Embark Studios has released ARC Raiders update 1.000.055 on September 8, 2026, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. The update introduces a significant technical shift by migrating the game engine to Unreal Engine 5.7, while setting a timeline for the retirement of the current Cred currency system.

Engine Upgrade to Unreal Engine 5.7

The transition from Unreal Engine 5.3 to version 5.7 serves as the primary technical change in this patch. This upgrade is intended to improve performance across supported platforms. For PlayStation 5 players, this version resolves a specific issue where the game would crash shortly after starting a session.

Transition to Frozen Trail and Currency Changes

Players should note that Cred will expire on October 8, 2026. This currency will be replaced by a new reward system arriving with the Frozen Trail update. This removal functions as a precursor to a planned rework of the Raider Deck system. While the current economy is shifting, Embark Studios has not yet confirmed if the Frozen Trail expansion itself will launch on the same October 8 date.

Movement and Over-encumbrance Mechanics

A new severe tier for over-encumbrance has been added to the game’s weight management system. When a Raider carries excessive weight, their movement is restricted to walking only. In this state, both sprinting and jumping are disabled, increasing the risk during extraction if players become over-encumbered.

Combat and Expedition Adjustments

Several balance changes and fixes have been implemented to refine the gameplay loop:

• Quest Resets: Expedition quest resets are no longer automatic. Players now have a toggle option to manually reset quests upon departure.
• Aphelion: Weapon sway has been reduced for the Aphelion, providing better stability when aiming.
• The Matriarch: A fix has been applied to the Matriarch’s stomp attack. It no longer deals damage through tall cover or to players standing directly on top of the enemy.

New Cosmetics in Bird City

New decorative items have been added to Bird City for use in Raider Dens. These include community-designed rubber ducks created by gekko.rar, im_AshCheeks, and nassguhl.

For more details on the transition to the new reward system, players can view the official update notes on the ARC Raiders website.