History of ARC Raiders in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 17, 2026

ARC Raiders is a 2025 multiplayer third-person extraction shooter developed by Embark Studios for PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S, utilizing Unreal Engine 5. Players can engage solo or in teams of two or three. The game has received positive reviews, earning Best Multiplayer Game at The Game Awards 2025 and Online Game of the Year at the 29th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards.

2021: ARC Raiders Announcement

In 2021, ARC Raiders was officially announced at The Game Awards as a free-to-play cooperative third-person shooter developed by Embark Studios.

2023: Genre Change and Alpha Playtest

In 2023, it was revealed that ARC Raiders' genre had been changed to a PvPvE extraction shooter. Later in 2023, Embark launched a closed Alpha playtest with a strict NDA.

2024: ARC Raiders Tech Test

In 2024, Embark launched a new public playtest known as "ARC Raiders Tech Test" on October 24. Embark Studios announced that the game was dropping its free-to-play model and would be available for purchase at $40 on release.

April 30, 2025: ARC Raiders Tech Test 2

On April 30, 2025, Embark launched "ARC Raiders Tech Test 2".

October 30, 2025: ARC Raiders Release

On October 30, 2025, ARC Raiders was officially released for Windows, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.

PlayStation®5 Digital Edition (slim)

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November 10, 2025: Player Count Milestone

By November 10, 2025, the concurrent player count of ARC Raiders had reached over 700,000 across all platforms, according to the developer.

November 11, 2025: Sales Milestone Reached

By November 11, 2025, ARC Raiders had sold over four million copies worldwide.

November 12, 2025: Matchmaking Update for Duos

On November 12, 2025, an update was deployed to ARC Raiders to implement a matchmaking system for players playing in groups of two, similar to the system for solo players, aiming for fair and balanced player-versus-player encounters.

2025: Critical Acclaim for ARC Raiders

In 2025, ARC Raiders received positive reviews. Scott Duwe of Destructoid lauded it as technically impressive and enjoyable for both veterans and newcomers. Alex Van Aken from Game Informer praised its world-building, memorable sequences, and engaging format for multiplayer fans. Mark Delaney of GameSpot highlighted its uniqueness and immersive, thrilling community-driven experience. James Nouch of GamesRadar noted its approachable yet tense gameplay, making it a good starting point for those new to the genre.

2025: ARC Raiders Release and Reception

In 2025, ARC Raiders, a multiplayer third-person extraction shooter developed by Embark Studios, was released for PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S. The game received generally favorable reviews, winning Best Multiplayer Game at The Game Awards 2025 and Online Game of the Year at the 29th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards.

PlayStation®5 Digital Edition (slim)

Check it on Amazon

January 27, 2026: Matchmaking Update for Solo Players

On January 27, 2026, ARC Raiders received an update that added a matchmaking option for solo players, allowing them to join the queue for groups of three in return for higher rewards.

February 2026: Sales Update

By February 2026, ARC Raiders had sold 14 million copies worldwide.

March 6, 2026: Patch 1.18.0 Launch

On March 6, 2026, ARC Raiders received a major patch, version 1.18.0. The patches have primarily focused on bug fixes, resolving gameplay exploits, and balance.