The dust swirled around my boots as I sprinted, the whine of a Charger echoing in the canyon. My pulse hammered—not from the run, but from the realization that the souped-up “Tempest” I’d hocked credits for was about as effective as a spitball against its armored hide. Had I been swindled, or was something else going on?
Arc Raiders dangles a glittering array of high-end weaponry, promising an advantage against overwhelming odds. But since launch, a nagging question has lingered: are those rare, expensive guns really worth their weight in scrap?
Thankfully, the team at Embark Studios seems to be listening. Virgil Watkins, the design lead, recently hinted at upcoming balance changes targeting the game’s pricing structure. Here’s what Watkins shared.
A Course Correction on Weapon Pricing
I was browsing social media when I saw many players complaining that higher-tier weapons didn’t give them much of an advantage compared to cheaper ones. Virgil Watkins, in an interview with GamesRadar+, acknowledged the issue. He clarified that Embark doesn’t want specific guns to be a guaranteed “I Win” button. However, Watkins conceded, “But I think we’re definitely a bit off on some of the cost-to-benefit ratios, certainly on those [higher-tier] weapons.”
Think of weapon balance like tuning a race car. You can bolt on all the high-end parts you want, but if the chassis isn’t dialed in, you’ll still spin out. Watkins said the team is aiming for a sweet spot where high-end loot offers a tangible advantage, but doesn’t negate skill. He noted, “Cost should not inherently fill a skill gap or a tactical awareness gap or things like that.”
How Do Weapon Rarities Affect Gameplay in Arc Raiders?
Weapon rarity dictates a weapon’s stats and abilities. Generally, rarer weapons have better stats and more powerful abilities. However, as Watkins admitted, the price (in terms of effort or currency) doesn’t always align with the actual benefit.
Watkins emphasized the team’s flexibility when it comes to weapon stats. “I don’t think we’re precious about where they sit on that spectrum,” he stated, indicating potential buffs or rarity adjustments. “So if it makes sense to buff it to live up to that implied potential, or if it makes sense to drop the rarity so it stays where it is because it’s performing that role well, then we’ll do that too.” This suggests that some underperforming high-rarity weapons might see significant improvements, while others could become more accessible.
What is Embark Studios’ Approach to Game Balance?
Balance is a tightrope walk. One wrong step and you can cause frustration among players. The recent adjustments to the Trigger Nade, coupled with these upcoming weapon rebalances, suggests Embark is closely monitoring player behavior and feedback. This responsiveness is a promising sign for the game’s long-term health.
These adjustments serve as a reminder: a game’s ecosystem is a garden. If you don’t prune and care for the flora, the weeds take over. Embark’s willingness to adjust weapon performance to justify their cost or rarity speaks volumes about their commitment to Arc Raiders.
Will These Changes Actually Improve Player Experience?
Only time will tell. However, a developer actively addressing player concerns and adjusting balance based on data and feedback is always a positive step. A weapon that feels satisfying to use, and whose cost feels justified by its performance, keeps players engaged.
What’s your take on the prospective weapon rebalances? Are they necessary, or is the current weapon system adequate? What specific weapons do you think need the most attention?