“It’s a topic we’ve been analyzing through both hard data and player perception,” Watkins explained in an interview with GamesRadar+. “We completely understand the frustration of loading in for a specific trial only to realize the clock is against you. That part of the experience definitely isn’t ideal.”
“However, the economic reality for late joiners is surprisingly positive. While players often feel like the map has been picked clean, the data shows that those joining later actually tend to profit more. As the session matures, it becomes quieter, allowing late-comers to scavenge the aftermath of large battles, take down significant drones, or loot high-value areas with less competition. It’s a fascinating contrast between how it feels and how it actually plays out.”
Watkins clarified that the “late join” system was originally designed to prevent raids from becoming ghost towns after the initial ten minutes. Without new players filtering in, the sense of danger and tension inherent in a full lobby would vanish, leaving players to explore an empty map. Essentially, the system keeps the pressure high for the entire duration of the match.
Embark’s vision is for raiders to be adaptable. If “Plan A” is no longer feasible due to the time remaining, the developers want players to pivot to a secondary objective. Watkins noted that the distribution of loot and enemy spawn points is specifically balanced to ensure that there is always plenty of content available, even in the closing stages of a raid.
While pivoting works for general scavenging, it doesn’t solve the problem for players focused on specific mission milestones. A late spawn during a limited-time event can feel like a complete waste of time. Embark is now looking into ways to mitigate this specific brand of frustration.
“When you’re chasing a trial and that’s your sole focus, a late spawn can feel like a setback,” Watkins admitted. “Addressing the pain points where a player’s primary goal is undermined by the clock is a priority for us as we refine the system moving forward.”
Related: Embark discusses escalating PvE challenges as players master the current Arc threats.
