Tag: Arc Raiders

  • PlayStation Mid-Year Sale: Up to 80% Off Select Games

    PlayStation Mid-Year Sale: Up to 80% Off Select Games

    Key Takeaway

    – Hunt: Showdown 1896 is 60% off at $12
    – ARK: Survival Ascended is 75% off at $11.24
    – Resident Evil 2 Deluxe Edition is 80% off at $10
    – The Division 2 is 70% off at $9
    – Sale runs until July 2

    PlayStation Just Dropped Some Mid-Year Deals

    PlayStation has kickstarted they’re mid-year deals with discounts on full games and add-ons. There is some interesting discounts on best-selling games like Arc Raiders, Hunt: Showdown 1896, and more. Some of the games have recieved discounts by 80%, making this the perfect time to pull the trigger.

    Two Horror Games That Are Worth a Look

    Developed by the original creators of Little Nightmares (also discounted by 50%) and Little Nightmares 2, Reanimal is a co-op horror adventure game which focusses on a brother and sister pair as they try to save their missing friends in a dark and twisted world. Reanimal is 20% off, taking the price down to $32. Even though it has lost a major portion of its player count, Arc Raiders is still a great extraction shooter experience, it performed really well in the few months after it launched but dropped in popularity over time. The developers are still heavily committed to the game and have been adding new content as part of a long-haul road map. Arc Raiders is 25% off right now, currently listed for $30.

    An Oldie but Goodie on Sale

    Days Gone, is another game that has been discounted during the mid-year sale. This is not the remastered version for the PS5, but the original PS4 version that is currently on sale. Its an open-world action-adventure set in a post-pandemic setting with hordes of zombies and a wide range of weapons. Days Gone is 31% off, putting it at $28.

    Masive Discounts on Some Titles

    There are a few games that have gotten massive discounts as well. Hunt: Showdown 1896 is 60% off, going for only $12, ARK: Survival Ascended is even cheaper at $11.24 with its 75% discount. Resident Evil 2 Deluxe Edition for the PS4 and PS5 is 80% off, currently listed for only $10. The Division 2 is going for $9 with a 70% discount.

    Sale Ends July 2nd

    The mid-year sale is live now til July 2, and you can check out the full selection of discounts here. Playstation Store is not responsible for price changes carried out by retailers. The discounted price or deal mentioned in this item was available at the time of writing and may be subject to time restrictions or limited unit availability.


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  • ARC Raiders Fixes Privacy Issue with Discord DMs in Latest Update

    ARC Raiders Fixes Privacy Issue with Discord DMs in Latest Update

    Key Takeaways

    1. ARC Raiders was found to be capturing private Discord chats due to a flaw in the Discord SDK.
    2. The issue was discovered by computer engineer Timothy D. Meadows, who reported that private messages were saved in a plain text log file on players’ machines.
    3. The log file included complete texts of private messages and a Discord bearer authentication token, raising security concerns.
    4. Only players who linked their Discord accounts with ARC Raiders were affected; those who did not link their accounts were not impacted.
    5. Embark Studios quickly addressed the issue with a hotfix, assured players that the data was not shared externally, and is conducting a thorough audit to prevent future problems.

    A recent privacy concern has emerged in ARC Raiders, revealing that the game was capturing private Discord chats. This issue has been resolved, with developer Embark Studios swiftly deploying a hotfix to eliminate the problem once it was uncovered.

    Discovery of the Issue

    This issue was initially uncovered by computer engineer Timothy D. Meadows, who detailed the matter in a blog entry. His investigation revealed that when Discord integration was activated, the game was recording private direct messages between users. These messages were being saved in a plain text log file on the player’s machine.

    Content of the Log File

    Reportedly, the log file included the complete text of private messages exchanged among users. Furthermore, Meadows found that a Discord bearer authentication token was also being stored in this same file. This raised concerns, as it meant that anyone with access to the computer, crash reports, or specific local applications could potentially read these messages.

    Specifics of the Issue

    The problem was directly tied to the Discord SDK utilized in the game, impacting only those players who had linked their Discord accounts with ARC Raiders. Players who did not connect their Discord accounts were not impacted at all.

    Shortly after the issue gained attention, Embark Studios acknowledged it and confirmed that the Discord SDK had recorded more user information than was supposed to. They reassured players that the data was never shared outside of the user’s computer and that the developers did not access or keep the messages. A hotfix has been rolled out to disable the problematic logging, and the team mentioned that they are conducting a more thorough audit to ensure that similar issues do not occur in the future.

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  • ARC Raiders Sales Exceed 15 Million Copies, Revenue Tops $500M

    ARC Raiders Sales Exceed 15 Million Copies, Revenue Tops $500M

    Key Takeaways

    1. ARC Raiders has sold over 15 million copies across all platforms since its launch.
    2. The game has generated over $500 million in total revenue.
    3. In January, ARC Raiders was the best-selling game on Steam, with 1.5 million copies sold.
    4. The game sold over 1.7 million copies on Xbox and PlayStation in January.
    5. ARC Raiders reached 10 million monthly active users in January, showing an 8% increase from December.

    ARC Raiders has made waves since its launch just a few months ago, becoming one of the most notable multiplayer success stories in recent times. The game quickly captured the attention of players, achieving impressive numbers on both PC and consoles. As of last month, ARC Raiders had sold 12 million copies, and that number seems to have risen even quicker than anticipated.

    Sales Milestone

    Recent insights from Alinea Analytics reveal that ARC Raiders has now exceeded 15 million copies sold across all gaming platforms. Additionally, the game has amassed over $500 million in total revenue to date. This positions it as one of the most triumphant multiplayer launches in recent history, especially given its brief time available on the market.

    Performance Highlights

    January proved to be a significant month for the game, as it sold about 1.5 million copies on Steam alone. This achievement translated to close to $50 million in revenue, making it the best-selling game on Steam for that month. The game’s performance on consoles was also robust, with over 1.7 million copies sold on Xbox and PlayStation during the same timeframe. These impressive sales have helped push the lifetime total past the 15 million mark.

    User Engagement Growth

    Alinea Analytics noted that ARC Raiders reached 10 million monthly active users in January, which is an 8 percent increase from December. This growth occurred despite the typical slowdown that follows the holiday season. Currently, the game shows no signs of slowing down, and it likely won’t be too long before it achieves the milestone of 20 million copies sold.

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  • Arc Raiders Ban System Faces Backlash and Criticism

    Arc Raiders Ban System Faces Backlash and Criticism

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Headwinds update for ARC Raiders includes seven new quests, two new augments, and changes to the “Buried City” map, along with minor gameplay adjustments and additional lore.
    2. A new progressive ban system has been introduced, with three levels of penalties based on offense severity, ranging from a 30-day ban for first-time offenders to a permanent ban after three violations.
    3. The community has reacted negatively to the new ban system, feeling the penalties are too lenient and calling for harsher consequences, such as permanent bans for first-time offenders.
    4. Players have expressed their views on platforms like Reddit, with many advocating for stricter measures in comparison to other games with tougher penalties.
    5. Embark has not provided an official response to community concerns about the ban system, leaving players uncertain about potential future changes.

    The Headwinds update is part of four planned content releases for ARC Raiders that will take place until April 2026. This update includes seven new quests, two new augments, additional lore, minor changes to gameplay, and new elements on the “Buried City” map, which now features flocks of birds. In addition to this content, the patch also brings modifications to the game’s anti-cheat system, a change that has mostly been met with negative comments from the player community.

    Progressive Ban System

    This new update brings a progressive ban system with three levels that escalate based on the severity of the offense. Although Embark hasn’t specified what behaviors will lead to punishment in the patch notes, it’s likely that the system targets serious issues like cheating or exploiting. First-time offenders will face a 30-day ban, which extends to 60 days for a second offense. A permanent ban will only be applied after a player violates the fair play rules for the third time.

    Community Reaction

    The ARC Raiders community has expressed dissatisfaction with the newly introduced ban system. Many players on Reddit argue that the consequences are too lenient, referring to them as merely a “slap on the wrist.” There is significant support for tougher penalties, with some calling for permanent bans for first-time offenders, often referencing stricter games like Escape from Tarkov. While a few users back Embark’s stance, citing the potential for false bans, the general opinion leans heavily towards advocating for more severe measures. As of now, Embark hasn’t released an official statement, leaving players uncertain about possible future changes.

    Embark

    Image source: Embark Media Kit

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  • Arc Raiders: Developers Aim to Challenge PvE with Massive Enemies

    Arc Raiders: Developers Aim to Challenge PvE with Massive Enemies

    Key Takeaways

    1. Arc Raiders has evolved significantly since its October 2025 release, with players adapting to challenges and enhancing gameplay experiences.
    2. Developers plan to intensify the PvE aspect by introducing new Arcs with updated weapons and attack styles, along with larger adversaries.
    3. Huge, mountain-like Arcs have been spotted in the game’s environments, signaling potential new gameplay elements.
    4. Technical challenges exist in implementing these giant enemies, which could impact server performance.
    5. The addition of colossal foes may revitalize the endgame experience, making boss farming more purposeful and engaging.

    A lot has transformed in Arc Raiders since it came out in October 2025. Players have shared incredible experiences, compiled lists of particularly toxic players, and even changed the game into a first-person view. As time has passed, many players have become skilled enough that the usual robot foes aren’t much of a challenge anymore, which has led the developers to take action.

    New Challenges on the Horizon

    Virgil Watkins, the Design Lead at Embark Studios, stated that the PvE aspect of Arc Raiders is about to become more intense. In a chat with GamesRadar, he revealed that the team aims to add new kinds of regular Arcs with updated weapons and attack styles, while also teasing the introduction of much larger adversaries. Watkins pointed out some details that attentive players may have already seen—huge, mountain-like Arcs appearing in the background of specific environments. Moreover, several new maps are set to be unveiled in 2026.

    The Future of Giant Enemies

    At this moment, these gigantic Arcs are merely visual hints, but Embark clearly wants to incorporate them into gameplay. As Watkins mentions, the difficulty is that enemies of such size would currently “blow up the server.” While there’s no confirmation that these titans will be coming soon, the possibility is still there. If the technical challenges can be managed, their introduction could greatly alter the endgame experience.

    The existing endgame cycle in Arc Raiders focuses on defeating bosses to create gear that works well against those same bosses—a loop that risks feeling monotonous over time. The addition of colossal enemies could introduce a new dynamic to the endgame, providing boss farming with a more defined purpose. Feedback on Reddit has generally been optimistic, with many players eager for this potential change.

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  • ARC Raiders Dev Reveals Auction House Trading System Removed as Risky

    ARC Raiders Dev Reveals Auction House Trading System Removed as Risky

    Key Takeaways

    1. Trading in ARC Raiders focuses on simple direct exchanges rather than complex systems like auction houses.
    2. The developers aim to make trading feel more natural and personal, enhancing player interactions.
    3. An auction-house-type system was dropped due to risks of turning the game into a currency-driven market.
    4. Prioritizing currency led to players losing interest in exploration and item discovery.
    5. The game will continue to emphasize exploration and meaningful item discovery, with new maps being added for players to explore.

    ARC Raiders emphasizes loots, items, and scavenging, so it’s not surprising that trading and item exchange are hot topics among players. However, the game developers have stated that some trading concepts were considered internally but ultimately discarded due to potential risks to the game’s core design.

    Insights from the Design Team

    In a recent chat with GamesRadar, Virgil Watkins, the design lead for ARC Raiders, shared that the team has carefully thought about how trading should work within the game. He pointed out that the discussions about trading often reflect what players enjoy personally, not a plan from developers to introduce complex systems like a full auction house. Currently, the focus is more on social interactions through simple direct exchanges rather than intricate market mechanics.

    A More Personal Touch

    Watkins noted that the goal is to make trading feel more natural and personal. While dropping items on the ground can technically work, the team is looking for ways to enhance that experience. One idea they found interesting was letting players physically present an item for another player to take. This may seem like a small change, but it could make trading more intentional and rewarding rather than just a workaround.

    Why Auction Houses Were Dropped

    When asked about the potential for an auction-house-type system, Watkins was clear about the team’s decision to steer clear of it. He referred to systems where players list items and set prices as “very risky territory.” The primary worry is that such a system could detract from one of the game’s key elements: venturing into dangerous areas, exploring maps, and searching for important items.

    Watkins revealed that they had even experimented with building such a system earlier in development. However, they soon discovered it led to significant issues. Rather than caring about how or where items were found, players began to prioritize currency. They became fixated on collecting items that had the highest value, converting everything into coins, and then simply purchasing whatever gear they desired. This shift took away the emotional satisfaction of exploration.

    “We put a lot of very, very deliberate effort into making the game about the items,” he said. “We had previously explored and even partially constructed a trading system similar to an auction house. But what it ended up doing is it turned the game into just being about coins. Players would focus on finding items worth the most, changing them in for coins, and then buying whatever they wanted. This diminished the excitement of exploring the right locations and searching containers, or the joy of finally finding something they needed to progress.”

    Because of these insights, the developers have opted to eliminate the auction-style trading system. For now, ARC Raiders will continue with straightforward trading that encourages exploration, risk, and meaningful item discovery, rather than shifting the game into a currency-driven market. The developers also recently confirmed the addition of several new maps this year, offering players plenty of new areas to explore.

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  • ARC Raiders to Launch Multiple New Maps This Year, Some Even Grander

    ARC Raiders to Launch Multiple New Maps This Year, Some Even Grander

    Key Takeaways

    1. New Maps with Unique Themes: Each new map in ARC Raiders will offer a distinct experience, focusing on thematic cohesion rather than just size variations.

    2. Player Feedback Influences Updates: The developers will use player interactions and feedback to guide some of the upcoming content, ensuring updates feel relevant and engaging.

    3. Diverse Gameplay Experiences: Upcoming maps will vary in size and design to support different gameplay styles, promoting novel gameplay concepts and strategies.

    4. Technical Considerations: Map development is influenced by technical factors like server performance, player count, and enemy density, requiring a balance between ambition and stability.

    5. Comprehensive Update Roadmap: A detailed roadmap for future content, including maps, weapons, foes, and gameplay enhancements, will be shared soon to keep players informed.

    ARC Raiders is set to introduce several new maps throughout 2026, with developers emphasizing that each map will have its own unique feel, rather than simply being larger or smaller versions of current locations.

    Exciting Updates Ahead

    In a recent conversation with GamesRadar, Virgil Watkins, the design lead at Embark, shared that the team is diligently working on multiple map additions for the current year. While a comprehensive roadmap hasn’t been released yet, Watkins mentioned that players can look forward to one soon, detailing upcoming content for the next few months. This roadmap will feature not only new maps but also new weapons, foes, objectives, and various gameplay enhancements.

    Watkins noted that Embark is still determining the timing of these updates. Instead of adhering to a rigid schedule, the team is closely observing player interactions with the game. Some updates will be influenced by player feedback and behavior, while others are intended to push the game in innovative directions. Each significant update will revolve around a distinct theme, ensuring that when new content arrives, it feels like a complete package instead of just another map added to the mix.

    Thematic Cohesion is Key

    “Some of it is responding to the things you’re mentioning, like how players are really engaging with the game and what they are doing, but a big part for us is figuring out how we can advance the experience,” Watkins said. He continued, “Adding a new map is exciting since it’s a fresh place to explore. But what else is there? Thematically, gameplay-wise. How do the enemies, items, and experiences in that map all connect? It’s about creating that thematic cohesion so that when players see, ‘Oh, the Whatever Update just launched for Arc Raiders. Let’s dive in,’ that’s what we’re aiming for in the upcoming months.”

    Regarding the design of maps, Watkins indicated that players should anticipate a variety of experiences. Some of the new maps will be smaller and more concentrated, while others may exceed the size of current locations like Blue Gate or Spaceport. However, size isn’t the primary focus. The team is more concerned with how each map feels to play, which includes trying out different environments, enemy types, loot quality, and conditions that alter player movement and combat.

    Diverse Gameplay Experiences

    “There will be several maps coming this year, and I expect they will vary in size to support different gameplay styles. You might come across some that are smaller, and others could be even bigger than what we have now,” Watkins explained.

    The introduction of new maps will also serve to present novel gameplay concepts. For instance, Stella Montis introduced rarer loot, new blueprints, and unique enemies like the Shredder. Future maps will adopt a similar strategy, providing new rewards and prompting players to rethink their tool usage.

    Watkins also mentioned that technical constraints play a crucial role in map development. Factors such as server performance, player count, enemy density, visibility, and overall pacing influence the construction of a map. Some current maps are already pushing performance boundaries, so Embark must balance its ambitions with the need for stability.

    GamesRadar

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  • Player’s First-Person Showcase of Terrifying Arc Raiders

    Player’s First-Person Showcase of Terrifying Arc Raiders

    Key Takeaways

    1. Arc Raiders is designed for third-person gameplay, with no plans for first-person view from the developer, Embark.
    2. A player discovered a first-person mode that enhances the game’s atmosphere, though it has visual quirks.
    3. The first-person view was activated using an in-game console, which has since been patched by Embark Studios.
    4. The community is generally supportive of the first-person perspective, with calls for an official toggle and potential VR compatibility.
    5. There are mixed opinions on whether to keep the first-person mode, with some suggesting separate lobbies for different views.

    Arc Raiders is marketed as an extraction adventure that only lets players engage from a third-person view, with no plans for alternative camera angles by the developer, Embark. Yet, the player community had different ideas. One gamer experienced the whole game in first-person mode. A three-minute gameplay clip was shared on Reddit by user u/Short_Statisfaction_9 and later reposted by Arc Raiders Alerts on X.

    First-Person Experience

    The gameplay shown in the video reveals that the first-person mode surprisingly functions quite well. Although there are some visual quirks, like arms disappearing or quick flashes of the character’s upper body and face, these do not seem to interfere with the game itself. The shift in viewpoint is said to considerably boost the game’s atmosphere. The thread creator calls the experience “surreal” and “terrifying.” He does mention, though, that Arc Raiders doesn’t need a first-person perspective, even if he found it enjoyable.

    Console Discovery

    u/Short_Statisfaction_9 doesn’t go into detail about how he activated the first-person view in Arc Raiders, but he mentioned learning about the in-game console from a post on the subreddit. He points out that most users utilize the console for clearing fog or brightening the visuals, but he chose to explore further, which led to the first-person viewing showcased in his video. Unfortunately, this loophole has been patched up. Embark Studios has responded to the issue with a hotfix that blocks access to the necessary console commands.

    Community Reactions

    The Reddit users are generally applauding the deeper immersion that comes with the first-person viewpoint. Some are advocating for an official toggle option and even see a chance for VR compatibility. However, there is a consensus that this perspective might disadvantage players compared to the usual third-person view. One idea proposed is to create separate lobbies for different viewing modes. On the other hand, many others believe that Arc Raiders should stay as it is.

    u/Short_Statisfaction_9 on Reddit

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  • Arc Raiders Players Worry About Potential Marketplace Impact

    Arc Raiders Players Worry About Potential Marketplace Impact

    Key Takeaways

    1. Surprising Success: Arc Raiders has emerged as a surprising multiplayer hit in 2025, despite community concerns about player behavior.

    2. Potential Trading Features: CEO Patrick Söderlund hinted at possible player trading features, generating both excitement and worry among fans.

    3. Community Backlash: Many players reacted negatively to the idea of a marketplace, fearing it could harm the game’s mechanics and loot value.

    4. Unofficial Black Market: An unofficial black market for trading already exists, indicating demand for trading despite lack of formal systems.

    5. Future Impact: The community’s response to potential trading features could significantly influence the game’s future and player engagement.

    Arc Raiders has become one of the most surprising multiplayer hits of 2025. Although the community has gained a reputation for being somewhat unpleasant, players seem largely happy with the self-defined “extraction adventure.” However, this positive feeling might be tested soon. Recently, Patrick Söderlund, the CEO of Embark Studios, revealed some information during an in-game interview that many fans didn’t take well.

    Potential Trading Features

    Söderlund mentioned that players might soon have the ability to trade with each other, calling it “the start of something exciting.” While he didn’t provide specific details, just the idea of a marketplace has sparked worries among players. Currently, Arc Raiders lacks an official trading system, but an unofficial black market has already sprouted up on Discord and other platforms. A formal marketplace, possibly with monetization similar to the Steam Marketplace, would legitimize and centralize this kind of trading.

    Community Reactions

    In reaction to the interview, Reddit user u/G-SW-7892 created a thread on January 6 titled “Embark, don’t ruin this game with a marketplace!” The post quickly gained popularity, racking up over 750 comments, most of which expressed agreement. Many community members believe that a marketplace could harm the game’s core mechanics, lower the value of loot, and lessen players’ motivation to engage. Key points raised include:

    An official announcement regarding an in-game trading system is still awaited, but the community’s stance is already evident. Whether Embark Studios will heed these concerns could be crucial in determining Arc Raiders’ future.

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  • Steam Achieves Record $1.6 Billion Revenue in December 2025

    Steam Achieves Record $1.6 Billion Revenue in December 2025

    Key Takeaways

    1. Steam achieved record revenue of $1.6 billion in December 2025, its highest-grossing month ever.
    2. Revenue in December 2025 was 22.7% higher than in December 2024, showing significant year-over-year growth.
    3. ARC Raiders was the best-selling game on Steam during the holiday period, selling 1.2 million copies.
    4. Counter-Strike 2 was the top revenue-generating game, earning about $32 million during the same timeframe.
    5. Other notable sales included discounts leading to high sales for titles like Detroit: Become Human, PEAK, and Icarus.

    Steam keeps showing why it’s the biggest video game store in the whole world, and the latest figures confirm its growth isn’t slowing down. Every year, Valve’s platform draws in more players, more developers, and more money. According to new data, December 2025 was Steam’s best month ever.

    Record Revenue

    In the most recent newsletter from Alinea Analytics, it was revealed that Steam made $1.6 billion in gross revenue in December 2025. This revenue was generated from over 100 million players, marking it as the highest-grossing month in Steam’s entire history.

    Year-over-Year Growth

    When looking at previous years, the growth is quite remarkable. December 2025’s revenue was 22.7% higher than in December 2024, showcasing robust year-over-year growth. It also outperformed December 2020, which brought in around $1.4 billion during the pandemic, a time when game spending was particularly high.

    Game Performance Highlights

    Alinea Analytics also revealed which games played a major role in Steam’s holiday triumph. ARC Raiders emerged as one of the top performers, being the best-selling game on Steam for the last two weeks of the year, moving 1.2 million copies. Overall, across all platforms, ARC Raiders sold 12 million copies, with 7 million sold on Steam alone.

    Even though ARC Raiders was the top-selling game in terms of volume, it came in second for revenue during that two-week timeframe, earning about $32 million. The top revenue spot went to Counter-Strike 2, which wasn’t a surprise.

    Other Noteworthy Sales

    Several other titles also saw great success over the holiday period from December 21 to January 5, mainly due to attractive discounts. Detroit: Become Human sold roughly 993,000 copies after its price was slashed to just $4. PEAK also did well, moving 779,000 copies during the same timeframe, bringing its total Steam sales to over 16 million. Icarus dropped from $35 to $3, which resulted in 735,000 copies sold. Battlefield 6 also performed admirably, selling around 706,000 copies owing to a 30% discount.

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