A new event, dubbed "Shared Watch," has commenced in the game Arc Raiders. This limited-time engagement prioritizes cooperative player-versus-environment (PvE) gameplay, encouraging players to focus on combat against in-game "ARC" machines. While player-versus-player (PvP) combat remains an option, it does not contribute to the event's progression, thereby de-emphasizing direct player conflict during this period. The event introduces a series of cosmetic items and in-game blueprints as rewards, attainable through an in-game currency called "Merits."
Event Overview and Duration
The "Shared Watch" event is currently active in Arc Raiders and is scheduled to run for two weeks, concluding on February 24th. This event marks a notable shift for Embark Studios, the game's developer, by introducing an activity specifically designed to be PvE-centric. While not a complete overhaul of the game's mechanics or a new map, the event's parameters influence all gameplay sessions for its duration.
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Start Date: Implied to be around February 10th, aligning with other reported article publication dates.
End Date: February 24th.
Primary Focus: Player-versus-environment (PvE) combat against "ARC" machines.
PvP Status: Remains active but does not yield event progression points.
Earning Event Progress: The Merit System
Progression within the "Shared Watch" event is managed through a system of "Merits." These Merits are acquired by accumulating experience points (XP) primarily through damaging and destroying ARC machines.
Merit Acquisition: Approximately 1 Merit is earned for every 100 match XP.
XP Source: Damage dealt to and destruction of ARC machines.
Optimization: Players are advised to optimize their loadouts and strategies for machine damage, suggesting the use of anti-ARC weaponry and armor-piercing capabilities.
Unlocking Rewards: The Progression Track
A total of 21 distinct rewards are available through the "Shared Watch" event. These rewards are unlocked progressively as players accumulate Merits, culminating in a final reward requiring 1,050 Merits.
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Total Rewards: 21 items.
Total Merits for All Rewards: 1,050.
Reward Increments: Rewards are earned in 50 Merit increments.
Catalogue of Available Rewards
The rewards for the "Shared Watch" event include a variety of cosmetic items and utility blueprints. These are detailed below, along with their corresponding Merit costs as reported across multiple sources. Note that some sources list rewards in a cumulative order, while others provide specific Merit values.
| Reward Name | Reported Merit Cost (Cumulative) |
|---|---|
| Slugger (outfit) | 50 |
| 20 Raider Tokens | 100 |
| Vita Spray | 150 |
| Tactical Mk. 3 (Healing) blueprint | 200 |
| Grenades - Slugger (variant) | 250 |
| Baseball (backpack charm) | 300 |
| 20 Raider Tokens | 350 |
| Grey Yellow - Slugger (color) | 400 |
| Snap Hook | 450 |
| Hand Signals (emote) | 500 |
| 20 Raider Tokens | 550 |
| Chest Piece - Slugger (variant) | 600 |
| 20 Raider Tokens | 650 |
| Sport - Blue (face paint) | 700 |
| Blue Glow - Slugger (color) | 750 |
| Vita Spray blueprint | 800 |
| 20 Raider Tokens | 850 |
| Headgear - Slugger (variant) | 900 |
| Acoustic Guitar | 950 |
| 20 Raider Tokens | 1000 |
| Batting Helmet (Scrappy outfit) | 1050 |
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Note: Some sources present slightly different reward tiers and cumulative costs. The table above consolidates the most frequently reported progression.
Strategic Implications and Player Interaction
The emphasis on PvE during the "Shared Watch" event suggests a deliberate attempt by Embark Studios to foster a cooperative atmosphere. By disincentivizing PvP for event progression, the game implicitly directs player focus toward collective challenges.
Cooperation Encouraged: The event structure inherently promotes teamwork among players.
PvP Discouragement: Engaging in PvP does not contribute to Merit earnings, making it a less optimal choice for event progression.
Environmental Factors: The "Cold Snap" conditions mentioned in one report could add an additional layer of intensity to PvE encounters, forcing players to seek shelter and engage ARC threats in close quarters.
Source Attribution and Context
The information presented is derived from a compilation of reports published on various gaming news outlets. The articles provide consistent details regarding the event's duration, mechanics, and reward structure.
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Polygon: Published detailed explanations of event rewards and mechanics. (Link:
https://www.polygon.com/arc-raiders-shared-watch-event-rewards-explained/)ArcStatus: Provided official details, confirmed the Merit system, and highlighted ARC-focused strategies. (Link:
https://arcstatus.com/shared-watch-event.php)Destructoid: Offered a comprehensive list of rewards and instructions on how to acquire them, emphasizing the PvE focus. (Link:
https://www.destructoid.com/all-arc-raiders-shared-watch-rewards-and-how-to-get-them/)Sportskeeda: Detailed all rewards with specific Merit costs and outlined methods for earning Merits. (Link:
https://www.sportskeeda.com/esports/shared-event-arc-raiders-all-rewards-get)Gamerant: Introduced the event as a celebration of cooperative play against the ARC threat, reinforcing the PvE objective. (Link:
https://gamerant.com/arc-raiders-shared-watch-event-guide/)Insider Gaming: Provided a guide to completing the event, listing all rewards and confirming the Merit system's function. (Link:
https://insider-gaming.com/how-to-complete-shared-watch-event-in-arc-raiders-all-rewards-explained/)Beebom: Explained event progression, listed all free rewards, and detailed Merit collection methods. (Link:
https://beebom.com/arc-raiders-shared-watch-event-rewards/)Arc Raiders Hub: A blog post outlining the event, though its content summary was too brief for full analysis. (Link:
https://arcraidershub.com/blog/shared-watch-event)
