Arc Raiders‘ Shared Watch event launched on February 10, 2026, introducing the game’s first fully PvE-focused live event. Running through February 24, Shared Watch shifts the incentive structure of Arc Raiders by rewarding players exclusively for fighting ARC machines. PvP remains active, but it provides zero merits toward event progression. Alongside the event, Patch 1.15.0 reintroduces the Cold Snap weather condition and introduces new cosmetics, including the Slugger outfit and the animal-inspired Vulpine set.
In this guide, you’ll find:
- The exact start and end dates of the Shared Watch event
- A breakdown of how the merit system works (including XP conversion and progression pacing)
- Survival, extraction, and solo-play optimization strategies
- A full list of all 21 event rewards and how to unlock them
- Details on the Slugger event outfit and the Vulpine store set
- A deep dive into Cold Snap mechanics, loot changes, and tactical snowball usage
- A summary of Patch 1.15.0 bug fixes and currently tracked known issues
What Is the Arc Raiders Shared Watch Event?
The Shared Watch event represents a fundamental shift in Arc Raiders’ approach to live content. It is the first time developer Embark Studios has created an event that explicitly discourages player-versus-player combat by decoupling it from reward progression. Unlike previous events that balanced PvP and PvE activities, Shared Watch implements a specific rule: only ARC machine combat awards progression merits.
This design choice modifies the typical extraction shooter loop. While players can still engage in PvP combat, loot fallen Raiders, and extract their gear for profit, doing so provides zero advancement toward event rewards. This creates a unique atmosphere with a reduced frequency of incentive-driven ambushes. Spontaneous alliances against the mechanical threat have become more common, as cooperation is now objectively more profitable for those seeking event rewards.
The event is active across all maps without opt-in or rotation schedules. Every topside visit during this period operates under these rules, allowing players to focus on ARC combat strategies with less constant fear of being backstabbed for event progress. However, remember that PvP is not disabled; it remains a viable way to acquire gear, even if it won’t move your merit bar.
When Does the Shared Watch Event Start and End?
The Arc Raiders Shared Watch event launched on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, alongside Patch 1.15.0. It remains active until Tuesday, February 24, 2026, providing a two-week window to complete the event track. Once the event concludes, the track closes permanently, and rewards like the Slugger set and Batting Helmet will likely become unobtainable.
Important Timing & Progression:
- Total Merits Required: 1,050 to unlock all 21 rewards.
- Event Window: 14 days.
- Daily Target: Approximately 75 merits per day for full completion.
- Conversion Rate: 100 ARC-combat XP = 1 Merit.
As of mid-event, no merit-rate multipliers or daily catch-up bonuses have been announced. Progression remains linear based on your engagement with the machines.
How to Earn Merits and Optimize Progression
Merits are earned entirely through ARC machine combat. The system converts your PvE experience into event progression using a fixed formula: 100 XP = 1 Merit.
| ARC Combat Activity | XP Reward Potential |
| Damaging ARC machines | Variable based on total damage dealt |
| Destroying ARC machines | Substantial XP per confirmed kill |
| Assist Credits | Moderate XP for contributing to a kill |
| Shared Engagement | Participation XP when fighting near other Raiders |
Survival, Extraction, and Farming Locations
Survival is the cornerstone of efficient merit farming. Merits are reported on the end-of-round screen, and while Embark has fixed reward display bugs, dying mid-run cuts your earning potential short. To maximize your time, focus on high-density machine zones:
- Spaceport: The rooftops and hangar areas offer frequent Bastion and Rocketeer spawns.
- Night Raid Patrols: The open corridors often feature heavy patrols perfect for high-damage XP.
- Scrapyard Outskirts: Ideal for clearing smaller units rapidly.
Optimal Merit Farming Strategies:
- The “Seeker” Strategy: Solo players often use Seeker Grenades to tag multiple machines in high-traffic areas. This allows you to rack up assist and participation XP across several targets simultaneously.
- Participation Bonuses: You do not need a formal squad to benefit from others’ presence. Contributing damage to the same targets as neutral Raiders provides shared engagement credits, optimizing your merit-per-hour rate.
- Prioritize Heavies: Target high-value units like Bastions. A single encounter with a heavy machine can yield significant merit progress compared to clearing multiple small units.
All Arc Raiders Shared Watch Event Rewards
The Shared Watch track contains 21 rewards, unlocking at a steady 50-merit cumulative cadence.
| Reward Name | Type | Unlocks at (Cumulative Merits) |
| Slugger | Full Outfit (Base) | 50 |
| Raider Tokens x20 | Currency | 100 |
| Vita Spray | Utility Item | 150 |
| Tactical MK.3 (Healing) | Blueprint | 200 |
| Slugger Variants | Grenade Skin | 250 |
| Baseball | Backpack Charm | 300 |
| Raider Tokens x20 | Currency | 350 |
| Grey Yellow | Outfit Color | 400 |
| Snap Hook | Utility Item | 450 |
| Hand Signals | Emote | 500 |
| Raider Tokens x20 | Currency | 550 |
| Slugger Variant | Chest Piece | 600 |
| Raider Tokens x20 | Currency | 650 |
| Sport Face Paint Blue | Face Customization | 700 |
| Blue Glow | Outfit Color | 750 |
| Vita Spray Blueprint | Blueprint | 800 |
| Raider Tokens x20 | Currency | 850 |
| Slugger Variant | Headgear | 900 |
| Acoustic Guitar | Utility Item | 950 |
| Raider Tokens x50 | Currency | 1,000 |
| Batting Helmet (Scrappy) | Exclusive Outfit | 1,050 |
Reward Highlights:
Completing the full track awards 150 total Raider Tokens. The final prize, the Batting Helmet for Scrappy, is the event’s most limited cosmetic. Because it is tied to a specific event milestone, it is likely permanently missable once the event concludes.
New Cosmetics in Arc Raiders Shared Watch Update: Slugger and Vulpine Sets
Patch 1.15.0 introduces two distinct visual themes that depart from the game’s military gear aesthetic.
Slugger Outfit (Event Reward)
The Slugger set is a sports-inspired collection of scavenged baseball equipment. Pieces like the Slugger Chest Piece (600 merits) and Headgear (900 merits) allow for significant visual customization. These items are earned through the merit track and are currently time-limited.
Vulpine Set (Store Exclusive)
Often called the “Huntsman” set by the community, the Vulpine set is Arc Raiders’ first clearly animal-inspired store cosmetic.
- Price: 1,300 Raider Tokens.
- Acquisition: Available via the in-game store.
- Exclusivity: While event rewards are time-limited, store sets typically rotate or remain available, though this is not explicitly guaranteed.
Cold Snap Map Condition Returns in Shared Watch
Cold Snap returns during Shared Watch, adding environmental pressure to outdoor maps. While active for the duration of the event, it may return to a standard 24-hour map rotation once Shared Watch ends.
- Frostbite: Exposure to the outdoors causes health decay. Watch for freezing breath and frost on your character’s clothing. Shelter is the most reliable way to halt buildup and reset the frostbite meter.
- Loot Incentives: Blueprint drop rates are increased during Cold Snap. The Firework Box Blueprint is currently a Cold Snap-exclusive drop.
- Candleberries: These help manage frostbite buildup, allowing for longer engagements in the cold.
- Tactical Snowballs: These interactable items deal negligible damage but can hit cars or alarms to create noise distractions, effectively luring machines away from your position.
Bug Fixes and Known Issues in Patch 1.15.0
Patch 1.15.0 addresses several technical debt items while acknowledging a few persistent UI bugs.
Critical Bug Fixes:
- Reward System: Fixed the end-of-round display showing zero merits or incorrect XP.
- Reconnection: Improved reliability when rejoining a match after a network disconnect.
- Weapon Swapping: Corrected an issue where custom keybinds for weapon swapping failed to register.
- Trailblazer Grenades: Fixed damage registration issues against machines and through thin walls.
Known Issues Being Tracked:
- UI Previews: The Scrappy Batting Helmet may show a default helmet in the preview track; it appears correctly once equipped.
- Skill Point Sync: Skill points earned may occasionally fail to appear in the menu immediately.
- Invisible Ziplines: Ziplines attached to destroyed ARC parts may fail to render but often remain functional.
Note: None of these known issues prevents event completion. Most UI-related synchronization problems (like missing skill points or event previews) can be resolved by restarting the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Arc Raiders Shared Watch event?
The Shared Watch event is a limited-time PvE-focused event in Arc Raiders running from February 10 to February 24, 2026. Unlike previous updates, only ARC enemies grant merits toward event progression. PvP remains active but does not contribute to Shared Watch rewards.
How many merits do you need to unlock all Shared Watch rewards?
You need 1,050 total merits to complete the full event tracker and unlock all 21 rewards. Each tier unlocks at 50-merit increments, making progression predictable and easy to plan across the two-week event.
How do you earn merits in the Arc Raiders Shared Watch event?
Merits are earned exclusively through ARC combat. Damaging, destroying, or assisting in killing ARC enemies converts XP at a rate of 100 XP = 1 merit. PvP kills and player damage do not grant event progression.
Does PvP give any Shared Watch rewards?
No. PvP does not provide any merits toward Shared Watch rewards. You can still fight other players and loot their gear, but only ARC enemies contribute to the event tracker.
Can you complete the Shared Watch event solo?
Yes, solo players can complete the entire event track. However, staying near other players during ARC fights increases assist XP and improves merit efficiency, even without forming a formal squad.
What are all the rewards in the Arc Raiders Shared Watch event?
The event includes 21 total rewards, including the full Slugger outfit, cosmetic variants like Blue Glow Slugger and Grey Yellow Slugger, Raider Tokens, utility items, blueprints, and the Scrappy Batting Helmet at 1,050 merits.
What is the Blue Glow Slugger and how do you unlock it?
The Blue Glow Slugger is a color variant of the Slugger outfit unlocked at 750 cumulative merits. It adds a luminous accent to the baseball-themed cosmetic set and is one of the most visually distinctive rewards in the event.
What is the Grey Yellow Slugger variant?
The Grey Yellow Slugger is an alternate color scheme for the Slugger outfit unlocked at 400 merits. It provides a more grounded, muted aesthetic compared to the brighter Blue Glow version.
What is the Vulpine “Huntsman” set in Arc Raiders?
The Vulpine set, often called the Huntsman outfit, is a store-exclusive cosmetic bundle available for 1,300 Raider Tokens. Unlike Shared Watch rewards, it is not earned through merits and must be purchased from the in-game store.
What happens to Shared Watch rewards after the event ends?
Once the event ends on February 24, the Shared Watch event tracker closes permanently. Unlocked rewards remain in your inventory, but unearned rewards will likely become unobtainable.
Does Cold Snap affect the Shared Watch event?
Yes. Cold Snap returns during the event, adding frostbite damage to outdoor areas and increasing high-value loot and blueprint spawns. While it doesn’t directly affect merit conversion, it changes how dangerous ARC encounters can become.
Do you need to extract to keep your merits?
Merits are tied to ARC combat XP and displayed on the end-of-round screen. While Embark hasn’t explicitly stated extraction banking rules, dying early reduces potential XP gain, making survival important for efficient progression.
What are the best ways to earn merits quickly?
Focus on high-density ARC areas, target stronger ARC enemies for higher XP payouts, and use tools like Seeker Grenades to tag multiple machines for assist credit. Staying near other players during fights also improves merit gain.
Is there a daily merit cap or catch-up bonus?
As of mid-event, there are no announced daily merit caps or catch-up multipliers. Progression is consistent and purely tied to ARC combat XP accumulation.
Is the Shared Watch event the first PvE-focused event in Arc Raiders?
Yes. Shared Watch is the first Arc Raiders live event designed entirely around PvE combat, shifting incentives away from player conflict and toward coordinated ARC destruction.
