April 30, 2025 – ARC Raiders, the highly anticipated PvPvE extraction shooter from Embark Studios, is gearing up for its official release in 2025. After years of development, multiple delays, and a genre shift, the game is poised to make a significant impact in the multiplayer gaming scene. Here’s everything you need to know about the ARC Raiders release date, gameplay, platforms, and more.

ARC Raiders Release Date and Platforms
Embark Studios announced during Gamescom 2024 that ARC Raiders will launch in 2025 on PC (via Steam and Epic Games Store), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nvidia GeForce Now. While an exact ARC Raiders release date has not been confirmed, speculation points to a potential launch in late 2025, following the completion of ongoing playtests. A second technical test is currently underway from April 30 to May 8, 2025, allowing players on all platforms to experience the game for the first time without an NDA. Interested players can sign up for the test on the official ARC Raiders website.
Gameplay and Setting
ARC Raiders is set in a post-apocalyptic future where humanity has been driven underground to the colony of Speranza, seeking refuge from deadly ARC machines that dominate the surface. Players take on the role of Raiders, scavengers who venture topside to gather resources, battle ARC robots, and compete with other players in a PvPvE environment. The game emphasizes high-tension gameplay, with a focus on survival, looting, and extraction.
The gameplay loop involves scavenging for loot, defeating enemies, and safely extracting resources back to Speranza to trade with merchants, upgrade gear, and expand your Raider Den. The third-person shooter mechanics are familiar yet polished, with weapons like SMGs, assault rifles, and sniper rifles offering distinct handling. Players can team up in groups of three, adding strategic depth to encounters with both AI-controlled ARC machines and rival Raiders.
From Free-to-Play to Premium
Initially announced as a free-to-play title at The Game Awards 2021, ARC Raiders has shifted to a premium model with a $40 price tag. According to executive producer Aleksander Grøndal, this change allows Embark Studios to create a “balanced, engaging, and replayable action survival experience.” The decision has sparked mixed reactions, but recent previews suggest the game’s polished mechanics and immersive world justify the cost.
Development Journey and Playtests
ARC Raiders was first revealed in 2021 with a planned 2022 release, but delays pushed it to 2023 and eventually 2025. The shift in focus to Embark’s other title, The Finals, and a genre change from a co-op PvE shooter to a PvPvE extraction shooter contributed to the extended development timeline. Despite these setbacks, recent tech tests have generated positive buzz. The first public test ran from October 24 to October 27, 2024, on Steam, and the current Tech Test 2 (April 30 to May 8, 2025) is the largest yet, including PS5 and Xbox Series X|S players. Feedback highlights the game’s atmospheric world and intense gameplay, though some note it feels familiar compared to other extraction shooters.
Why ARC Raiders Stands Out
Developed by former Battlefield developers, ARC Raiders combines Embark Studios’ expertise in shooter mechanics with a vibrant, post-apocalyptic aesthetic. Creative director Stefan Strandberg describes the game as a “hopeful, vibrant, and charming” take on a dangerous world, drawing inspiration from themes like space colonization and human-machine conflict. The game’s focus on thoughtful, tactical gameplay over chaotic combat sets it apart in the crowded extraction shooter genre.
Recent previews, such as IGN’s, praise the game’s familiar yet satisfying loop: loot, kill, extract, and upgrade. While it may not reinvent the genre, its polished execution and immersive world make it a strong contender against other 2025 titles like Bungie’s Marathon. Posts on X also reflect growing excitement, with some calling it “12-18 months ahead” of competitors in polish.
How to Stay Updated
For the latest on ARC Raiders, players can join the official Discord, follow @ARCRaidersGame on X, or add the game to their wishlist on Steam or Epic Games Store. The ongoing Tech Test 2 allows players to stream and share gameplay, offering a glimpse into the game’s current state. As Embark Studios continues to refine the experience, expect more details on the ARC Raiders release date and late-game content in the coming months.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on reports from reliable sources, including Embark Studios, Steam, IGN, and other gaming news outlets. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, release dates, pricing, and game details are subject to change. For the most current information, please refer to official ARC Raiders channels, including the game’s website, Steam page, or social media. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice or endorsement of the game.