Arc Raiders is an upcoming third-person extraction shooter developed by Embark Studios, the team behind The Finals and composed of industry veterans, including ex-DICE developers known for their work on the Battlefield series. First revealed at The Game Awards 2021, the game has undergone a significant transformation from a PvE co-op experience to a tense and dynamic PvPvE extraction shooter.

From The Finals to Arc Raiders – A Studio of Innovation

After surprising the industry with the frenetic, destruction-heavy FPS The Finals, Embark Studios set their sights on something more atmospheric and survival-oriented. Arc Raiders drops players into a post-apocalyptic Earth, ravaged by robotic entities known as ARC. Humanity has retreated underground, surviving in shelters like Speranza. Players take the role of Raiders, venturing to the surface to scavenge, complete missions, and escape before being eliminated by AI enemies or rival squads.

Gameplay and Features

• PvPvE Gameplay: Players face hostile ARC machines and other squads simultaneously, adding unpredictability and challenge.
• Extraction Mechanics: You must retrieve valuable loot and reach extraction zones within a limited time. Dying means losing your gear.
• Solo or Co-op: Go in alone or with up to two other players. The game supports full cross-play and cross-progression.
• Persistent Progression: Upgrade your character, gear up in the hub city Speranza, and build your legacy with each successful run.

Release Date and Platforms

Arc Raiders is officially scheduled for release on October 30, 2025. The game will be available on PC (Steam and Epic Games Store), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. The announcement came during Summer Game Fest 2025 and was accompanied by a cinematic new trailer that highlighted the game's blend of survival, action, and high-stakes combat.

Technical Playtests and Community Hype

Throughout 2024 and 2025, Embark ran several closed technical tests, giving players a taste of the core gameplay loop. The reception was highly positive, with fans praising the game's atmosphere, gunplay, and the tension of extraction runs. Arc Raiders quickly became one of the most wishlisted games on Steam, showing clear signs of a strong launch to come.

Why Arc Raiders Might Be the Next Big Thing

While the extraction shooter genre has seen increased competition in recent years, Arc Raiders stands out with its stunning visuals, immersive world-building, and the pedigree of its developers. The blend of PvE threats with PvP risk, combined with persistent loot systems and emergent gameplay, makes it a top contender in the space.

Conclusion

If you’re a fan of games like Escape from Tarkov or Hunt: Showdown, but with a sci-fi twist and console-ready polish, then Arc Raiders is a title to watch. With its global release slated for October 30, 2025, this could be one of the most impactful multiplayer titles of the year. Stay tuned for more updates as the launch draws near.

If you want to read first world premiere impressions keep an eye on the friendly The Ravikin games blog!