Arc Raiders Developer Responds to Calls for Custom Loadouts

Players of the popular game Arc Raiders have expressed a strong desire for a more efficient way to manage their gear, prompting the game’s design lead, Virgil Watkins, to address these concerns. In a recent interview with GamesRadar+, Watkins acknowledged the demand for custom loadouts that could streamline the player experience, although he clarified that such features will not be implemented in the immediate future.

During the discussion, Watkins confirmed that the development team at Embark Studios is “super aware” of the need for faster gear management. Players currently face challenges navigating through numerous menus—often spending considerable time on what is intended to be a quick task. The idea of saved custom loadouts, which would allow players to equip a pre-defined set of gear with a single click, is something that has been on the table for discussion.

“It’s all about prioritizing features against the other known tasks we need to tackle,” Watkins explained. He elaborated that while the team had considered various enhancements, including a feature similar to the Expedition, the focus has been on balancing resources and time leading up to the game’s launch.

In a moment of relatability, Watkins shared that he also sometimes opts for a free loadout after dying in the game, highlighting the frustration of navigating through an extensive menu system. “I’ve literally done the same thing,” he said, acknowledging how tedious it can be to sift through multiple clicks and selections.

Watkins indicated that while he cannot speak on behalf of the user interface and user experience (UI/UX) team, he sees the value in saved loadouts. “It attempts to do its best job to fulfill your request with your loadout,” he noted, suggesting that such a feature could help by quickly providing alternatives based on available resources.

For players eager to return to the action, Watkins emphasized the importance of minimizing downtime. “We’ve already done what we can to get the matchmaking as fast as possible,” he stated. “If we can get players through the front end quicker, that’s a great ambition.” He acknowledged that while some friction can enhance engagement, excessive menu navigation detracts from the gaming experience.

In addition to discussing loadout management, Watkins addressed the topic of matchmaking, clarifying that their approach does not involve skill-based or gear-based matchmaking. “We can track who shoots first,” he noted, suggesting that the mechanics are designed to maintain a balanced and competitive environment without overly complicating player interactions.

As players await updates, the development team remains committed to enhancing the overall gaming experience in Arc Raiders. By listening to community feedback and addressing the points of friction, Embark Studios is positioning itself to provide a more user-friendly interface that aligns with players’ needs.