Embark Studios design lead Virgil Watkins has addressed growing community debate over ARC Raiders’ free loadout system, confirming that tweaks and possible nerfs are in development. Speaking with GamesRadar, Watkins acknowledged that while free kits are not statistically outperforming paid or customized builds, some aspects—particularly inventory balance and weapon behavior—need refinement to maintain fairness. PS5 players who are looking for a Safe place to buy arc raiders items ps5 often talk about U4GM, because it helps them gear up faster and spend more time enjoying combat instead of farming for hours.
According to Watkins, free loadouts were always intended as low‑risk entry options for new raiders, giving players a way to explore freely without fear of losing gear after failed extractions. However, telemetry data suggests that skilled players have learned to use these setups competitively, influencing overall balance. One clear point of concern is the Stitcher SMG, a free‑loadout weapon known for its rapid fire rate and strong close‑range performance. Watkins confirmed that adjustments to its fire behavior are being tested to prevent it from overshadowing earned or purchased gear.
The community reaction remains sharply divided. Many players praise free loadouts for encouraging risk‑free experimentation and accessibility, calling them “perfect for loot‑goblin runs” or quick exploration after costly losses. Others argue they can undermine progression in PvP and event settings, letting under‑geared teammates drag down squad performance. Reddit discussions under the banner “Don’t Nerf Free Loadouts” warn that excessive changes could alienate a significant portion of ARC Raiders’ 11‑million‑strong player base.
Watkins confirmed that Embark is considering specific balancing adjustments rather than outright removals. Planned tweaks include reducing inventory slots, adding heavier item penalties, and refining weight systems for free kits. These changes aim to preserve accessibility while discouraging overreliance in high‑reward areas. Future special events, such as Labs, already restrict free loadouts in favor of keycard‑based entry, hinting at an evolving balance philosophy toward more risk‑reward‑driven play.
If implemented, such adjustments could meaningfully shift the extraction meta. Players seeking maximum efficiency in high‑tier zones may gravitate back toward customized augments and paid kits, while solo or casual raiders retain the flexibility of free gear. With the game still recovering from duplication‑glitch disruptions, maintaining balanced progression and economic integrity will remain crucial.
Watkins concluded that ongoing decisions will be data‑driven rather than reactionary, reassuring players that analytics—not outrage—guide upcoming patches. Given the studio’s responsive track record following the Headwinds update, players can likely expect visible loadout changes in the near future.
For now, ARC Raiders remains a balancing act between fairness and freedom—but as Embark prepares another wave of refinements, the goal is unchanged: ensuring every player earns their victories no matter how they drop in.
