ARC Raiders has had a tumultuous development journey, but after years of uncertainty, the game is finally set for a 2025 release. Originally introduced at The Game Awards 2021, the game quickly gained traction due to its unique setting, high-energy combat, and ambitious mechanics. However, development setbacks and shifting priorities within Embark Studios caused delays that left many fans wondering if the project would ever see the light of day.
Now, the game is back in the spotlight, with a confirmed 2025 launch across PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nvidia GeForce Now. This comprehensive guide will cover everything we know about the ARC Raiders release date, gameplay features, and the pricing changes that have reshaped its business model.
ARC Raiders Release Date and Development Journey
The ARC Raiders release date was initially scheduled for 2022, but the game was repeatedly delayed due to development shifts within Embark Studios. The studio, which was simultaneously working on the highly successful The Finals, decided to prioritize that game’s release, pushing ARC Raiders into the background for a considerable amount of time.
With The Finals now out in the wild, Embark has refocused its efforts on finishing ARC Raiders, with a 2025 release window now officially confirmed. While the exact ARC Raiders release date has yet to be revealed, players can expect further updates on a specific launch date the second we know. There are many play tests on the schedule and each allows us to know a lot more details.
Console players, however, will have to wait, as no playtests have been announced for PS5 or Xbox Series X|S.
Gameplay: What to Expect from ARC Raiders
PvPvE Extraction-Based Survival
Unlike traditional shooters, ARC Raiders combines PvE (player vs. environment) and PvP (player vs. player) mechanics, making it an extraction-based survival shooter rather than the looter shooter it was initially marketed as.
Players take on the role of Raiders, survivors living in an underground colony in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by ARC machines—mechanized enemies that dominate the surface. To survive, Raiders must venture to the surface, collect valuable resources, fight off both enemy AI and rival players, and extract safely before being overwhelmed.
Mission-Based Exploration
Missions will involve leaving the underground safe zones and scavenging for supplies while managing limited resources. Players will need to balance risk and reward, deciding when to engage in combat and when to escape with their loot before other Raiders or ARC machines intervene.
Each mission introduces survival elements, requiring players to adapt to changing circumstances, such as weather conditions, AI ambushes, and player conflicts.
Combat and Weapons System
ARC Raiders will feature an intense combat system, blending gunplay with tactical decision-making. Players will have access to a variety of customizable weapons, ranging from firearms to high-tech gadgets, designed to give them an edge in fights against both human and robotic opponents.
While Embark Studios has yet to showcase full weapon loadouts, the teasers suggest that players will have the ability to modify their arsenal, allowing for diverse playstyles.
Co-op and Solo Play
Players can choose to team up with others or brave the dangers of ARC Raiders solo. Co-op play is expected to be heavily encouraged, as teamwork can increase survival chances when facing highly aggressive AI enemies and other raiders competing for the same resources.
Solo players, however, will still have access to stealth mechanics and strategic options that allow them to outmaneuver threats without direct confrontation.
The Switch from Free-to-Play to Paid Model
ARC Raiders Will Cost $40
One of the biggest shifts in the game’s development is its pricing model. Originally announced as a free-to-play title, ARC Raiders will now require a $40 upfront purchase.
Why the Pricing Model Changed
According to Executive Producer Aleksander Gröndal, this decision was made to ensure a premium gameplay experience without the constraints of microtransactions that typically accompany free-to-play games. This means ARC Raiders will not rely on loot boxes or aggressive monetization tactics.
The $40 price tag ensures that players get a fully-fledged survival extraction shooter without intrusive paywalls, though it remains to be seen if DLC or expansions will be introduced post-launch.
Platform Availability
ARC Raiders will be available on the following platforms:
✔ PC (via Steam & Nvidia GeForce Now)
✔ PlayStation 5
✔ Xbox Series X|S
There has been no confirmation of a last-gen release (PS4 or Xbox One), and given the game’s emphasis on high-fidelity graphics and large-scale environments, it is unlikely to be ported to older hardware.
Main Characters in ARC Raiders
In ARC Raiders, players take on the roles of Raiders, a group of survivors and resistance fighters who venture to the surface of a post-apocalyptic world to scavenge for resources while fending off the mechanized threat known as ARC machines. While the game primarily focuses on gameplay-driven storytelling, a few key characters have been revealed as central figures in the fight against these robotic invaders.
Here’s a breakdown of the main ARC Raiders characters and what we know about them so far:
Celeste – The Tactical Leader
Celeste is one of the most recognizable figures among the Raiders. She is known for her sharp intellect, tactical mind, and unwavering leadership. Unlike some of her fellow Raiders, who rely on brute force, Celeste specializes in strategy, resourcefulness, and adaptability, making her a crucial part of any mission.
- Role: Tactical strategist and survival expert.
- Personality: Focused, level-headed, and always planning ahead.
- Combat Style: Prefers long-range precision weapons and traps, excelling at controlling the battlefield.
- Specialty: Gathering intelligence, coordinating Raider teams, and making calculated decisions under pressure.
Celeste is often the one who scouts potential extraction zones and determines the safest way to navigate enemy encounters, ensuring the survival of her team. She is a natural leader, keeping the group focused on the bigger picture while maintaining order in their underground colony.
Bilguun – The Heavy Hitter
Bilguun is the muscle of the group, bringing raw power and brute force to every mission. His approach is far less calculated than Celeste’s, favoring aggression over stealth. If something stands in his way—be it an ARC machine or a rival Raider faction—he will make sure it doesn’t for long.
- Role: Frontline enforcer and demolitions expert.
- Personality: Bold, fearless, and fiercely loyal to his fellow Raiders.
- Combat Style: Prefers heavy weapons such as machine guns, explosives, and shotguns for close-quarters combat.
- Specialty: Breaking through enemy defenses, clearing out hostile zones, and taking on the toughest enemies head-on.
Bilguun is often the first to charge into battle, drawing enemy fire while allowing teammates to reposition. His expertise with explosives makes him invaluable in clearing out fortified ARC strongholds and blowing open supply caches. Though he can be reckless, his brute strength and combat prowess make him an irreplaceable part of the Raiders.
Lance – The Stealth Operative
Lance is the silent hunter, specializing in stealth, reconnaissance, and quick, precise strikes. Unlike Bilguun, who prefers overwhelming force, Lance is more concerned with staying undetected and eliminating threats before they know what hit them.
- Role: Scout, infiltration specialist, and sniper.
- Personality: Quiet, observant, and highly disciplined.
- Combat Style: Prefers sniper rifles, suppressed weapons, and melee takedowns.
- Specialty: Scouting enemy positions, hacking into ARC systems, and gathering critical intel.
Lance is the Raider most comfortable operating alone, often moving ahead of the team to mark enemy positions, set up ambushes, and take out high-priority targets without alerting others. His ability to stay hidden and track enemy movements makes him a valuable asset, especially in high-stakes extractions where remaining undetected is crucial.
The Dynamic Between the Raiders
Each of these characters plays a vital role in ARC Raiders’ survival and extraction gameplay. Celeste’s strategic thinking, Bilguun’s raw firepower, and Lance’s stealth expertise ensure that missions have a diverse range of tactics available, depending on the playstyle of each team.
- Players can choose how to approach missions:
- A balanced team composition with a mix of stealth, firepower, and strategy.
- A full-on assault approach led by Bilguun.
- A stealth-based infiltration mission, relying on Lance’s tactics.
While these characters provide a backbone for the Raiders’ resistance, the game is expected to allow for deep customization in how each player engages with the world. As more details emerge, it will be exciting to see how their personalities, backstories, and abilities influence the overall narrative of ARC Raiders.
What’s Next for ARC Raiders?
Upcoming Playtests
The next major event leading up to the ARC Raiders release date will be the PC playtests running from October 24-27, 2024. Players interested in getting early hands-on experience can sign up via Steam, though slots are expected to be limited.
Final Release Date Announcement
Once playtesting is complete and Embark Studios has gathered sufficient feedback, a precise ARC Raiders release date will likely be announced, narrowing the window from “2025” to a specific quarter or month.
Is ARC Raiders Worth the Hype?
Despite its long development cycle and shifting priorities, ARC Raiders is shaping up to be a highly ambitious survival extraction shooter that offers a unique blend of PvPvE combat, tactical exploration, and co-op gameplay.
For fans of games like Escape from Tarkov, The Cycle: Frontier, or Hunt: Showdown, ARC Raiders could provide a fresh take on the extraction shooter genre. The switch to a premium pricing model is a bold move, but it could allow for a better overall experience without the usual free-to-play monetization pitfalls.
With ARC Raiders set for a 2025 release, the next few months will be crucial in determining whether it lives up to its potential. If the PC playtests generate positive feedback, this could be one of the biggest FPS titles of the year.
Stay tuned for further updates as we get closer to the official ARC Raiders release date!
