Arc Raiders' Live Update 1.42.0 Changed the Event Loop — Adjusting Your Settings for Phantom Targets Part 2

Phantom Targets Gets a Second Chapter

Embark Studios rolled out Arc Raiders' Live Update 1.42.0 on August 18, 2026, according to the official patch notes, launching Phantom Targets Part 2 alongside a new Raider Project, improved anti-cheat measures, and regionally offset Map Condition scheduling instead of a single global rotation. Two days later, the studio followed up with a Subway collaboration event layered on top of the same update.

The Phantom Targets storyline continues with Shani identifying the source of the mysterious "phantom" sightings as erratic Wasps — ARC units exhibiting behavior she's never seen before, including irregular flight patterns and unfamiliar tech. Players investigate through a new Raider Project, with the Anomalia Outfit among the rewards for progressing it.

Why Erratic Wasps Actually Matter for Your Settings

Standard ARC units in Arc Raiders generally move in predictable patrol patterns, which rewards a settled tracking sensitivity tuned for smooth target-following. The erratic Wasps introduced in Phantom Targets Part 2 break that assumption deliberately — their irregular flight paths are designed to punish players who rely purely on sustained tracking, since the target can change direction faster and less predictably than a standard patrol unit.

• Practice flick-and-reacquire over pure tracking when specifically hunting Wasps — sustained smooth tracking works less reliably against erratic movement.
• Consider a small ADS sensitivity bump if you find yourself consistently lagging behind Wasp direction changes; this is a tuning tweak, not a full sensitivity overhaul.

The Regional Map Condition Change Matters Too

Beyond the event itself, 1.42.0's shift to regionally offset Map Condition scheduling (instead of one global schedule) means the specific weather and hazard conditions you encounter are less predictable from watching global streams or guides written for a different region's rotation — worth checking your own server's current conditions directly rather than assuming a guide written elsewhere applies exactly.

Getting Your Baseline Right

Whether you're hunting Wasps or just adjusting to the new event loop generally, start from an accurate sensitivity baseline with the Arc Raiders sensitivity converter, and check our broader Arc Raiders settings guide if you're building your full config from scratch.

Frequently Asked Questions