What Happened to ARC Raiders (Video Game)?
ARC Raiders, the extraction shooter developed by Embark Studios, launched on October 30, 2025, after pivoting from its initial free-to-play co-op PvE concept to a paid PvPvE model. Despite winning "Best Multiplayer Game" at The Game Awards 2025 and selling over 16 million copies, the game experienced significant player retention challenges throughout 2026. As of October 2026, it is receiving its largest update, "Frozen Trail," alongside a free trial, and is also being adapted for film and television.
Quick Answer
ARC Raiders, developed by Embark Studios, officially launched on October 30, 2025, as a paid PvPvE extraction shooter for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. The game quickly achieved critical acclaim and strong sales, winning "Best Multiplayer Game" at The Game Awards 2025. However, it faced player retention issues in 2026, leading Embark to shift to a bi-annual major update schedule. The game is currently poised for its biggest content drop, the "Frozen Trail" update, on October 8, 2026, which introduces a new map, enemies, and progression systems, coinciding with a four-day free trial. Additionally, ARC Raiders is being developed into film and TV adaptations.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Announced at The Game Awards
ARC Raiders was officially unveiled at The Game Awards as a free-to-play cooperative third-person shooter by Embark Studios.
Genre Shift to PvPvE Extraction Shooter
Embark Studios revealed that the game's genre had been changed from co-op PvE to a PvPvE extraction shooter, and conducted a closed Alpha playtest.
First Public Playtest ('ARC Raiders Tech Test')
The game resurfaced with a public playtest, and Embark Studios announced it would no longer be free-to-play, instead launching at $40.
Second Public Playtest ('ARC Raiders Tech Test 2')
Embark Studios conducted another public playtest as development continued towards its new premium release model.
Server Slam Event
A 'Server Slam' event was held, allowing players to test a portion of the game for free shortly before its final release.
Official Game Launch
ARC Raiders officially launched for Windows, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S as a paid PvPvE extraction shooter.
Wins 'Best Multiplayer Game' at The Game Awards
ARC Raiders received the prestigious award for 'Best Multiplayer Game' at The Game Awards 2025, highlighting its successful launch.
14 Million Copies Sold
The game reached a significant sales milestone, having sold 14 million copies worldwide since its launch.
Cofounder Robert Runesson Departs Embark Studios
Robert Runesson, a cofounder of Embark Studios, parted ways with the company following unsubstantiated sexual misconduct allegations.
Shift to Bi-Annual Major Updates
Embark Studios announced a change in its content release strategy, moving from monthly updates to two larger, more impactful major updates per year.
Expeditions System Paused Until Early 2027
Embark Studios announced that the 'Expeditions' system would be paused after its fifth iteration until early 2027 for major improvements based on player feedback.
Film and TV Adaptations Announced
Nexon and Embark Studios partnered with Chernin Entertainment to adapt both ARC Raiders and The Finals into film and television projects.
Pre-Launch Buzz for 'Frozen Trail' Update
Journalists and content creators share early access impressions of the 'Frozen Trail' update, highlighting new features like the grapple hook and Pendola Pass map.
Launch of 'Frozen Trail' Update and Free Trial
The game's largest update, 'Frozen Trail,' launches, introducing a new map (Pendola Pass), enemies, progression systems, and a four-day free trial for all platforms.
PvE Matchmaking Test
Embark Studios schedules a dedicated PvE matchmaking test, exploring a cooperative-only experience for players.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
ARC Raiders, developed by Embark Studios, first garnered attention with its announcement at The Game Awards 2021 as a free-to-play cooperative third-person shooter. However, the game underwent a significant transformation during its development. By 2023, Embark Studios revealed a pivot in its genre, re-envisioning ARC Raiders as a PvPvE extraction shooter. This change was followed by closed alpha tests and, in 2024, public playtests. A major turning point occurred when Embark announced the game would no longer be free-to-play, instead launching as a premium title priced at $40.
The game officially launched on October 30, 2025, for Windows, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, built on Unreal Engine 5. It quickly achieved considerable success, selling over four million copies by November 2025 and reaching 14 million by February 2026. By October 2026, sales surpassed 16 million units. ARC Raiders also received critical acclaim, being awarded "Best Multiplayer Game" at The Game Awards 2025 and "Online Game of the Year" at the 29th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards.
Despite its initial success, 2026 proved to be a challenging year for player retention. By September 2026, the game had reportedly lost 80% of its peak concurrent players. Analysts attributed this decline to several factors, including an "aggression-based matchmaking" system that inadvertently split the player base and a perceived content drought. In response to community feedback and these challenges, Embark Studios announced in May 2026 a shift from monthly content updates to a bi-annual schedule for major releases, aiming for larger, more impactful changes.
A significant development in August 2026 was the decision to pause the "Expeditions" system until early 2027 to implement major improvements, acknowledging player pain points. Concurrently, Embark began exploring a return to its roots by testing a dedicated PvE mode, a concept the game was originally based on before its PvPvE pivot. A PvE matchmaking test is slated for October 13-20, 2026.
As of October 7, 2026, ARC Raiders is on the cusp of its largest update since launch, titled "Frozen Trail," set to release on October 8, 2026. This update introduces a new frozen map (Pendola Pass), new ARC enemy types, a customizable Outpost base system, weapon upgrades, new gadgets like a grapple hook, and a reworked skill tree. A four-day free trial of the full game will coincide with the update's launch, running from October 8-12, 2026. Furthermore, in a move to expand the game's universe, Embark Studios and Nexon partnered with Chernin Entertainment in October 2026 to develop film and television adaptations of both ARC Raiders and The Finals.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if ARC Raiders (Video Game) made different choices?