**ARC Raiders Sees Explosive Launch and Major Updates to Gameplay**
Embark Studios’ latest game, ARC Raiders, has made a significant impact since its release last week, quickly attracting a large and enthusiastic player base. The third-person extraction shooter has drawn in over 700,000 players in just its first week, according to a recent Instagram post from the developer. This strong start indicates ARC Raiders’ potential to become a major title in the increasingly competitive extraction shooter genre.
**A Unique Extraction Shooter Experience**
Set in a dystopian, post-apocalyptic version of Earth, ARC Raiders immerses players in a world overrun by hostile machines known as ARC units. Humanity has been driven underground, with survivors forming settlements below the surface. Players take on the role of “raiders,” venturing topside to scavenge for valuable loot and complete various quests. The gameplay is a blend of player-versus-environment (PvE) and player-versus-player (PvP) challenges, as players must contend not only with the deadly ARC machines but also with other human raiders, who can ambush, defeat, and steal loot from each other.
The game’s central mechanic revolves around “extraction.” After securing loot and completing objectives, raiders must reach extraction points—such as elevators or trains—to safely return their haul to their settlement. Initiating an extraction triggers an alarm, drawing the attention of both ARC machines and rival players. This creates tense, high-stakes moments where players must defend themselves and their loot against waves of enemies until extraction is complete. The blend of teamwork, strategy, and risk-reward decision-making has resonated with players, fueling the game’s rapid popularity.
**Addressing Community Feedback with Major Matchmaking Update**
One of the most significant changes made since launch addresses a major concern from the community: matchmaking fairness, especially for two-player teams. Previously, duos were often placed in lobbies alongside three-player squads, putting them at a notable tactical disadvantage in a game where numbers and coordination are crucial. This issue was particularly frustrating in a genre where losing a fight means losing hard-earned loot.
In response, Embark Studios implemented a “silent” matchmaking update earlier this week, as detailed in a developer blog post. The new system now prioritizes grouping solos, duos, and trios into matches with others of the same team size. This means solo players will largely face other solos, duos will be matched with duos, and trios with trios—substantially leveling the playing field and improving the overall experience, especially for those who prefer to play with just one friend rather than a full squad. The developers do caution, however, that in some regions or during off-peak hours, it may still be necessary to mix team sizes to keep matchmaking times reasonable, but the system will aim to separate team sizes whenever possible.
**Cosmetic Pricing and Player Compensation**
Another area Embark Studios has addressed is the in-game cosmetic shop