ARC Raiders Bird City—New Headwinds Map Condition, Explained

Map Conditions are a key part of what keeps ARC Raiders feeling fresh and exciting, as they can fundamentally change how a map is played. Not all of them are that drastic, though, and Headwinds’ Bird City is a simple but notable Minor Map Condition.

Headwinds is the first major update for ARC Raiders in 2026, and it brought with it a nice selection of content. The new Trophy Display Project is perhaps the star of the update, but don’t sleep on Bird City.

If you’re wondering what’s different with Bird City in ARC Raiders and where you can play it, then you’re in the right place.

What Maps Is Bird City On In ARC Raiders?

Bird City, the new Minor Map Condition in ARC Raiders, is exclusive to the Buried City map.

Every hour, map conditions refresh in ARC Raiders, with Major and Minor Conditions shifting between the line-up. If you’re looking to jump into Bird City, though, you’ll need to keep your eye on Buried City, as it won’t feature anywhere else.

The lore behind it is that when the Cold Snap defrosted, birds were able to return from their migration. Now they’ve returned in their masses, and they’re making nests all across Buried City—with loot ripe for the taking.

What Changes Does Bird City Make In ARC Raiders?

The main thing to look out for during the Bird City Minor Map Condition is the nests that are laid in chimneys across the map.

Considering it’s only a Minor Map Condition, it makes sense that nothing drastic has changed, but it does pose a nice chance to earn some extra loot. The birds have laid nests across Buried City, and you can search them all for Trinkets and Epic Loot. It’s by no means guaranteed; in fact, it’s fairly rare, but these nests are more than easy to find, so get searching!

Here’s the full list of changes made to Buried City during the Bird City Minor Map Condition:

• Increased amount of Trinkets
• Increased amount of Birds
• Increased amount of Ziplines

How are you finding the Headwinds update in ARC Raiders? Share your thoughts in the official Insider Gaming Discord Server.

For more ARC Raiders, check out the Solo vs Squads matchmaking, as well as the two new Epic Augments.