Embark Studios has confirmed that there will be no more public playtests for its extraction shooter, Arc Raiders, before its launch on October 30. The developer, known for the popular free-to-play title The Finals, has shifted its focus to improving and expanding the game based on feedback from earlier testing sessions. The announcement, shared on the game’s official social media channels, also clarified that the studio would not attend Gamescom.
This decision follows a successful technical test that received positive feedback from players. However, it also marks a change in strategy compared to other major titles in the genre, like the Battlefield series, which have recently used large public betas to build pre-release excitement. Although some in the community feel disappointed at missing a final chance to try the game, many praise Embark’s transparency as a mature and confident move. The studio’s statement indicates that all efforts are now focused on providing a smooth and polished experience for the full release.
The game, which changed from a cooperative shooter into a PvPvE extraction shooter, will cost $40 at launch for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. The premise involves humanity being driven underground by a dangerous automated threat, with players acting as “Raiders” who venture to the surface to gather resources. Many see this announcement as a sign of confidence in the game’s current state, believing the studio has collected enough data from prior tests to deliver a high-quality product at launch.
The studio’s focus on refining the experience and using insights from the last technical test seems like a careful approach. This reflects a desire to avoid the risks of a public beta that might not meet expectations and instead build on the positive momentum already established. Players are now left eagerly awaiting the game’s official launch campaign, which the studio promises will start soon, offering more updates on what to expect from the final game.
