Arc Raiders, an upcoming PvPvE extraction shooter, intends to change how global wipes affect players, particularly those with limited playtime. Instead of wiping all inventory and stats periodically, the developers are deploying a new “Projects” system to allow persistent progression while retaining game balance.
The problem with mandatory global wipes
In many extraction shooters and online survival games, global wipes are a common feature: every player’s inventory and statistics are reset so that everyone starts from scratch again. While this mechanic helps balance the playing field—for instance, preventing veteran players from dominating newcomers—it can also feel punishing. Players who only find time to log a few hours here and there may return after an absence to discover that their modest gains have vanished. That scenario can deter casual or occasional players from investing effort.
Embark, the developer behind Arc Raiders, recognises that relying purely on wipes “does not respect the investment of those players who do not have as much time to play overall,” according to design director Virgil in a recent blog post titled “Expedition Project”. The studio still acknowledges the benefits of wipes, but wants to reduce the harm to less-active players.
How the “Projects” feature works
Rather than wiping progress arbitrarily, Arc Raiders will introduce “Projects” once a player reaches level 20. Projects operate within scheduled eight-week windows. During each window, players have until the deadline to complete their assigned Project. If they fail within that timeframe, they can retain all the progress they have made—including gear—and carry it into the next cycle when the window reopens.
If a player completes a Project before the eight weeks conclude, they receive rewards such as unique cosmetics and buffs, which become active when the next expedition begins. However, the developers are careful to ensure fairness: “Completing a reset … should never give a player a power or combat advantage over anyone who has not completed a reset,” the blog states. In a game that embraces player-versus-player conflict within the extraction genre, maintaining competitive balance is particularly crucial.
A more inclusive approach to progression
The traditional wipe mechanism may alienate players who cannot commit large amounts of time, making the game more appealing to only the most dedicated. By contrast, Arc Raiders’ Projects system offers a middle ground: players can continue earning meaningful progress, even if they miss a deadline, while still benefiting if they complete objectives in time.
If successful, this model could make it easier for casual and returning players to stay engaged without undue punishment, while preserving competitive integrity in a PVP environment. Arc Raiders’ approach may represent a more player-friendly direction for extraction shooters as the genre evolves.
