The fourth and final major update in Embark Studios' early 2026 roadmap for ARC Raiders is almost here. Riven Tides is shaping up to be the biggest update the game has seen so far, bringing a brand-new map, a new large ARC threat, a fresh Map Condition, and an Expedition Window to the mix. If you've been waiting for something to shake up the game, this is it.
When does Riven Tides release in ARC Raiders?
Embark Studios has not officially confirmed the exact release date for Riven Tides as of April 13, 2026. Based on the pattern set by the previous three updates, each of which launched on the final Tuesday of their respective months, the expected release date is April 28, 2026.
The table below covers expected start times across major regions. Keep in mind that prior updates have occasionally shipped a little late. The Flashpoint update, for example, arrived 30 minutes behind schedule, so build in some buffer time before you plan to log on.
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These times are based on Embark Studios' previous update schedule, not an official announcement. Delays are possible, as seen with the Flashpoint update.
What content is confirmed for Riven Tides?
According to the original 2026 roadmap published by Embark Studios, Riven Tides will include four major additions:
- New Map (coastal zone, based on in-game hints and concept art)
- New Large ARC threat
- New Map Condition
- Expedition Window
ARC Raiders 2026 update roadmap
The new map is the headliner. Community speculation, backed by in-game environmental hints and the roadmap's own icon design, points strongly toward a coastal zone setting. That would be a meaningful shift from the environments players have explored in updates like Shrouded Sky and Flashpoint.
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The roadmap icon for Riven Tides visually suggests a coastal or water-adjacent environment, which lines up with the "Tides" naming and community-shared concept art.
A new map in ARC Raiders isn't just a new backdrop. It comes with new points of interest to scout, new loot spawns to learn, and new Map Conditions that change how a raid plays out from run to run. Given how much depth the previous map additions brought to the game, the Riven Tides map is likely to occupy players for weeks.
What is the new large ARC threat?
This is where things get speculative, because Embark Studios has not confirmed the identity of the new large ARC threat. Two theories have been circulating in the community. The first points to the Emperor, an ARC that appears to be moving progressively closer to The Blue Gate based on in-game narrative cues. The second candidate is the Bishop, an ARC threat that appeared in pre-release footage but has never made it into the live game.
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Keep an eye on any in-game lore updates or environmental storytelling between now and April 28. Embark Studios has a history of seeding hints before major reveals.
Neither the Emperor nor the Bishop is confirmed. Treat both as community theories until Embark makes an official statement.
How does Riven Tides compare to previous 2026 updates?
The 2026 roadmap for ARC Raiders covered four updates: the first three being Shrouded Sky, an unnamed second update, and Flashpoint, with Riven Tides rounding out the year's early content plan. Each update introduced new Major Map Conditions and ARC threats, but Riven Tides is the only one on the roadmap that includes a full new map alongside a new large ARC threat simultaneously. That combination makes it the most content-dense update of the four.
The Expedition Window is another new addition listed on the roadmap, though no specific details about how it functions have been revealed yet. Based on available information, it's a new gameplay feature tied to the update, but specifics will likely surface closer to or at launch.
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All content details here are based on the original Embark Studios roadmap. No official patch notes for Riven Tides have been published as of April 13, 2026. Expect full details to drop shortly before or on launch day.
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