Embark Studios has released ARC Raiders Live Update 1.42.0, bringing another substantial batch of content and improvements to Topside. The August 18 update introduces the next stage of Phantom Targets, a new Raider Project, the Anomalia Outfit, regional Map Condition scheduling, new Twitch Drops, the Tick Hunter Set, and a long list of gameplay and technical fixes.
The update also comes with an important Fair Play report from Embark, detailing recent anti-cheat actions and what the studio is doing to combat repeat cheaters, economy exploits, teaming, and matchmaking abuse.
In brief:
- Phantom Targets continues with Part 2 and the Anomalia Outfit
- Embark has taken action against numerous accounts using recently popularized cheats
- Regional Map Condition Scheduling now adjusts conditions around regional peak hours
- The Tick Hunter Set and new Car Freshener and Ceramic Vase Twitch Drops are available
Phantom Targets Part 2 and the New Raider Project
Phantom Targets is moving into its second stage with Update 1.42.0. According to Embark, Shani has traced the mysterious targets back to erratic Wasps displaying behavior that she has never seen before. These ARC units are producing unusual sounds, moving unpredictably, carrying unidentified technology, and gathering toward a single location.
The update introduces Phantom Targets Part 2 as a Raider Project, while the new Anomalia Outfit is tied to the Phantom Targets event. This gives Raiders another objective to work toward while the mystery surrounding the strange Wasps continues.
ARC Raiders Update 1.42.0 Brings Major Anti-Cheat Changes
One of the biggest parts of the update is Embark’s latest Fair Play report. The studio says it has been improving its anti-cheat systems alongside Anybrain and Denuvo Anti-Cheat over the past several weeks.
Those improvements have already resulted in action against a large number of accounts using popularized cheating software recently. Embark is also developing ways to make it harder for serial cheaters to obtain new accounts and return after permanent sanctions.
Detection of economy exploits has also improved, allowing Embark to identify and sanction offending accounts more quickly. Meanwhile, multiple initiatives are being developed to combat teaming and matchmaking abuse, particularly situations where groups deliberately enter the same lobbies to grief other players.
Embark also warned players against unofficial third-party software, noting that it can result in bans while potentially putting personal information and account credentials at risk. The developer recommends enabling 2FA or passkeys on external accounts connected to an Embark ID.
Regional Map Condition Scheduling Is Now Live
Update 1.42.0 changes how Map Conditions are scheduled. Instead of using one global schedule, Map Conditions will now be offset according to different regions.
Embark says the change is intended to place more Map Conditions around each region’s peak playing hours. In theory, this should make it less likely that players repeatedly miss certain conditions simply because of where they live or when they normally play. The official Map Condition tracker has also been updated to reflect the regional scheduling system.
Tick Hunter Set Is Now Available
The Tick Hunter Set has officially launched alongside Update 1.42.0. The premium DLC includes several cosmetics as well as Raider Tokens.
The Tick Hunter Set contains:
- Tick Hunter Outfit with Red, White, Green, and Black options
- Field Telephone Backpack
- Tick Trophy Backpack Charm
- Spider Tattoo Face Style
- 2,400 Raider Tokens
The bundle launched on August 18 and is priced at $19.99 on the US PlayStation Store, while the Steam listing also confirms its August 18 release.
New ARC Raiders Twitch Drops
There are also two new Twitch Drops arriving with Live Update 1.42.0. Players can earn the Car Freshener and Ceramic Vase cosmetics through the latest drop campaign.
Gameplay, Audio, and Quality of Life Changes
Update 1.42.0 includes a sizable collection of smaller improvements and bug fixes. One notable gameplay change allows the Snitch to call in a Rocketeer, as well as a Firefly and Hornet duo. Snitch Scanners are not affected.
Other changes include fixes for Queen and Matriarch stomp attacks hitting through walls, Photoelectric Cloak protection against Turbine lightning and Matriarch missiles, spawn protection for the Surge Coil Trap, and the ability to rebind Quick Wheel slots. The Dolabra, Hullcracker, and Rascal should also correctly deal damage inside the Practice Range.
Footstep audio has received several improvements as well, including better indoor movement sounds, clearer foliage audio, unique sounds for plastic cloth and tarps, and different firing audio for Tier 3 magazine upgrades.
ARC Raiders Update 1.42.0 Known Issues
Embark is still investigating crashes affecting Xbox Series S, while some PC crashes have been linked to Windows Update KB5121003. Epic Games Store players may also encounter sudden keyboard input loss, with disabling overlays or alt-tabbing currently suggested as possible workarounds.
Other known issues include broken animations after certain actions, a persistent Projects notification dot, incorrect shot registration while riding ARC, clipping problems with several outfits, and old Ermal offers appearing in the Acquire and Craft menu despite no longer being available.
Overall, ARC Raiders Live Update 1.42.0 combines fresh Phantom Targets content with some meaningful behind-the-scenes improvements. Regional Map Conditions should make limited-time conditions easier to experience, while Embark’s latest anti-cheat efforts show that combating cheats, exploits, and matchmaking abuse remains an ongoing priority.
