Arc Raiders Archives

AppWizard

May 22, 2026

Dying Light’s former director believes devs are obligated ‘to focus and listen to the players’ because as soon as a game’s released ‘it stops being only your game’

Tymon Smektała, who spent 13 years directing the game Dying Light, recently stepped down from his role. At the Digital Dragons Conference, he discussed the importance of player feedback, stating that a game evolves into a shared experience with numerous stakeholders after its release. He emphasized the need for developers to engage with their community and build relationships, while also cautioning that player feedback should not be viewed as absolute truth. Smektała acknowledged that while players may not always have the right solutions, their feelings are crucial indicators of a game's direction. He highlighted the importance of understanding player sentiment and maintaining a balance between creator intent and player experience.

AppWizard

May 22, 2026

Bungie isn’t immediately making Destiny 3, is planning layoffs, reports Bloomberg

Bungie has announced that Destiny 2 will no longer receive live service content updates. There are currently no specific projects greenlit for the Destiny 2 development team. Bungie is transitioning to focus on incubating its next games, with a spin-off titled Payback in the pipeline. The extraction shooter Marathon has launched but has not met sales expectations. Bungie plans to introduce a more casual PvE mode in an upcoming update to attract players from the Arc Raiders community.

AppWizard

May 21, 2026

Embark finally pulls back the curtain on Arc Raiders’ matchmaking systems

Arc Raiders is clarifying its matchmaking system, emphasizing that it is not limited to a binary division between PvP and PvE, but operates on a spectrum that embraces unpredictability. Players are not confined to specific lobbies, allowing for a more authentic gaming experience. The matchmaking system adapts to individual playstyles, aiming to pair players with compatible approaches to reduce friction and enhance enjoyment. Isolated acts of aggression do not significantly impact a player's reputation, and loadouts do not influence matchmaking. Upcoming changes will allow players to defend themselves without being penalized for engaging in combat, promoting a richer social interaction experience.

AppWizard

May 20, 2026

Arc Raiders has begun its rollout of Denuvo anti-cheat software, minus the DRM

Embark has launched an anti-cheat software for the multiplayer game Arc Raiders using Denuvo technology to address issues with wall hacks, aimbots, and other unfair advantages. A trial for a kernel-level anti-cheat system will begin on May 19 with a select group of players, and a broader rollout will follow based on the trial's success. The developers have opted not to use Denuvo DRM to avoid performance issues, prioritizing a seamless gaming experience despite concerns about piracy. Recent cheating allegations have increased, with players, including streamer Tyler 'Ninja' Blevins, expressing frustration over encounters with cheaters. Many players are willing to adjust their settings to ensure fair gameplay, recognizing the challenges posed by cheating.

AppWizard

May 14, 2026

The next big Arc Raiders update isn’t until October, but some serious stash relief lands next week

Embark Studios is shifting its development strategy for Arc Raiders from a monthly update cycle to biannual major updates, with the first scheduled for October 2026. This change aims to allow for deeper game enhancements while maintaining regular live updates and support. The upcoming October update, titled Frozen Trail, will introduce the largest map to date, new progression goals, enhancements to the skill tree, and a new trader at level 25 offering unique rewards and extra stash space. The update will also explore the lore of the Arc and address community inquiries.

AppWizard

May 13, 2026

You could win a $500 Amazon gift card by playing Subnautica 2 this month, so remember to send us your best video clips!

Subnautica 2 is the most wishlisted game on Steam and will be released this week. Gamers can win a 0 Amazon gift card by recording and sharing their gameplay clips. PC Gamer Clips showcases user-generated content and highlights the best submissions on social media. Monthly winners receive a 0 Amazon gift card. Submissions must be under 10GB and are limited to residents of the US and UK.

AppWizard

May 8, 2026

2K Games confirms layoffs at Project Ethos shooter studio and hints at new design direction: ‘It’s become clear that changes need to be made’

31st Union, a studio under 2K Games, has confirmed layoffs affecting an undisclosed number of employees as it continues development on Project Ethos, a free-to-play hero shooter unveiled in 2024. Studio head Ben Brinkman indicated that changes were necessary to achieve the studio's goals. Project Ethos was initially described as a "roguelike hero shooter," but it allows players to choose randomized buffs during matches and features gameplay similar to Fortnite. The studio's previous head, Michael Condrey, was dismissed shortly after the game's announcement, and updates on Project Ethos have been limited since then. The layoffs at 31st Union follow similar cuts at 2K Games' Cloud Chamber in 2025. Take-Two Interactive's CEO has expressed disappointment over the lengthy development timelines for new titles, including the BioShock installment. Despite these challenges, Brinkman remains optimistic about the future of Project Ethos and the team's direction.

AppWizard

May 8, 2026

New PUBG game, inspired by Escape from Tarkov, gets free playtest

The gaming genre of extraction shooters is gaining popularity, with titles like Arc Raiders and Escape From Tarkov leading the way. Krafton, the developer of PUBG, has introduced a new game called Black Budget, which incorporates a supernatural element while maintaining realistic gameplay. Players in Black Budget must infiltrate dangerous locations, collect valuable items, and escape within a 30-minute time limit, facing threats from both other players and AI creatures. The game is set on a tropical island with a shrinking playable area, forcing players to make strategic decisions. An upcoming playtest for Black Budget is available for interested players, following a successful initial Alpha test with nearly 10,000 participants.

AppWizard

May 8, 2026

Arc Raiders studio confirms AI anti-cheat is tracking player behavior

Embark Studios has implemented new anti-cheat measures for Arc Raiders, utilizing machine learning and a kernel-level detection system to identify and eliminate cheating behaviors. The studio emphasizes human review of ban appeals, despite automated processes, to ensure fairness. They are also addressing the misuse of accessibility devices by analyzing gameplay patterns to distinguish between legitimate use and cheating. The studio acknowledges the ongoing refinement of these systems and the importance of human oversight in the appeal process. Additionally, while they have reduced reliance on AI for content creation, they see its application in combating cheating as beneficial for maintaining a fair gaming environment.

AppWizard

May 5, 2026

Recent Arc Raiders Steam reviews hit ‘mixed’ for the first time since launch, and I can see why

Arc Raiders received over 41,000 positive reviews on Steam between October 30 and November 6 of last year, indicating early success and player enthusiasm. However, as of May 2026, the game has shifted to a mixed reception, particularly following the Riven Tides update, which failed to meet player expectations. Concerns include unsatisfactory game balance and accelerated weapon degradation, making gameplay frustrating. The development team is considering balancing adjustments in response to player feedback.