Want to build more powerful equipment but don't want to spend too much? Check out the exclusive offer linked in this article! Use promo code "Mia" at checkout to unlock special gamer perks and enjoy 8% off your purchase. This is a simple way to save more in-game currency and get ahead of the competition before the next major update.

Summary:

ARC Raiders Update 1.39 has arrived, and while it ARC Raiders Items doesn't introduce a major content expansion, it delivers one of the most impactful matchmaking improvements yet. Will defending yourself still make the game treat you like an aggressive PvP player? What does the mysterious "Phantom Targets" notification actually mean? Alongside matchmaking changes, this update also improves Trials, loot consistency, cosmetics, and audio. If you're preparing for the massive October update, here's everything you need to know.

1. Self-Defense No Longer Counts as Aggression—A Huge Win for Solo and Casual Players

The biggest highlight of Update 1.39 is the continued overhaul of ARC Raiders'matchmaking system.

Previously, fighting back after being attacked would still slightly increase your aggression rating, even if you were only defending yourself. With the new matchmaking test, only the squad that initiates combat will affect its playstyle rating. Pure self-defense no longer counts toward aggression at all.

This change makes matchmaking much fairer for explorers, loot-focused players, and anyone who prefers avoiding unnecessary fights. However, there's still one important rule to remember: if you jump into an ongoing fight between two other squads, the game will still treat you as the squad that initiated combat.

Key Takeaways:

Self-defense no longer affects your aggression rating.
Starting a fight still increases your matchmaking aggression.
Third-partying active fights is still considered initiating PvP.
2. Complete Weekly Trials Faster with These Easy Strategies

This week's Trials are relatively straightforward, making them ideal for farming rewards efficiently.

Opening containers in the Traffic Tunnels and searching Raider Caches can be completed during the same run, saving valuable time. For the Blaze Grenade challenge, remember that the game only counts the damage dealt by a single grenade, not cumulative damage. Throwing one Blaze Grenade at tougher enemies like Leapers or Bombardiers is usually enough to secure a three-star score.

The "Receive Damage from Pops" Trial remains unclear. Until players fully understand how it's calculated, testing it with lighter shields may be the safest approach.

Key Takeaways:

Blaze Grenade damage is measured per grenade, not cumulatively.
Combine Cache searching with container objectives for maximum efficiency.
Test the Pops challenge before committing to a specific loadout.
3. New Dweller Outfit Arrives—Is "Phantom Targets" Teasing October's Big Update?

The new Dweller Outfit is now available in the store, featuring three different color variants and plenty of customization options, including backpacks, robotic arms, goggles, masks, and other cosmetic pieces. It's easily one of the strongest wasteland-themed cosmetic sets released so far.

However, the biggest mystery isn't the outfit—it's the unexpected "Phantom Targets" notification that appeared in-game. The feature wasn't mentioned anywhere in the official patch notes, leading many players to believe it's an early teaser for an upcoming event or the long-awaited October update.

Beyond cosmetics, Update 1.39 also improves water footsteps, dodge-roll sound effects, and trinket loot consistency, creating a smoother overall gameplay experience.

Key Takeaways:

The Dweller Outfit offers extensive cosmetic customization.
Phantom Targets could be teasing future content.
Audio improvements make enemy tracking more reliable.

4. Final Thoughts: A Small Patch That Lays the Foundation for October

Although Update 1.39 doesn't introduce major gameplay content, it solves several long-standing community concerns. Matchmaking is now fairer, weekly Trials are easier to optimize, and overall gameplay feels more polished.

More importantly, the appearance of Phantom Targets suggests that Embark may already be preparing players for the game's next major chapter. If future updates continue improving matchmaking while introducing new dynamic events, October could become one of ARC Raiders'biggest milestones yet.

5. Pro Tips
Avoid firing the first shot if you want to keep a ARC Raiders Items for sale lower aggression rating.
Third-partying another squad's fight still counts as initiating PvP.
Aim Blaze Grenades at high-health enemies for an easy three-star Trial.
Prioritize Raider Cache and container objectives for faster weekly progression.
Keep an eye on Phantom Targets—it could be the first clue about the October update.
6. Who Benefits Most from Update 1.39?
Solo Players: Enjoy fairer matchmaking without being punished for defending yourself.
PvP Players: Experience more accurate matchmaking based on actual combat behavior.
Loot Farmers: Complete weekly Trials faster and earn rewards more efficiently.
Cosmetic Collectors: Customize your Raider with the versatile new Dweller Outfit.
Long-Term Players: Stay ahead of upcoming content by following the early Phantom Targets teaser.