ARC Raiders: update 1.28.0 fixes lost skill points issue

On 12 May 2026, developer Embark Studios released a patch for ARC Raiders that fixed an issue with missing Skill Points. These Skill Points were not being awarded to players who took part in the Expedition event and had reset their accounts.

Skill points issue

On 11 May, reports surfaced that many ARC Raiders players had not received the promised Skill Points after the Expedition event ended. Embark Studios acknowledged the problem and has now resolved it with the release of update 1.28.0. Players who have "departed", meaning they have reset their account, can receive up to five Skill Points after an Expedition.

Skill Points are used to improve permanent stats such as stamina and combat. ARC Raiders has, however, changed the system for earning these points. Until recently, Skill Points were tied to player activity; now they are linked to the total damage players deal to ARC enemies. This change was generally well received, but it still sparked some controversy within the community.

Timeline

11 May 2026: Players report that they did not receive Skill Points after the Expedition event.
12 May 2026: Embark Studios rolls out update 1.28.0 and fixes the issue.
Around early May 2026: Embark Studios extends the duration of the third Expedition due to criticism of the Skill Points system.

New additions in update 1.28.0

In addition to fixing the issue, update 1.28.0 also introduces a new outfit set, the Castaway set. Players will need to restart the game or manually download the patch to get the new look. Developer Embark Studios appears to be responding to game-breaking issues faster and more effectively, as shown by the recent pace of updates.

Since 30 April 2026, the game has received three patches and hotfixes. The team has also promised stricter measures against cheaters, who are seen as one of the biggest problems in the game. Despite the positive reception to bug fixes like update 1.28.0, players remain hopeful for other improvements, including a dedicated PvE mode and a better-balanced PvP system.

Future plans and community expectations

The community is currently waiting to see Embark Studios' next steps and updates for the rest of the year. Earlier in 2026, the first post-launch roadmap was shared, which ended with the release of the Riven Tides content update. Players are now eager to see what further developments and improvements are planned.

While updates like the one from 12 May are always welcome, the community is still waiting for more substantial news and the game's next roadmap.