Arc Raiders: Map Events, Glitches, and a Quacking Good Time
A new duplication glitch in Arc Raiders has players both concerned about potential exploits and amused by the bizarre consequences. While the recent Headwinds update introduced new content and gameplay tweaks – including a 40+ level matchmaking option and Solo vs. Squads – a familiar issue has resurfaced, impacting the in-game economy in a rather…unique way.
The Rise of the Rubber Duck Economy
It appears players aren’t just using the dupe glitch to amass rare blueprints. Many are exploiting the system to generate mountains of rubber ducks, a lightweight trinket found topside and sold in Speranza for a decent profit in Raider Coins. The rubber duck has become a running gag within the Arc Raiders community, and the return of the duplication glitch has only amplified the trend.
Reports are flooding in from players encountering stashes overflowing with ducks. “Did we come across the duck Santa Clause or something?” one Reddit user questioned before the Headwinds launch. Another player described finding a Raider “spamming ducks on the ground,” with “100 of them” littering the floor. The situation has only escalated with the Bird City map condition, introducing even more vibrant ducks to collect.
Glitchy Encounters and Community Reactions
The results are often comical. Players are finding Raiders who have perished, leaving behind a “mountain of Familiar Ducks,” or encountering silent players surrounded by stacks of the squeaky toys. Some are even jokingly attributing server issues to a “DDOS (Duck Duplication on Server)” attack.
While the situation is undeniably funny, it raises concerns about fairness. Players worry that exploiters have an unfair advantage, especially those who have diligently followed Arc Raiders updates since launch. The constant backstabbing for resources is one thing, but facing opponents with an artificially inflated inventory is another.
Embark’s Response and Ongoing Issues
Embark Studios released update 1.12.0 on January 20th, addressing several exploits, including an item duplication glitch. However, less than a week later, players discovered a new version of the exploit. The developers are actively working to combat cheating, having already patched holes in Stella Montis to prevent wall exploits and even temporarily banned (and then unbanned) popular streamer Tfue.
Despite the ongoing issues, the Arc Raiders community continues to find enjoyment in the game. Some are even leaving positive reviews for the real-world Stella Montis hotel, while others are simply enjoying the Headwinds update while awaiting the full realization of the 2026 roadmap.
For more information on Arc Raiders, check out why the best Arc Raiders loot needs a serious buff and why Embark believes players who spawn into a raid late actually benefit more.
Image credit: endgame2937 / reddit
