Embark Studios has finally revealed gameplay for ARC Raiders, showcasing its evolution from a cooperative shooter to a third-person PvPvE extraction experience. The game was initially announced at The Game Awards 2021 but underwent several delays, allowing Embark to prioritize their competitive shooter, The Finals.
Following a May 2023 re-reveal and recent playtests, Executive Producer Aleksander Grøndal shared positive feedback and future development plans:
"This was a really encouraging playtest... We're keen to deliver on a much expanded late-game experience, with deeper progression and extensive quests..."
Gameplay Details
In ARC Raiders, players scavenge for resources on a hostile planet, facing both ARC machines and other players. While combat is sometimes necessary, stealth and caution can be key to survival. Reaching extraction points secures the collected loot, which can be used for crafting, upgrading, or trading with merchants.
The game blends intense surface extraction challenges with strategic underground survival elements centered around the player's workshop. Upgrading crafting stations allows players to create advanced weapon mods and unique gadgets. Merchants offer quests, currency, experience, and specialized items. Players can further customize their playstyle through a skill tree.
Release Information
ARC Raiders is scheduled for release next year on PC (Steam, Epic Games Store, and GeForce NOW), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S|X.
