Embark Studios has acted swiftly to address the “blueprint gold rush” that arose after the launch of the Cold Snap expansion for ARC Raiders. Just two days after the version 1.7.0 update filled the game with rare loot, the developer released Update 1.7.2 this morning to stabilize the progression system of the extraction shooter. The earlier expansion aimed to make blueprints more accessible in less-explored areas of the map. However, it led to a situation where players could extract as many as eight blueprints in a single session, making the game’s crafting chase feel trivial.
This latest hotfix specifically targets the increased spawn rates. Still, the studio emphasized that the new baseline remains more generous than the game’s state before the December 16 update. By slightly reducing the drop frequency, the developers aim to balance rewards for exploration with the tension needed for the extraction genre. The patch also fixes an oversight in the new winter weather system. Developers added missing protection volumes in indoor spaces, ensuring that raiders will not suffer freezing damage from the “Cold Snap” map modifier while inside.
In addition to the loot changes, Update 1.7.2 restores several important gameplay features and resolves progression blocks. The “Hidden Bunker” map modifier is back, and the “Unexpected Initiative” quest has been fixed to make sure quest-critical items spawn reliably. Technical fixes were also a priority, including a solution for an interaction problem caused by poor network connections and updated driver warnings for players with AMD GPUs. These stability fixes are important as the game has recently introduced a “Cinematic” graphics setting designed to push high-end PC hardware to its limits.
Looking ahead, this release marks a shift for both the game’s schedule and the development team. Embark Studios confirmed it is moving its regular update window from Thursdays to Tuesdays to better manage live-service demands. While the team is taking a winter break until January, the community can look forward to a significant content drop. The second Raider Deck is set to arrive on December 26, featuring five pages of free unlockable cosmetics and rewards to give players goals to pursue during the studio’s holiday rest.
