The Abyss Set in Arc Raiders has taken the gaming community by storm, and not necessarily for the right reasons. As someone who’s spent countless hours raiding the surface and battling ARC machines, I was genuinely excited when Embark Studios dropped this highly anticipated cosmetic set in their January 13, 2026 update. But after diving deep into the controversy, testing it myself, and analyzing player reactions, I’m here to give you the complete breakdown of whether this skin is worth your hard-earned cash.
The Abyss Set represents Embark Studios’ attempt to deliver something different from their usual lineup of gritty, post-apocalyptic outfits. Marketed as a “heavily armored suit built to absorb the punishment of the machines,” this cosmetic bundle was first spotted by eagle-eyed fans in pre-release trailers nearly three months before its official release.
What makes this set particularly interesting is that it was supposed to break away from the typical “brown leather, olive green wool, jumpsuits, and comically large pockets” that many players feel dominate Arc Raiders’ fashion landscape. Instead, it promised a more tactical, militaristic appearance that many extraction shooter fans have been craving.
The bundle includes:
I’ll be honest with you – my first reaction to The Abyss Set was a mix of excitement and confusion. The upper half looks absolutely fantastic. The armored chest piece, tactical harness, and detailed shoulder pads scream “elite operator” and really deliver on that sci-fi soldier aesthetic we’ve been wanting.
However, when my gaze dropped to the lower half… well, that’s where things get interesting. The leather corset-style leggings with their crisscrossed, lace-like material immediately caught me off guard. As someone who appreciates tactical realism in my extraction shooters, these thigh-high leather constrictors felt completely out of place.
What I love:
What makes me scratch my head:
Getting your hands on The Abyss Set is straightforward, though it’ll cost you. Here’s the step-by-step process:
Pricing Details:
Important Note: Unlike Embark’s other shooter, The Finals, Arc Raiders doesn’t allow you to mix and match cosmetic pieces freely. You’re locked into wearing the full outfit, which makes those controversial leggings harder to overlook.
The gaming community absolutely exploded when The Abyss Set dropped, and honestly? The memes have been legendary. Reddit threads comparing the leg design to “Fishnet Patrick” from The SpongeBob Movie went viral overnight, with players creating everything from simple comparisons to full AI redesigns.
Common player reactions include:
But here’s the thing – not everyone hates it. Some players genuinely appreciate the unique design direction, arguing that it adds personality to a game that can sometimes feel too generic. The controversy itself has made The Abyss Set one of the most talked-about cosmetics in recent gaming history.
The Abyss Set arrived alongside Patch 1.11.0, which brought some significant balance changes that actually affect gameplay:
Weapon Balancing:
Bug Fixes:
Why this matters: The timing of The Abyss Set’s release with these gameplay changes suggests Embark is actively listening to player feedback, even if their cosmetic designs sometimes miss the mark.
After spending time with the set and watching the community’s reaction unfold, here’s my honest take:
Buy it if:
Skip it if:
Value Assessment: At $15-20, The Abyss Set sits in the mid-to-high range for cosmetic pricing. While the quality is undeniable, the controversial design elements and lack of customization options make it a tough sell for many players.
If you do decide to purchase The Abyss Set, here are some ways to make the most of it:
A: Unfortunately, no. Arc Raiders currently forces you to purchase the complete bundle.
A: While there’s been massive community feedback, Embark hasn’t announced any plans for redesigns yet.
A: No, it’s purely cosmetic and doesn’t affect stats or performance.
A: Yes, the set comes with three different color schemes to choose from.
A: Currently, Arc Raiders doesn’t support mixing and matching between different cosmetic sets.
The Abyss Set represents both the best and worst of modern gaming cosmetics. On one hand, it’s high-quality, detailed, and definitely unique. On the other hand, the controversial design elements and lack of customization options make it feel like a missed opportunity.
As someone who’s invested hundreds of hours into Arc Raiders, I appreciate that Embark is trying to push boundaries with their cosmetic designs. But I also understand the frustration of players who want more tactical, realistic options.
My recommendation? Wait for a sale if you’re curious. The set isn’t going anywhere, and a 25-30% discount might make the controversial design elements easier to swallow. Or better yet, hold out for future updates that might bring the piece-by-piece customization that players are desperately asking for.
What do you think about The Abyss Set? Are you team “love it” or team “hate it”? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, and let me know if you’ve found any clever ways to style this controversial cosmetic!
