ARC Raiders: Embark Studios Is Planning 10 Years of Content for the Extraction Shooter of the Year
Embark Studios sees ARC Raiders as more than just a game — it’s a long-term experience designed to keep players engaged for an entire decade. A monumental ambition that sends a clear message to the community: this extraction shooter aims to redefine the genre and stand the test of time.
In a market more competitive than ever, ARC Raiders already stands out as a serious contender against heavyweights like Escape From Tarkov. Embark Studios exudes confidence in its project — a ten-year roadmap is already in place. A bold bet that could well redefine how long multiplayer games can thrive.
Image credit: Embark Studios
A Decade-Long Plan for an Ever-Evolving Experience
In a recent interview, Virgil Watkins, Design Director at Embark Studios, confirmed that ARC Raiders was envisioned as a “ten-year game.” According to him, this long-term vision shapes both the nature and the volume of post-launch content. In other words, the developers don’t just plan to release a few updates — they intend to build a lasting experience designed to evolve continuously.
ARC Raiders' design director, Virgil, on the game's post-launch future. pic.twitter.com/iQ0ozlBTBU — ARC Radar (@ARCRaidersNews) October 19, 2025
ARC Raiders won’t be a free-to-play title — a deliberate choice by Embark. Players who buy in can expect generous, even monumental, content over the years. Promising a decade of updates means dreaming big in an industry where trends change faster than a reload. Watkins remains cautious, admitting that “promises made too early can quickly become impossible commitments if things change.” Still, Embark Studios wants to make one thing clear: player loyalty and long-term engagement are at the core of their strategy.
Ultimately, everything will depend on the studio’s ability to keep players interested over time. Because if the community shrinks, those long-term ambitions could vanish as quickly as unsecured loot.
An Extraction Adventure in a Post-Apocalyptic World
In ARC Raiders, humanity has taken refuge underground, driven from the Surface by the mysterious ARC machines. Amidst the chaos, the Raiders stand as the last explorers of a forgotten world. Their mission: return to the Surface, face ruthless mechanical threats, and bring back whatever they can — or die trying.
Each expedition becomes a fight for survival, a constant tension where a single mistake can be fatal. Players must learn to observe, anticipate, and adapt to an unforgiving environment. ARC Raiders delivers an experience where exploration and risk are tightly intertwined, creating an intensity rarely seen in the genre.
Embark Studios promises a vast, living world built on Unreal Engine 5, where beauty and desolation coexist. Between the ruins of a fallen civilization and the metallic remains of a shattered future, every zone hides new secrets, dangers, and valuable resources to extract. Players will be able to:
- Discover a visually stunning post-apocalyptic environment;
- Build their base deep within Speranza, humanity’s last stronghold;
- Upgrade their weapons and gear using loot recovered from the Surface;
- Shape their own Raider according to their playstyle and choices;
- Cooperate or compete through cross-platform play between PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.
An Imminent and Highly Anticipated Release
From October 17 to 19, 2025, ARC Raiders held an open beta that left players unanimously impressed. Thousands dove into Embark Studios’ universe — and one thing is certain: it hit hard. Early impressions are glowing, praising its stunning art direction, razor-sharp shooting mechanics, and a constant sense of tension that turns every Surface expedition into a true adrenaline rush.
Encounters with ARC machines deliver brutal, visceral combat, while raids are packed with unpredictable moments. Teamwork among Raiders is key to survival — every mission becomes a test of endurance and coordination. Many already see it as a new heavyweight in the genre, capable of rivaling Escape From Tarkov while carving out its own identity. In short, Embark Studios seems to have found the perfect formula: sweat, strategy, and a massive dose of pure adrenaline.
And the best is yet to come: the official release is set for October 30, 2025 on Steam, Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. If the beta was just a taste, the full version promises even more — with expanded content, balance tweaks, and surprises. ARC Raiders is shaping up to be the standout game of the year’s end, ready to breathe new life into the genre.
