General News

Tired of the high-intensity firefights in Riven Tides? Why not try your hand at being a beachcomber instead? Have you noticed? The new Beachcombing map condition recently added to ARC Raiders is actually quite fascinating. You can grab a metal detector and head to the coast to try your luck; that sense of accomplishment, digging up rare treasures after hearing that telltale beep-beep-beep, is truly even more addictive than going head-to-head in direct combat!

Compared to the nerve-wracking pace of previous firefights, this treasure-hunting mode brings a refreshing change of pace to Riven Tides. Want to know how to make a quick fortune along the coast while Beachcombing map condition is active? This guide is all you need, we've highlighted all the key points just for you!

Unlocking Dockmaster's Detector

However, before you can start your treasure hunt, you need to acquire a specific piece of gear: Dockmaster's Detector. This is the key tool that helps you quickly identify buried treasures on the beach; whenever there is loot nearby, the detector will emit a beeping sound and flash yellow.

There are two ways to obtain Dockmaster's Detector in ARC Raiders: The first method is to simply pick one up directly within the game world. When Beachcombing map condition is active, you can find these detectors inside shipping containers located in the coastal zones, or scattered in other corners of the map, it all comes down to your luck! The second method is to obtain one by completing the first phase of the new Player Project introduced in Riven Tides.

Completing Phase 1 of Avian Alarm Project

That's right, the new Player Project we're referring to here is Avian Alarm. In fact, this Beachcombing event is closely tied to Avian Alarm Project, and the reward for completing its first phase is none other than a Dockmaster's Detector.

It's worth noting that the process of completing this first-phase objective feels very much like undertaking a standard side quest.

First, head to Seabed zone located at the southern edge of Riven Tides map. Scattered throughout Seabed area, you will find numerous buoys. These buoys are massive metal structures that typically stand at a tilted angle within the seabed terrain. Any one of these buoys can serve as your designated objective for the mission. 

Next, as you approach one of the buoys, a blue holographic marker will appear, indicating the exact spot where you need to place the bird trap. Simply interact with it to complete this objective.

Upon returning to Base Speranza, all you need to do is confirm and submit your mission progress at the terminal. If you haven't already picked up Dockmaster's Detector elsewhere on the map, the system will now award it to you as a mission reward, along with 25 Raider Tokens!

How to pinpoint the treasure?

Once you have Dockmaster's Detector, head straight for Seabed area. Note that the darker sections of the map represent restricted zones; however, a line of buoys serves as a clear marker, delineating No Entry boundaries or the edge of the map.

Next, follow this route until you reach Wave Breaker area. This entire zone is teeming with loot just waiting to be unearthed.

If you have the detector equipped, an energy bar will appear on your screen, accompanied by a rhythmic beeping sound. As you draw closer to a buried object, the frequency of the beeps will accelerate, and the pitch will rise.

When the beeping reaches its most rapid, high-pitched intensity, stop in your tracks and slowly rotate 360 degrees. When the indicator bar turns green, it signifies that the treasure is directly beneath your feet; simply press the interaction key to begin digging. 

However, keep in mind that Dockmaster's Detector consumes energy with each use; once the energy bar is depleted, you must wait for it to automatically recharge before you can resume your search.

Digging for Loot

I must warn you: don't expect to unearth nothing but goodies. Occasionally, you may dig up something truly nightmarish, a dangerous threat that will make your skin crawl. Therefore, you must remain constantly vigilant while engaging in this activity.

Rare Chests

The most coveted find during your excavation is the blue suitcase. Additionally, you stand a chance of unearthing various Raider Caches, weapon crates, and even ARC Raiders blueprints. Since the chests yielded during Beachcombing are generally of a higher tier, this method ranks as one of the best ways to farm for weapons and blueprints.

Ship Models

Another key reward to look out for during the digging process is Ship Models. During Last Resort event, held from April 28 to May 25, players can earn Merits to unlock a series of brand-new cosmetic items and in-game resources. Collecting these Ship Models is one of the key methods for accumulating more Merits:

• Wind Sprite: 5 Merits
• Twilight Compass: 10 Merits
• Velocity: 25 Merits
• Sirena Dorata: 50 Merits
• Leviathan's Crown: 250 Merits

It is highly recommended that you do not immediately sell any Ship Models you unearth to the in-game store. It is very likely that subsequent stages of Avian Alarm event will require you to submit these Ship Models as quest materials.

Potential Threats

As previously mentioned, there is a chance that digging will trigger traps or attract enemies, specifically Mines, as well as ARC Ticks and Leapers.

If you unearth a Mine, you must dodge out of the way immediately; otherwise, it will instantly obliterate approximately one-quarter of your total health and shields. As for Ticks and Leapers, while these small units rarely pose a serious threat to your survival, they are undeniably annoying. Therefore, please remain alert to ambient sounds while digging to avoid inadvertently attracting them.

Survival Strategies & Gear Selection

Finally, there is one last point to consider before venturing into this area: the terrain here is extremely open and offers absolutely no natural cover. Consequently, you may occasionally find yourself completely exposed to enemy fire with nowhere to take shelter, or even nowhere to run. 

In such situations, equipping a Photoelectric Cloak is an excellent choice. However, keep in mind that the developers recently nerfed this item; its duration is no longer quite as long as it used to be. Even so, it should still be more than sufficient to help you extricate yourself from immediate danger.

If Photoelectric Cloak isn't an option, you might consider using a few Smoke Grenades to provide cover for your retreat. As for weaponry, a Hullcracker and a Renegade are all you need to fully enjoy your treasure-hunting expedition.

In summary, Beachcombing introduces an entirely new dynamic to ARC Raiders Riven Tides map. It serves not only as a prime opportunity to acquire high-tier blueprints and a wealth of coins, but also offers players a progression path that is imbued with a genuine sense of exploration and discovery. 

Grab your detector and keep an ear out for those beeps, but don't forget: while you're scouring the ground for treasure, always keep an eye on the skies above for incoming ARC aircraft. May every Raider return from the beaches of Riven Tides with a bountiful haul!

With every major update, the in-game item market in ARC Raiders undergoes a complete reshuffle. Following Riven Tides update, a rare material known as Processor has once again surged to become one of the hottest items in the game!

This resurgence is entirely thanks to Riven Tides update, introducing several brand-new pieces of gear and utility devices. Whether it's Powered Descender or Dockmaster's Detector, both crafting and maintenance require the consumption of rare materials, such as Processor.

More importantly, ARC Raiders Riven Tides update introduced a repair on upgrade feature: now, upgrading a weapon restores 25% of its durability. Consequently, players no longer upgrade their gear solely to boost stats; instead, they view upgrading as a strategic tool to ensure their favorite high-tier weapons remain operational, thereby avoiding the hefty cost of paying for separate repairs. And when performing these upgrades on high-tier weapons, Processor serves as an absolutely indispensable core component.

Given this situation, the market for processors in ARC Raiders is currently facing a severe supply shortage. If you're fed up with constantly running low on this crucial resource, don't worry, we're here to show you the single most efficient route for farming this rare material!

Other Resources to Scavenge

However, before we jump into a match and show you the specific route, there are a few things I'd like you to keep in mind. During our farming runs, there are several specific items we should prioritize collecting: Exodus Modules, Rotary Encoders, Alarm Clocks, Projectors, Telemetry Transceivers, and Broken Guidance Systems. If you come across any of these items, be sure to stash them safely in your inventory; we can process them all for recycling once we return to base.

We can recycle these items to convert them into Exodus Modules, which can then be further converted into Processors we need. This is a crucial strategy for maximizing the overall efficiency of our resource gathering efforts.

The Farming Route

Now that we've covered all the necessary preliminaries, it's time to load up Stella Montis map. You actually don't need to bring any loadout gear into the match at all. If your sole objective for this run is to farm ARC Raiders Processors, you can even enter the match naked, meaning you bring absolutely nothing with you. This way, if you happen to spawn in a poor location or load into the match too late, you can simply reset the game and reload immediately.

Now, our objective is Stella Montis, let's make a full sprint for it! Once you've successfully loaded into the match, your top priority should be Assembly and Medical Research areas; these places are absolutely teeming with those rare pink-tier materials.

Assembly

As we venture deep into Assembly sector of ARC Raiders, proceed with extreme caution to avoid being taken out by enemies that might suddenly spawn nearby. If you spot any pink-tier loot, be sure to grab it immediately. In addition to hunting for the supplies mentioned earlier, this area serves as our primary source for acquiring Processors. Remember to search every single server rack you come across; while they don't yield loot 100% of the time, you'll find a Processor in almost every other one you check.

Once you've finished looting most of Assembly area, don't forget to scour all the small containers scattered throughout the zone. Additionally, before you leave, keep an eye out for a small destructible doorway here; loot will occasionally spawn behind it. If luck is on your side, you might even stumble upon a high-valuable ARC Raiders blueprint.

Medical Area

With Assembly area fully looted, let's head over to Medical sector. Upon entering the room, be sure to check the medical carts scattered around; sometimes, other Raiders will leave valuable items sitting on them, allowing you to conveniently scoop up the leftovers from their own looting runs. Also, remember to inspect the small computer terminals found here, as they will sometimes contain hidden Processors.

Sandbox Area

Alright, next up is Sandbox area within Stella Montis. However, a word of caution: try your best to steer clear of Shredders. While you are certainly capable of defeating these heavily armored ARC machines, spending your time fighting them will only hinder the efficiency of your farming run.

After skirting around Shredders, you'll spot a small room known as Control Room A3. Located right next to Sandbox area, this room typically contains server racks and the valuable resources you're looking for.

Once you've finished looting this room, head toward Metro Station, then make a right turn into the small adjacent room. You can check the computer terminals inside to see if there are any processors waiting for you.

With that taken care of, we'll retrace our steps back to Sandbox area; our ultimate destination there is Seed Vault. Beyond the seeds implied by its name, this area frequently conceals various electronic components, making it an ideal location for farming ARC Raiders Processors. However, please note: since Seed Vault is often a contested hotspot for various factions, be sure to stay prepared to engage in combat at any moment, whether against other players or hostile ARC forces.

Next, turn left and enter Control Room A1. Inside, you'll find several Processors you can loot; while you're at it, don't forget to check the computer terminals. Maintain your vigilance, though, as the room may be occupied by ARC Pops, so tread carefully. It's best to clear them out first.

Cultural Archives

Our next stop is ARC Raiders Cultural Archives. There's a shortcut here: head back to where we just came from, specifically near the exit of Seed Vault. Turn left and follow the path; ahead, you'll see a zipline leading to Cultural Archives. Take the zipline up one level, and you've arrived.

Be warned, however: nine times out of ten, this area will be swarming with Pops, Ticks, Shredders, and Fireballs, so proceed with extreme caution.

As we reach roughly the midpoint of the area, you'll spot several servers situated in an open space. Remember to grab all that valuable loot. If you enter the room immediately adjacent to these servers, you'll find even more resources to scavenge, potentially in substantial quantities. So, be sure to strip the place bare and give the entire room a thorough looting.

If you head over to this specific section of the room, you'll discover that these devices can actually be dismantled; they, too, may be concealing Processors. Sometimes, simply dismantling the devices in this small corner alone can yield 8 to 10 Processors, an absolutely fantastic haul!

Since we're already at Cultural Archives, you can also follow the corridor to the very end, then head up and enter the small room located there, which houses a few more servers. We'll clear out all the supplies in this room, then make our immediate extraction.

The Final Profit

With everything completed and having returned to ARC Raiders Speranza base, it's time to tally up exactly what we managed to harvest during this run. In less than 30 minutes, we managed to scavenge eight full stacks of Processors, and when combined with our recovered materials, our grand total for this trip comes to 41 Processors!

And that's not even counting the loot we didn't grab, we didn't get greedy and strip the place of every single pink-tier rare item. So, the actual amount of resources you could potentially acquire is even greater! In any case, follow our scavenging route to clear out all Assembly and Medical areas, and let those rare Processors fill up your backpack!

Raiders, the surface has undergone a complete upheaval! With the release of ARC Raiders: Riven Tides update, a new aerial threat has arrived. Introducing ARC Turbine, a formidable defensive flying enemy. Typically, this adversary swoops in to disrupt the action around the 15-minute mark, a critical juncture when everyone is preparing for extraction. Not only does it hurl lightning bolts, but it also scatters mines across the ground to cut off your escape routes; it is, quite simply, the ultimate defensive enemy.

To help you safeguard your hard-earned loot, IGGM has worked through the night to uncover Turbine's secrets! Want to know how to hunt down Turbines efficiently? Curious about their favorite hiding spots? Don't miss this guide - we'll show you how to turn Turbine into your personal loot cache!

How to find ARC Turbine?

The primary reason Turbine is such a tricky foe is that it is incredibly elusive. As we mentioned earlier, they tend to make their debut only after a game round has been underway for a significant amount of time, meaning there is a certain element of RNG (luck) involved.

However, some players have reported that Turbines seem to show a preference for appearing near Beachcombing operation points on the map. Therefore, if the current ARC Raiders Riven Tides map features this specific map condition, you may very well sense Turbine's presence along the coastline. Typically, it will arrive when the mission countdown timer has between 10 and 15 minutes remaining.

While there is no exact, fixed arrival time, the 10-to-15-minute window on the raid countdown timer represents the period with the highest probability of a Turbine appearance. If the countdown drops below 10 minutes, the likelihood of one actively seeking you out becomes significantly lower. Consequently, if you miss this specific window, we recommend attempting to extract from your current area and then re-entering; this maneuver may trigger Turbine to respawn.

Once a Turbine finally makes its appearance, typically within that 10-to-15-minute countdown window, its arrival is heralded by a colossal clap of thunder that can be heard clearly for miles around. Be sure to keep your ears peeled and listen for this distinct audio cue!

Once they arrive, the battle is about to get intense. They will first hover and float above the map before descending directly to the ground. Take note: the moment Turbine lands, it presents your prime opportunity to launch an assault and inflict massive damage upon the enemy!

Loadout

Before initiating your attack, ensure you are equipped with the appropriate ARC Raiders weaponry, such as Jupiter or Hullcracker. The former is a legendary, high-damage railgun-style sniper rifle renowned for its exceptional armor-piercing capabilities; it can effortlessly punch through Turbine's plating to inflict damage directly upon its core. The latter, while perhaps lacking in flexibility and fire rate, is celebrated for its explosive damage output, capable of instantly obliterating an ARC enemy with a single direct hit!

Naturally, you have the option to scavenge for this gear within ground-based supply containers or purchase it directly from a vendor; however, given the steep price tags, we highly recommend utilizing the crafting system to construct these items yourself. Furthermore, IGGM currently offers ARC Raiders blueprints for sale at affordable prices, allowing you to instantly unlock any weapon or piece of gear, ensuring you are fully armed and ready to take on Turbine!

By the way, as a way to give back to our players, IGGM has launched a new ARC Raiders Riven Tides blueprint giveaway. Over the next few days, we will randomly select 20 lucky winners, each of whom will be able to choose any 5 blueprints they desire from IGGM, including Jupiter or Hullcracker blueprints. To participate, simply take a moment to leave an emoji!

Turbine Combat Tips

Now, the battle begins! Although Turbine will land on the ground, it will not remain stationary there indefinitely. Regardless of whether it is grounded or airborne, you must remain constantly vigilant, as it is liable to unleash a barrage of lightning strikes at any moment.

The sequence begins with a sphere of energy rising into the air; subsequently, three trails of black smoke will rapidly disperse in different directions to lock onto and track your current position. Following immediately in the wake of this black smoke comes a series of lethal lightning bolts.

Exercise extreme caution to avoid being struck by this ultimate attack; a direct hit will instantly shatter your energy shields and inflict massive damage, leaving you downed and incapacitated in a matter of moments.

Therefore, the safest and most reliable counter-strategy is simply this: maintain your distance. If you venture too close, you will often find yourself with no opportunity to escape before the lightning attack delivers a fatal blow. Ensure you position yourself far enough away that the deadly black mist cannot reach you; for as long as the mist remains out of range, you will remain unharmed. 

However, there is indeed a secret method to help you evade a Turbine attack: you can use a Snap Hook to latch directly onto its head, then immediately throw a Deadline charge to blow it to smithereens.

Once you start dealing sustained damage to it, Turbine will begin darting erratically across the map in an attempt to get away from you. At this point, be sure to maintain your distance while simultaneously staying in hot pursuit. As long as you keep firing, it won't land. If enough players join in the barrage, or if you simply hold out long enough, you will eventually succeed in blowing it up.

Therefore, you will need a fair number of teammates to coordinate their firepower. Be sure to stock up on plenty of ammo so you have the capacity to deal enough damage to finally obliterate this flying machine.

At the same time, do not overlook the other ARC enemies roaming the battlefield. Remain vigilant at all times; the moment you spot them, take them out immediately to avoid being caught off guard by an ambush.

Loot Drops

Once you successfully shoot down a Turbine, you naturally earn the opportunity to scavenge for loot. Unfortunately, this particular ARC enemy does not drop blueprints; instead, it yields a crucial crafting material for Powered Descender: Turbine Compressor.

Make sure to pick it up immediately, do not stand around idly trying to reorganize your inventory. Someone could be standing nearby, ready to snatch the target item right out of your hands at any moment.

Conditions permitting, try to stash Turbine Compressor you've acquired into your Safe Pocket, avoid engaging in combat with any other players, and extract immediately!

In summary, if you don't want your escape route blocked by this lightning-fast harvester hovering over ARC Raiders coastline, then ready your Jupiter sniper rifle for long-range armor-piercing shots, and follow our guide to take care of this massive nuisance!

ARC Raiders Riven Tides update is finally live. Along with a new map, a new ARC enemy and a wave of fresh content, it also introduces four brand-new items - and each one has a corresponding blueprint waiting to be collected.

The four additions in this update are: Crash Mat, Powered Descender, White Flag, and Tactical Mk. 3 (Smoke). Right now, the best map to hunt for them is Riven Tides, and they aren't particularly difficult to track down. Let's take a look at the spots where you're most likely to come across them.

Crash Mat

Function

Crash Mat is a Rare throwable. Toss it on the ground and it rapidly inflates into an air cushion. Landing on the mat reduces fall damage, but it won't make you immune to harm - so it won't save your life if you leap from an extreme height.

One advantage of Crash Mat is that it can be used mid-fall; activating it before you've covered roughly half the drop distance will take effect. Overall, this item is fairly average in power, but when you happen to pick one up or carry one along, it can genuinely help you suffer less fall damage.

Blueprint Location

Crash Mat blueprint is likely one of the most common drops on the new map. You can find it in practically any regular container - suitcase, trash cans, and especially lockers, with lockers being notably efficient.

The best farming spot on the new map is without a doubt Port Authority Building, where a room behind a standard door is packed with lockers. Tennis Court area also has quite a few lockers, making it a strong secondary location.

Additionally, map conditions do not seem to affect the drop rate. Riven Tides only features Night Raid condition, but the chance of finding Crash Mat blueprint is about the same as in a normal match.

Powered Descender

Function

Powered Descender also counters fall damage, but it's way cooler than Crash Mat. It provides a noticeable deceleration effect while you're falling, drastically reducing damage - and from certain heights, you can land completely unharmed.

To use it, you must activate it while airborne. Your character will descend more slowly and touch down more softly. However, the device doesn't have a long energy reserve; if you keep it active for too long, it will cut out and drop you straight down. Mastering the timing of activation is therefore critical.

Activating it earlier slows you down sooner but drains energy faster; activating too late leaves insufficient time to slow down enough. Generally, the higher the drop, the slightly later you should activate it. Moreover, the device follows the shared cooldown mechanic for charged items. If you use Snap Hook or Photoelectric Cloak at the same time, Powered Descender's energy will also be consumed, so make sure its energy is fully charged beforehand.

Powered Descender lets you jump down from any height, saving a great deal of time. That said, it isn't built for every altitude. The highest spots on the new map have been tested and work, but jumping from Launch Tower in Spaceport would probably exceed its limits.

Blueprint Location

Powered Descender blueprint is slightly rarer than Crash Mat, but still not terribly hard to locate. It shares the exact same drop pool as the crash mat blueprint, and the best spots are once again Port Authority Building and Tennis Court. It may take a little longer, but you'll definitely secure it in the end.

White Flag

Function

White Flag is a very interesting tool for signaling that you are a peaceful player who means no harm and simply wants to survive in this world. You can place it in your quick slot and walk around holding it, plant it somewhere, or wave it to show a more overtly friendly gesture.

Unfortunately, White Flag cannot be attached to your backpack; you must keep it in your hand at all times for others to see it. This slows your movement speed and stops you from equipping other items, which feels a bit awkward.

Blueprint Location

Although it's a simple little object, White Flag blueprint is much harder to track down than the two items above. And I still can't quite understand why raiders need a blueprint to make what is essentially a kindergarten craft - a piece of white cloth tied to a stick.

White Flag blueprint can spawn in trash cans, suitcase or lockers, but its most frequent source is the beach area of Riven Tides, through excavation activities tied to Dockmaster's Detector. Dockmaster's Detector can be obtained directly by accepting a new mission. If you happen to lose it, you can pick it up elsewhere, and there is no blueprint to craft it.

If the event isn't active or you'd rather not dig, you can still open regular containers and lockers to look for it, though the efficiency will certainly be lower.

Tactical Mk. 3 (Smoke)

Function

Tactical Mk. 3 (Smoke) is an upgraded version of Tactical Mk. 2. Its special ability is exactly the same: when your shield breaks, it automatically generates a cloud of smoke. But don't assume that a higher tier means a beefed-up smoke effect - it's not thicker or larger. The only improvements are an added implant slot, a secure pocket slot, two regular inventory slots, and a weight increase of 5 points.

So while this piece of gear isn't a game-changer, it remains quite useful in PvP. The smoke effect's value endures, and the extra weight is a nice bonus.

Blueprint Location

Tactical Mk. 3 (Smoke) blueprint is surprisingly easy to obtain because it shares the exact same drop locations as all other Augment blueprints. Those are the familiar Stella Montis Lobby (during Night events), and the destructible security room at the bottom of The Blue Gate's underground Security Wing - specifically the room behind the destructible door. Map conditions don't matter much: Night, Electromagnetic Storm, Hurricane, and Closed Gate all work. During the day, there is still a chance for it to drop, but the odds are noticeably lower.

It's not a difficult blueprint to find. The only annoyance is that you'll likely collect a pile of other Augment blueprints you already own first, since they all share the same pool. Whether you find this one early simply comes down to luck.

Those are all the methods for acquiring each of the four new item blueprints in this update. You can be assured that by farming these locations, you'll quickly acquire all four blueprints, as none of them are truly ultra-rare drops.

In the previous cycle, ARC Raiders typically released its weekly patches on Tuesdays. However, due to the launch of Riven Tides update on April 28, this Wednesday, Patch 1.26.0 was delayed by one day to coincide with its release.

Consequently, this patch serves a dual purpose: it officially introduces Riven Tides content into the game while simultaneously implementing significant optimizations to address various systemic issues that existed previously.

Below, we provide a detailed overview of Patch 1.26.0 to ensure you are fully prepared for your upcoming raids and avoid any pitfalls caused by unfamiliarity with the latest changes.

New content from Riven Tides

We have previously provided a comprehensive preview of Riven Tides update, which covered the new map of the same name, the new PvE enemy ARC Turbine, Beachcombing map condition, and more.

With the release of Patch 1.26.0, ARC Raiders has also added several items not mentioned in previous announcements: the deployable White Flag, the gadget Dockmaster's Detector, and the new augment, Tactical Mk.3 (Smoke).

White Flag

This item can only be obtained through crafting; it requires a specific ARC Raiders blueprint, 10 units of Fabric, and 3 Plastic Parts. It serves no offensive or defensive purpose; instead, it allows you to wave a flag during combat encounters to signal that you have no desire to initiate a conflict.

Although ARC Raiders is a PvEvP title, there are always players who focus heavily on PvP and adopt a highly aggressive playstyle. If you wish to avoid conflict, attempting to communicate verbally at close range can sometimes prove difficult or cumbersome.

Now, you can carry a White Flag with you at all times. If you unexpectedly stumble into a PvP situation, simply wave the flag to clearly signal your intention to avoid combat, it's incredibly convenient!

Dockmaster's Detector

Currently, this item is available exclusively as a reward for completing Avian Alarm project. It allows you to quickly detect loot hidden beneath the sand during Beachcombing map condition.

Avian Alarm project consists of five specific objectives. To obtain Dockmaster's Detector, you must complete the first objective: placing a bird trap near a seabed buoy on Riven Tides map. This objective's other reward is 250 Raider Tokens.

Tactical Mk.3 (Smoke)

Augments serve to enhance your gear in various ways, for instance, by increasing your backpack storage capacity or boosting your character's maximum carrying weight.

Accordingly, the function of Tactical Mk.3 (Smoke) is that, should your shield be depleted, it immediately generates a small smoke screen, providing cover for you to make an escape or switch weapons. However, it is subject to a cooldown period and cannot be used consecutively.

Notably, through the introduction of this augment, the developers acknowledged that the game currently suffers from a lack of variety within specific augment categories, as well as insufficient potency among combat-oriented augments; these issues are slated for gradual optimization in future updates.

New features and adjustments to the weapon system

Imbalances within the gear, particularly the weapon system, have long been a significant shortcoming of ARC Raiders. With Patch 1.26.0, substantial corrective measures have finally been implemented.

Durability changes

First and foremost, effective immediately, upgrading any weapon will now simultaneously grant it a 25% boost to durability. This change aims to further extend the weapon's operational lifespan and enhance the intrinsic value of the weapon upgrade mechanic.

Furthermore, while reducing the weapon spawn density in the map's peripheral zones, the development team has lowered the average starting durability of weapons found outside of locked rooms from 50 to 30. This ensures that high-tier resource zones consistently retain their strategic advantage.

Additional adjustments include reducing the durability loss incurred when firing high-tier weapons (a change accompanied by a corresponding increase in durability retention for low-tier weapons), as well as reducing the durability penalty applied to your weapon upon being downed from 30% to 15%.

Specific weapon optimizations

This section primarily addresses adjustments made to Bettina. The weapon has been buffed through improvements to its base damage, damage against ARC armor, and ammo stack limit; concurrently, its fire rate has been slightly reduced to ensure overall balance.

Existing ARC optimizations

Patch 1.26.0 focuses on reducing the spawn frequency of Fireflies in Dam Battlegrounds and Comets in Buried City. Additionally, Comets have been completely removed from standard gameplay sessions within Dam Battlegrounds.

This decision was made because these two types of PvE enemies present a high level of difficulty; their previous spawn rates created significant barriers to entry and enjoyment for new or casual players.

Gameplay optimizations

The changes outlined in this section specifically target several pieces of gear that have recently seen widespread popularity. First, adjustments have been implemented to ensure a more uniform distribution of salvageable loot throughout Stella Montis map.

Additionally, the stack limit for Vaporizer Regulator has been increased to 3. However, the minimum time interval required between detonating multiple grenades has been increased to prevent potential exploitation of the mechanic.

Given the exceptional efficiency demonstrated by Photoelectric Cloak during Flashpoint events, both its weight and energy consumption rate have now been increased.

This change compels you to adopt a more strategic and measured approach when planning its usage.

Massive bug fixes

As a major milestone patch, Update 1.26.0 delivers a volume of bug fixes far exceeding those of previous weeks. These fixes span multiple areas, including maps, gameplay, items, and the user interface, ensuring you enjoy the smoothest possible experience during Riven Tides update.

In short, the biggest ARC Raiders update of 2026 has now been released. Jump in now to join the raids, take down new enemies and earn fresh loot!

With just a few hours remaining until the official launch of ARC Raiders: Riven Tides, the recently released ultimate trailer, alongside accompanying preview articles, has already offered us a comprehensive first look at the full scope of this update.

Below, we present a detailed breakdown and analysis of this content, designed to help you prepare with greater confidence as you gear up to battle new enemies across the new map!

Ultimate trailer overview

This trailer runs for approximately one and a half minutes. It opens with a brief sequence of vintage-style archival footage, consistent with the aesthetic of previous teasers, which appears to have been captured by a Raider from the past.

Immediately following this, the visual fidelity sharpens significantly. The camera begins at Panorama Azzurro Hotel, systematically showcasing the intricate details of its interior and exterior, the nearby Azzurro Beach, and a dilapidated tennis court.

Close-up shots of these scenes reveal that this location was once a bustling hub; however, it appears to have been utterly devastated following ARC invasion.

Interestingly, perhaps reflecting an intentional shift in narrative focus by the trailer's director, the latter half of the video centers primarily on the various types of ARC enemies.

These alien invaders are shown rampaging through the industrial zone on the opposite side of the new map, set against a visual backdrop imbued with a cold, metallic atmosphere.

Finally, a massive, previously unknown enemy makes its debut in the skies above, as a lone Raider stands atop a lookout tower, observing the colossal threat.

The trailer effectively serves a dual purpose: one half acts as a definitive visual summary of the new map, building upon the glimpses provided in earlier teasers, while the other half focuses squarely on ARC adversaries, particularly that massive new addition soon to join the fray.

More details from "Reclaim the Coast"

Coinciding with the trailer's release, the game's developers also published an article titled Reclaim the Coast, offering a holistic preview of Riven Tides update. It is anticipated that a new, more detailed announcement will be released once the update officially goes live.

New Map: Riven Tides

As we previously speculated, the new map shares its name with the update itself: Riven Tides. In contrast to the trailer's visual-heavy approach, the accompanying article conveys the map's backstory through text.

Riven Tides is situated on the western coast of Rust Belt region, comprising a blend of once-bustling resort areas and highly industrialized dockyards and factory complexes.

Unfortunately, following ARC invasion of Earth, and beyond just Great Evacuation, this region fell a second time due to the failure of the initial wave of survivors.

New PvE Enemy: ARC Turbine

The final name for this long-awaited, massive flying PvE enemy is ARC Turbine. As seen in the trailer and accompanying visuals, it features an inverted conical shape; given its immense size, it strongly resembles a floating aerial fortress.

Turbine appears to be propelled by engines located at its base. At least judging by the trailer, it does not seem as overtly aggressive as other known flying ARC units; however, it likely harbors other, more insidious forms of danger.

Furthermore, it has been confirmed that ARC Turbine possesses extremely robust defensive capabilities. Coupled with rumors suggesting that players can actually enter its interior, this promises to deliver a novel combat experience that defies imagination.

If these rumors prove true, the gameplay mechanics would bear some resemblance to those involving Assessor; however, since Turbine is a genuine enemy rather than a static device, it poses a far greater threat.

New Map Event: Beachcombing

This event sets the stage for combat on a desolate stretch of coastline. Based on the previews, during this event, players will have the opportunity to unearth rare loot hidden beneath the sand or submerged underwater, though doing so comes with its own set of unknown risks.

Given the terrain, combat during Beachcombing will probably take place predominantly in open areas, meaning players will find it more difficult to utilize natural cover for tactical advantage. In this scenario, the Barricade Kit could prove to be incredibly effective!

New Project: Avian Alarm

Almost every ARC Raiders update introduces a new project. This time around, Avian Alarm project tasks you with deploying cages along the coastline to capture birds.

Consequently, while this project adheres to the standard five-stage progression model, the actual mission objectives may differ significantly from the material-gathering tasks featured in previous updates.

Upon completion, you will be rewarded with Dockmaster's Detector, Gel Patches, Bird House backpack attachment, Fist In Air emote, and 250 Raider Tokens.

It is worth noting that Dockmaster's Detector appears to be a prerequisite for unlocking the new Beachcombing event; therefore, it is highly advisable to prioritize completing the associated project stages.

Special Event: Last Resort

ARC Raiders may not have plans to release additional major content updates during the first half of the year; consequently, Last Resort, an extra event, has been added as part of Riven Tides update.

This event launches concurrently with the update and will remain active until May 25th; its gameplay mechanics bear a close resemblance to the previous Gathering Candleberries. You can play on any map; the system will automatically track XP you earn and convert it into merits.

As you accumulate more merits, you will be able to unlock additional items from Last Resort rewards catalog, which spans three pages. Furthermore, you can earn extra merits by hunting for miniature boat models, the rarer the model, the greater the merit reward.

Two New Items

True to expectations, Riven Tides update delivers even more than just the previously confirmed content, introducing two brand-new items: Crash Mat and Powered Descender.

According to the information released so far, both items are designed to help you mitigate fall damage. This likely stems from the fact that the new maps feature numerous tall structures and locations with significant vertical elevation differences.

These new items may be obtainable directly through scavenging during gameplay, or they might require you to unlock their corresponding blueprints first, but either way, combat is inevitable!

More New Sets

On the day Riven Tides update officially goes live, the game will debut Solare Set and Rachetta Set. Both sets feature vibrant color palettes and relatively form-fitting designs, a distinct departure from the aesthetic of the older sets.

Throughout the month of May, ARC Raiders will continue to roll out additional sets, including Corsaro Set, Castaway Set, and Sandveil Set, ensuring you have plenty of motivation to keep pushing forward.

The above serves as a general overview of all the new content included in Riven Tides update; further details will be revealed once the update officially launches. So grab your weapons and get ready to face new challenges in Rust Belt!

It appears that, starting with Riven Tides update, ARC Raiders is determined to implement transformative changes across multiple aspects of the game, much like the changes introduced last week regarding Expeditions, this week the focus shifts to trials!

Although they serve different purposes, both Expeditions and trials are fundamental features of ARC Raiders; as such, they must be designed with sufficient robustness to ensure the game's continued growth and success.

Below, we will walk you through the comprehensive overhaul of the trials system, ensuring you are fully prepared to continue completing your weekly trials smoothly and efficiently once Riven Tides update goes live.

Trials system overview

Trials were one of the core mechanics available right from the launch of ARC Raiders. They refresh weekly and typically consist of five specific objectives.

These objectives reward you with trial points based on your level of completion; the higher your performance rating, the greater the rewards, culminating in the ability to unlock a maximum three-star rating.

Furthermore, you can earn additional points to climb the trials leaderboard and compete against other players, ultimately unlocking extra loot as you improve your ranking.

Although ARC Raiders does not feature a strictly defined seasonal structure, players have naturally come to track trials in a season-like manner, aligning them intuitively with the game's expedition cycles.

Consequently, the game is currently in the final week, Week 8, of Season 3. Immediately following this, and upon the release of Riven Tides update, a brand-new cycle will begin.

Why participate in trials?

For every star you earn to improve your trial rating, you unlock a new reward, potentially even earning the chance to acquire brand-new or high-tier ARC Raiders blueprints!

Moreover, the process of completing trials often requires you to engage in specific combat scenarios; these encounters yield enemy-dropped loot, which may even include rare crafting materials.

Additionally, if you achieve a high final ranking on the trials leaderboard, you will be rewarded with exclusive cosmetic items unique to the current season!

What fundamental changes are coming?

On April 25th, ARC Raiders published an article titled "Trials Season 4: What's on the Horizon", detailing the specifics of the major overhaul to the trials system. We will now walk you through these changes point by point.

Changes to start times

During the first two expedition departure windows, weekly trials were previously unavailable; players had to wait until the departure window closed, signaling the start of a new expedition cycle, before they could access the trials.

However, following the launch of Riven Tides, Season 4 Week 1 trials will commence immediately the very next day, Wednesday, April 29th. Subsequently, they will continue to update on a fixed schedule, refreshing every Wednesday.

This change appears to stem from a shift introduced during Expedition 3 launch window: the method for earning permanent Skill Point rewards was changed from accumulating a specific value of materials or coins to dealing a specific amount of damage during combat.

Since this change was announced relatively late, the current window of opportunity has been extended.

Furthermore, the earlier start to the trials means you can explore the new maps sooner, allowing you to simultaneously complete trial objectives and advance your Expedition progress.

Changes related to map conditions

Previously, you could earn double points by completing trial objectives during Major Events that spawned on the map; however, this mechanism has now been removed.

While this means you will no longer have the opportunity to rapidly catch up on weekly trial progress when time is running short, you will also face fewer restrictions imposed by specific map conditions.

On a related note, ARC Raiders will no longer feature trial objectives tied to specific map events, such as the previously notorious task of deliberately getting struck by lightning during an Electromagnetic Storm.

Such tasks not only lacked inherent value but also occasionally created imbalances, as some players were unable to complete them simply because the required events failed to spawn. Consequently, removing them represents a net benefit.

New trial objective types

In addition to the changes mentioned above, the development team plans to introduce a wider variety of new trial objective types. These additions will serve not only to fill gaps in the current rotation but also to enhance both the value and the overall enjoyment of the trial system.

In fact, this is not a onetime occurrence; ARC Raiders plans to continue making ongoing adjustments to the trial system in the future, ensuring that a broader range of players can participate within a fair and balanced combat environment.

Trials Season 3 & 4 rewards

Following the conclusion of the Season 3 trials cycle on April 28th, if you have successfully secured a spot on the trials leaderboard, you will be awarded various cosmetic variants based on Torque Set, distributed according to your specific rank tier.

These rewards, listed from lowest to highest rank, are as follows:

• Rookie II: Torque Set (Orange Variant)
• Tryhard I: Jacket Outfit Variant
• Tryhard III: Headgear Outfit Variant
• Wildcard II: Shoulder Pad Outfit Variant
• Daredevil I: Torque Set (Yellow/Grey Variant)
• Hotshot: Torque Set (Red Variant)

Furthermore, looking ahead to the conclusion of Season 4, you will receive the base Recon Outfit upon reaching Tryhard I, with additional cosmetic variants becoming unlockable as you continue to climb the rankings.

This outfit blends a coastal aesthetic with a tactical camouflage style, exuding a heavily armored look. It features a scout-style cap, a headset, and a uniquely designed mask, making it appear significantly more refined than the rewards offered in previous seasons.

Finally, it is worth noting that ARC Raiders has partnered with select streamers, granting them early access to the new map. However, the teaser footage ultimately released remains based on previously known information and does not reveal a significant amount of new content.

Riven Tides officially kicks off tomorrow, marking the definitive end of Season 3 trials cycle. If you still have any unfinished objectives, be sure to make every moment count!

Following the images shared in subscriber emails and a standalone Shorts teaser released three or four days prior, ARC Raiders finally delivered a new, 30-second Riven Tides teaser on April 24th.

Judging by the release schedule for the previous Flashpoint update, ARC Raiders will probably release one final, longer official trailer, showcasing even more details, on the day Riven Tides launches: April 28th.

In contrast, this latest teaser maintains the vintage film documentary aesthetic seen previously, offering further glimpses of the new map.

Below, we will provide a detailed breakdown of this latest teaser's content and use it as a basis to speculate on ARC Raiders' future plans.

April 24th teaser content

Although the teaser runs for 30 seconds, the actual footage containing new visuals lasts only about 20 seconds, a common trait among game teasers.

The video opens with a concise text log in the bottom-left corner, indicating that the subsequent footage is sourced from Scout Report 0057 (echoing a text-based report of the same name previously released by the developers). The log notes the detection of an unknown ARC threat within Riven Tides sector.

Following the text log, the visuals shift, presented as a flashback, to reveal glimpses of various distinct areas within the map. A common thread runs through them all: a state of decay, yet one where massive ruins silently attest to the glories of the past.

First, you can spot a flock of birds in the distance alongside a large tower-like structure of some kind; next, a massive concrete edifice comes into view, standing sentinel at the water's edge.

Additionally, the footage reveals several metallic structures or buildings with a distinct reddish hue. Immediately thereafter, the camera cuts to a close-up of that colossal, distinctly industrial-style building. Finally, you catch a glimpse of the shipyard area.

Compared to all previous trailers or articles related to Riven Tides, the new footage in this teaser focuses more heavily on showcasing the industrialized sections of the new map, rather than the hotel complex, which is expected to serve as the map's central POI.

To be honest, this new teaser doesn't offer a massive amount of new information. However, the opening text log does allow us to tentatively confirm that the name of the new map is indeed Riven Tides.

Furthermore, these industrialized zones, each featuring unique interior layouts, are almost certain to become key battlegrounds in the game moving forward. Buried inside, there may be many rare ARC Raiders blueprints.

Further speculation on other new content

Based on the information currently available, save for a few minor details, the general layout of the new map can already be largely pieced together.

Consequently, the true mystery at this stage lies in the new ARC and map events, regarding which there have been virtually no leaks.

However, regarding the new ARC, previous trailers allow us to make an initial guess that it will be a flying-type enemy; furthermore, the game's roadmap, released early this year, indicated that it would also be a large-scale ARC.

It is worth noting that this new enemy should be distinct from Assessor introduced in Flashpoint update. While the latter is also a massive aerial apparatus, it is incapable of launching direct attacks itself.

In contrast, the new enemy appearing in Riven Tides will, much like Queen or Matriarch, pose a direct, lethal threat to you, with its aerial capabilities potentially granting it additional tactical advantages!

Among the flying-class enemies currently known in ARC Raiders, aside from a few exceptions with high damage output, most are primarily characterized by their agility and swarm-attack behaviors; however, this new addition may well shake up that dynamic.

Of course, its massive size virtually guarantees that this new enemy won't be particularly agile; however, it can leverage the vertical distance between the ground and the sky to gain unique advantages. Nevertheless, players will undoubtedly devise effective countermeasures in short order.

As for the new map events, they will naturally be centered around Riven Tides map; furthermore, we speculate that they may be linked to some form of extreme weather phenomenon.

The weather conditions that have appeared in various events thus far include cold snaps, hurricanes, and lightning strikes; consequently, the new event may very well be water-related, after all, Riven Tides is a coastal-themed map.

Given that Raiders are human, and that no ARCs appear to possess deep-diving capabilities, it remains difficult to predict exactly what form these new map events will take; however, one thing is certain: they must offer a fresh and novel experience.

Potential additional content

With almost every update release, ARC Raiders tends to introduce content that wasn't originally on the schedule, or new missions that, while never explicitly listed, are consistently added to the game.

Therefore, beyond the confirmed map events, the new ARC, and the new Expedition Window, we can expect several additional missions to go live alongside this update.

These missions are typically not difficult to complete, and they may require you to traverse the new map extensively, thereby helping you familiarize yourself with the terrain.

Furthermore, though the likelihood is slim, we cannot rule out the possibility that Riven Tides will introduce some form of new gadget or device that can be acquired and crafted. Perhaps this will serve as your secret weapon for tackling the new map events!

What will come after Riven Tides?

As you may recall, in the roadmap released at the beginning of the year, ARC Raiders, specifically through its Escalation program, only outlined its update schedule for the period spanning January through April; Riven Tides marks the final installment of that initial lineup.

Now, with a multitude of similar games launching or receiving updates of their own, you might be wondering what new surprises ARC Raiders has in store for you over the coming eight months as we look ahead to 2026.

Although ARC Raiders has yet to reveal its plans for the immediate future, we anticipate that they will make an announcement once Riven Tides update cycle is roughly halfway complete. After all, if a game ceases to receive updates, it is quickly forgotten by its player base.

However, given that the first four updates have already introduced a substantial amount of new content, ARC Raiders might instead opt to use these updates to bring the first half of the year to a smooth conclusion, reserving any further update announcements for the end of June.

That wraps up our breakdown of the new teaser, along with our predictions and speculations regarding future developments for ARC Raiders. We hope this helps you plan your gaming schedule!

Recently, the most intriguing development in ARC Raiders has likely been the changes to Expedition mechanics, specifically, the revised method for unlocking permanent skill point rewards.

While the key factor determining your character's strength is often their gear, skills serve as the foundational framework for character building; in fact, crafting certain items requires the prior unlocking of specific skills.

Consequently, beyond simply acquiring more skill points, optimizing your skill tree is an essential step toward enhancing your overall ARC Raiders experience. But the critical question remains: Is the current skill tree system adequate as it stands?

Interestingly, one of ARC Raiders producers recently addressed this very issue during a blog interview. We will summarize the key points of that interview and explore what changes the skill tree might undergo in the future.

ARC Raiders skill tree overview

In ARC Raiders, each character's skill tree system is divided into three distinct branches: Conditioning, Mobility, and Survival. These branches are color-coded green, yellow, and red, respectively.

As their names suggest, each branch governs a specific aspect of your character's capabilities. The game does not strictly mandate that you invest in any particular branch, though a common strategy is to focus more heavily on one specific path.

For every level your character gains in-game, you earn one skill point to unlock abilities, up to a maximum of 76 points.

However, these points are reset at the conclusion of an expedition. The only points that remain unaffected, persisting across Expeditions, are the permanent skill points earned through Expedition-specific rewards.

Nevertheless, regardless of your current stage of progression, if you are dissatisfied with your current skill tree configuration, you can reset it by using 2,000 coins.

Currently, there is no option to reset just a single branch; therefore, you should exercise caution and forethought when making your initial skill choices.

Why should the skill tree be optimized?

As you are aware, ARC Raiders is a PvPvE game. Put it more simply: during a single raid session, you must simultaneously contend with hostile ARC enemies and other rival players.

Due to the inherent differences in mechanics, the tactical requirements for PvP and PvE combat differ slightly.

In certain MMORPGs that feature both elements, yet keep them functionally distinct, you might be able to swap between specialized builds as needed; however, the very nature of ARC Raiders makes such on-the-fly switching extremely difficult.

Furthermore, skill progression in ARC Raiders is linear and incremental, rather than allowing for jump-ahead unlocking.

If a specific skill you desire is located at the very end of a particular branch, you are required to unlock all the prerequisite skills leading up to it before you can finally acquire it.

Additionally, the distribution of skills within the tree is not categorized based on a PvP vs. PvE distinction; instead, placement is primarily determined by a skill's overall potency, with the most powerful abilities typically situated closer to the end of the branch.

Some skills are better suited for PvP players, while others cater more to PvE players. Consequently, this sometimes creates a situation where, in order to unlock a specific node you truly desire, you are forced to acquire prerequisite skills that are currently irrelevant to your actual gameplay experience.

In summary, ARC Raiders' current skill tree is not well-aligned with the game's inherent PvPvE nature; it exists in a somewhat disjointed state and fails to adequately meet the needs of players who choose to specialize in a single area.

How should it change?

In a blog interview, the producers stated that while the game's skills initially functioned according to their intended design, their actual performance during player gameplay did not unfold exactly as the development team had originally envisioned.

Therefore, to optimize the system, the first step should be to conduct a theoretical re-evaluation based on how players actually interact with the game, and subsequently make informed decisions regarding adjustments to specific systems or progression loops.

More specifically, the mechanics of the skill tree require clearer differentiation, moving beyond mere skill designs that involve only minor numerical tweaks, though such designs certainly have their own merits.

In contrast, skill tree modifications that grant entirely new abilities, or enable players to execute maneuvers that were previously impossible, are far more critical and urgently needed.

However, it must be acknowledged that this presents a genuinely thorny challenge for ARC Raiders development team, as the difficulties and requirements involved in balancing PvE and PvP modes differ significantly.

Given this context, the simplest and most viable approach, one that draws upon established industry practices, is to adopt a dual-standard operational model: establishing two distinct skill tree systems that apply separately to PvE and PvP.

This approach would provide players specializing in different modes with much greater flexibility and scope when customizing their skill trees. Conversely, if you prefer a hybrid playstyle, you could simply build and utilize a single, integrated skill tree.

Ultimately, the core function of ARC Raiders skill tree in the future should be to facilitate the enhancement of your character's various capabilities, allowing you to define your own unique combat style while effectively accommodating the distinct demands of both game modes.

Taking this a step further, the skill tree should also form more effective synergies with specific gear, such as mods, guns, or grenades, rather than existing merely as an isolated, foundational system.

Other potential strategy

The points outlined above reflect the views and opinions shared by the producers during the interview; however, we also have a few ideas of our own regarding potential solutions for optimizing the skill tree.

Assuming no major overhaul is made to the existing layout of skill nodes within the branches, we propose a system where, based on skill point requirements and combined with other new unlock conditions, players are permitted to progress through the skill tree in a non-linear, jump-ahead fashion.

For players who prefer PvE gameplay and tend to avoid PvP encounters, the game could introduce specific alternative unlock requirements for certain high-tier skills.

This would enable them to unlock these advanced abilities efficiently, thereby empowering them to defeat more ARC units during raids.

For instance, a player could bypass prerequisite skills and unlock a specific ability directly by expending the necessary skill points in addition to fulfilling a specific PvE objective, such as eliminating a designated type or quantity of enemies within a particular map or event.

For even higher-tier skills, the system could require players to meet additional specific criteria while also expending a greater number of skill points.

However, the total point needs should not exceed the cumulative requirements previously needed to unlock all the prerequisite skills in the standard progression path.

Of course, this remains merely a conceptual proposal on our part. Whether such a system is feasible, and what the final optimized implementation might look like, ultimately depends on the official response and final decisions made by the developers.

We hope you found the content of this discussion interesting. Thank you for reading.

Beyond these still-uncertain potential changes to the skill tree, what matters most to you right now is the upcoming Riven Tides update and Expedition 3 window, both arriving in just four days.

To ensure you can level up your character and secure your rewards as quickly as possible when the update drops, the safest and most reliable strategy is to buy ARC Raiders blueprints from IGGM right now!

We offer a wide range of fast and convenient blueprint trading options, allowing you to craft all the gear you need to take on your enemies and achieve victory with greater ease!

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!