Embark Studios is significantly reworking the skill tree in its upcoming title, Arc Raiders, aiming to provide players with more impactful choices and support a wider array of playstyles. The developer confirmed that the system will see the removal of some existing skills and the addition of new ones, with players now needing to select a limited number of abilities rather than unlocking everything.
According to a developer Q&A, the studio observed that the current skill tree did not effectively encourage players to explore different build options. "We believe that creates more interesting choices and supports more playstyles," stated a representative, emphasizing that the rework aims to make each selection more meaningful. The general structure will remain similar, but with a focus on fostering emergent builds.
Players will be able to experiment with different combinations and change their builds if they are not satisfied with their current setup. While specific details about the new skills were not disclosed, the developer expressed enthusiasm for the potential build diversity this rework could introduce. The current iteration of the skill tree has been criticized for leading to players simply investing all points into mobility, resulting in marginal improvements to basic movement actions like running and sliding.