Arc Raiders is adding a camera mode as part of October's major update, but some fans need more proof that the game's not going to wither away

We're getting dribs and drabs of news about Arc Raiders' upcoming major update which is scheduled for October. A new "high-level" challenge has been promised to returning players, alongside a frozen map full of new arcs, plus there'll also be the small addition of a photo mode.

"Time to remember your raids, cameras are coming to the Rust Belt in October," a new social media post reads. By the looks of things this will let players record all the weird, wonderful, and downright stupid antics they get up to during Arc Raiders sessions. The only problem is, well, that the games just aren't as enjoyable as they used to be.

Arc Raiders has had its issues with cheaters for almost as long as it's been out. While PvE lobbies are still ok, PvP is a swamp of bad actors right now, and it's only been getting worse the more decent people leave, meaning cheaters take up a bigger portion of the playerbase. Some are even throwing themselves in front of friendly fire just so they can trigger a self-defense clause and murder without consequence, you just can't win against these guys.

So with all things considered, players aren't exactly overjoyed about photo mode when the house is on fire. "Using number keys as a heal bind [has] been bugged since near launch," one player says, detailing how borked their hotkeys are. "But sure, let's add a fucking camera!"

"We finally need proof that we can believe what we have been promised, not just some gimmick to string us along," another player adds.

The frustration with Arc Raiders is clear, but I have to say I don't think it's fair to completely write the October update off before we've been able to play it for ourselves. I think it actually makes sense that Embark hasn't given too much away far in advance, hype would peter out quickly otherwise. I'm actually really excited to see the October update for myself, I'd love for it to spur on another stretch of raiding.

That isn't to say, however, that the October update doesn't have a lot to prove. On release Embark promised a grand 10-year plan for Arc Raiders. It hasn't even been a year since then, and that promise seems to be teetering on the brink. October might be the developer's final chance to convince players that this game really does have enough to take it further, because I fear patience is running thin.

Arc Raiders guide: What's hot this week
Arc Raiders roadmap: New and improved
Arc Raiders best skills: Survive the surface
Arc Raiders best weapons: Just don't lose them
Arc Raiders Expeditions: Retire your Raider
Arc Raiders quests: All the missions and how to beat 'em