ARC Raiders: changes and updates in 2026

The extraction shooter ARC Raiders, developed by Embark Studios, has recently gone through a number of changes and updates that have had a significant impact on the player experience. Despite some pushback from the community, the developers remain committed to improving gameplay and adding new content. This article covers the most important changes and updates in 2026, as well as what to expect next.

Key facts about ARC Raiders

• Embark Studios is the developer of ARC Raiders.
• The third expedition in ARC Raiders begins on 28 April 2026.
• The expedition window will be open from 28 April to 11 May 2026.
• Players can earn Skill Points by dealing damage, not through stash value.
• The previous stash value requirement for extra Skill Points has been removed.
• Players have a five-day period to complete the damage challenge.
• The third expedition coincides with the release of the Riven Tides update.
• Embark Studios plans to support ARC Raiders for the next 10 years.
• Players have expressed disappointment with recent changes to the expedition system.
• The latest ARC Raiders update, version 1.24.0, was released on 14 April 2026.
• The crafting system in ARC Raiders is being streamlined based on player feedback.

Recent updates and changes

The game has seen a series of updates and changes over the past few months, with the most notable being the adjustments to the expedition system.

Crafting and gameplay improvements

Embark Studios has announced that the crafting system in ARC Raiders is being reworked. This change comes in response to ongoing player feedback that gathering resources took too much time. To improve the experience, a new "Acquire Resources" button will be introduced. This button will provide an overview of available sources for obtaining missing materials.

Timeline

Recent events:

• 14 April 2026: ARC Raiders receives patch 1.24.0, focused on bug fixes.
• 11 April 2026: Rumors surface that Epic Games is working on an extraction shooter in the same style as ARC Raiders, featuring Disney characters.
• 5 April 2026: Embark Studios says it will reduce player frustration in future updates through changes to gameplay mechanics.

The third expedition: Riven Tides update

The next expedition, called Riven Tides, begins on 28 April 2026. Players must sign up within the five-day window to earn their Skill Points by dealing damage instead of through vehicles or stash value. This allows the developers to place more emphasis on active gameplay rather than simply resource accumulation.

The Riven Tides update will also introduce a new major ARC enemy, which is expected to be revealed in the coming months. Details have not yet been shared, but the player community is looking forward to it after the earlier additions of new enemies and gameplay mechanics in recent updates.

Community reactions and feedback

The recent changes to how Skill Points are earned have sparked mixed reactions within the community. Some players have expressed disappointment that their previously built-up stash value is now less relevant, while others welcome the change as a way to make gameplay more dynamic and interesting. There is particular concern about the five-day window, with players worried they may not have enough time to complete the damage challenge.

However, Embark Studios has said it is open to feedback and will continue working on improvements and changes over the coming months based on player experience.

Future outlook

With the upcoming Riven Tides update and ongoing developer support, the future of ARC Raiders looks promising. Players can expect future events and adjustments that keep the game fresh and boost engagement. As Embark Studios prepares to support ARC Raiders for the next 10 years, players are eager to see how the game evolves with their feedback.