Arc Raiders may scrap Expeditions system entirely

Embark Studios is reconsidering the future of Expeditions in Arc Raiders, with leadership suggesting the system could be scrapped entirely rather than overhauled. The studio announced a pause on the feature in August to address widespread player frustration, but recent comments indicate the rework may go further than initially stated.

Expeditions function similarly to prestige systems in other shooters, allowing high-level players to reset their character's progression in exchange for unique benefits. Players invest significant time building up a caravan that, within the game's narrative, allows their character to escape the Rust Belt setting. However, the community has grown frustrated with the extensive grind required relative to the rewards offered.

Embark identified multiple systemic issues that demanded more than minor adjustments. The studio cited problems with tight departure windows, the reward structure, and barriers to entry for newer players as reasons the system needed fundamental changes rather than incremental patches. The fifth Expedition, scheduled to depart in late September, will be the last until the studio completes its evaluation.

During an interview at Gamescom, Arc Raiders executive producer Aleksander Grøndal acknowledged the system's shortcomings and indicated the studio is exploring all options. He stated the team is actively determining what direction Expeditions should take, with complete removal remaining a viable possibility. Grøndal emphasized that significant changes are coming regardless of which path the studio ultimately chooses.

The studio will not make a final decision until after the Frozen Trails major update launches in October. This timeline gives the development team time to gather additional feedback and assess the feasibility of various approaches. Whether Expeditions returns in a redesigned form or disappears entirely, players should prepare for substantial modifications to how the system functions.

The pause represents a significant shift in Arc Raiders' development priorities, as Expeditions have been a core progression mechanic since the game's launch. The willingness to consider complete removal suggests Embark is taking player concerns seriously and prioritizing the overall health of the game over preserving existing systems.