ARC Raiders, the popular extraction shooter developed by Embark Studios, is on the rise with exciting new content and updates. The Headwinds update introduced exciting challenges and rewards, yet an increasing number of players are expressing significant concerns regarding the latest map condition, Bird City. Numerous fans express that the rotation of the daily schedule makes it almost unfeasible for them to fully engage with this map, particularly those residing in time zones such as GMT who have typical daytime responsibilities.
Addition of Bird City
Bird City is an exciting new minor map condition for the Buried City in ARC Raiders, unveiled with the Headwinds update. In this scenario, swarms of birds fill the streets and rooftops, crafting nests that hold precious treasures and unique collectibles. The mechanic was crafted to revolutionize the typical Buried City experience, delivering players exceptional rewards.
Enthusiasts were thrilled by the introduction of Bird City, as it promised an exciting new gameplay experience and the chance to earn valuable rewards for active participants.
Timezone Problems Make It Impossible for Some to Enjoy Bird City
Despite the excitement, a significant segment of the ARC Raiders community is expressing frustration as Bird City is only accessible during limited hours that clash with various time zones. Players in GMT and comparable regions have noted that this schedule frequently overlaps with their work hours, late-night commitments, or periods when they are unable to engage in gameplay. A Reddit user expressed that Bird City is “a non-starter for us in GMT timezone with regular day jobs,” and hoped that Embark would implement a dynamic schedule to allow more players around the globe to participate.
Bird City is a non starter for us in GMT timezone with regular day jobs 😭 I wish Embark would consider a dynamic schedule to give everyone across the globe a chance at all game modes! What do others think, will we see this happening in a future patch or are we forever doomed?
byu/Jay-SA121 inArcRaiders
This isn’t an isolated sentiment either. Comments from players around the world echo similar frustrations, with some saying they miss out on the event entirely because of when it goes live. Other community members have even suggested that the rotation should be more random or run on a shorter cycle so everyone can participate.
A Valid Complaint
Fans of ARC Raiders are expressing their frustration in discussion threads across social platforms, feeling excluded from one of the most eagerly awaited map conditions due to its timing. Individuals balancing full-time careers, academic commitments, or family duties often encounter limited chances to engage with Bird City during its active hours. While some have noted that this issue isn’t new, Bird City has brought it back into the spotlight due to its unique appeal and growing popularity.
Players often jest that only those with flexible schedules or night owls will truly experience everything the game has to offer, underscoring a divide between those who can play during unconventional hours and those who cannot.
Will Developers Listen? Future Patch Possibilities
As of now, there has been no official announcement from the developers at Embark Studios regarding any potential changes to the scheduling system in ARC Raiders. With the community’s growing enthusiasm, many players are optimistic that the team will soon roll out dynamic scheduling, rotating event times, or notifications, allowing a broader audience to experience map conditions like Bird City.
The ARC Raiders roadmap for 2026 is set to unveil additional content updates and map conditions, presenting an opportunity for community feedback to shape the timing and nature of future events.
Until that moment arrives, gamers in time zones such as GMT may find themselves feeling left out of one of the most exciting features introduced in ARC Raiders, unless they can adapt their gaming hours to fit the existing schedule.
