ARC Raiders' Headwinds update has officially landed, and just like the Cold Snap release before it, this January 2026 patch brings more than balance tweaks and environmental changes. One of the biggest additions is a fresh batch of eight new quests designed to push players deeper into the game's systems, map knowledge, and enemy encounters.

These quests aren't brutally difficult, but they are deliberately paced. Headwinds uses them to guide players through key locations, introduce new ARC threats, and reinforce mechanics that become increasingly important in mid-to-late progression. Whether you're a solo Raider or running with a squad, completing these missions will naturally sharpen your situational awareness and efficiency in the field.

Below is a full breakdown of all eight Headwinds quests, what they ask of you, and what to expect as you work through them.

Combat Recon

Combat Recon serves as the onboarding quest for the Headwinds update. Its purpose is to reacquaint you with live combat zones and reinforce scouting behavior rather than reckless engagements.

You'll be tasked with entering active ARC-controlled areas and observing enemy patrol patterns. This usually involves approaching hot zones without triggering full-scale combat, scanning or tagging enemies, and safely extracting afterward. The quest subtly encourages players to slow down, use cover, and pay attention to sound cues rather than sprinting headfirst into danger.

Completing Combat Recon sets the tone for the rest of the quest-line. It reminds you that survival in ARC Raiders isn't just about firepower, but information and positioning.

A Prime Specimen

A Prime Specimen raises the stakes by focusing on a high-value ARC enemy. Unlike standard drones or patrol units, this quest revolves around locating and engaging a more dangerous target with enhanced durability or abilities.

You'll need to track down a specific enemy type, usually in a heavily contested area, and successfully eliminate it. Preparation matters here. Ammo management, armor condition, and escape routes can make the difference between a clean kill and a failed run.

This quest reinforces the importance of choosing your fights wisely. While the target is mandatory, how you approach the encounter is up to you. Some players will brute-force it, while others will kite enemies, isolate the target, and strike when conditions are favorable.

On Deaf Ears

On Deaf Ears focuses heavily on environmental awareness and sound-based gameplay. ARC Raiders' audio design plays a major role in survival, and this quest makes sure players learn to respect it.

Objectives often involve navigating zones where sound traps, alarms, or noise-triggered enemies are present. Making too much noise can rapidly escalate an otherwise manageable situation into a chaotic firefight.

To complete this quest efficiently, players need to crouch more often, avoid unnecessary movement, and pay close attention to surface types and environmental hazards. On Deaf Ears rewards patience and punishes careless rushing, making it one of the more instructive quests in the Headwinds lineup.

The League

The League introduces a narrative-focused objective that ties into the wider ARC Raiders world. Rather than being purely combat-driven, this quest leans into investigation, faction context, and discovery.

You'll be sent to specific map locations to uncover information related to rival groups or historical events tied to the League itself. Expect a mix of exploration, light combat, and data retrieval.

This quest helps flesh out the game's lore while also encouraging players to visit less-traveled parts of the map. It's an excellent change of pace after the more action-heavy earlier missions.

With A View

With A View is all about verticality and map control. ARC Raiders' environments reward players who understand elevation, sightlines, and vantage points, and this quest makes that lesson explicit.

Objectives typically require reaching elevated positions, scanning areas from above, or surviving encounters while exposed on rooftops, towers, or cliffs. Enemy fire is more dangerous when cover is limited, so positioning becomes critical.

Completing With A View improves your overall map awareness. After finishing it, many players find themselves naturally seeking high ground more often in future runs.

On The Map

On The Map emphasizes navigation and spatial understanding. Rather than reacting to enemies, this quest asks you to deliberately move through specific regions and mark or interact with key locations.

This often includes discovering points of interest, activating map features, or confirming the presence of certain landmarks. While combat can still occur, the real challenge lies in planning efficient routes that minimize risk.

This quest is especially helpful for newer or returning players, as it deepens familiarity with the evolving map layout introduced in Headwinds.

Bombing Run

Bombing Run shifts the focus back to high-intensity action. This quest revolves around explosives, either deploying them yourself or navigating areas where bombardments occur.

You may be required to destroy ARC structures, eliminate clustered enemies, or survive timed explosive events. Timing and awareness are crucial, as poorly placed explosives can be just as dangerous to you as to the enemy.

Bombing Run rewards decisiveness and confidence. Hesitation often leads to being overwhelmed, while clean execution can clear objectives quickly and safely.

Movie Night

Movie Night is one of the more unique quests in the Headwinds update, blending atmosphere, storytelling, and subtle objectives. While the name sounds lighthearted, the mission itself often takes place in a tense, eerie setting.

Expect environmental storytelling, unexpected encounters, and objectives that require careful observation rather than brute force. Movie Night stands out as a reminder that ARC Raiders isn't just about combat efficiency, but also mood and immersion.

Many players consider this quest a highlight of the update due to its distinct pacing and tone.

Progression, Time Investment, and Optional Shortcuts

While none of the Headwinds quests are mechanically difficult, completing all eight does take time. Between preparation, failed runs, and cautious exploration, progression can feel slow for players with limited playtime.

This is where external services come into the conversation. If you're short on time or simply want to accelerate your progress, buying safe ARC Raiders Coins can be a tempting option. Platforms like MMOEXP are widely known for providing fast ARC Raiders Coins through a well-established and trusted system.

For players juggling multiple games or limited sessions, this can help reduce grind without skipping the content entirely. As always, how you approach progression depends on your personal priorities and playstyle.

Final Thoughts

The Headwinds update may not reinvent ARC Raiders overnight, but its eight new quests do an excellent job of reinforcing the game's core strengths. From tactical combat and sound awareness to exploration, verticality, and storytelling, each mission teaches something valuable.

Whether you're pushing through them naturally or looking for ways to speed up your progress, these quests provide structure and purpose in a dangerous, evolving world. Headwinds continues ARC Raiders' trend of rewarding thoughtful play, and these new quests are a strong example of that philosophy in action.