on Earth, launching two successive waves of attacks.

  The sheer scale of the second ARC offensive overwhelmed humanity, forcing the survivors to retreat underground.

  You, along with other players forming Raiders, are the courageous and combat-ready warriors among this underground population. You venture to the surface, braving the chaos to scavenge the resources needed to keep the underground world functioning.

  What did Chinese version interview reveal?

  While the general narrative arc of ARC Raiders is clear, many details remain shrouded in mystery, such as the true origin of ARC and the ultimate fate of those who fled Earth via The Exodus.

  Since the game's launch, answers to these questions have been largely speculative. However, a recent interview with the producer of Chinese version touched upon the game's storyline, revealing information that had never been explicitly disclosed on the English official website.

  The biggest revelation, however, is undoubtedly that the humans who departed via The Exodus ultimately settled in low Earth orbit. Previously, official lore merely stated that they had fled into outer space, without specifying a location.

  Since low Earth orbit is only a few hundred kilometers from the planet, this suggests that the evacuees were not merely occupied with building new habitats; rather, they likely kept a close watch on Earth all along.

  Subsequent details from the interview reinforce this theory, noting that the departed humans continuously deployed monitoring and automated production machinery, likely in preparation for an eventual return to Earth.

  An intriguing piece of supporting evidence is the presence of Scavenging Seed Vault on Stella Montis map, a facility that appears to be a relic of the pre-apocalyptic era.

  Had the departed humans not intended to return, they would have had no reason to construct a seed vault. After all, much like in the classic story of Noah's Ark, crop seeds are essential for sustaining human civilization.

  If this hypothesis holds true, ARC units were likely created and deployed by those who leave to monitor Earth's ecosystem and manufacture the resources needed for humanity's eventual return.

  However, for reasons unknown, the interview mentions that "contact was eventually lost." Consequently, ARC machines came to view the humans remaining on Earth as hostile targets, sparking the conflict that drives every raid you undertake.

  Raising new questions

  If the information in the interview is accurate, the core mysteries surrounding ARC Raiders storyline that initially puzzled you are largely resolved. Yet, this raises further questions, specifically, who exactly were the two parties that "lost contact"?

  There are two primary possibilities. The first is that the departed humans lost contact with those left behind on Earth, resulting in a rift where they were not only physically separated but also ideologically misaligned. This led ARC to classify surface dwellers as enemies.

  The second possibility is that the migrants lost contact with ARC units themselves. Left to operate without human oversight, the machines continued to function, ultimately executing their "monitoring" mission in completely unexpected ways.

  These two scenarios would lead ARC Raiders main storyline down vastly different paths, leaving players eager for future game updates to reveal the truth.

  Based on interviews and speculation, the first theory seems to have more player support. After all, internal human divisions and cooperation are always more compelling than a simple "robot uprising."

  Furthermore, the humans who left Earth belonged to the wealthy elite; even if they hadn't lost contact with those left behind, the passage of time and the vast distances involved would inevitably create an irreparable rift between the two groups over several generations.

  Will Frozen Trails reveal more?

  Back in May, ARC Raiders team announced a shift in their update schedule: following Riven Tides, there would be only two major updates per year. The next one on the horizon is Frozen Trails, set to launch in October.

  What we know for sure is that this update will bring a wealth of new content, including new zones and ARC enemy types, while also delving into the origins of ARC.

  When you combine this with the recent interview details, it seems likely that the information shared was intended to build anticipation for Frozen Trails months in advance, keeping players excited and curious about ARC Raiders even during the content lull.

  In short, ARC Raiders boasts impressive gameplay design and a captivating backstory that leaves plenty of room for the imagination. Even if you've stepped away due to the lack of recent updates, you'll definitely want to return in time for the October launch!

  ---

  If you plan to keep playing ARC Raiders and want to gain an edge over returning players when Frozen Trails drops, not only you should stay up to date on upcoming changes but also buy ARC Raiders items on IGGM if you need!

  Doing so will help you complete new expeditions to unlock more permanent rewards or bonuses that will give you a head start when Frozen Trails goes live!

• ARC Raiders Update 1.39.0 ABMM Matchmaking | Defensive PvP Changes Create New Problems

  ARC Raiders' ABMM matchmaking system is no longer much of a secret. If you actively attack other players, you will be placed into PvP-oriented matches. If you consistently remain friendly, you will be matched with players who behave in a similar way.

  This system appears to naturally separate the two types of players, but once everyone understands how ABMM matchmaking works, some players with bad intentions can exploit it, even in supposedly friendly matches.

  

  ABMM Matchmaking Optimization

  As the player population has declined, the official team has been continuously adjusting the matchmaking system. Update 1.38.0 was automatically applied as a hotfix. Although it appeared to be a regular shop update, it actually included an important test.

  The update mainly targeted matchmaking optimization during low player count periods, in specific regions, and under certain map conditions. The goal was to achieve more accurate matchmaking based on squad size and play style.

  This could slightly increase Q times. The official team explained that the algorithm may take a little longer to find more suitable matches. This was only a test and not a permanent change.

  More Advanced Tracking System

  The key focus of this test was player playstyle rather than simply rank or squad size. The studio used a behavior spectrum system instead of dividing players into a simple "friendly" and "aggressive" binary. The system analyzes repeated behavior across multiple raids rather than making judgments based on only one or two matches.

  The system distinguishes between players who actively initiate fights and those who only fight back in self-defense. Therefore, a single elimination will not immediately change your matchmaking profile.

  Interactions with other players that occur rarely throughout an entire raid have very little impact on the overall profile evaluation. The system separately tracks behavior depending on whether you play solo, duo, or trio modes. This means you can enter more aggressive matches with friends while still being matched into friendlier environments when playing alone.

  It should be clarified that expensive high-tier equipment does not automatically place you against stronger opponents. There is also no exclusive matchmaking system that completely removes PvP. The system only increases the possibility of players with similar styles encountering each other, but it is not absolute.

  Live Update 1.39.0

  Although Update 1.38.0 appeared to be a positive change, Live Update 1.39.0 released on July 28 caused some players to exploit the matchmaking system.

  Defensive PvP adjustment changed how defensive actions were evaluated. Previously, players who fought back against attackers would still affect their PvP tendency score. The new test removed defensive actions from affecting matchmaking style and only counted behavior where players actively initiated combat.

  However, players quickly discovered that this system contained an exploitable loophole. The method was that, in PvE-focused matches, some players with malicious intentions would deliberately jump in front of teammates or other players who were attacking large targets such as Queen, intentionally forcing themselves to be hit.

  Once these players were shot, the system would determine that they had suffered an unfair attack. They could then legally retaliate without receiving penalties for "aggressive behavior." As a result, these fake PvP players could remain in low-aggression "peaceful" matches while continuing to take other players' loot. This type of intentional provocation has caused widespread reports and complaints within the community.

  What Problems Does This Create?

  When ARC Raiders first launched in October and November 2025, matchmaking was completely random. Players never knew whether they would encounter friendly players or intense PvP battles in the next match. This uncertainty was one of the game's core appeals.

  However, the introduction of ABMM artificially divided matches into two categories: PvP-oriented and PvE-oriented. For players who only want PvE matches, being forced into PvP encounters is undoubtedly frustrating.

  How Can It Be Solved?

  Separate PvE

  Based on the current situation, many players in the community believe the ideal solution would be to return to the early fully random matchmaking system. A separate pure PvE mode could satisfy players who have no interest in PvP.

  Meanwhile, in the main PvPvE mode, ABMM system should be completely removed. In addition, adding pure team deathmatch or PvP competitive modes similar to Stella Montis could help separate different player preferences. This would allow different groups to enjoy the experience they want and potentially bring back players who left because they disliked PvP.

  Security Protocol

  Security Protocol system in China server is also considered a strong alternative solution. During an interview, ARC Raiders development team in China revealed that the official team is open to sharing ideas and data, meaning some systems from China server could influence the global version in the future.

  During testing, Security Protocol mode became increasingly popular, with around 60% of players choosing to activate it during peak hours.

  Security Protocol requires players to actively enable a red antenna marker to show hostile intent. Otherwise, they are treated as PvE players by others. This gives all players a warning instead of allowing one-sided betrayal. The design does not eliminate PvP, but instead makes hostile actions more transparent.

  Exploits and matchmaking design issues are gradually damaging ARC Raiders' fairness and replayability. At the same time, widespread cheating is striking directly at the game's foundation. To restore player trust, the development team needs to make more careful adjustments to the matchmaking system or provide an entirely different game mode.

  ---

  Being betrayed in a peaceful match is far more hateful than being killed by other players in a PvP game. If you are unfortunately killed by these despicable rats, you can buy ARC Raiders items from IGGM, then forget about ABMM matchmaking system and get your revenge on them.

• ARC Raiders Update 1.39.0 Fixes PvP Matchmaking: Self Defense Won't Penalize You Anymore!

  While there is still some time to go before the next major ARC Raiders patch arrives, the team remains dedicated to refining core mechanics and foundational systems through regular weekly updates, ensuring a more stable experience with the existing content.

  To that end, ARC Raiders rolled out Update 1.39.0 this Tuesday, July 28th. Like all weekly updates, this one brings bug fixes and new outfits, but it also introduces further optimizations to the matchmaking system.

  In fact, Updates 1.36 and 1.38, released over the past month, already included adjustments to matchmaking. So, what changes does this update bring? And are the new outfits worth getting? Let's take a look.

  

  Matchmaking adjustments based on defensive PvP behavior

  Previous adjustments in Update 1.36.0 focused on precise matchmaking based on your playstyle (whether playing solo or in squads of various sizes), while Update 1.38.0 further refined those changes.

  Update 1.39.0 shifts the focus to self-defense during PvP encounters. ARC Raiders does not strictly separate PvE and PvP modes; this means that even if your goal is simply to take down ARCs, you might still attract attacks from players who prefer PvP.

  In such situations, your instinct might be to evade the threat, but if the other player relentlessly pursues you, you will have to draw your weapon and defend yourself.

  As you know, ARC Raiders matches you with teammates and opponents based on whether your combat style is aggressive or friendly. However, it would be unfair if frequently defending yourself resulted in being matched into a chaotic, high-intensity PvP environment.

  With this in mind, Update 1.39.0 removes the influence of self-defense actions on the matchmaking system; only initiating PvP combat will now affect your playstyle assessment and subsequent matchmaking.

  Please note that this change is currently in the testing phase. It may undergo further adjustments, be fully implemented, or be scrapped entirely if the results aren't satisfactory.

  If you encounter any bugs or have unique suggestions during the testing period, please provide feedback via the in-game questionnaire. Your input helps make ARC Raiders a better game for everyone!

  What counts as self-defense?

  Based on these changes, ARC Raiders has established more detailed criteria for defining self-defense. When playing in a squad, if another team initiates any form of attack against yours, your squad is considered being in a state of self-defense.

  Your squad's future matchmaking will remain unaffected by this specific skirmish; however, the initiating team will face progressively greater consequences depending on the intensity and duration of the combat.

  Furthermore, if a third party intervenes, whether to break up the fight or to instigate a more chaotic brawl, they will also be classified as an aggressor, and their future matchmaking will be impacted accordingly.

  While this might seem unfair to players who genuinely want to play peacemaker, hardly anyone is altruistic enough to try breaking up fights in a shooter game, right? Ultimately, this rule is designed to prevent disruptive players from interfering with the action.

  Finally, all these changes are compatible with the updates introduced in version 1.36.0, demonstrating the development team's commitment to further integrating PvP and PvE elements within ARC Raiders.

  Although this makes the release of a dedicated PvP or PvE mode seem more distant, the specific format matters less as long as the combat experience remains thrilling!

  The brand new Dweller Outfit Set

  Update 1.39.0 introduces the new Dweller outfit set, featuring components such as a backpack and gloves. When fully equipped, the set clearly emphasizes a heavily armored, fully covered look, complete with protective eyewear and a mask that completely conceals your face.

  The torso gear is also incredibly bulky, reminiscent of Cold Snap update released last winter.

  Unlocking the set individually needs 1,300 Raider Tokens, but if you unlock a specific bundle that includes the set, you can unlock it for an additional 1,000 tokens.

  Keep in mind that outfit sets are primarily for cosmetic customization; if you want to boost your combat effectiveness, the key lies in acquiring rarer gear and upgrading it regularly.

  

  Trinkets can now be stacked

  ARC Raiders previously launched Forgotten Relics Event in Update 1.33.0, allowing players to earn Merits and redeem them for various rewards, including a range of trinkets. The game now allows you to stack these trinkets.

  More bug fixes

  In addition to the new changes mentioned above, ARC Raiders brings a series of general bug fixes. Of particular note is a fix addressing inconsistent damage output from Seeker and Wolfpack.

  Once thrown, ARC Raiders Seeker Grenade locks onto the nearest ARC enemy and detonates upon impact. Wolfpack can launch up to 12 missiles, locking onto all ARC targets within its radius.

  This means both pieces of gear are highly useful, whether you are tackling standard Trials or special raids, so ensuring they function correctly is crucial.

  Speaking of the trials, Season 5 Week 4 trials have arrived alongside Update 1.39.0, featuring five specific missions.

  To complete all missions with a three-star rating before the event ends, you will need the right strategies and powerful gear. Don't delay, get started now! Plus, you can also test the new matchmaking system firsthand!

• ARC Raiders Harvester Puzzle Guide: How to Get Jupiter and Equalizer Weapon Blueprints Fast?

  Almost every Raider knows how crucial the weapon blueprints for Equalizer and Jupiter are to ARC Raiders.

  These two weapons are arguably the core indicators of a player's or team's late-game maturity, possessing devastating power in PvE, especially against high-difficulty mechanical bosses in the late game, where they outperform regular ARCs. However, not all players possess them.

  As high-value weapon blueprints, the primary way to obtain them in the game is still by farming Harvester Puzzle.

  

  Harvester Puzzle

  Spawn Points

  Harvester Puzzle typically spawns as a limited-time map event for ARC Raiders, guarded by Queen.

  Its main spawn maps are:

  • Dam Battlegrounds
  • Spaceport
  • Blue Gate

  Of course, you can check the icon in Speranza lobby map interface to see where it lights up. Harvester Puzzle lasts for about an hour, after which it transitions to the next environment, so it's recommended to go there immediately after checking the icon's location. 

  Key Features

  Harvester Puzzle revolves around speed and puzzle-solving, with a continuous 45-second cycle (charging, discharging, fire-breathing), severely testing players' speedrunning abilities.

  Therefore, your task isn't to defeat Queen outside, but to quickly infiltrate the interior and solve the puzzles.

  Completion Guide

  1. Collect and Insert Power Canisters

  After entering, use the elevator to reach the upper area. You'll need to use melee attacks or shooting to forcefully break through the upper metal panels to find hidden Power Canisters(3 are needed; sometimes one is lying on the ground).

  The facility's high-temperature defense system will activate periodically (the interior will glow orange or blue). When the system activates, you must immediately find cover or temporarily leave to avoid being burned by the flames.

  Blue light indicates an impending EMP impact, which only breaks the shield without causing damage (you can remove the shield to become immune to damage).

  A flashing orange and red light accompanied by a rapid alarm indicates that a full-scale firestorm will occur in 3 seconds, instantly burning your character to death. You must immediately escape the cabin for safety.

  After successfully escaping, forcibly break open the slot at the bottom of the central pillar (Queen will release a brief stun current upon breaking it; it is recommended to remove your shield beforehand to prevent it from shattering). Insert all 3 collected Power Canisters into the connected terminal.

  2. Destroy the Yellow Button

  After inserting all Power Canisters, Harvester will completely shut down, and 3 separate reward containers will pop up around the central pillar. Opening these containers will give you a chance to obtain high-tier loot and the extremely rare weapon blueprints for ARC Raiders Jupiter, and Equalizer.

  To prevent enemy players from ambushing you outside, it is recommended that you immediately place the blueprints into a Safe Pocket and quickly head to the extraction point after obtaining them.

  Weapon Configurations

  Targeting the characteristics of Harvester Puzzle and for a safer extraction, here are two optimal weapon configurations after ARC Raiders 1.38.0 update. These configurations feature high burst damage, rapid shield breaking, and node-breaking kills, allowing you to more safely obtain Jupiter and Equalizer.

  First Configuration

  Primary Weapon: Renegade

  Renegade is the primary damage-dealing weapon, effectively dealing with Queen guarding the outside and large numbers of ARC robots. Its high single-shot damage and accuracy allow you to quickly clear the area before entering Harvester.

  Secondary Weapon: Stitcher

  Stitcher is primarily used for melee combat and emergency shield breaking, suitable for defense and quickly breaking shields in the event of sudden external conflicts.

  Second Configuration

  Primary Weapon: Renegade

  Same function as the first configuration, but easier to obtain and more suitable than other ARC Raiders Weapons with similar functions.

  Secondary Weapon: Scambler

  After planting all Power Canisters in the first step of Harvester Puzzle, a yellow node will pop up on the central pillar. Using Scambler at close range, you can kill a node in just two shots, making it faster and less strenuous.

  Besides weapons, there are some essential items that you should carry regardless of your build:

  Crowbar

  Used for quickly prying open vents to infiltrate and for prying open second-floor panels to retrieve Power Canisters.

  Surge Coil

  While prying or planting Power Canister, place it at the only main entrance and vents on the first floor of Harvester to effectively prevent other Raider teams from sneaking in and attacking.

  Looting Mk. 3 (Safekeeper)

  While regular safe pockets usually have restrictions on what items can be put in, ARC Raiders Looting Mk. 3 (Safekeeper) not only allows you to put in any item in the game, but you can also take the items out even if you are knocked down.

  Therefore, after completing Harvester Puzzle and obtaining Jupiter and Equalizer weapon blueprints, place them along with your primary weapon into Safe Pocket provided by Looting Mk. 3 (Safekeeper) to prevent them from being stolen.

  Since a Harvester Puzzle only rewards three chests, and only one Jupiter or Equalizer blueprint will appear at a time, if you are in a multiplayer group, only one person can obtain the blueprint. The player who doesn't get it needs to re-enter and try again.

  Therefore, some players prefer to operate solo, making the three ARC Raiders Items mentioned above essential. In addition, there are some tips suitable for solo players, the essence of which lies in avoiding combat, removing the shield, speed, and quick escape through tunnels.

  Tips

  1. Removing the Shield for Infiltration

  Observe the patrol routes of ARC Queen on the outer perimeter. The instant you enter the facility's main gate or ventilation shaft, immediately manually remove your shield from your inventory. This perfectly negates the severe stun and vulnerability caused by the pulse shield breaking.

  2. Quickly Transport Power Canisters

  After entering the first floor and picking up the canister in its designated location, quickly insert it. Then, take the elevator directly to the second floor and find the remaining two Power Canisters. Don't carry them up the stairs; throw them directly to the first floor.

  If you hear three alarms or the sealed compartment lights up with an orange-red light, don't hesitate; run.

  3. Instantly Eliminate Alarm Nodes

  Use ARC Raiders shotgun recommended in your weapon configuration. Run and fire simultaneously; you can clear the nodes in about three seconds.

  4. Instant Escape Through the Tunnel

  After solving the puzzle, open the two chests closest to you in the center. With luck, you might find the blueprint for either Jupiter or Equalizer. Once you find them, immediately put them in your Safe Pocket. Don't linger in the red zone; quickly move to the nearest Raider Hatch to escape.

  If your strength and time allow, you can also try defeating Queen outside, as it, being a high-level boss, has a chance to directly drop the blueprints for these two legendary weapons. Even without the blueprints, it will drop the rare material needed to craft these weapons - Queen Reactors.

  In short, if you want to quickly acquire the blueprints for Jupiter and Equalizer, or already own them but want to farm more for trading on the market, ARC Raiders Harvester Puzzle is your best choice.

• Struggling with ARC Raiders Season 5 Week 3 Jump Mine Trial? Stop Target Farming the Wrong Enemies!

  There are only three days left until the conclusion of Season 5 Week 3 Trials in ARC Raiders. How is your progress coming along? After all, completing all five missions with a three-star rating can be quite tricky.

  One specific trial requires you to eliminate enough ARC enemies using Jump Mines to earn a three-star rating. The challenge lies in selecting the right types of ARC and grouping them effectively to maximize explosive damage in a single blast.

  If this mission has stumped you and you haven't finished this week's trials yet, don't worry, we will provide a guide for you.

  

  Stocking up on Jump Mines

  Whether you've already mastered the technique or are still figuring out the best strategy for using Jump Mines, a key prerequisite is having plenty of mines at your disposal.

  In ARC Raiders, Jump Mine is technically an Explosive Mine; it earned the nickname Jump Mine because it suddenly pops up and detonates at close range to deal damage. They can be placed directly on the ground or on the bodies of large ARC units.

  This quick-use item can be scavenged or crafted once you've unlocked the blueprint and gathered the necessary materials.

  However, if you've already burned through your supply, the best way to ensure you finish the trial on time is to buy IGGM ARC Raiders Explosive Mines now!

  It's worth noting that Explosive Mine blueprint is currently available in Nomadic Envoy Ermal's shop; you can acquire it by turning in the required quantities of Leaper Pulse Units, Pop Triggers, and Steel Springs.

  You can gather many of these trade materials while completing another trial mission that requires dealing melee damage to ARC enemies. So, be sure to adopt a strategy that maximizes your returns while boosting combat efficiency.

  Which ARC units are the best targets?

  There is a wide variety of PvE enemies in ARC Raiders, making it difficult to decide which ones to target for this trial.

  There are two common strategies: setting traps or using yourself as bait to lure a group of small ARC units together for a mass explosion, or focusing on large ARC units and placing Explosive Mines on their most vulnerable core areas.

  We tested both approaches. Overall, the first method is less efficient, so it is better to focus your attention on the larger enemies.

  For instance, simply placing a single Jump Mine on a Bastion's core yields at least 800 trial points; naturally, placing more mines results in a significantly higher score.

  Compared to Bastion, ARC Raiders Bombardier has thinner armor and lacks an exposed core, so you can place mines directly on its back. The final point yield is roughly the same as that of Bastion.

  Another enemy worth considering is ARC Turbine. It usually soars through the air but slowly descends to the ground to attack as the current raid nears its end.

  Ideally, the strategy would be to predict where Turbine will land and pre-place a cluster of Jump Mines; when it touches down, the simultaneous detonation would deal massive damage instantly.

  However, in practice, the moment you start placing Jump Mines, or even just approach while holding them, Turbine becomes agitated and immediately launches an electric attack. This electricity can destroy the mines you've already placed, effectively ruling out this strategy.

  What about Shredder? These enemies move incredibly fast, making them easy to lure into traps. Placing about four Jump Mines in a trap beforehand yields excellent results.

  Since Shredders respawn continuously across the map, you can place new mines in the same trap after destroying one and lure nearby newly spawned enemies in; this saves you from wasting time running all over the map.

  Overall, while most large ARC units are viable targets, Shredders offer the best results.

  Best locations for Shredder spawns

  This enemy type appears primarily on Stella Montis map, which has around 20 spawn points. To maximize your Trial Point farming efficiency, provided you can handle the challenge, enter the map during a Night Raid condition, as enemy spawn rates increase then.

  When luring Shredders, maintain the right distance so they simply follow you without attacking. If they attack, you'll waste time eliminating them prematurely, and the mines won't be as effective.

  

  Other recommended gear

  To ensure you complete the trial missions and extract successfully, you should, in addition to the essential Explosive Mines, bring plenty of healing and shielding items.

  A key healing item to unlock is Adrenaline Shot; it restores your stamina while also boosting your subsequent stamina regeneration rate.

  As for shields, a medium-sized model is a solid choice. It is also highly recommended to equip Augments to enhance its overall performance.

  Another piece of essential gear is Photoelectric Cloak. It renders you undetectable to ARC enemies until your energy runs out, though the trade-off is that you must move slowly while using it.

  Regarding offensive weaponry, simply bring the weapons you are most proficient with; their primary roles are defending against potential PvP threats and finishing off ARC units.

  Options like Bobcat, Renegade, or Tempest work well. Of course, don't forget to upgrade them and equip attachments.

  We hope this guide helps you successfully complete all missions before the weekly trial ends. Gear up and head into battle at Stella Montis now!

• ARC Raiders Update 1.38.0 Review: Matchmaking Finally Gets Fixed, But that's Nowhere Near Enough

  Dear Raiders, the fourth Expedition Departure for ARC Raiders officially began yesterday. To be honest, every time Expedition is about to start in the game, players can't help but express in the community their expectations that the development team might create some surprises.

  And this isn't just hype; it's purely based on their understanding and experience of the game. They just feel that for such an important milestone as Expedition, the development team should at least include something new, right?

  Even if it's not a major update, a new Raider deck, some new ARC Raiders items to pick up, or even a backpack trinket would be great. Many veteran players, though they don't say it out loud, are secretly hoping for even a small update.

  However, perhaps because of previous disappointments, some players are saying, "Don't worry, it'll probably just be adding a couple of new colors to our skins and that's it." Or they're saying there will definitely be another round of Trials, but it'll likely be released with bugs.

  These jokes are quite disheartening. So, did the recent ARC Raiders Store Update 1.38.0 meet everyone's expectations?

  

  Update Content

  The update everyone was waiting for finally went live on July 21st: Store Update 1.38.0. And indeed, as some players predicted, this update added two new colorways to Torpedo set - Camo and Black.

  Frankly, this is just a cosmetic change and doesn't significantly affect how you play matches in ARC Raiders. The truly noteworthy change is the optimization of the matchmaking algorithm.

  The development team candidly stated in their announcement that they received numerous complaints from players regarding the quality of matchmaking, especially during off-peak hours, in certain regions, or under specific map conditions, where the match experience was indeed subpar.

  Therefore, starting July 21st, they will be testing a new matchmaking logic. Simply put, the algorithm might make you wait a little longer, but the goal is to match you with opponents of similar playstyles and team sizes, making matches fairer and more interesting.

  This change is actually quite crucial because ARC Raiders is a mix of PvPvE. The quality of matchmaking directly determines whether you encounter equally matched opponents, get crushed by skilled players, or have a very quiet match when you enter the map.

  The Gap Between Expectations and Reality

  The updated outfit colors and matchmaking algorithm seem fine on their own, but the problem is that Update 1.38.0, comprised of these two elements, completely fails to meet player expectations.

  Many players are complaining that after each Expedition, regardless of win or loss, they have to use the materials lost in Topside to upgrade their benches level by level.

  This is the fourth Expedition, and the situation has remained almost unchanged in ARC Raiders.

  What players truly want is something fresh and innovative that breaks the mold - like a new gun that makes the ubiquitous Bobcat and Vulcano no longer the only viable options.

  Or a new map mechanic that forces players to adjust their tactics from ARC Raiders.

  In short, only these things can make Expedition feel different and fresher than before.

  How can new outfit colors and matchmaking optimizations alone keep players motivated to log in during the long lull from July to October?

  The Main Event in October

  If we put ourselves in their shoes, we might understand that ARC Raiders development team is not unaware of the desire for a new design, but they have most likely focused their manpower on the major update in October of this year.

  The community is naturally placing incredibly high expectations on that October update, with some even jokingly saying it will not only save the game but also solve world peace.

  It's clear that most people are pinning their hopes on that moment, but with several months to go, the regular updates in between won't satisfy the players' desires.

  Many rational veteran players believe that once this Expedition ends, they should put ARC Raiders aside and play something else first.

  Don't mistake this for giving up; it's more like a smarter form of self-management - since there's no new work, I won't waste my time here, lest I burn out my last bit of enthusiasm for the game.

  Future Uncertainties

  Overall, it's not that ARC Raiders development team isn't working, nor that players are too picky. Rather, the current timing is indeed delicate and awkward, and games that focus on PvPvE inherently need a constant influx of fresh content.

  Outfit color updates and matchmaking optimizations are routine game maintenance procedures and have their value, but expecting them to sustain the hype during a months-long hiatus is unrealistic.

  Whether the highly anticipated major update in October will deliver the new map, weapon balance improvements, and system overhaul everyone is hoping for remains to be seen.

  For veteran players who have already spent hundreds of hours in ARC Raiders, they need to see some noteworthy new changes in the game. Only in this way can Expedition not just be a repetition, but truly the beginning of a new journey.

  And only in this way will those who decide to leave ARC Raiders temporarily be willing to download the game again and return to this familiar yet somewhat unfamiliar battlefield when October truly arrives!