Embark considers buffs for weak skills in Arc Raiders

Gamesradar reports Embark Studios is looking at buffing underperforming skills in Arc Raiders, design lead Virgil Watkins said, adding the studio is "not deaf" to their current state and that buffs are "100% on our radar."

Watkins acknowledged player testing found several skills have an indiscernible impact and that there are skills he personally avoids. He pointed to melee-focused abilities — which rely on close hits with a hammer and see little use against flying or long-range enemies — and movement skills that barely affect speed or stamina as examples that may need adjustment. He also noted that some skills still lack a clear moment-to-moment impact even at full investment.

Embark is cautious about making skills too powerful because Expeditions currently grant up to five extra skill points on soft-wipe, a reward that can compound over time and create an advantage for veteran runners. Watkins said the studio intends to cap skill-point rewards from Expeditions and be deliberate about changes, but would not specify when or exactly how adjustments will be made.

Key Topics

Culture, Embark Studios, Virgil Watkins, Arc Raiders, Skill Tree, Expeditions