With the North Line update for ARC Raiders, Embark Studios has finally added a new map, Stella Montis. However, it isn’t just simply unlocked by playing; it is locked behind a global community event. This article explains how players can unlock Stella Montis, what it takes and what new features are also coming.
What Is Stella Montis?
Image via: Embark Studios
ARC Raiders introduces a new playable area called Stella Montis.
The official update states: it is “carved deep into the northern mountains,” described as an ‘Ancient facility’ that feels relatively intact and not as decrepit as other areas.
The render’s tone is cold and sterile, evoking the feeling of a funereal and/or abandoned research facility, hinting at some sort of lost ambitions in the lore.
The region isn’t just scenery: it contains rare resources, new quests, and schematics (or blueprints) for players to find.
How to Unlock Stella Montis
Image via: Embark Studios
Event Overview
You can access the map solely through live simulator community events known as Breaking New Ground.
The first event will be held on November 13, 2025, during the North Line event.
The event will happen in several phases: Phase I involves the restoration of tunnels, which leads to Phase II (which is evidently called “Staking Our Claim”).
Participation Requirements
To take part in this event, a player must have completed at least five rounds in the game.
Once eligible, players donate basic materials to support the tunnel restoration project.
Materials & Contributions
The materials that can be donated include:
- Metal Parts
- Fabric
- Chemicals
- Rubber Parts
- Plastic Parts
Donating those materials allows players to earn a new event currency, which is called Merits.
There is a limit to how much Merits each player can receive based on personal donation(s).
However, once a player reaches their Merits cap, they may still donate items which still count toward the community’s progress.
Unlocking the Map
Once the community receives these materials (i.e., once the required quantity of materials is collected (for the “restoration” of the tunnels under Speranza), Stella Montis opens up to everyone.
When those tunnels are restored, Phase II (“Staking Our Claim”) begins: it will introduce another, distinct track for progression, with separate challenges to overcome and resources to obtain.
Read More: Guide to Skill Tree Priorities in ARC Raiders
Key Features & New Content Introduced in North Line
Image via: Embark Studios
There are several confirmed additions to the game:
New ARC Enemies:
Matriarch: An extremely large and powerful ARC. Said to make the Queen look friendly, and exists under specific map conditions.
Shredder: This one only appears in Stella Montis, and is designed for close quarters.
New Gear:
A new legendary weapon referred to as Aphelion Rifle / Energy Burst Battle Rifle in certain references.
Three new mines: Pulse Mine, Deadline Mine, and Gas Mine.
Two new grenades: Trailblazer Grenade and Seeker Grenade.
New Quests:
There is a set of Stella Montis–themed quests that come with the update.
Practical Tips for Players
It’s best to start assembling the required donation materials now: Metal Parts, Fabric, Chemicals, Rubber and Plastic, so you’re prepared once the event goes live.
As it only takes five rounds of playtime to participate, even newer players will be able to take part too.
Remember to keep your Merits cap in mind, donate to the cap to get as much as you personally can, but continue donating, since the community will benefit even beyond your cap.
Once Stella Montis is unlocked, be prepared for combat up close, due to the presence of the Shredder, so be ready to change your loadouts.
Finally, make sure you complete your special quests that will be available during or after the event, for Stella Montis, since they will give access to some of those rare resources and schematics.
Conclusion
Stella Montis isn’t just another map, it’s a moment of community effort. Every player’s effort counts. The “Breaking New Ground” event requires community action to repair tunnels to unlock a frozen, abandoned research facility at the top of the mountain. Raiders who want to participate in this need to start donating materials, hit the minimum rounds eligible for donating, and stay active: the more the community puts in, the faster Stella Montis unlocks.
