Embark Studios deployed the ARC Raiders “Flashpoint” update today. This patch, officially Update 1.22.0, hits PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Consequently, players can download the content right now. Flashpoint marks the third major update planned for the first half of the year. Furthermore, it paves the way for the final Riven Tides update arriving next month.
New Threats & Map Conditions
The Flashpoint update introduces serious challenges. Specifically, players will face a new map condition called “Close Scrutiny”. Here, you must fight to retrieve loot from a heavily-guarded entity known as the Assessor. However, surviving will not be easy. Embark added a deadly new flying ARC enemy called the Vaporizer. This machine stalks the Assessor and unleashes devastating laser attacks. Additionally, it utilizes highly erratic attack patterns. Meanwhile, the Shredder enemy now spawns across all maps, expanding its reach beyond Stella Montis.
To combat these threats, the developers introduced two new weapons and updated the Scrappy. Moreover, ARC enemies received several buffs. Rocketeers now take less collision damage. Similarly, ARC machines identify players directly in front of them much faster.
Arc Raiders Matchmaking & Economy Shifts
Embark completely shifted the matchmaking system. Now, the game biases matchmaking to place players with custom loadouts into fresh servers. Consequently, free loadouts serve strictly as an economic safety net for struggling players.
Furthermore, the economy received a massive boost. Players will find increased loot values inside all locked rooms. This value scales directly with key rarity. In addition, Baron Husks now drop more loot. Players can also recycle free Augments into six plastic and six rubber parts.
UI, Audio & Performance Upgrades
Update 1.22.0 delivers massive quality-of-life improvements. For instance, players can finally hide or customize their HUD visibility. The crafting screen now allows you to recycle, refine, or purchase missing materials directly. Furthermore, the inventory screen displays your total stash value.
Audio upgrades also enhance gameplay. The developers improved proximity voice chat stability and positional clarity. Therefore, you can hear doors opening from further away and track flying ARCs better. Visually, the game now supports Intel XeSS 2.1.1 and AMD FSR 2.1.0 upscaling. Finally, Embark optimized CPU performance and texture streaming to reduce stuttering on lower-spec setups.
