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ARC Raiders Pivots Back to Co-op PvE: Embark's Shooter Evolving

Last Updated: October 24, 2025

ARC Raiders gameplay showing cooperative players fighting robotic enemies.

Embark Studios, the developer that took the world by storm with its smash-hit shooter *THE FINALS*, is once again redefining its other highly anticipated project, *ARC Raiders*. After a notable pivot to a PvPvE extraction format, the sci-fi shooter is undergoing another transformation, shifting back to its co-op PvE origins but with a new tactical twist. With a new playtest on the horizon, we have the clearest picture yet of what could be one of the most intriguing co-op experiences in years.

This new direction marks a pivotal moment for a title that has had a fascinating and public development journey. What was once a third-person co-op game, then a first-person PvP extraction shooter, has now settled into a new identity: a cooperative PvE extraction shooter where survival and teamwork are paramount. For fans of the studio founded by ex-DICE veterans, this latest evolution presents a compelling new vision.

A Return to Co-op, A New Gameplay Loop

The latest iteration of *ARC Raiders*, confirmed by Embark in 2024, moves away from the direct player-versus-player conflict that defined its previous version. The game is now a squad-based, cooperative extraction shooter. Players, known as Raiders, will drop onto a desolate but beautiful Earth to scavenge for resources and fight back against the ARC, a terrifying mechanized threat.

The core loop focuses entirely on PvE challenges. Squads must work together to navigate the world, complete objectives, and fend off swarms of relentless robotic enemies. The "extraction" element remains critical: the goal is not just to survive but to successfully escape with your hard-won loot. Failure means losing your gear, creating a high-stakes tension where every decision matters. This focus on co-op against a formidable AI foe places it closer to titles like *Helldivers 2* than the PvP-focused *Escape from Tarkov* it was once compared to. An alpha playtest scheduled for Summer 2024 aims to give players their first hands-on experience with this new vision.

The Evolving Journey of ARC Raiders

The road to this point has been a winding one. When first unveiled in 2021, *ARC Raiders* was introduced as a third-person, cooperative shooter where players teamed up to take down massive, world-ending ARC machines. Early trailers showcased grand-scale battles and a strong emphasis on teamwork, drawing comparisons to games like *Monster Hunter*.

In a bold move in 2022, Embark announced a major pivot. The studio rebooted the project as a first-person PvPvE extraction shooter, aligning it with the studio’s deep expertise in competitive FPS games. This version, which had a closed alpha test in mid-2023, pit players against both the AI-controlled ARC and other human squads in a ruthless hunt for resources.

However, following the massive success of *THE FINALS*, Embark has once again reshaped the game. The shift back to a purely PvE focus allows *ARC Raiders* to stand as a distinct and complementary experience in the studio's portfolio, avoiding direct overlap with its own fast-paced PvP hit.

Embark Studios' Diversified Shooter Strategy

With the launch and continued success of *THE FINALS*, Embark Studios has proven its mastery of the live-service shooter space. That game's fast-paced, arcade-style combat and unparalleled environmental destruction have cemented it as a top contender. The reimagining of *ARC Raiders* solidifies the studio's deliberate strategy to capture two distinct segments of the shooter audience.

While *THE FINALS* offers quick, chaotic, and arena-based PvP fun, *ARC Raiders* is being built for players who crave a more methodical, strategic, and high-stakes cooperative experience. The PvE gameplay encourages careful planning, communication, and tense, drawn-out engagements where a single mistake can spell disaster for the entire squad. By developing two major titles with such different gameplay philosophies, Embark is establishing itself as a versatile and ambitious powerhouse in the genre.

What to Expect From the Full Release

While a final launch date for *ARC Raiders* remains unconfirmed, the upcoming alpha playtest is a significant step toward a full release. Following the model of *THE FINALS*, it is almost certain that *ARC Raiders* will launch as a free-to-play title supported by a seasonal battle pass and cosmetic items.

The game is now poised to enter a different, but still competitive, market. Instead of vying with *Marathon* or *Tarkov*, its unique blend of tactical co-op, high-stakes extraction, and terrifying sci-fi enemies will see it competing for the attention of a growing PvE audience. Leveraging its stunning visual fidelity, powered by Unreal Engine 5, and the deep world-building potential of its setting, *ARC Raiders* has all the ingredients to be Embark Studios' next big hit. The upcoming playtest will be the first true indicator of whether this final, focused vision can deliver on its immense promise.