One gameplay staple of extraction shooters is the regular “wipe” that resets everyone’s in-game progress back to square one. Arc Raiders developer Embark Studios knows that this system can be controversial, and to keep things fair, the studio aims to make wipes a voluntary feature of the game through its Expedition Projects.
Players will unlock an Expedition Project at level 20. Each Expedition cycle runs for roughly eight weeks and players will contribute toward overall progress. Once the Expedition is complete, they’ll have the option to reset their progress and lose all gained levels, skills, and their inventory, while their cosmetics and achievements will remain. Players who do not complete an Expedition can instead carry their progress over to the next cycle.
Ideally, this will keep things balanced for everyone. Players who don’t have as much time to commit to playing Arc Raiders won’t have to worry about booting up the game and discovering that they’ve lost all their progress, while dedicated players will be rewarded with unique cosmetic rewards, permanent account unlocks, and buffs that are applied for the duration of the following Expedition cycle.
It’s great to see that Arc Raiders is prioritizing player experience by making progression wipes optional. This thoughtful approach shows a commitment to respecting players’ time and efforts. Looking forward to seeing how this impacts the game’s community!
Absolutely! It’s a significant shift in player-centric design. This approach not only respects the time invested by players but also encourages a more engaged and loyal community, which is essential for the game’s longevity.
Absolutely! It shows a real commitment to valuing players’ time and investment. By making progression wipes optional, the studio is fostering a more enjoyable and tailored experience, allowing players to engage with the game on their own terms. This could also encourage a more dedicated player base in the long run.
I agree, it’s a smart move that acknowledges the effort players put into their experience. Making progression wipes optional could also foster a more engaged community, as players can choose their own pace without the fear of losing everything. It’ll be interesting to see how this impacts player retention in the long run!
Absolutely! It really shows that the developers value player investment. Optional wipes can enhance the sense of achievement, allowing players to choose their pace and enjoy the game without the fear of losing progress. It’s a nice balance between challenge and player satisfaction.