After a long spell of radio silence and a full pivot in direction, ARC Raiders is finally resurfacing. From April 30 to May 4, players across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S will get the chance to experience the second public tech test for Embark Studios’ sci-fi extraction shooter. And based on what’s been revealed so far, this is a very different game from the one we first saw years ago.
What Even Is ARC Raiders Now?
For those who lost track, ARC Raiders was originally pitched as a co-op PvE shooter where players would take down towering mechs in a ruined Earth. But somewhere along the way, Embark scrapped that plan and decided to go with something more grounded, grittier, and a lot more high-stakes.
Now, the game is a third-person PvPvE extraction shooter—think Escape from Tarkov meets Horizon Zero Dawn. You’re a scavenger venturing to the surface of a collapsed world, trying to gather what you can and make it out alive while dodging killer machines and avoiding—or confronting—other players doing the exact same thing.
Every raid is a gamble. Do you head toward that crash site you saw on the horizon, hoping no one beats you there? Or do you lay low, loot what you can quietly, and sneak to an extraction point without causing a stir? That’s the tension ARC Raiders is building its identity around.
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What’s New in Tech Test 2?
Embark has clearly been busy. According to the developers, this upcoming test isn’t just a performance check—it’s a hands-on look at everything the team has added or overhauled over the past year. That includes:
- More dangerous and reactive AI: The ARC machines now flank, adapt, and push in smarter ways than before. You’ll need to think before you shoot.
- New weapons and gadgets: From sniper rifles to sticky grenades, there’s plenty of fresh gear to mess around with.
- Improved crafting and loadouts: You’ll be able to salvage materials during raids and craft upgrades for future runs.
- Visual upgrades: The world looks more lived-in (or rather, abandoned), and the new environments have a haunting beauty to them.
One major shift: This time around, there’s no NDA. That means players can stream, record, and post their gameplay to their heart’s content. Expect your YouTube and Twitch feeds to start filling up fast.
From Free to Paid: A Bold Move
When Embark first showed off ARC Raiders, it was going to be free-to-play. That’s no longer the case. The game will now launch as a premium title, with a one-time purchase price around €40 (roughly $45 USD). While that may surprise some fans, it’s actually turned out to be a smart move.
Without a free-to-play model, ARC Raiders doesn’t need battle passes, pay-to-win gear, or other monetization gimmicks. That allows it to focus on gameplay and progression that feel earned, not bought. It’s a cleaner, more honest experience—and in today’s shooter landscape, that’s rare.
Where Can You Play It?
The second tech test will be available on:
- PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X|S
Getting in is pretty simple. Head over to the official site, sign up, and wait for access. You’ll get an invite if selected, and from there, it’s all about survival.
What Players Are Hoping For
The buzz around this test is cautiously hopeful. While the first tech preview showed promise, it also had plenty of rough edges—unbalanced weapons, clunky extraction systems, and not enough variety in mission objectives.
Now, with more time and feedback under its belt, Embark appears to be dialing in the formula. The combat’s sharper, the world feels richer, and the core loop—get in, loot, get out—is finally clicking. If they stick the landing, ARC Raiders could carve out a unique space in the extraction shooter genre.
Final Thoughts
ARC Raiders isn’t trying to be everything to everyone. It’s not chasing trends or copying what the big franchises are doing. Instead, it’s focusing on tight, tactical gameplay in a visually stunning, post-collapse setting. It’s about making tough decisions, reading your environment, and knowing when to pick a fight—and when to disappear into the fog.
Whether you’re a veteran of Tarkov, a fan of sci-fi shooters, or just looking for something new to grind with friends, this test is absolutely worth checking out.
One thing’s for sure: Embark Studios has come a long way since The Finals. And ARC Raiders might just be the next sleeper hit of 2025.
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