Comms Blackout

Opt-In High-Risk World Event for Arc Raiders

⸻

Problem Statement

Arc Raiders supports multiple playstyles, but high-intensity PvP pressure often bleeds into cooperative or mixed-intent activities, creating social friction and inconsistent player experiences. Relying on informal player norms alone makes this difficult to manage long-term.

The game would benefit from a sanctioned outlet for aggressive playstyles that preserves cooperation in standard raids while rewarding commitment, preparation, and map knowledge.

⸻

Proposed Solution

Comms Blackout is a daily, opt-in world event that creates a high-risk, high-reward raid environment through information scarcity, limited extraction, and existing systemic tradeoffs.

Rather than restricting player behavior, Comms Blackout channels intensity into a clearly signposted space, allowing players to choose chaos without forcing it into normal raids.

⸻

Event Overview
• Type: Rotating world event
• Frequency: Daily
• Raid Duration: 40–45 minutes
• Opt-In Only: Does not replace or affect standard raids

⸻

Core Rules

Information Scarcity
• Extraction locations are visible on the map
• Extraction timers are hidden
• Players only learn an extraction is inactive when attempting to use it

Rotating Extractions
• Multiple return points are active early
• Return points deactivate in phases due to ARC interference
• Deactivations are communicated diegetically via NPC Shani (partial, unreliable comms)

Final Extraction
• One final return point remains active until match end
• At the 2-minute mark, the final extraction location is revealed once

Risk & Commitment
• Freekits disabled
• Full gear loss on death
• Loadouts remain locked at deployment

⸻

System Integration

Comms Blackout does not introduce new balance systems.
It amplifies existing mechanics:
• Shield class movement penalties
• Augment-based shield restrictions
• Inventory weight and capacity tradeoffs
• Stim and perk efficiency
• Map knowledge and positioning

Players succeed or fail based on decisions they already understand — under higher uncertainty.

⸻

Gameplay Outcomes
• Reduces griefing in standard raids by providing a sanctioned outlet
• Discourages extract camping naturally through uncertainty and rotation
• Encourages diverse loadouts (mobility vs survivability)
• Creates organic late-game convergence without artificial circles
• Transforms greed into meaningful risk rather than sudden failure

Losses feel earned, not arbitrary.

⸻

Design Intent

Comms Blackout is a pressure-release system, not a replacement mode.

It allows players to:
• Opt into intensity
• Commit to risk
• Choose their ending

By containing chaos, the broader ecosystem remains healthier.

⸻

Summary

Comms Blackout is a low-risk, high-impact world event that:
• Uses existing systems
• Requires minimal new UI
• Preserves player agency
• Creates memorable outcomes
• Improves overall match health

It gives aggressive players a place to go —
so cooperation elsewhere can survive.