ARC Raiders Update 1.26 Brings PSSR Support to PlayStation 5 Pro in 2026

The PlayStation 5 version of the extraction shooter ARC Raiders will soon look even better as Embark Studios rolls out support for the PlayStation 5 Pro and its PSSR upscaling technology. Arriving on April 28, 2026, update 1.26 marks a significant technical milestone for the title, ensuring that players on Sony’s high-end hardware experience a cleaner, more stable image quality. Alongside these technical enhancements, the release coincides with the Riven Tides update, which expands the game with a new map, fresh enemy types, and a variety of new items for players to collect.

Understanding the ARC Raiders Update 1.26 Patch Notes 2026

As we continue our coverage here at In Game News, we have tracked the development of Embark Studios' flagship title since its initial launch on October 30, 2025. The upcoming update 1.26 focuses heavily on optimizing the experience for the PlayStation 5 Pro. According to official details provided by Robert Kihl of Embark Studios, the integration of PSSR—PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution—is designed to address specific visual challenges inherent in the game's high-fidelity environments.

The primary focus of this patch is the implementation of PSSR. This technology serves as an advanced upscaling solution that replaces traditional methods, offering a more refined output. Players who have been following our PlayStation gaming news will note that this implementation is specifically tuned for the demanding, detail-rich environments found throughout the world of ARC Raiders.

How PSSR Improves ARC Raiders Visuals on PS5 Pro

The technical benefits of PSSR on the PlayStation 5 Pro are centered on image stability and the reduction of common rendering artifacts. For a fast-paced extraction shooter, maintaining visual clarity during movement is essential. Embark Studios has highlighted several key areas where players will observe improvements:

• Reduction of Flickering and Shimmering: The new upscaling tech stabilizes fine details, preventing the distracting visual noise often seen on complex textures.
• Enhanced Motion Handling: By processing moving objects with higher precision than older upscaling techniques, the game maintains a sharper image when the player is sprinting or turning quickly.
• Ghosting Mitigation: The patch addresses ghosting issues specifically related to particle effects, which are frequent during combat encounters.

These adjustments ensure that the visual fidelity remains consistent, even when the screen is crowded with environmental effects or multiple enemy types. For those interested in the broader technical landscape of the industry, you can read more in our hardware and performance analysis section.

What is Included in the ARC Raiders Riven Tides Update

Beyond the technical upgrades for the PlayStation 5 Pro, the Riven Tides update brings substantial content changes to the base game. This update is available across all platforms, including PC and Xbox Series S/X, in addition to the PlayStation 5. The content drop is designed to refresh the gameplay loop for returning players.

New Content Overview

The Riven Tides update introduces a variety of additions that alter the tactical approach required in matches:

1. New Map: A fresh environment is being added, featuring unique terrain and points of interest that require new navigation strategies.
2. New Enemy Type: The roster of adversaries has been expanded, forcing players to adapt their loadouts and combat tactics to counter these specific threats.
3. New Items: A collection of new gear, loot, and tactical items will be available, providing more options for player customization and strategy.

These additions are intended to provide a more varied experience within the extraction shooter framework. By combining the visual enhancements of PSSR with the gameplay expansion of Riven Tides, Embark Studios is aiming to provide a distinct update cycle for its player base.

Technical Implementation and Future Outlook

The transition to PSSR support represents a shift toward more sophisticated rendering pipelines for console gaming. By utilizing the dedicated hardware of the PlayStation 5 Pro, Embark Studios has minimized the performance cost associated with these visual improvements. This allows the game to maintain its intended frame rate while delivering a higher level of graphical fidelity.

The update 1.26 is a mandatory download for all players, ensuring that everyone is on the same version regardless of the platform. While the PSSR features are exclusive to the PlayStation 5 Pro, the Riven Tides content is universal. As we move further into 2026, the focus for ARC Raiders remains on balancing these new mechanical additions with the ongoing technical refinement of the game engine.

Frequently Asked Questions

We have compiled the most common inquiries regarding the latest update to assist our readers in understanding the changes coming to the platform.

What is included in the ARC Raiders update 1.26?

Update 1.26 introduces support for PSSR technology on PlayStation 5 Pro and launches the Riven Tides update, which adds a new map, new enemy types, and additional items.

Does ARC Raiders support PS5 Pro PSSR?

Yes, ARC Raiders update 1.26 implements PSSR upscaling technology to improve visual clarity and reduce artifacts on the PlayStation 5 Pro.

How does PSSR improve ARC Raiders visuals?

PSSR reduces visual hitches such as flickering and shimmering, minimizes ghosting on particle effects, and manages moving objects more effectively than traditional upscaling.