Arc Raiders Shared Watch event explained

Arc Raiders was the breakout shooter of 2025, and that momentum hasn’t slowed down a couple of months into 2026. This is, in large part, due to how well Embark Studios has maintained its exciting update schedule, and it seems to be making a big step with its Shared Watch event.

The Arc Raiders Shared Watch event will be doubling down on PvE, rather than PvP, which seems like the logical choice. Arc Raiders players have generally shown an aversion to PvP, despite it being a feature of the game, instead taking aim at the AI-controlled Arcs.

So, let’s answer the questions of: What is Arc Raiders Shared Watch, when will it take place, and what will it bring to the game?

Arc Raiders Shared Watch event is all about teaming up to take down the machines, adding cooperation into the mix. Players will also earn merits from destroying, assisting, and damaging ARC, earning rewards.

Interestingly, no merits will be earned from PvP encounters, with Embark Studios going in the direction that its playerbase is in. With the Arc Raiders Shared Watch details being on full display in the patch notes, it’s clear that playing with friends, or even strangers, is all the rage.

Arc Raiders Shared Watch will run from February 10 to February 24. While it will only last a couple of weeks, those wanting more out of Arc Raiders need not wait long for another event. After the Shared Watch event concludes, players can sign up for the next expedition from February 25.

This new expedition will begin on March 1, and for those who want to know more, check out our coverage on the Arc Raiders 2026 roadmap.

Outside Arc Raiders Shared Watch, Embark Studios has made a myriad of changes to its breakout shooter, which are listed in the 1.15.0 update patch notes. This, of course, comes with balance tweaks, bug fixes, and improvements on known issues.

On top of improving balance, Arc Raiders will be bringing back the Cold Snap condition on outdoor maps. This will hit players with Frostbite damage, increasing the risk-to-reward ratio with increased loot value available. You can also collect and throw snowballs, as well as Candleberries, which aren’t tied to an event anymore.

Two new cosmetics will be added too:

With the Shared Watch Event hitting Arc Raiders for a couple of weeks, it’s clear that Embark Studios is committed to maintaining the momentum it has built from the game’s breakout year. Given that it has maintained a mighty playerbase so far, it gives players plenty of reasons to stay with the game long term.

It also seems like Arc Raiders is going further in the direction of PvE gameplay over PvP. Now that Arc Raiders Shared Watch will be encouraging co-op, it’s the best time to grab a friend, or perhaps make one on your journey topside.