ARC Raiders Teases Improvements to Optional Expeditions and Reveals How Many Reset Their Character

ARC Raiders developers talk about the game’s first Expedition, how many players participated in the optional account reset and how it is using feedback to better shape the experience going forward. Months after its launch, ARC Raiders has managed to retain much of its player base, an impressive feat when compared to other online games like Battlefield 6. Part of that reason is due to how Embark shakes up typical features and mechanics of extraction shooters, adding its own spin to how they work.

Traditionally, extraction shooters like Escape from Tarkov have periodic server wipes, leveling the playing field by resetting player accounts back to level 1. ARC Raiders does things a bit different with Expeditions, an optional account reset mechanic that players build towards over a period of months. With multiple checklist steps to complete, players can essentially approach this at their own pace and for those that are able to complete the Expedition before the window opens, they’re rewarded with more stash space, skill points, an exclusive new skin, and more.

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ARC Raiders Aims to Improve Expeditions

Despite ARC Raiders‘ first expedition being delayed, the optional mechanic saw plenty of engagement from players. In a recent interview, design director Virgil Watkins confirmed that the wipe mechanic was much more popular than many likely expected, as over 1 million players completed the game’s first Expedition. In addition, 35-40% of those who opted to reset their account were also able to fully max out their character with the total number of skill points. Embark’s tools allow them a level of granularity with the stats and data, which Watkins admitted allows them to see things as detailed as how many pieces of plastic a player donated.

However, despite the high player engagement, Watkins admits that the whole process could be a bit more engaging. In addition, the team is currently evaluating feedback and the data it has received to see how the studio can better incentivize players to go on the journey. Specifically, the studio is looking at the data for players who are playing slower and opting to tackle the Project objectives at their own pace. Part of the objective is to not only add a little variety to the caravan building process but to also ensure that these players don’t feel like they’ve been left behind.

“We completely acknowledge that it isn’t the most engaging thing to just go for money, [and it has] the potential outcome of disincentivizing using your gear, which is kind of what people look forward to towards the end of a reset cycle.”

The other area that Embark is investigating is the rewards handed out to players who opted for the reset. For the first ARC Raiders Expedition rewards, players could unlock the Patchwork Raider outfit, Scrappy’s Janitor Cap, additional skill points, an added +12 spaces to their stash, and an Expeditions Indicator icon as permanent unlocks. Temporary buffs to XP gain, repair, and material gain from Scrappy were also handed out. Embark is tracking reactions to the rewards given out for those going on the Expedition, likely tweaking things based on feedback, though it isn’t yet known what sort of changes are coming, if any, for the next one.

Thankfully, players have plenty of time to prepare for the second Expedition in ARC Raiders, which kicked off right as the first one ended. It’s unknown if Embark will be able to make any changes or improvements to this upcoming Expedition, but players were quickly able to calculate when the next window would open thanks to a countdown timer. While the date could shift between now and then, players are looking at February 22 as the second optional Expedition date, giving them plenty more time to gather the necessary loot and monetary requirements.