Embark Studios might completely scrap ARC Raiders’ Expedition system instead of bringing it back in 2027 as previously planned. The developer had announced that Expeditions would be temporarily paused while the team worked on major improvements, but it appears an overhaul is no longer the only option being considered.
In brief:
- Embark previously said Expeditions would return in early 2027 with major improvements.
- Executive Producer Aleksander Grøndal says completely scrapping the system is also on the table.
- The studio has not made a final decision about what will replace or happen to Expeditions.
- Embark is currently focused on the Frozen Trail update arriving October 8.
Embark Could Scrap ARC Raiders Expeditions Completely
Speaking during Gamescom, ARC Raiders Executive Producer Aleksander Grøndal discussed the future of Expeditions and confirmed that Embark is considering some major changes.
The studio originally planned to redesign Expeditions after pausing the progression system following its fifth run. However, Grøndal revealed that Embark could take a more drastic approach.
“Maybe we’ll scrap the whole system altogether,” Grøndal said, adding that the team is still trying to determine the next steps for Expeditions.
That is a notable change from Embark’s previous messaging. In August, the developer said Expedition 5 would be the final Expedition until early 2027, when the feature was expected to return with major improvements addressing player complaints.
Embark Paused Expeditions
Embark previously acknowledged several problems with the current system, including restrictive departure windows, its reward structure, and accessibility for newer players. The studio said these concerns required bigger changes rather than continued incremental fixes.
Expeditions essentially provide ARC Raiders players with an optional progression reset in exchange for various long-term rewards and bonuses. Embark has repeatedly adjusted the system since launch, but the developer is now reconsidering whether the existing concept is worth preserving at all.
Frozen Trail Comes First for ARC Raiders
As of writing, Embark’s main priority is Frozen Trail, the major ARC Raiders update scheduled for October 8, 2026. The update includes a new map alongside changes to systems such as the Skill Tree and Raider Decks.
Once Embark determines its next steps, Expeditions could return in a significantly redesigned form, be replaced by a different progression loop, or disappear entirely.
Nothing has been finalized yet, so the previously announced early 2027 return should no longer be treated as guaranteed.
