The debate over blueprints in Arc Raiders has been a defining tension since launch. Players invest significant effort into uncovering these powerful schematics—only to watch them vanish when engaging in the optional Expedition reset. While the studio has not ruled out a solution, it is prioritizing alternatives that could fundamentally alter how blueprints are earned, rather than simply preserving them through Expeditions.
Design director Virgil Watkins confirmed that the idea of allowing players to retain a few blueprints across resets was considered pre-launch but dismissed as overly simplistic. The core issue, Watkins explained, is that blueprints provide a substantial advantage by bypassing the game’s random gear distribution system. For example, the Looting Mk. 3 (Survivor) augment or the Venator weapon—both top-tier PvP tools—rely on blueprints for access, creating a high-stakes gamble when Expeditions wipe them.
However, Watkins made it clear that a direct fix isn’t off the table. The frustration is understandable, he noted. Players put in the work, and asking them to lose it feels unfair. Yet, the studio is hesitant to tie blueprints directly to Expedition mechanics, as that would disadvantage players who avoid resets entirely.
The Problem Isn’t Just Loss—It’s Unpredictability
Rather than focusing on retention, Embark is exploring ways to make blueprint acquisition more reliable and rewarding. The current system relies heavily on chance—whether through loot drops, scavenger hunts, or rare encounters—leaving many players stuck in cycles of frustration. Watkins suggested that alternative methods, such as structured events or deterministic rewards, could reduce the RNG grind without altering the core progression loop.
Recent updates, like the Shared Watch event featuring the Vita Spray and Bobcat augment, hint at this shift. These limited-time opportunities offer guaranteed access to powerful items, proving that Embark is open to redesigning how players earn blueprints. The goal, Watkins implied, is to give players more control over their progression without undermining the game’s balance.
What This Means for Players
For now, the most likely outcome is not a simple save blueprints toggle, but a broader overhaul of how these items are distributed. This could mean
- More frequent or reliable blueprint drops outside of Expeditions.
- Event-based blueprint rewards that guarantee access to high-tier schematics.
- Alternative progression paths that reduce reliance on random encounters.
While these changes won’t address the immediate pain of losing blueprints during resets, they could make the process of acquiring them far less frustrating. The studio’s caution suggests that any major overhaul will require extensive testing to ensure it doesn’t disrupt the game’s carefully balanced economy.
One thing is certain: Embark is listening. The conversation around blueprints isn’t just about retention—it’s about rethinking how players interact with the game’s most coveted resources. Whether that leads to a safe reset option or a completely new system remains to be seen, but the focus on player autonomy is a step in the right direction.
