Is ARC Raiders Skill Tree Broken? Developers tease new PvPvE specialization and potential improvement strategies

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• ARC Raiders developers response massive Blueprint Reset Changes following player outcry | Could you finally keep them in the future?

  The launch window for ARC Raiders Expedition 3 is about to open. What makes this operation particularly special is not only the introduction of a new reset but also the fact that the development team has implemented several fundamental changes based on it.

  The objective of these changes is to ensure that Expedition system remains a valuable feature, allowing you to derive greater enjoyment and a stronger sense of accomplishment from the gameplay experience.

  However, one specific issue regarding Expedition mechanics has long remained unresolved: is there any possibility that players might be allowed to retain a portion of their Blueprints after a reset concludes?

  As one of the most critical resources in the game, most blueprints are relatively difficult to acquire. Yet, no matter how many rare Blueprints you manage to accumulate during the early stages, everything is wiped clean with a single click once Expedition comes to an end!

  In this discussion, drawing upon some recent rumors and speculation, we will explore the feasibility and likelihood of allowing players to retain their blueprints after an Expedition concludes.

  

  Blueprint acquisition and usage

  Most gear in ARC Raiders can be acquired through various methods, including trading with vendors, scavenging, and crafting at the workshop. The latter method, crafting, often requires the consumption of ARC Raiders blueprints, particularly for high-tier items.

  Each act of crafting consumes one blueprint. Furthermore, every item or weapon, even after undergoing repairs, possesses limited durability and must be replaced frequently; consequently, you are compelled to stockpile Blueprints for your most commonly used weapons.

  Blueprints themselves can only be obtained by venturing out on Raids. However, you can significantly boost your chances of finding blueprints by looting high-value rooms or containers, participating in major map events, and eliminating high-tier ARC units.

  The combination of low drop rates and high consumption rates makes Blueprints an extremely sought-after resource in ARC Raiders, which explains why players are so reluctant to lose them whenever an Expedition concludes.

  What are expeditions?

  In extraction-based shooters like ARC Raiders, periodic resets are essential to ensure that players have opportunities for progression and fresh experiences; expedition system was designed specifically to serve this purpose.

  More specifically, each expedition is divided into two phases: a preparation phase and a window phase. The former requires you to collect and submit specific materials in stages to unlock eligibility for participation, while the latter requires you to complete designated objectives to earn permanent rewards.

  The closing of the window phase signifies the conclusion of the current expedition cycle. With the exception of permanent rewards, such as skill points, everything else you possess is wiped clean, including your blueprints.

  The profound impact of expeditions on blueprints

  As the primary factor determining your ability to contend with enemies, the wiping of your blueprints at the end of an expedition, even if you have experienced it multiple times, can still feel like a bitter pill to swallow.

  In fact, the impact extends beyond just blueprints: while all your workshops are retained after an Expedition concludes, they are reset back to Level 1. Since crafting many items requires higher workshop levels, this presents a significant hurdle.

  This means that even if you are lucky enough to acquire a desirable blueprint right at the start, you may not be able to craft it immediately; instead, you must first gather materials to upgrade your workshops.

  Some argue that this is an indispensable part of the complete reset experience, but the majority of players feel that upgrading workshops offers no meaningful gameplay value and that doing so repeatedly is merely a waste of time.

  Pros & cons of retaining blueprints

  If future updates were to allow you to retain your blueprints after an Expedition, you could undoubtedly focus immediately on gathering other materials, allowing you to craft your preferred weapons and jump straight into combat as soon as your workshops were upgraded.

  However, while this would grant you a distinct combat advantage, it would also create an imbalance, as not all players possess the means to acquire and retain high-tier blueprints by the end of a given season.

  Consequently, this could easily lead to scenarios in the early stages of a new Expedition where players wielding top-tier weaponry prey upon unarmed casual players or newcomers, an outcome that neither the players nor the developers would wish to see.

  The awkward reality, however, is that for disadvantaged players, under the current game mechanics, if you do not have ample time to dedicate to continuous farming, you are effectively already at a disadvantage.

  Blueprint acquisition relies heavily on RNG; this means you must maintain a consistent play schedule, loot resources efficiently, and have a healthy dose of luck on your side just to build up a substantial blueprint collection.

  Therefore, although the developers' original intent behind the reset system was to foster a fair competitive environment it feels more like a punishment for those players who simply cannot spare the time to invest heavily in the game.

  It is precisely for this reason that the resets triggered by Expeditions exacerbate the sense of frustration felt by casual players. Thus, regardless of whether blueprint resets are eventually abolished or not, Expedition system itself remains plagued by an inherent internal contradiction.

  Will blueprint retention is possible in the future?

  Although not all players wish to see the blueprint wipe removed, a vocal segment of the community has persistently pressed ARC Raiders development team on this issue; recently, the game director offered a preliminary response regarding the matter.

  His stance can be summarized simply: retaining blueprints after an expedition concludes is not an option that has been entirely ruled out, but implementing such a change would require time.

  Typically, a game's developers strive to address their players' most fervent requests. However, the issue of blueprint resets has remained without a definitive resolution precisely because the underlying technical and design challenges are particularly thorny.

  To explain in greater depth: modifying this specific mechanism would inevitably have far-reaching repercussions across every facet of the game's overall system. It presents significant difficulties and demands a considerable investment of time.

  As we noted when discussing the pros and cons, whether considering the blueprints themselves or the potential removal of the reset mechanic, several factors must be carefully weighed, including progression continuity, player experience, and the unique value of RNG-based rewards.

  In short, while the possibility of retaining blueprints after an expedition is not out of the question for the future, achieving this involves a lengthy development process and requires identifying the most appropriate solution.

  Plausible mechanistic hypotheses

  Although the developers have not yet announced any concrete plans, based on the game's current state, we have formulated several hypotheses on how to avoid a complete blueprint reset without compromising the game's overall experience or balance.

  For instance, instead of directly altering the blueprints themselves, the focus could shift to modifying the workshop reset mechanism. If a player successfully completes the objectives within the departure window, their rewards could include the retention of a selection of high-tier workshops for the start of the subsequent expedition.

  This approach would allow players to craft items more rapidly right from the start, even if they begin without any blueprints, rather than being forced to repeat the entire workshop upgrade process from scratch.

  Alternatively, Expedition rewards could incorporate a tiered system for retaining specific blueprints, items of moderate rarity that are designated for use exclusively during the preparation phase of the next expedition.

  This would ensure that players of varying skill levels have an opportunity to acquire these blueprints, while simultaneously preventing the long-term, permanent retention of items from leading to future issues regarding blueprint devaluation or redundancy.

  Of course, the suggestions outlined above are merely speculative concepts based on the game's current mechanics; ultimately, the final decision rests with ARC Raiders development team.

  Fortunately, despite any existing shortcomings, recent updates to Expedition system demonstrate that ARC Raiders team remains steadfast in its commitment to listening to and satisfying its player base. We're confident that a suitable solution to the blueprint reset issue will be found in the future!

• ARC Raiders Expedition 3 Detailed Damage Numbers you need to unlock Permanent Skill Points | Window duration will be extended!

  As one of the core mechanics of ARC Raiders, the development team is constantly striving to optimize Expeditions in a timely manner, aiming to provide you with the best possible seasonal reset experience.

  With the third Expedition window set to launch on April 28th alongside Riven Tides update, the game released an article on April 17th titled A Triumphant Exit, detailing the changes made to Expedition gameplay for this iteration.

  However, the article left out certain details, specifically the exact damage thresholds required to earn skill point rewards now that the acquisition method has shifted to dealing damage to enemies.

  This understandably caused some confusion and anxiety among players, who worried they might be unable to complete the objectives once the event went live.

  To reassure the player base, ARC Raiders released these previously unspecified statistical requirements via various social media platforms on April 21st and subsequently edited them into A Triumphant Exit. Below, we present the latest information regarding these updates.

  

  Specific requirements for earning skill points

  During the first two Expedition windows, you earned various rewards by collecting coins or materials of a certain value. This time around, however, at least regarding skill points, the method of acquisition has changed.

  During Expedition 3 window, you must deal a cumulative total of 100,000 damage to any type of enemy through combat to unlock all 5 available skill points. The specific unlock requirements are as follows:

  • First skill point: 5,000 damage
  • Second skill point: 10,000 damage
  • Third skill point: 30,000 damage
  • Fourth skill point: 50,000 damage
  • Fifth skill point: 100,000 damage

  It is crucial to note that these points function as milestones along a single progression track, rather than being independent of one another.

  For instance, if you deal 10,000 damage in a single burst, you will immediately unlock both the first and second skill points, not need to deal 15,000 damage.

  Based on the development team's internal testing, they estimate that during a sufficiently intense combat encounter, a single Raider can deal a minimum of approximately 8,000 damage.

  Based on this calculation, to be on the safe side, you should aim to complete at least 13 such high-intensity combat encounters during expedition window to successfully reach your goal.

  Of course, if your individual combat proficiency is slightly lower, you can always choose to team up with friends to share the burden. Alternatively, you can tackle a larger number of slightly easier combat encounters solo, relying on sheer volume to achieve your objective.

  Based on testing, dealing 100,000 points of damage is sufficient to destroy 20 Bastions; you can use this benchmark to assess your own capabilities and plan your subsequent combat strategy accordingly.

  Extended window duration

  As per standard procedure, the departure window for ARC Raiders Expeditions typically remains open for about a week; consequently, the window for Expedition 3 was originally scheduled to close around May 4th.

  However, because the comprehensive adjustments to Expedition 3 mechanics were announced relatively late, leaving a gap of only 10 days before the launch, the game developers have extended the closing time to 12:00 AM PT on May 11th to provide you with more time to complete the objectives.

  This means you now have 13 days to fulfill all the requirements for Expedition 3 window and earn your rewards, a timeframe that should certainly be ample for most players who are familiar with the game's mechanics.

  It is also worth noting that the game's weekly trials will remain active as usual throughout this window period.

  This means that if any of the weekly trials happen to include objectives requiring you to deal damage to enemies, you can work toward completing both sets of objectives simultaneously!

  Why should you earn skill points?

  All characters in ARC Raiders feature three distinct skill tree branches: Conditioning, Mobility, and Survival. Unlocking skills within these trees using skill points determines the specific abilities and tactical advantages your character will possess during combat.

  Standard skill points can only be acquired by leveling up, with a maximum cap of 76 points; furthermore, these standard points are reset after the conclusion of each expedition.

  However, if you participate in an Expedition and successfully complete its specific window requirements, you will earn a permanent bonus of 5 skill points.

  If you successfully completed both of the previous Expeditions, you should currently possess 86 skill points; completing Expedition 3 will allow you to boost that total to 91! Even after a seasonal reset, you will still retain 15 permanent points at your disposal.

  This gives you a distinct advantage over players who participated in fewer Expeditions (or none at all), allowing you to unlock foundational skills much sooner.

  By leveraging these early skills to accelerate your leveling and rapidly progress through the skill trees, thereby strengthening your character, you can more efficiently farm for ARC Raiders blueprints you desire.

  Finally, it is worth mentioning that if Expedition 3 marks your second or third Expedition overall, and you previously missed out on skill point rewards because you failed to complete the objectives within the allotted time, you now have an opportunity to make up for those missed points!

  However, this catch-up mechanism for earning retroactive skill points is not achieved by dealing damage; instead, just like in previous Expeditions, you must accumulate coins or stash value, with every 300,000 points earned unlocking one additional skill point.

  More importantly, you must first fulfill the damage accumulation requirements for Expedition 3 before you can begin advancing your catch-up progress.

  Why are these adjustments made?

  In fact, during Expedition 2 window, the game had already lowered the requirements regarding coins and stash value to ensure that more players could complete them in a timely manner. However, it must be admitted that this was merely a stopgap measure that failed to address the root cause of the problem.

  This is because, at its core, this mechanism amounted to nothing more than a pointless activity. You would use your time amassing a vast quantity of items, and while these could eventually be exchanged for permanent rewards, it was difficult to shake the lingering feeling that the effort simply wasn't worth it.

  The current optimization revamps this mechanism, shifting the focus on dealing damage to enemies. This allows you to experience your own impact more tangibly during combat: every single attack you land now contributes directly toward earning skill points.

  Consequently, at least when compared to the past, both the intrinsic value and the enjoyment factor of Expeditions have been significantly enhanced. This should also serve to encourage more players who have yet to try them out to jump in and participate.

  While the ultimate outcome remains to be seen, the team's ongoing commitment to optimization serves as clear proof of the high priority ARC Raiders development team places on Expedition system. We sincerely hope that this game continues to go from strength to strength!

• ARC Raiders Brutal Season 3 Finale Week 25 Trials | How to defeat Matriarchs, Queens, and more enemy types?

  This week's ARC Raiders Weekly Trials mark not only the 25th round since the game's launch but also the final set of Season 3, as the new Riven Tides update is set to go live next Tuesday, April 28th!

  Consequently, compared to previous weeks, Week 25 Trials still consist of five objectives; however, the overall difficulty is notably higher, with some tasks even requiring you to face the most formidable ARC types currently in the game:

  • Open ARC Probes
  • Damage flying ARC enemies inside Spaceport Walls
  • Open Containers inside Traffic Tunnels
  • Damage Fireflies
  • Damage Queens or Matriarchs

  Nevertheless, there is no need to worry; we've got you covered with a detailed walkthrough for this week's Trials! With this guide in hand, you can freely schedule your time and make progress on your Trials whenever you like, right up until the weekly reset on Sunday!

  

  Open ARC Probes

  This is likely the easiest Trial objective this week; simply locate a sufficient number of ARC Probes across the map and open them to earn a three-star Trial rating.

  These probes are non-hostile devices dispatched to Earth to collect various samples. Once opened, they reveal three internal compartments containing loot for you to scavenge.

  However, be aware that the moment an ARC Probe is opened, it emits a distinct buzzing sound to signal for help. You must act quickly to breach the device and cut its power supply; otherwise, you risk attracting additional enemy reinforcements to your location.

  As you approach a nearby probe, you will hear a faint beeping sound, the audio cue indicating it is functioning normally. Listening for this sound is a handy trick for locating the probes more efficiently.

  To complete this Trial objective as quickly as possible, your best strategy is to wait until a Prospecting Probes event appears on the map before you begin farming. These events have a chance to spawn in any of the outdoor map zones.

  During this event, a higher density of probes will appear; however, the downside is that they may be guarded more heavily by other ARC units, so you should still remain prepared for combat.

  Damage flying ARC enemies inside Spaceport Walls

  Locating and eliminating flying ARC units should be no trouble for you by now; the key challenge with this objective lies in the specific combat zone requirements.

  Upon entering Spaceport map, you will notice that the majority of its areas are situated within the perimeter walls.

  Although some sections of the wall have been demolished, any kills you secure within the theoretical exclusion zone defined by the original wall boundaries will still count toward your objective progress.

  Currently, the primary areas that fall outside the wall boundaries are Rocket Assembly zone and Control Tower A6 building. While avoiding them, we recommend focusing on completing this task in the vicinity of Launch Tower.

  This is because Spaceport map features an exclusive event called Launch Tower Loot, during which you can find additional loot at the very top of the tower.

  Therefore, you can first make your way to the top of the tower to scavenge for loot, and then wait there for more flying ARC units to spawn so you can eliminate them. The types of enemies you may encounter include:

  • Snitch
  • Spotter
  • Wasps
  • Hornets
  • Fireflies
  • Rocketeers

  Eliminating these enemies not only boosts your Trial Points but also yields loot directly from their bodies; so, be careful not to let other players, who might be camping nearby, snatch it away from you!

  

  Open Containers inside Traffic Tunnels

  Traffic Tunnels are an area located in the center of Blue Gate map. For this task, you simply need to keep searching for and opening containers within this area until you achieve a three-star rating.

  However, there are a few things to keep in mind: First, the tunnels are underground, so you may have to traverse dark, hazardous zones to locate the containers. Second, this area is considered a high-value zone, making it very easy to get drawn into PvP combat.

  If you feel you can handle these challenges, we recommend waiting until a major map event, such as Night Raid or Electromagnetic Storm, is active before attempting this Trial, as the spawn rate for containers increases significantly during these events.

  Damage Fireflies

  This enemy type was introduced to the game during Shrouded Sky update. It is an armored drone unit capable of dealing significant damage to you, particularly during close-quarters combat.

  Fireflies often appear alongside Hornets and Wasps; however, they possess superior combat capabilities when operating solo compared to the other two, primarily attacking using a flamethrower.

  Of course, like other ARC units, Fireflies have a specific weakness. When a Firefly extends its flamethrower, a yellow canister becomes exposed on its body; you can aim for this canister and shoot it to trigger an explosion.

  Alternatively, if you happen to be positioned directly in front of a Firefly during combat, observe it closely to locate its front-facing thrusters. Once you have stripped away the armor protecting them, continue shooting the thrusters to deal increased damage.

  Finally, to effectively dodge a Firefly's attacks, listen carefully to the audio cues; they emit a distinct sound, reminiscent of escaping gas, just before they are about to unleash their flamethrower.

  Damage Queens or Matriarchs

  Queens and Matriarchs currently represent the largest and most dangerous types of PvE enemies in ARC Raiders, a status that will only change once Riven Tides update introduces other massive adversaries.

  Specifically, Matriarchs only appear on the map when the eponymous map event is triggered. The maps where this event can occur include Dam Battlegrounds, Spaceport, and Blue Gate.

  Matriarchs possess not only formidable damage output and defensive capabilities but also the ability to summon other ARC units during combat to serve as their minions.

  Consequently, it is best to avoid confronting a Matriarch head-on. Instead, you should first locate reliable cover to avoid being struck directly by her missiles or other weaponry, then continuously fire at her faceplate until her core is exposed.

  Queens appear during Harvester events, where they serve as guardians for the structure associated with the event. While it is possible to simply bypass a Queen if your only objective is to loot the building's contents, engaging in combat is a mandatory requirement for the trials .

  Compared to Matriarchs, Queens are slightly less formidable opponents; the key to victory lies in simultaneously dodging their attacks while targeting their core and leg joints.

  The above covers the content and strategies for all trial missions in Week 25 of ARC Raiders. Next week's trials are expected to undergo significant changes due to the introduction of new content, stay tuned!

• Stop Wasting Runs! | ARC Raiders Buried City Town Hall Key Farming and Using Guide

  Raiders, everyone's eager to unleash a thrilling looting spree in Buried City Town, a renowned treasure trove. Rare weapons and high-level loot await you. However, the game is fiercely competitive; only those who find the key can unlock the rooms. Now, let's explore how to find and use the precious Buried City Town Hall key.

  Where to find the key?

  Actually, the key isn't hard to find. While item drops in ARC Raiders are random, there are still some patterns to follow.

  Keys are relatively concentrated on Dam Battlegrounds map, especially in Ruby Residence and Administration Building. Because items frequently respawn, it's recommended to develop the habit of returning to key areas to re-loot. Of course, this assumes you have plenty of time.

  Don't overlook the breaching containers in the rooms; you never know what goodies are hidden inside. You can also often find Buried City Town Hall key in lockers and chests. The chances aren't low.

  

  Obtaining ARC Raiders Buried City Town Hall key from ARC enemies is another method, with a slightly higher probability of success while guarding the restricted area, but the risk also increases accordingly. With caution and good equipment, it's not particularly difficult.

  How to use the key?

  Preparation before Looting

  First, players should put the hard-earned key into a Safe Pocket. You don't want to risk losing it, right?

  You're probably hoping for a fruitful looting trip. Here's an easily overlooked point: to ensure a smoother looting experience, try to carry only essential items, leaving enough space in your inventory. Avoid the awkward situation of finding good items but not having enough space in your inventory.

  If you want to use this key, you need to time it right and use it before leaving the map. Because once you die, you won't have a chance to use it, you'll lose the key you worked so hard to obtain, and you'll have to start all over again.

  Looting Process

  Next, we can find Town Hall and begin our journey. Players can easily find Town Hall on the map because it's a huge building and particularly conspicuous in open areas. You can also place a location marker for easy identification and to revisit later. If your spawn point allows, it's recommended to approach from the northwest.

  You need to reach the north main entrance of Town Hall and use the key to open the large door in the center of the building. This room is relatively easy to find compared to other locked rooms. If you can find it, others can too, so remember to close the door behind you!

  Because it's a key area, there will be relatively more ARC enemies, such as Tick, Pop, and Fireball. You can eliminate some ARC before starting to loot, creating a safer environment for yourself. Always be vigilant and protect your life and the good loot you find.

  Town Hall has three floors. We need to focus on the second and third floors, as they have more loot.

  The first-floor lobby, while not as good as the second and third floors, is still quite decent. You can find grenade cases behind the pillars on the first floor. Valuable residential items can be found in the chest of drawers, usually in the corner behind the door. There are also some ARC scraps, all from your destruction.

  Upon reaching the second floor, the quality of loot improves significantly. You can find medical bags near the railings in the hallway. Keep an eye on the drawers in the rooms; you might find them through holes in the walls. They likely contain valuable items.

  Additionally, a chest of drawers can be found in the east room. The furniture you see may randomly spawn world loot. There's also a refrigerator for storing natural loot.

  The third floor might be the most lucrative spot. Finding epic items isn't unusual. The main focus is on looting the cabinets, chests of drawers, security breach lockers, breachable computer cabinets, and weapon cases. Weapon cases have a higher chance of containing rare items.

  Looting Results

  What you find in Town Hall depends partly on luck, as the drops and containers are randomized. It's possible you'll find both Bobcat and an upgraded Bettina this time, but come back empty-handed next time.

  The important thing is to maintain a good mindset in the game. Don't be arrogant when you return with a full load, and don't be discouraged when you return empty-handed; these are inevitable experiences.

  Important Notes

  Unless under special circumstances, after finishing a looting session, you can use a Raider Hatch key to safely escape from a hatch. It's located in the northeast corner of Town Hall; you'll find a somewhat hidden hatch there. Then, quickly return to Speranza.

  So, try to prepare a Raider Hatch Key in advance so you can bring back all your loot. That's what makes a complete looting session.

  In short, finding Buried City Town Hall Key isn't as difficult as you might think. Follow the methods in this guide to find it, and use the key carefully to maximize its benefits. Go online and try it out!

• ARC Raiders Riven Tides New Teaser reveals hidden map areas and a Massive Shadow may about new enemy type

  Last week, ARC Raiders offered a preliminary glimpse, via email subscription, at some details regarding the new Riven Tides map. Now, with just 10 days remaining until the update's official launch, the game has finally released a more formal teaser trailer.

  Although the teaser is quite brief, it does reveal glimpses of additional areas within the new map, content that extends beyond the information previously shared via email. Furthermore, ARC Raiders has unveiled even more content across various social media platforms.

  In this article, we will compile and present all this new information regarding Riven Tides, ensuring you are fully prepared for the final week leading up to the update's arrival.

  

  Preview of three new skins

  If you have been keeping up with ARC Raiders' official updates, you know that the launch of Riven Tides will coincide with the opening of Expedition 3 deployment window, an event accompanied by a host of significant updates to the game's expedition mechanics.

  These updates include revisions to the skin rewards offered during previous expeditions. More specifically, if you have participated in all three of the expeditions released to date, you will be eligible to receive the corresponding Evolved versions of those skin sets.

  With this in mind, ARC Raiders has released a preliminary look, via social media, at the concept art for this third skin set. The standout piece among them is undoubtedly the one positioned in the center.

  The headpiece of this particular skin features a design that obscures the upper half of the face, adorned with distinctive gold armor plating. It is further complemented by a pair of wildly styled gauntlets and clothing accents featuring vibrant, eye-catching colors.

  The set on the left resembles a spacesuit, though with a less bulky profile. The entire outfit features a subtle, low-profile gray color scheme, offering extensive coverage; the only exception is the helmet, which features a translucent amber-tinted visor that allows your face to remain visible.

  In contrast, the skin on the right adheres to the more conventional Raider combat gear aesthetic. The only distinct feature is the facial ornamentation, which utilizes a unique faceplate paired with a Cyclops-style red laser eyepiece.

  Whichever skin you manage to acquire, it is sure to provide a unique flair to your combat experience.

  However, please note that in-game skins typically offer no functional advantages or stat boosts; if you are looking to enhance your actual combat capabilities, it's faster and more effective to buy ARC Raiders blueprints on IGGM!

  The new teaser and related context

  The recently released teaser for Riven Tides clocks in at a mere 15 seconds. Building upon the two map-related images previously revealed via email last week, this teaser offers a deeper look at the interior of Panorama Azzurro, an area expected to serve as the central hub of the new map.

  Based on the content of this short video, it is evident that the hotel's interior is even more dilapidated than we had imagined, overgrown with weeds and bearing traces of destruction everywhere.

  If you feel this content hasn't quite satisfied your appetite, don't worry; shortly thereafter, the developers released an article titled Riven Tides: Scout Report.

  In addition to the two images previously included in the email, the article unveiled four new images bearing the titles: "Pool, Dry", "Beachfront/Bar", "Customs House", and "Stacking Yard".

  

  Both the format and content of the article suggest it serves as a log entry. The author remains anonymous, though they are likely the same individual who penned the entries found in the earlier email, someone who consistently makes reference to Shani.

  Notably, some players within the community have used this information to theorize that Shani may not be a entirely trustworthy ally; rather, she could very well be secretly colluding with the human factions that participated in Great Evacuation and fled into space.

  To date, ARC Raiders has offered little in the way of further elaboration or introduction regarding the game's overarching narrative and backstory. Perhaps this latest update, delivered through the figure of Shani, will finally provide us with more insight.

  The article is structured into two main sections: a general overview, followed by a more detailed introduction to the map's layout presented through pairs of images. Each pair is accompanied by a specific title and descriptive text:

  • Approach 18:06: A log entry documenting Panorama Azzurro and the surrounding ruins.
  • Exterior, rear 18:39: Appears to depict the map's dilapidated beachfront resort facilities.
  • Harbor 19:14: A fully industrialized dockyard, completely devoid of any resort-like atmosphere.

  By piecing together these textual descriptions, we can begin to form a preliminary picture of the new map's overall layout: a composite environment formed by two distinct zones with entirely contrasting aesthetics.

  The resort facilities zone features a swimming pool and a massive plastic water slide, extending all the way from the hillside down to the beach, which appears to have once served as a water park attraction.

  Additionally, the area is strewn with several sun loungers and features a second bar area. It seems the people who once inhabited this place certainly knew how to have a good time and celebrate.

  As for Harbor zone, it is a world apart. Dominated by towering cranes that scrape the sky and mountains of stacked shipping containers, the entire environment feels cold, stark, and industrial.

  This area offers an abundance of verticality and cover opportunities, making it an ideal playground for players who enjoy creating chaos or adopting a stealth-oriented playstyle.

  Ultimately, within the intricate confines of hotels and industrial docks, you can enjoy the thrill of engaging in combat against other players or smaller ARC units; meanwhile, on the open sands of the resort beaches, you may find yourself facing off against the newly introduced, massive ARC enemies.

  Interestingly, at the very end of Riven Tides: Scout Report, the chronicler notes that while observing a certain building, he sensed a massive shadow drifting slowly and steadily across the sky, yet when he looked again, he found absolutely no trace of it. This is very likely a teaser regarding the aforementioned massive ARC units.

  What can you do this week?

  First off, the new Weekly Trials have begun, and as this marks the final round of Season 3, which determines your ultimate ranking, be sure to complete all trials with a 3-star rating before time runs out.

  Related: Arc Raiders Expedition Dilemma: Why Optional Wipes Create a Tough Choice And How to Fix the Conflicting Timeline

  Furthermore, the launch of Riven Tides signifies the conclusion of the collection phase for Expedition 3. If you wish to ensure a successful and complete run of this expedition, remember to verify that you have gathered all necessary materials and coins before the end of the week.

  We hope the information provided in this overview proves helpful as you continue your journey in ARC Raiders, especially as you look forward to the exciting new content on the horizon! Best of luck!

• ARC Raiders Third Expedition Mechanism Has Been Changed | Forget about Stash Value, focus on damage!

  ARC Raiders is rolling out a major update at the end of April, including a new map and an all-new boss. Around the same time, the third Expedition window is also set to open in late April, making this a very significant moment.

  On April 17, the team released an article titled A Triumphant Exit, which essentially serves as the official announcement for the third Expedition. It lays out the timing for the third Expedition, key adjustments to the seasonal reset, and several welcome changes compared to previous Expeditions. Let's break down the details.

  

  Third Expedition Date

  The specific window for the third Expedition has now been confirmed to open on April 28, aligning closely with earlier estimates. This date also marks the release of Riven Tides update. It will be the first time an Expedition window opens on the same day as a content update - previously, the update would arrive first, followed by Expedition window a day or two later.

  The only difference is that the window will open a few hours after the update goes live. This Expedition window will last for five days. The opening and closing times, by time zone, are as follows:

  • UTC: April 28, 11:00 – May 4, 07:00
  • PDT: April 28, 04:00 – May 4, 00:00
  • BST: April 28, 12:00 – May 4, 08:00
  • CET: April 28, 12:00 – May 4, 08:00
  • AEST: April 28, 21:00 – May 4, 17:00
  • JST: April 28, 20:00 – May 4, 16:00

  Expedition Requirements

  If you've been hoarding wealth or high-value items throughout this season, most of that accumulation has now become largely irrelevant. Unlike previous seasons, where coins and stash value were the final targets for earning top rewards, this Expedition requires you to deal damage to enemies during the window to obtain the highest reward: 5 Skill Points.

  This adjustment is now the standard rule for the current version, whether you are taking part in your first, second, or third Expedition. The number of Expeditions you've completed doesn't matter - what counts is the total damage you deal between April 28 and May 4.

  How to Meet the Damage Requirement?

  To earn all 5 Skill Points for this season, you need to deal damage to any target except the shooting range within the five-day window. This change is clearly meant to encourage active combat. However, the exact damage threshold has not yet been revealed.

  The team has already stated their intention to reform Expedition system, moving away from a monotonous gold grind and reshaping core mechanics such as ARC Raiders blueprints and Skill Point allocation. This shift was therefore to be expected.

  Players who enjoy PvE will need to find ways to eliminate ARC enemies on the map, while PvP players can expect even more chaos and relentless killing during the window. Stella Montis is sure to become a bloody battlefield. 

  Stash Value

  Although your stash value is no longer needed for this Expedition, the catch-up mechanic still relies on coins and stash value for conversion. Similar to the previous Expedition, you can use 300,000 (combined coins and stash value) to make up for each Skill Point you missed earlier. However, you must first obtain the 5 skill points from the current Expedition by completing the damage challenge.

  For example, suppose you earned only 3 out of 5 Skill Points in the last Expedition (missing 2). This time, you complete the damage challenge and earn all 5 Skill Points. If, when the window closes, you have a combined stash and coin value of 600,000, you will receive a total of 7 Skill Points. If you also missed points from the first Expedition, you can continue to catch up, but that will require even more value.

  Last Call

  A major issue with past Expedition windows was that players had to actively confirm and agree to depart within the five-day window. If you missed it, the entire Expedition window became void - no reset, no benefits.

  Now, a new feature called Last Call has been introduced. It allows players who have completed all the prerequisite steps for an Expedition and are only waiting for departure confirmation - even if they missed the five-day registration window - to still depart the next time they log in, after the window has closed and the reset has already taken place.

  The only difference is that because you depart through this option without needing to meet the damage requirement, you will not earn any Skill Points. However, you will still receive the basic rewards, including:

  • Patchwork outfit (evolved)
  • Expedition Indicator icon
  • Stash capacity increase

  More importantly, Last Call also allows you to retain your Consecutive Buffs. If you fail to depart, those buffs would be lost. Last Call gives you one final chance - even if you can't obtain all the rewards, you can still advance your progress and make up for what you missed in the next Expedition window.

  Rewards

  Permanent Rewards

  Patchwork outfit from Expedition rewards will continue to evolve. However, the announcement mentions that the fourth Expedition will feature a completely different appearance. The evolved skin actually already existed in the game files in an unimplemented state after the last Expedition update, and it will now be officially awarded as the reward for the third Expedition. Depending on whether you are participating in your first, second, or third Expedition, you will receive the corresponding version of the outfit.

  Stash capacity: Each Expedition adds 12 stash slots. After upgrading to the maximum capacity:

  • First Expedition: 292 slots
  • Second Expedition: 304 slots
  • Third Expedition: 316 slots

  Each Expedition grants up to 5 Skill Points, plus any additional points you catch up on. Note that you can obtain at most 5 extra points via the catch-up mechanic per Expedition, for a total of 10.

  Consecutive Buffs

  Depending on how many Expeditions you have completed, these buffs will stack cumulatively, up to a maximum of three stacks.

  • General experience bonus: 5% → 10% → 15%
  • Scrappy materials boost: 6% → 12% → 18%
  • Repair value increase: 60% → 70% → 80%

  If you complete the third Expedition but skip the fourth, these buffs will drop back to the base level, and you will need to complete three Expeditions in a row again to restore them to their current tier.

  This third Expedition is certainly more engaging than simply hoarding stash value, but the window is rather short, and many players may miss out. The current approach to Expedition doesn't feel fully mature. Given that the team is considering adjustments to various aspects of the game, these changes may well be temporary.