ARC Raiders.

ARC Raiders – Everything You Need to Know

TL;DR:
ARC Raiders, the free-to-play co-op extraction shooter from Embark Studios, has quickly become one of the biggest surprises of the year. After surpassing 700,000 concurrent players, it’s now being mentioned alongside Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 as a Game of the Year 2025 contender. Whether you’re just starting out or deciding if it’s worth your time, here’s everything you need to know.

Top Facts to Consider Playing It

1. Record-Breaking Launch Numbers

According to Instant Gaming News, ARC Raiders exceeded 700 000 simultaneous players during its first weekend — a figure that put it on par with leading live-service titles like The Finals and Helldivers 2. This rapid growth shows the strength of Embark Studios’ new IP and the hunger for co-op shooters that blend PvE and PvPvE elements.

2. A True Next-Gen Co-Op Experience

Built by veterans from DICE (the studio behind Battlefield), ARC Raiders offers cinematic visuals, advanced lighting, and procedural combat arenas that feel alive. The focus on teamwork, scavenging, and survival gives every encounter a unique tension rarely found in traditional shooters.

As noted in Eurogamer’s review, the game “balances chaos and coordination” — rewarding squads that communicate and plan.

3. Constantly Evolving Roadmap

Embark Studios published a detailed post-launch plan outlining new maps, factions, seasonal content, and social features. The official roadmap via Turtle Beach confirms expansions into multiple zones, fresh raid types, and quality-of-life updates over the coming months.

This steady update cycle makes ARC Raiders a living game with long-term replay value — not just a one-week trend.

4. Rivalry for Game of the Year 2025

In the 2025 lineup, ARC Raiders is now being discussed alongside Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 as a legitimate GOTY contender. One delivers haunting art and emotion, the other pure adrenaline and spectacle — proving 2025 is shaping up to be a golden year for new IPs.

Prepare for the Gaming Experience in ARC Raiders

If you’re just jumping in, ARC Raiders can feel overwhelming — survival, resource management, and unpredictable encounters all happen fast.
Here’s a quick rundown of pro tips and tricks sourced from IGN’s ARC Raiders wiki and player guides at XDA Developers.

1. Play Smart, Not Reckless

Patience is key. Every sound can draw enemies or other player squads. Approach extraction zones with caution, scout from high ground, and avoid unnecessary fights until you have a clear route.

2. Manage Your Inventory and Weight

Carry only what you need — overloading slows movement and stamina regeneration. High-value loot is better than high quantity. Stash gear frequently to avoid losing it on death.

3. Learn Enemy Patterns

ARC units and rival Raiders have predictable movement sets. Study drone rotations, patrol paths, and boss attack cues to gain an early advantage in firefights.

4. Maximize Money with Low Risk

According to XDA’s guide, the best credit strategy is running shorter raids with easy extractions — you keep profits consistent while avoiding costly losses. Farming smaller zones yields safer, repeatable income.

5. Communicate with Your Team

Voice comms aren’t optional — they’re your best weapon. Successful squads call out enemy positions, share resources, and time ability cooldowns to control the battlefield.

6. Use the Environment to Your Advantage

Explosives, vertical terrain, and destructible cover are central to Embark’s design philosophy. Don’t just run and shoot — think tactically and use every environmental edge available.

7. Focus on Early Upgrades

Invest in storage and gear crafting before chasing high-end weapons. The ability to safely extract and reinvest resources will snowball your progress faster than flashy loot runs.

Why It’s Worth Your Time

Massive player base and active development roadmap
Balanced mix of PvE and PvP action
Free-to-play model with deep systems and fair progression
A strong competitor in the GOTY 2025 conversation

For players looking for something truly next-gen — both visually and mechanically — ARC Raiders delivers.

Play Now and Gear Up

ARC Raiders is available free on Steam and Xbox, with optional in-game purchases.
Top up your balance securely before grabbing season passes or cosmetic packs:

Steam Gift Cards: https://www.buysellvouchers.com/en/products/list/Gift_cards-Steam_Gift_Cards/
Xbox Gift Cards: https://www.buysellvouchers.com/en/products/list/Gift_cards-Xbox/