ARC Raiders

ARC Raiders

Released Oct 2025

ARC Raiders is a multiplayer extraction adventure, set in a lethal future earth, ravaged by a mysterious mechanized threat known as ARC.

82% positive · 423K reviews
Not yet
Released, ongoing live service game
High confidence
Live Service
Not yet
Released, ongoing live service game
High confidence
Live Service

Where to buy

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Evaluation

ARC Raiders launched on October 30, 2025 as a multiplayer extraction game built around an ongoing live content cycle. Since launch, Embark Studios has shipped six named major content updates: Cold Snap (December 16, 2025), Shrouded Sky (February 24, 2026), Flashpoint (March 31, 2026), Riven Tides (April 28, 2026), and others — each adding new maps, enemies, weapons, seasonal events, and gameplay systems. On May 13, 2026, Embark posted a development update explicitly announcing the game's future content direction: a shift to twice-yearly major updates, with the next release — "Frozen Trail" — described as the most ambitious update yet, including the largest map, a new ARC Operation with unique enemy behaviors, new progression systems, an improved skill tree, new weapons, items, and cosmetics. This is a clear, named commitment to future content. Activity has continued steadily since that announcement. A feature patch on July 7, 2026 added solo/duo/trio matchmaking, a crossover event with THE FINALS, and store updates. A further patch on July 28, 2026 refined matchmaking and fixed gameplay issues. On August 4, 2026 — just two weeks before today's date — the studio announced a new Phantom Targets event with a second phase explicitly arriving on August 18, 2026, and teased a new paid cosmetic set ("Tick Hunter Set") also arriving August 18. The studio has been consistently communicating and delivering content throughout this period. The store description itself states that the game launches with four maps "with more to be revealed as the underground society evolves and expands its reach," explicitly framing the game as an expanding world. The cosmetic store rotation, seasonal player events, Trials Seasons, and Expedition systems all reflect a game designed to be played and updated indefinitely. All four DLC listings are released cosmetic packs, consistent with the game's live monetization model rather than traditional expansion content.
Evidence
Store Update 1.40.0 launches new cosmetic variants and the Phantom Targets Player Project, with the second phase of the project explicitly announced for August 18, 2026 alongside a new 'Tick Hunter Set' available from that date — confirming active content delivery continuing right up to today's date.
news post · Aug 4, 2026 source content planned
high
Embark Studios announces 'Frozen Trail' as the next major update — the largest map yet, a new ARC Operation, new progression systems, and improved skill tree — and commits to twice-yearly major content drops going forward, with ongoing live updates for bug fixes, balancing, and store content between them.
news post · May 13, 2026 source content planned
high

Content

6 of 6 released · no outstanding content

Media

Details

Developer
Publisher
Embark Studios
Achievements
50
Platform
Windows
Controller
full support
Steam Deck
Playable
Players
Multiplayer · Co-op · PvP

About this game

SCAVENGE, SURVIVE, THRIVE 

In ARC Raiders, gameplay flows between the surface ruled by lethal machines, and the vibrant underground society of Speranza. Craft, repair, and upgrade your gear in the safety of your own workshop, before venturing topside to scavenge the remnants of a devastated but beautiful world. Play solo or in parties up to three, navigating the constant threat of ARC's machines and the unpredictable choices of fellow survivors. In the end, only you decide what kind of Raider you are - and how far you’ll go to prevail.

EXPLORE AN IMMERSIVE WORLD

Explore four distinct maps at launch, with more to be revealed as the underground society evolves and expands its reach. Each destination carries the weight of a world twice-destroyed, and the scars of conflicts both old and new. Sift through the remnants for valuable loot, and piece together the past as it's slowly reclaimed by nature. Evolving map conditions ensure that no two runs are the same, with varying weather, enemies, and mechanics adding unpredictability and danger.

STAKE YOUR CLAIM

In a society built on boldness and bravado, it is up to you to stake your claim as a Raider. The loot you scavenge can be sold for coin or crafted into all-new gear, allowing you take on increasingly lethal dangers head-on. Through both victories and hardships, you'll gain valuable experience; unlocking varied skills that enable all-new ways of play. In addition, you'll complete quests for Traders with differing motives and agendas; uncovering both the friction and comradery of a community under constant threat of collapse.

BEWARE THE MACHINES

Lethal machines known as ARC rule the surface, ranging from unrelenting drone swarms to mechanical giants that obliterate everything in their path. Their origins remain a mystery, but their ever-present danger is felt with every step you take. Each machine comes with distinct strengths and tactics, forcing you to pinpoint their weak spots and constantly think on your feet. And remember: the noise of battle carries. Other Raiders may be listening; eager to claim what you leave behind.

FORGE YOUR OWN PATH

Raiders survive by kitbashing scavenged materials; using long-lost tech and looted ARC parts to craft weapons, gadgets, and gear. Upgrade your workshop stations and learn blueprints to craft even more advanced items, or improvise quick fixes in the field to get yourself out of a bind. As you make a name for yourself, you'll be able to measure your skill against other Raiders by taking on Trials; rising through the leaderboards to earn valuable rewards.

QUESTS

In Speranza, everyone has an agenda, and the Traders are no different. They’ll send you topside on missions in exchange for rewards, slowly revealing more about who they are and what they want for Speranza’s future. Complete quests to earn gear, crafting materials, and XP to level up your Raider and unlock new skill points.

SKILL TREE

The ARC Raiders skill tree branches into three paths: Survival, Mobility, and Conditioning. Spend your points to shape your playstyle. Loot faster and move quieter with Survival skills. Outmaneuver your opponents and threats with Mobility. And enhance your Strength and Stamina with Conditioning. Choose how you grow and what your Raider brings to the battle.

BUILD YOUR ARSENAL

Whether you’re preparing to take down specific ARC enemies or fend off rival Raiders, there's a choice of weaponry for every fight. Cater to your style with a range of firearms including SMGs, rifles and shotguns, as well as more advanced options such as railguns and energy weapons. Grenades, traps, ziplines and deployables offer the tactical depth needed to outsmart your enemies, while augments allow you to tailor your loadout to your preferred playstyle; unlocking dedicated inventory slots and additional gameplay perks.

Last evaluated Aug 18, 2026
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