ARC Raiders is a third-person action extraction shooter developed by Embark Studios. Players venture from the underground settlement of Speranza to the surface known as the Rust Belt, where they scavenge for resources amid hostile machines called ARC and encounters with other human raiders. Each deployment lasts up to 30 minutes, after which players must reach an extraction point to secure their haul or risk losing carried items upon death, aside from a safe pocket that preserves select loot.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on preparation in Speranza followed by high-stakes surface runs. Raiders select loadouts, complete trader quests, and customize through a skill tree divided into survival, mobility, and conditioning branches. Survival skills emphasize stealth and looting efficiency, mobility improves traversal and vertical movement, while conditioning boosts stamina and close-quarters performance. Weapons use distinct ammo types and suffer durability wear, encouraging careful resource management during raids.
Maps feature varied terrain that rewards exploration and positioning. Confirmed locations include Dam Battlegrounds, Buried City, Spaceport, Blue Gate, Stella Montis, Riven Tides, and the recent addition of Pendola Pass. Environmental conditions such as Frigate or Redirection alter raid dynamics on certain maps. Combat involves both predictable and adaptive ARC machines, ranging from small fast units to larger threats, alongside the unpredictable presence of other players who may cooperate temporarily or compete for loot.
Progression extends beyond individual raids through an outpost system with research stations and furniture designs that expand storage. A rebuilt skill tree offers binary choices and branch-end selections, while recent updates introduced amplified weapons and new enemy types including Bully, Skulker, and Hydra. Raider tokens serve as in-game currency for cosmetic and bundle purchases, though the focus remains on raid performance and extraction success.
Game Modes
The primary experience consists of PvPvE extraction raids where squads of up to three deploy solo or together onto shared maps. Players navigate ARC threats while deciding whether to engage or avoid other raiders, with aggression-based matchmaking influencing lobby composition based on prior behavior. Extraction points vary by map and include elevators or hatches, and death results in loss of unsecured loot.
A limited-time PvE toggle was tested from October 13 to 20, 2026, disabling player damage in select playlists while maintaining ARC encounters. Loot value was reduced in those instances, certain map conditions were unavailable, and downed players faced adjusted ARC behavior. Embark Studios collected data from over 30 million rounds played during the test and continues to evaluate whether a permanent option fits the game's risk-reward foundation without fragmenting the player base.
Updates and Current State
ARC Raiders launched on October 30, 2025, and follows a schedule of bi-annual major content updates alongside regular patches. The Frozen Trail update in October 2026 added Pendola Pass as the largest new map, expanded the outpost with a research bench, introduced new weapons such as Bantam and Stiletto, and replaced prior reward systems with a Reward Pass. Ongoing hotfixes address exploits, balance adjustments, and quality-of-life improvements, keeping the experience active for returning players.
Matchmaking refinements now better account for solo, duo, and trio preferences, and proximity chat supports emergent interactions during raids. The game remains available on PC with an internet connection and Embark ID account required, subject to age restrictions of 13 and above.
Is It Worth Playing?
ARC Raiders suits players who enjoy extraction shooters that blend scavenging, combat against AI threats, and social tension with other participants. The risk-reward structure of deciding how long to push for better loot before extracting creates consistent tension, while the skill tree and outpost progression provide long-term goals for those who complete multiple raids. Recent updates have expanded map variety and systems, drawing players back for fresh content.
Player feedback has remained largely positive across hundreds of thousands of reviews, with many highlighting the satisfying gunplay, map design, and balance between cooperation and competition. Those seeking pure cooperative play without player conflict may find the tested PvE option appealing if it returns, though the standard experience emphasizes the full PvPvE dynamic. Availability on PC makes it accessible for those interested in the genre's core loop of preparation, deployment, and extraction.
