Arc Raiders North Line Update (March 2026) Complete Guide

Updated by Soumya Thakur
November 13, 2025
Gaming Guides

Winter has arrived in the post-apocalyptic world of Arc Raiders, and with it comes the game’s most ambitious update yet. As someone who’s been following Arc Raiders since its explosive launch on October 30, 2026, I can confidently say that the North Line Update represents everything the community has been hoping for and then some.

The Arc Raiders North Line Update launches on November 13, 2026, at 1:30 AM PT / 4:30 AM ET / 9:30 AM GMT / 10:30 AM CET, bringing the highly-anticipated Stella Montis map, terrifying new ARC enemies, powerful weapons, and the game’s first global community event called Breaking New Ground. This isn’t just another content drop; it’s a transformative update that fundamentally changes how we experience Arc Raiders’ dangerous extraction gameplay.

Having spent countless hours exploring the four launch maps, I’ve been eagerly waiting to venture north into the mysterious Stella Montis region. The fact that Embark Studios is gating this content behind a community-driven unlock event is absolutely brilliant—it creates genuine excitement and brings the entire player base together for a shared goal. If you’ve been playing Arc Raiders since launch or you’re just getting started, this comprehensive guide will tell you everything you need to know about the North Line Update.

Arc Raiders North Line Update Overview

Before diving into the specifics, let me give you a quick overview of everything included in this massive update:

Here’s your data neatly formatted into a table:

Category	Details
Release Date	November 13, %currentyear% at 1:30 AM PT
New Map	Stella Montis (Northern region, community unlock)
Community Event	Breaking New Ground (Multi-phase progression)
New ARC Enemies	Matriarch (Map condition spawn) & Shredder (Stella Montis exclusive)
New Weapon	Energy Burst Battle Rifle (Aphelion)
New Explosives	Impulse Mine, Timed Mine (Deadline Mine), Gas Jump Mine (Gas Mine)
New Grenades	Seeker Grenade, Trailblazer Grenade
New Playstyles	Lone Wolf & Trailblazer
New Quests	Stella Montis-themed questlines
Event Currency	Merits (for Phase II progression)
Next Update	Cold Snap (December %currentyear%)

This update arrives just two weeks after Arc Raiders launched, which is remarkably fast for such substantial content. Embark Studios clearly isn’t wasting any time delivering on their promise of a flexible, non-seasonal content roadmap that keeps the game fresh and exciting.

When Does Arc Raiders North Line Update Release?

Timing is everything in extraction shooters, and you’ll want to know exactly when you can start participating in the Breaking New Ground event. The Arc Raiders North Line Update goes live on November 13, 2026 at the following times across major regions:

Pacific Time (PT): 1:30 AM
Eastern Time (ET): 4:30 AM
Greenwich Mean Time (GMT): 9:30 AM
Central European Time (CET): 10:30 AM
Australian Eastern Time (AEDT): 8:30 PM

For players in Europe and Asia, this timing means you’ll get first crack at the Breaking New Ground event. By the time North American players wake up and log in, there’s a good chance the community will have already made significant progress toward unlocking Stella Montis. This creates an interesting dynamic where early participants can gain a head start on Merit accumulation and exclusive rewards.

The update will be available immediately upon launch across all platforms—PC (Steam and Epic Games Store), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Thanks to Arc Raiders’ excellent cross-platform support, you’ll be able to team up with friends regardless of their platform preference.

Breaking New Ground: Arc Raiders’ First Community Event

The Breaking New Ground event is unlike anything we’ve seen in extraction shooters before. Instead of simply releasing the Stella Montis map for everyone to access, Embark Studios is asking the entire player base to work together to rebuild the ancient tunnels connecting Speranza to the frozen northern region.

How the Community Event Works

The event operates in multiple phases, with the entire Arc Raiders community contributing resources toward a shared goal. Here’s how it works:

Phase I: Breaking New Ground (Resource Contribution)

Any player who has completed at least five rounds can participate in the community effort. You’ll need to collect and donate basic materials to the tunnel restoration project:

Metal Parts
Fabric
Chemicals
Rubber Parts
Plastic Parts

These are all common materials you’ve likely been gathering throughout your raids. The difference is that now they serve a greater purpose—every donation brings the community one step closer to unlocking Stella Montis.

Merit System & Rewards

Your contributions won’t go unrewarded. Every material donation earns you Merits, a brand-new event currency that will fuel the next phase of progression. While there’s a cap on how many Merits you can personally earn through donations, additional contributions still help the community reach the unlock threshold faster.

This system is genius because it prevents individual players from hoarding infinite rewards while still incentivizing everyone to contribute as much as possible. Even after you’ve maxed out your personal Merit earnings, you’ll want to keep donating to help unlock Stella Montis sooner for everyone.

Phase II: Staking Our Claim (Limited-Time Progression)

Once the community successfully restores the tunnels and unlocks Stella Montis, Phase II automatically triggers. This introduces a completely new progression track featuring:

Personal challenges and objectives
Exclusive rewards tied to Stella Montis exploration
Limited-time availability (runs until December)
Merit-based advancement system

The time-limited nature of Phase II creates urgency. You’ll want to participate actively during November to maximize your rewards before the Cold Snap update arrives in December and potentially introduces new progression systems.

Why This Community Event Matters?

If you’ve played Helldivers 2, this approach will feel familiar and that’s a good thing. Global community events create genuine moments of shared experience that typical live service updates can’t match. Instead of everyone grinding independently, we’re all working toward a common goal that benefits the entire player base.

I’ve already seen the Arc Raiders community rallying on Discord and Reddit, with players organizing resource farming groups and strategizing the most efficient ways to contribute. This level of community engagement is exactly what extraction shooters need to thrive long-term.

For more information on how to maximize your loot gathering efficiency, check out our guide on Arc Raiders Launch Tower Loot strategies.

Stella Montis: The New Arc Raiders Map

Stella Montis has been visible but locked on the world selection screen since Arc Raiders launched, teasing players with its mysterious presence. Now, we’re finally getting access to this frozen northern region—assuming we can work together to unlock it.

Stella Montis Environment & Setting

Embark Studios describes Stella Montis as “cold, pristine, and filled with the remnants of humanity’s lost ambitions.” The map is carved deep into the northern mountains, featuring an abandoned facility that remains eerily well-preserved compared to the wreckage of the Rust Belt maps we’ve been exploring.

The environmental storytelling here sounds fascinating. Unlike the decayed industrial complexes and battle-scarred landscapes of existing maps, Stella Montis presents a glimpse of what humanity achieved before the ARC threat emerged. The sterile, untouched nature of these ruins hints at secrets about humanity’s push toward the stars—secrets that raiders will uncover through new questlines.

From a gameplay perspective, expect Stella Montis to offer distinct tactical challenges:

Close-quarters facility interiors requiring different loadout strategies
Snow and ice environmental hazards potentially affecting movement
Vertical exploration through the mountain facility
Exclusive ARC spawn locations (more on the Shredder below)
Unique loot tables with rare resources and schematics

Stella Montis Questlines

The update introduces new Stella Montis-specific quests that tie into the larger narrative of humanity’s struggle to reclaim the surface. While Embark Studios has kept quest details under wraps, we know they’ll focus on:

Investigating the facility’s original purpose
Recovering long-lost technology and schematics
Uncovering lore about pre-ARC humanity
Understanding why Stella Montis remained so well-preserved

As someone who appreciates when extraction shooters incorporate meaningful storytelling rather than just being loot simulators, I’m excited to see how these quests expand Arc Raiders’ world-building. The game has always had strong environmental storytelling, and Stella Montis promises to deliver even more narrative depth.

New ARC Enemies: Matriarch & Shredder

Two terrifying new ARC machines are joining the roster, and both represent significant threats that will test even veteran raiders’ skills.

The Matriarch: A Queen-Tier Nightmare

The Matriarch is described as “a hulking ARC machine that makes the Queen look friendly by comparison.” If you’ve faced the Queen during Harvester events, you know how devastating that encounter can be. The Matriarch takes that threat level and amplifies it significantly.

Key Matriarch Details:

Spawn Conditions: Appears during specific map conditions across all regions (not exclusive to Stella Montis)
Threat Level: Extreme—requires coordinated squad tactics and heavy weaponry
Comparison: Makes the Queen enemy seem easy by comparison
Availability: Available from the start of Breaking New Ground event

The fact that the Matriarch spawns under specific map conditions rather than being freely available is interesting. This suggests Embark is taking a page from their Harvester event playbook, creating special high-stakes encounters that appear periodically rather than constantly.

Based on the Queen fight’s mechanics, I expect the Matriarch will require:

Heavy armor penetration weapons like the Ferro or Wolfpack
Coordinated focus fire from multiple raiders
Strategic positioning to avoid devastating area attacks
Substantial ammunition reserves

The rewards for defeating a Matriarch will likely be proportionally impressive—think legendary schematics, rare materials, and potentially Merits for the community event.

The Shredder: Stella Montis’s Exclusive Terror

Unlike the Matriarch, the Shredder is exclusive to Stella Montis and will only appear once the community unlocks the new map. This ARC specializes in close-quarters combat, forcing raiders to “stay sharp in close-quarters encounters.”

Shredder Tactical Considerations:

Environment: Designed for the tight corridors and facility interiors of Stella Montis
Combat Style: Aggressive close-range attacks requiring quick reflexes
Counter Strategy: Likely requires shotguns, SMGs, or the new mines for effective defense
Threat Assessment: Potentially more dangerous than Leapers and Pops in confined spaces

The Shredder’s close-quarters focus suggests it will punish the long-range playstyle that works so well on open maps like Dam Battlegrounds and Spaceport. You’ll need to adapt your loadout specifically for Stella Montis encounters, possibly running:

Close-range primary weapons for Shredder encounters
The new Gas Jump Mine or Impulse Mine for crowd control
Backup long-range weapons for other ARCs
Enhanced mobility skills for quick repositioning

New Weapons & Equipment

The North Line Update introduces a substantial arsenal of new tools to help raiders combat the enhanced ARC threat.

Energy Burst Battle Rifle (Aphelion)

The star of the update is the Aphelion, Arc Raiders’ first energy-based rifle. This legendary weapon adds an entirely new damage type to the game’s weapon ecosystem.

Aphelion Weapon Profile:

Weapon Type: Energy Burst Battle Rifle
Rarity: Legendary
Ammo Type: Energy Clips (expensive, limited availability)
Primary Use: Strong ARC armor penetration
Expected Stats: High per-shot damage, moderate fire rate
Crafting Cost: Likely requires rare materials and significant resources

Energy weapons in extraction shooters typically offer superior armor penetration at the cost of ammunition scarcity. Expect the Aphelion to excel against heavily armored ARCs like the new Matriarch while being less economical for general PvP encounters.

The “burst” designation suggests it fires in controlled bursts rather than fully automatic, rewarding accurate aim over spray-and-pray tactics. This fits Arc Raiders’ emphasis on tactical gunplay over mindless shooting.

New Explosives: Three Mine Types

The update adds three distinct mine types, dramatically expanding your tactical options for area denial and ARC control:

1. Impulse Mine (Pulse Mine)

Likely delivers electromagnetic or knockback damage
Excellent for controlling ARC approach routes
Potential crowd control against multiple enemies

2. Timed Mine (Deadline Mine)

Classic delayed detonation mechanic
Strategic placement for ambush tactics
Useful for defending extraction points

3. Gas Jump Mine (Gas Mine)

Unique mobility or area denial function
Potentially provides vertical movement options
Could create hazardous zones forcing repositioning

These mines complement Arc Raiders’ existing explosive options, giving you more ways to control ARC patrols and secure high-value loot locations. I’m particularly interested in the Gas Jump Mine—if it provides mobility enhancements, it could revolutionize vertical exploration in Stella Montis’s multi-level facility.

New Grenades: Seeker & Trailblazer

Two new grenade types join your arsenal, each offering unique tactical applications:

Seeker Grenade

Name suggests tracking or homing capabilities
Potentially auto-targets nearby ARCs
Useful against fast-moving threats like Wasps

Trailblazer Grenade

Thematically connected to the Trailblazer playstyle
Possibly creates paths or marks targets
May support team coordination

The grenade additions fill gaps in Arc Raiders’ current explosive lineup, which has been somewhat limited compared to the weapon variety. More explosive options mean more tactical flexibility when facing overwhelming ARC numbers.

New Playstyles: Lone Wolf & Trailblazer

Embark Studios is introducing two new playstyles with the North Line Update, though details remain somewhat mysterious. Based on the names and Arc Raiders’ existing systems, here’s what I expect:

Lone Wolf Playstyle

The Lone Wolf playstyle likely supports solo players who prefer tackling raids without a squad. Potential features include:

Enhanced solo survivability through defensive bonuses
Stealth or evasion mechanics for avoiding detection
Resource gathering efficiency to compensate for reduced firepower
ARC awareness systems to help solo players avoid overwhelming encounters

This addresses a real need in the community. While Arc Raiders is designed for squad play, many players enjoy the challenge and intensity of solo raids. A dedicated playstyle that acknowledges and supports this preference would be excellent.

Trailblazer Playstyle

The Trailblazer playstyle seems oriented toward exploration and pathfinding. Expected mechanics might include:

Enhanced movement speed or mobility options
Improved loot detection for finding valuable resources
Path marking to guide teammates
Scouting bonuses for reconnaissance

The Trailblazer Grenade shares this name, suggesting a synergy between the playstyle and equipment. This could create a specialized role focused on efficient map exploration and resource location—perfect for players who enjoy the discovery aspect of extraction shooters.

I’ve reached out to community managers for clarification on how these playstyles integrate with Arc Raiders’ existing skill tree system, and I’ll update this guide once we have official information.

What’s Next: Cold Snap Update (December 2026)

The North Line Update is just the beginning of Arc Raiders’ post-launch content roadmap. Embark Studios has already teased the next major update, Cold Snap, scheduled for December 2026.

Cold Snap Update Features

Flickering Flames Event

New limited-time event with exclusive rewards
Thematically connected to winter/holiday season
Unknown mechanics but likely community-driven

Snowfall Map Condition

Dynamic weather affecting all maps
Potential visibility reduction and movement changes
Creates new tactical challenges across existing locations

Expedition Reset

The long-awaited Expedition Project Raider reset
Fresh progression cycle for veteran players
New meta opportunities and build experimentation

Additional Content

Further map expansions
More ARC enemies
Continued weapon and equipment additions

The seasonal naming (North Line for November, Cold Snap for December) suggests Embark is building thematic content arcs rather than arbitrary numbered seasons. This approach feels more narratively cohesive and creates better anticipation for each update.

For players wondering about the long-term viability of Arc Raiders, this aggressive content schedule demonstrates Embark’s commitment to supporting the game well beyond its initial launch.

Maximizing Your North Line Update Experience

Based on my extensive experience with Arc Raiders and similar extraction shooters, here are my top tips for making the most of the North Line Update:

Pre-Update Preparation

1. Stockpile Basic Materials Start farming Metal Parts, Fabric, Chemicals, Rubber Parts, and Plastic Parts now. You’ll want substantial reserves ready to donate immediately when Breaking New Ground begins.

2. Clear Your Stash Sell or recycle items you’re not using to make room for Stella Montis loot. The new map will likely introduce unique materials you’ll want to store.

3. Review Your Loadouts Test different weapon combinations on current maps. The Matriarch will require heavy firepower, while Stella Montis’s close-quarters may need mobility-focused builds.

4. Squad Coordination If you play with a regular group, discuss roles and strategies for the community event. Coordinated farming is far more efficient than solo grinding.

Early Update Strategy

First 48 Hours:

Focus on Merit accumulation through material donations
Participate actively in Breaking New Ground
Avoid burning through resources on experimental loadouts
Wait for community feedback on Matriarch strategies

First Week:

Explore Stella Montis thoroughly once unlocked
Complete new questlines for exclusive rewards
Test the Aphelion and new explosives
Adapt your playstyle to the new ARC threats

Long-Term:

Participate in Phase II progression before December
Build optimized Stella Montis loadouts
Master Matriarch and Shredder encounters
Stockpile resources for Cold Snap update

For players new to extraction shooters or Arc Raiders specifically, check out our complete beginner’s guide to understand the core mechanics before diving into endgame content.

How Arc Raiders Compares to Other Extraction Shooters?

The North Line Update positions Arc Raiders as a serious competitor in the crowded extraction shooter space. Having played extensively across the genre, including Escape from Tarkov, here’s how Arc Raiders stacks up:

Accessibility vs. Hardcore: Arc Raiders strikes a better balance than most competitors. It maintains the tension and high stakes that make extraction shooters exciting while being more approachable than Tarkov’s punishing systems. The PvE focus (fighting ARCs) creates natural cooperation opportunities that pure PvP extraction shooters lack.

Content Cadence: Two weeks post-launch for a major update is remarkably fast. Most extraction shooters take months between substantial content drops. Embark’s flexible roadmap without traditional seasons allows for more responsive development.

Community Engagement: The Breaking New Ground event represents genuine innovation. Rather than just dropping content, Embark is creating shared moments that bring the community together. This approach builds stronger player investment than standard update cycles.

Technical Performance: Arc Raiders runs exceptionally well across platforms. System requirements are reasonable, and cross-platform implementation is seamless—major advantages over competitors with ongoing technical issues.

Arc Raiders Community Resources

Staying connected with the Arc Raiders community enhances your experience and keeps you informed about updates, strategies, and events:

Official Channels:

Official Arc Raiders Website
Official Discord Server (463,000+ members)
Official Twitter/X
Arc Raiders Subreddit

Community Resources:

Arc Raiders Wiki
Arc Raiders Fandom Wiki
YouTube content creators for guides and gameplay
Raider Hub Discord for LFG and community events

Additional Guides:

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the Arc Raiders North Line Update release?

The Arc Raiders North Line Update releases on November 13, 2026, at 1:30 AM PT / 4:30 AM ET / 9:30 AM GMT / 10:30 AM CET. The Breaking New Ground community event begins immediately upon launch, allowing players to start contributing resources toward unlocking Stella Montis.

What is the Breaking New Ground event in Arc Raiders?

Breaking New Ground is a multi-phase community event where all Arc Raiders players work together to restore tunnels connecting Speranza to the Stella Montis map. Players donate basic materials (Metal Parts, Fabric, Chemicals, Rubber Parts, Plastic Parts) to the restoration project, earning Merits currency for Phase II progression. Any player who has completed at least five rounds can participate.

What materials do I need for the North Line community event?

You need to collect and donate five types of basic materials: Metal Parts, Fabric, Chemicals, Rubber Parts, and Plastic Parts. These are common materials found throughout Arc Raiders’ existing maps. While there’s a cap on personal Merit earnings from donations, additional contributions help the community unlock Stella Montis faster.

What are the new ARC enemies in the North Line Update?

The update introduces two new ARC enemies: The Matriarch, a hulking machine that “makes the Queen look friendly by comparison” and appears under specific map conditions across all regions; and The Shredder, a Stella Montis-exclusive ARC that specializes in devastating close-quarters combat and forces tactical adaptation in confined facility spaces.

Is Stella Montis available immediately when North Line launches?

No, Stella Montis requires the community to complete the Breaking New Ground event first. The entire player base must collectively donate enough materials to restore the tunnels before anyone can access the new map. Once unlocked, Phase II “Staking Our Claim” begins, introducing a limited-time progression track available until December.

What is the Aphelion weapon in Arc Raiders?

The Aphelion (also called Energy Burst Battle Rifle) is a legendary energy-based rifle introduced in the North Line Update. It uses Energy Clips ammunition and offers strong ARC armor penetration, making it particularly effective against heavily armored enemies like the new Matriarch. The burst-fire mechanism rewards accurate aim over spray-and-pray tactics.

What are Merits in Arc Raiders?

Merits are a new event currency introduced with the North Line Update. Players earn Merits by donating materials to the Breaking New Ground community event. These Merits fuel Phase II progression (“Staking Our Claim”), which includes personal challenges, exclusive rewards, and limited-time advancement opportunities available until the December Cold Snap update.

What new explosives are in the North Line Update?

Three new mine types join Arc Raiders: Impulse Mine (likely electromagnetic or knockback damage), Timed Mine/Deadline Mine (delayed detonation for ambush tactics), and Gas Jump Mine/Gas Mine (potential mobility enhancement or area denial). The update also adds Seeker Grenade (possibly tracking/homing) and Trailblazer Grenade (supporting exploration and team coordination).

What are the Lone Wolf and Trailblazer playstyles?

While full details haven’t been revealed, Lone Wolf likely supports solo players with enhanced survivability, stealth mechanics, and resource gathering efficiency. Trailblazer appears focused on exploration and pathfinding, potentially offering movement bonuses, improved loot detection, and scouting advantages for reconnaissance-focused players.

When is the next Arc Raiders update after North Line?

The Cold Snap update is scheduled for December 2026. It will introduce the Flickering Flames event, a new snowfall Map Condition affecting all maps, the awaited Expedition Project Raider reset, and additional content expansions. Embark Studios is following a flexible, non-seasonal roadmap with thematically connected updates.

Can I play Arc Raiders North Line Update on all platforms?

Yes, the North Line Update launches simultaneously on PC (Steam and Epic Games Store), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Arc Raiders features full cross-platform support, allowing you to play with friends regardless of platform and maintaining unified progression across all systems where you own the game.

Final Thoughts: The Future Looks Bright for Arc Raiders

The Arc Raiders North Line Update represents exactly what I hoped to see from Embark Studios—ambitious content delivery, genuine community engagement, and meaningful expansion of the game’s world and mechanics. Two weeks post-launch for this level of content is remarkable, and it demonstrates Embark’s commitment to keeping Arc Raiders fresh and exciting.

The Breaking New Ground event is particularly brilliant. By gating Stella Montis behind community cooperation, Embark creates a shared moment that will be remembered long after the map unlocks. When I look back at my favorite gaming memories, they’re almost always tied to these types of communal experiences rather than solo achievements.

The addition of terrifying new ARCs like the Matriarch and Shredder keeps combat encounters challenging and unpredictable. The new weapons and equipment provide tactical variety without overwhelming players with too many choices. And the promise of monthly thematic updates (North Line in November, Cold Snap in December) suggests a sustainable content pipeline that doesn’t burn out developers or players.

Arc Raiders has already proven itself as one of 2026‘s most successful extraction shooter launches, and the North Line Update positions it to maintain that momentum. Whether you’re a hardcore extraction shooter veteran or someone drawn in by Arc Raiders’ more accessible approach, there’s never been a better time to venture topside and face the ARC threat.

See you in Stella Montis, Raiders. Stay sharp, watch your six, and maybe Just maybe we’ll uncover the truth about what humanity left behind in its push toward the stars.