3 min read
It has officially been one month since Embark Studios released ARC Raiders on October 30, 2025. Most analysts expected a strong launch, but few predicted this level of success. Today, the hit extraction shooter is thriving.
According to SteamDB, the game remains one of Steam’s top sellers and most-played titles. In fact, ARC Raiders currently sits at #3 on the Top Sellers list. Since the #1 spot is occupied by the Steam Deck hardware, the game effectively ranks as the #2 software title, trailing only Counter-Strike 2.
ARC Raiders is Crushing the Competition
The numbers tell a massive success story. Within a week of launch, ARC Raiders peaked with more active players than Battlefield 6. Furthermore, the recent release of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 did not phase the game’s momentum.
Currently, ARC Raiders boasts a daily average of approximately 367,000 players. In comparison, Battlefield 6 sits at a daily average of around 220,000.
Interest in the game actually grew after launch. Here is the breakdown of peak player counts over the first month, occurring consistently on Sundays around 20:00 UTC / 01:00 Pakistan Standard Time:
- November 2: 354,836
- November 9: 460,858 (Nearly a 30% increase)
- November 16: 481,966 (All-time peak)
- November 23: 449,369
Even the slight dip on November 23 represents less than a 7% drop from the all-time high. Crucially, that figure is still 27% higher than the game’s first weekend.
Why Players Are Staying
Retention is rare in the volatile extraction shooter genre. However, ARC Raiders has hooked its audience. The core gameplay loop remains satisfying even after repeated sessions.
Several factors contribute to this phenomenon. Players praise the physics-driven feedback and the tangible atmosphere. Additionally, the iconic audio design and the inclusion of solo matchmaking make the game highly accessible. This accessibility is uncommon for the genre, helping it shed its “niche” status.
The live-service structure also keeps players busy. Gamers are actively completing quests, ranking up in “Trials”, and finishing the Raider Deck for free cosmetics and Tokens.
Cold Snap & Future Content
Embark Studios is not slowing down. The developers have confirmed that support will continue well into 2026. They are moving away from a fixed seasonal model. Instead, they will release updates once they are ready.
The next major content drop, the “Cold Snap” update, arrives very soon. It brings fresh content to the game, including:
- A new snow-themed map condition.
- A limited-time event called “Flickering Flames”.
- New Quests.
- A new Raider Deck.
Moreover, players are currently preparing for the ARC Raiders Expedition wipe. This major reset is scheduled for December 21. With steady player counts and a packed roadmap, ARC Raiders proves its dominance is just beginning.
