Embark Studios faced a challenge in positioning Arc Raiders beyond the typical ‘extraction shooter’ label, yet they’ve exceeded expectations. While these games always attract a dedicated niche, Arc Raiders is garnering wider appeal, impressively holding a top spot on Steam’s most wishlisted games. My personal concern, however, has always revolved around account wipes – an inherent but often polarizing feature in extraction shooters. The idea of losing hard-earned gear and progress can deter many. But once again, Embark seems to have found a brilliant solution, unveiling a remarkably clever system for Arc Raiders’ account resets.
Embark Studios has consistently stated its reluctance to impose mandatory wipes in Arc Raiders unless absolutely necessary. However, they recognize that these resets are crucial for maintaining a fresh and challenging experience, especially for dedicated extraction shooter enthusiasts. Their solution is a thoughtful compromise: upon reaching level 20, players can embark on an ‘Expedition Project.’ This project spans eight weeks, and during its final week, players who have successfully completed it will have the option to voluntarily wipe their accounts.
Should you reach the final week of an Expedition Project without sufficient progress to trigger a wipe, there’s no need to fret. Your progress seamlessly transfers to the subsequent eight-week cycle, offering another opportunity to reset your account. What’s more, even if you do complete the project but prefer to hold onto your current gear, you can simply opt out of the wipe and continue your journey as usual.
As one might expect, choosing to wipe your account means losing most gameplay-affecting elements, including levels, skills, inventory items, workshop progress, and crafting capabilities. However, you’ll permanently retain all account-wide awards, achievements, rankings, and any cosmetic items, whether purchased or earned.
A video showcasing Arc Raiders gameplay.
Beyond the simple desire to reset and embrace a fresh challenge, there are compelling incentives to opt for an account wipe. Embark Studios promises ‘unique cosmetic rewards for each completed Expedition’ and permanent account unlocks. Intriguingly, players will also receive temporary account buffs for the subsequent eight-week cycle. While this might initially raise concerns about balance, especially as the most dedicated players are likely to wipe, Embark emphasizes that they have carefully considered this aspect.
The studio clearly states that ‘completing a reset should never give a player a power or combat advantage over anyone who has not completed a reset.’ They clarify that these initial benefits will focus on cosmetic rewards, bragging rights, quality-of-life improvements, and streamlining progression for those who choose to restart.
Naturally, the true test will come when the first wipe window opens around December. However, on paper, Embark’s approach appears to be a masterstroke. This system should ideally satisfy everyone: players who dislike wipes or aren’t ready to abandon their favorite gear can simply opt out without penalty. Casual players who progress at a slower pace face no undue pressure. Yet, for the hardcore grinders, there’s a rewarding path to reset every two months, complete with enticing incentives.
A video featuring an Arc Raiders trailer.
With its launch approaching on Thursday, October 30, it’s wise to review the Arc Raiders system requirements, especially if your gaming rig is getting on in years. Should you consider an upgrade, resources for the best gaming PCs are readily available. Are you excited for Arc Raiders, and does this innovative wipe system impress you as much as it does me? Share your thoughts and join the discussion with fellow gamers!