Embark Studios recently hosted a highly successful ‘server slam’ playtest for their highly anticipated extraction shooter, Arc Raiders. The event saw a massive influx of players on Steam, with concurrent player counts peaking at an astounding 189,668. This impressive turnout ensured the game remained among the top ten most-played titles on Steam throughout the entire weekend.
The primary goal of this open playtest was to rigorously stress-test Arc Raiders’ servers in preparation for its official launch on October 30. It appears the studio achieved its objective, as players flocked to experience the game. Participants explored a single map, the Dam Battleground, and got a taste of the game’s progression systems, crafting mechanics, and quest structures.
For a visual preview, viewers can check out the official Release Date Reveal Trailer, showcasing more of the Arc Raiders universe.
Arc Raiders is the latest creation from Embark Studios, the same team that brought us the successful 2023 arena shooter, The Finals. This studio boasts a roster of industry veterans, including Patrick Soderlund, a former executive from the Battlefield franchise. Unlike The Finals, which adopted a free-to-play model, Arc Raiders will launch as a premium title with a price tag of $40.
This game plunges players into a PvPvE (Player-versus-Player-versus-Environment) extraction shooter experience, set in a desolate, post-apocalyptic future. Humanity has retreated underground, seeking refuge from the relentless Arc robots that now dominate the surface. As a ‘raider,’ players must venture topside to scavenge essential resources. Initial feedback from players on social media has been overwhelmingly positive, with many commending the game’s polished state even before release and its compelling integration of powerful PvE adversaries.
Arc Raiders enters a crowded market of popular shooters. It launches hot on the heels of Battlefield 6, which enjoyed a hugely successful release on October 10, and just before Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, expected in November. Furthermore, another major contender in the extraction shooter genre, Escape from Tarkov, is also preparing for its full 1.0 release on November 15, adding to the competitive landscape.
Players can look forward to the official release of Arc Raiders on October 30, available across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox One platforms.