Embark Studios Reassesses Arc Raiders’ Expeditions
Embark Studios has announced a significant “pause” on the Expeditions feature in Arc Raiders, with plans to revisit the system until early 2027. This decision comes in response to persistent player feedback and concerns that cannot be resolved through minor adjustments. In a candid conversation with PCGamesN, executive producer Aleksander Grøndal hinted at the possibility of completely overhauling or even eliminating the Expeditions feature altogether.
For those unfamiliar, Expeditions serve as a form of prestige within Arc Raiders, akin to the mechanics seen in Call of Duty. Players who reach a high level invest considerable time and resources into a “caravan,” allowing their characters to escape the Rust Belt. This process essentially resets their progress, including levels, skills, and inventory, in exchange for unique benefits for their new character. However, many players have expressed dissatisfaction with the extensive grind required for what they perceive as minimal rewards.
In August, Embark acknowledged the need for more than just incremental fixes to address various issues raised by the community. Concerns such as tight departure windows, the reward structure, and accessibility for newcomers were highlighted as areas requiring substantial change. As a result, the fifth Expedition, scheduled to conclude at the end of September, will be the last until the studio completes its rework—or potentially decides to scrap the feature entirely.
“Was the system perfect? No, probably not,” Grøndal remarked during Gamescom, emphasizing the studio’s commitment to making significant improvements. “We want to make some significant changes to the Expedition system. But I think right now we’re focused on, ‘Yeah, they are what they are,’ but the intent is to have them change.” The team is currently evaluating the next steps for Expeditions, leaving the door open for a complete redesign.
As players await the upcoming Frozen Trails major update set to launch in October, it is evident that substantial changes are on the horizon for Arc Raiders. The community can anticipate a thoughtful approach as Embark Studios navigates this pivotal moment in the game’s evolution.
