Embark is changing the update schedule for Arc Raiders. The extraction shooter will now receive major updates twice a year, moving away from the monthly cycle it has followed since launch seven months ago.
Executive producer Aleksander Grøndal explained that bi-annual updates will be "larger in scale, more impactful, with the goal to genuinely change how you play the game." He noted that while monthly updates were intended to keep the game fresh, the team realized that more transformative changes are needed for the long-term experience.
Between major updates, a dedicated live service team will continue to provide regular updates, cosmetics, balance changes, bug fixes, and in-game events. Grøndal stated that the monthly cycle made it impossible to pursue larger improvements, such as progression system refinements.
The first major update under the new schedule is Frozen Trail, planned for October. Embark says it will be the biggest update yet, featuring a new map in the Rust Belt, new ARC enemies, new progression systems, and story elements about the origins of Arc. It will also include new weapons, items, instruments, and cosmetics.
In the short term, Embark is introducing a nomadic trader that allows players to exchange high-value items for unique rewards and cosmetics. This addresses issues like overflowing stashes and lack of rewarding ways to offload items. The trader also offers a perk to carry five items into the next Expedition.
Editorial director Tim Clark commented that the monthly cadence seemed unsustainable and that the update thinness frustrated players. He noted that October feels far away and that Frozen Trail must impress to keep the playerbase engaged.
Arc Raiders is attracting players with MMO-like qualities such as social collaboration and grinding, resembling Destiny more than Call of Duty. The game now requires expansions rather than simple updates.