In early May, players were given a glimpse of the much-anticipated shooter ARC Raiders, an extraction shooter that has garnered a wave of praise during its testing phase. Developed by Embark Studios, known for its work on The Finals, ARC Raiders is set to hit the market in 2025 for platforms including PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5.
The testing period from April 30 to May 4, 2025, saw an impressive turnout, peaking at over 21,500 players on Steam. Invited participants could bring along two friends, significantly enhancing the player experience.
Nexon, the South Korean publisher behind the game, expressed surprise at the overwhelming success of the tech test. In a report released on May 13, Nexon celebrated the test’s performance, noting that there was a remarkable increase in key metrics like wishlist numbers on Steam. Without extensive marketing campaigns, ARC Raiders emerged as the sixth most-watched game on Twitch and surpassed 20 million views on YouTube.
Set in a post-apocalyptic landscape, ARC Raiders’ plot revolves around humanity’s struggle against ARCs, heavily armed machines that have devastated the Earth’s surface. The remnants of humanity have taken refuge in underground bunkers, and the limited resources there drive brave Raiders to the surface, where they engage in combat against these machines and each other to scavenge for essential loot.
While ARC Raiders is generating excitement, another extraction shooter scheduled for the same year, Marathon, has faced backlash from players following a less-than-favorable alpha. Analysts and critics have begun to identify distinguishing factors that may contribute to ARC Raiders’ success over its competitors.
The promising feedback for ARC Raiders not only illustrates a strong player interest in the new title but also reflects a growing anticipation for the evolution of the extraction shooter genre. With Nexon and Embark Studios leading the charge, the future looks bright for this engaging new game.