Embark makes free-to-play Arc Raiders sound like a nightmare, says its $40 price let it cut a lot of un-fun crap: "Crafting no longer has timers on it that you have to wait out"

GamesRadar+
Mon, 01 Dec 2025 16:26:45 +0000

Embark Studios has transitioned its extraction shooter Arc Raiders from a free-to-play model to a $40 up-front price, which design director Virgil Watkins claims has improved the game's design. He notes that removing crafting timers and reducing gameplay friction has made it easier to respect players' time. However, the team still faces challenges in monetization without appearing predatory.

2025-12-02 | GamesIndustry.biz: Embark says moving from free-to-play made designing Arc Raiders "drastically easier"

Embark Studios has stated that transitioning Arc Raiders from a free-to-play model to a premium one has significantly simplified game design. Design director Virgil Watkins noted that the previous model required more grind and incentivization for players, complicating respect for player time. The change allows for more rational crafting and session lengths. Arc Raiders, initially announced as free-to-play in 2021, launched as a premium title in October 2025, marking a record launch for parent company Nexon.

2025-12-02 | Rock Paper Shotgun: Embark almost put crafting timers in Arc Raiders when the game was F2P, but the model made it "hard to respect the player's time"

Embark's Arc Raiders shifted from a free-to-play model to a premium one in 2024, allowing for a design that respects player time by removing crafting timers and rationalizing resource collection. Design director Virgil Watkins noted that the previous model pressured developers to create grindy experiences. The game will feature microtransactions, and the first expedition is scheduled for December 21, offering players rewards for resetting their progress.