Embark outlines data-led updates and tweaks for Arc Raiders after strong launch

Gamesradar reports Embark Studios says Arc Raiders has exceeded expectations since its October 30 launch, and design lead Virgil Watkins discussed the studio’s plans after the January 27 Headwinds update, which added Bird City, major loot-economy changes, 1v3 lobbies and a new long-term Arc-hunting goal.

Watkins said the team is reinvesting and reorganizing around what the telemetry shows: the studio tracks extensive data from millions of rounds, using heat maps and session replays to spot geometry bugs, combat hot spots and economy issues. Embark has seen the game attract over 12 million players and is consciously balancing the PvE and PvP blend with an aggression-weighted matchmaking rating; Watkins emphasized the system is not skill- or gear-based and will be tuned over time.

On Expeditions, Watkins said just over a million players took part in the last cycle and about 40–45% completed the full five skill points; the team is actively evaluating the 5 million coin threshold and other criteria after concerns it encouraged unwelcome play patterns. He also acknowledged some Expedition skills and the cost-to-benefit ratios on rare weapons need adjustment, while stressing caution to avoid creating decisive advantages.