5 things that fans want for ARC Raiders in 2026

ARC Raiders was released on October 30, 2025, and has since grown a massive playerbase. The game has become the hub of social experimentation, incredible gameplay, and perhaps the new standard for extraction shooters. Heading into 2026, players may desire new items to be added to the game and gameplay features that make it even more immersive.

This article will go over five things that fans would like to see in ARC Raiders in 2026.

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ARC Raiders in 2026: 5 things players want to see

1) Speranza made into an optional playable hub

Speranza should become playable (Image via Embark Studios)

This idea has been suggested on Reddit threads many times since the release of the game. Currently, players can navigate a menu to reach the necessary Traders or check out quests in Speranza. Some players have suggested that Speranza should become a playable interactive hub.

If this were to be implemented in ARC Raiders in 2026, players will finally be able to travel within this social hub and interact with NPCs such as Traders and also one another. It could become a social landscape for players to make new friends and experiment with new objectives. However, this should not remove the menu option completely, as some players may enjoy getting to the point directly and focusing on their raids.

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2) Outfit customization

ARC Raiders should allow more outfit customization (Image via Embark Studios)

The outfits in ARC Raiders are brilliant. However, there are some limitations when it comes to customizing them. One can't really mix and match different outfits together. Nor can they choose just about any colour combination they desire. Players are stuck with the options provided by the game in a strict sense.

Therefore, it would be better if the range of customizability for outfits is increased in ARC Raiders in 2026. This would allow raiders to wear their own unique colours and designs to stand out from others.

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3) New ARCs and maps

New enemies should be introduced in-game (Image via Embark Studios)

These are somewhat obvious additions that players must desire for upcoming updates. However, adding new ARC enemies to the already large ensemble of the deadly machines would certainly make the game more exciting in 2026. Perhaps larger threats, such as the Matriarch, should be introduced. This may unite many raiders who want to take it down since a solo player or even a squad may not suffice.

Apart from that, new maps are a given. Stella Montis was recently introduced to the game and has so far received a warm welcome from the players. Newer additions with different terrain types would also be a much-needed change in ARC Raiders in 2026.

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4) Expedition Project

A relaxed Expedition Project may encourage more resets (Image via Embark Studios)

The Expedition Project allows players to get a clean slate in terms of their journey in the game. Once you finish the requirements of the project, you get a refreshed character and can begin again from scratch.

The only problem here is, the requirements for the Expedition Project are pretty demanding. This makes a player grind for hours over many weeks in order to get things done. Relaxing the requirements would allow players to experience ARC Raiders in 2026 better, especially newer players who are bound to want a reset at least once for whatever reason.

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5) Recruiting players on the Topside

More social interaction features should be added (Image via Embark Studios)

ARC Raiders is popular not only because of its gameplay, but also due to the social dynamics the game encourages. It's a massive social hub where players interact in aggressive or friendly ways, making each raid memorable. Allowing one to literally recruit other players into their parties on the Topside would certainly be a great addition.

Imagine taking on a Queen, and you need additional support from friendly players you encountered a while ago. If such a feature were added, you'd be able to expand your party and play as a larger team.

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These are five features players may want to see in ARC Raiders in 2026. The game has certainly become a cultural phenomenon in the world of gaming. However, new features always help keep a game fresh, and something like ARC Raiders should be open to social experimentation given its massive playerbase that regularly interacts in-game.

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Edited by Prit Chauhan