Embark Studios has published a detailed breakdown of how matchmaking works in Arc Raiders, confirming the game has no pure PvP or PvE lobbies and rolling out two adjustments to how the system reads player behaviour. The headline change stops the game from treating self-defence as aggression, so a Raider who fights back after being attacked no longer has that encounter pushed onto their playstyle profile. As of 22 May 2026, the studio frames matchmaking not as a set of separate servers but as a continuous scale, one that pairs players with others who engage with Topside in a similar way.

How Arc Raiders Matchmaking Reads Your Playstyle

Embark builds each lobby from multiple factors, and the strongest of them is a player’s playstyle across previous rounds. The system pays particular attention to how a Raider engages with other Raiders, using that history to estimate where the player sits on an aggression scale. It is a running read of behaviour rather than a fixed label, and it updates as a player keeps playing.

That scale runs from almost entirely cooperative at one end to heavily invested in PvP at the other. Embark describes the two extremes as the minority. Some Raiders are nearly always cooperative and some are deeply committed to fighting other players, but most sit somewhere in the middle, mixing scavenging with the occasional fight. The matchmaking system tries to place a player alongside others who sit close to them on that scale.

The read shifts gradually. A player’s behaviour shapes future lobbies over time rather than in a single jump, so one unusual round rarely swings the profile far. Embark also makes clear that the pairing is a tendency and not a promise. Similarity with lobbymates is more likely, not guaranteed, because the studio deliberately keeps a degree of unpredictability in who a player meets Topside.

Why Arc Raiders Has No Pure PvP or PvE Lobbies

Embark used the post to quash the idea of a binary lobby system. There is no full PvP instance where every Raider is hostile, and no full PvE instance where no one will shoot. The studio describes the lobby spread as a spectrum by design, built that way because unpredictability is treated as an essential part of the multiplayer experience.

Arc Raiders builds its core tension around that uncertainty. Raiders head Topside to scavenge in a world overrun by hostile ARC machines, and every other player they meet can be a potential ally or a threat. Matchmaking that sorted everyone into guaranteed-safe or guaranteed-hostile lobbies would flatten that tension, which is why Embark treats the spectrum as a design feature rather than a problem to solve.

The idea that a player belongs to one specific lobby type, Embark says, has always been a bit of a fallacy. That belief pushed people to play Arc Raiders in an unnatural way, adjusting their behaviour purely to try to game the system into a particular kind of lobby rather than playing how they wanted. By explaining the spectrum directly, the studio is trying to remove the incentive to perform for the matchmaker.

The stated goal of the pairing is to reduce friction and increase enjoyment. Grouping players of a similar playstyle means a cooperative Raider is less likely to load into a round full of opponents hunting kills, and a PvP-focused player is less likely to spend a round chasing teammates who only want to loot. The spectrum still leaves room for surprise, because Topside is never meant to feel completely predictable.

Self-Defence No Longer Counts as Aggression

The first of the two adjustments changes how the system records a fight. Before the change, any fight counted as an act of aggression, including one where a player was purely defending themselves. The system did not capture who had started the encounter, so a Raider who was ambushed and returned fire was logged the same way as the Raider who opened up first.

The updated system now captures whether a player started a fight. A Raider who is attacked and defends themselves no longer has that exchange read as aggressive behaviour, which means self-defence will not gradually nudge them toward more PvP-heavy lobbies. The change answers a long-running complaint that the matchmaking quietly counted survival against players who never chose to fight.

Cooperative players stand to feel this most. Under the old behaviour, a single forced firefight fed into the profile as aggression, and a careful, loot-focused Raider could drift toward lobbies full of more combative opponents simply for staying alive. Reading who started the fight, rather than the bare fact that a fight happened, keeps that player closer to the cooperative end of the scale where their actual playstyle sits.

Shorter Rounds Now Carry Less Weight

The second adjustment changes how much a short round feeds into a player’s profile. Shorter rounds no longer carry as much impact on deciding a player’s playstyle. A round that ends quickly, whether through an early death or a fast extraction, gives the system far less behaviour to work with than a full-length run.

Lowering the weight of those rounds reduces the chance that a brief, unrepresentative session skews the playstyle read. A Raider who drops in, takes one unavoidable fight, and exits within a couple of minutes will not have that thin sample treated as a strong signal of how they usually play. The longer, more complete rounds, where a player makes a string of choices about whether to engage or avoid other Raiders, carry the bulk of the weighting instead.

Round length varies widely in an extraction shooter like Arc Raiders. A run can end seconds after landing or stretch across a long, cautious sweep of the map toward an extraction point. Weighting the longer rounds more heavily means the profile leans on sessions where a Raider had the time and the opportunities to show a consistent pattern, rather than the rushed runs that reveal little.

The two adjustments point at the same outcome. Both the self-defence fix and the shorter-round change are aimed at a playstyle profile that reflects how a Raider behaves across full sessions, rather than one thrown off by a single isolated fight or an incomplete round.

The Matchmaking Myths Embark Wants to Settle

Embark closed the post by addressing a set of recurring assumptions about matchmaking, several of which it says are simply untrue. The studio laid out the following points directly:

• There are not only two kinds of lobby, because the system runs on a continuous scale rather than a PvP-or-PvE choice.
• One shot or one kill does not immediately move a player into PvP-focused lobbies.
• There are no PvE-only lobbies or servers where other Raiders will never attack.
• A player’s loadout does not affect matchmaking.
• Patches and updates do not reset a matchmaking profile.
• Looting knocked-out players does not affect matchmaking.
• Turning crossplay on or off does not change the level of cooperation or PvP in a round.

Several of those points close off the vectors players had used to try to steer their lobbies. Because a loadout carries no weight, gearing up heavily for a fight does not mark a Raider as aggressive, and because looting downed players is ignored, scavenging a knocked-out Raider is not logged as hostile. The note on patches matters for anyone who assumed an update wiped the slate clean, since a matchmaking profile persists across updates and behaviour from before a patch still feeds the lobbies a player sees afterward. The clarification on crossplay removes another common theory, confirming that switching it off does not deliver quieter, more cooperative rounds.

With the system now explained in full and the two fixes in place, the next read on Arc Raiders matchmaking will come from how lobbies feel to players over the coming weeks, and whether the self-defence change visibly shifts where cooperative Raiders land on the scale.

The post Arc Raiders Matchmaking Update – Self-Defence No Longer Counts as Aggression appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Arc Raiders players have been getting banned for using accessibility controllers, and now Embark Studios has finally responded, confirming the issue and promising a fix.

The situation has raised serious concerns around how anti-cheat systems handle assistive hardware, especially as some affected players rely on these devices just to be able to play at all.

Embark Confirms Accessibility Controller Ban Issue

In a post shared on social media, Embark acknowledged that some players using accessibility peripherals were incorrectly banned.

It’s come to our attention that certain players using accessibility peripherals are getting banned in the game.
We are working hard on resolving this issue as soon as possible. Our support team is reviewing all appeals, please continue to reach out to us if this has happened to…

— ARC Raiders (@ARCRaidersGame) March 17, 2026

The studio said it is “working hard on resolving this issue as soon as possible,” and confirmed that its support team is currently reviewing appeals from affected users.

Players who believe they were wrongly banned are being encouraged to reach out, with Embark indicating that cases are being handled individually for now.

Player Reports Show How Serious The Problem Is

The issue gained traction after multiple reports surfaced online, including one widely shared case from a quadriplegic player using a sip-and-puff “QuadStick” controller.

The player explained that the device allows them to control a computer using breath input, yet they were still flagged, suspended, and eventually banned.

After the post gained attention, their account was restored, suggesting the bans are not intentional but caused by the system incorrectly identifying these devices as cheats.

Anti-Cheat Likely Misidentifying Accessibility Devices

Early signs point to Arc Raiders’ anti-cheat system treating certain accessibility controllers as suspicious hardware.

These devices don’t provide a gameplay advantage, but because they behave differently from standard inputs, they can appear similar to modified or automated control systems.

This creates a tricky situation where tools designed to make games more inclusive are being caught in the same net as actual cheats.

How To Appeal Or Report A Wrongful Ban

If you’ve been affected by the Arc Raiders accessibility ban issue, Embark is currently handling appeals through its support system.

You can submit a request through the official Technical Support Center, explaining your setup and the device you’re using. Including details about your controller and how it functions can help speed up the review process.

Embark has specifically asked players to continue reaching out if they were impacted, which suggests they are actively monitoring reports and reversing cases where appropriate.

Right now, this is the main way to get unbanned, as there’s no global rollback or automatic fix in place yet.

Frustration Builds Alongside Other Issues

Interestingly, many replies to Embark’s statement weren’t focused on the bans at all, but on ongoing server problems.

Players have been reporting crashes during runs, lost loot, and disrupted progression, with some linking the issues to a recent update.

That same update also introduced balance changes, including nerfs to the Il Toro shotgun, as well as new cosmetics like hairstyles and the Rawhide Outfit. The reception has been mixed, adding to the overall frustration in the community.

Cheating Concerns Still Linger In The Background

This situation also ties into Arc Raiders’ broader struggles with cheating.

Earlier this year, a duplication glitch caused major disruption in matches, forcing Embark to step in with server-side fixes. While the studio has taken a strong stance on banning cheaters, players have continued to raise concerns about how effective those systems really are.

The accessibility ban issue highlights the other side of that equation, where anti-cheat can go too far and catch legitimate players instead.

Fix Is Coming, But Players Must Appeal For Now

Embark hasn’t provided a timeline for when the issue will be fully resolved, but has made it clear that a fix is in the works.

Until then, affected players will need to rely on the appeal process to get their accounts restored.

With Arc Raiders continuing to compete in the extraction shooter space, how Embark handles this situation could have a real impact on player trust, especially for those relying on accessibility features to play.

The post Arc Raiders Accessibility Controller Bans Addressed As Embark Responds appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Arc Raiders developer Embark Studios has confirmed it has parted ways with co-founder Rob Runesson, following sexual misconduct allegations tied to a streamer from The Finals community. While an external investigation did not substantiate the claims, the studio says the situation ultimately became “unsustainable,” leading to a mutual split.

Allegations And Investigation Explained

According to reports from IGN, the allegations were first shared anonymously, with claims involving a “popular female streamer of The Finals.” The anonymous source alleged that the streamer had described a romantic and sexual relationship with Runesson that became increasingly uncomfortable over time.

The claims suggested the streamer felt unable to disengage due to reliance on Runesson for stream promotion, raising concerns about a potential conflict of interest. These allegations were later amplified publicly by streamer Balise and circulated across community spaces including Reddit and shared documents.

Embark responded by commissioning an external legal investigation. In its official statement, the studio said the investigation “did not substantiate the allegations,” but confirmed that leadership still chose to part ways with Runesson due to the broader circumstances.

Streamer Response Adds Complexity

IGN reports that the streamer at the centre of the allegations declined to comment publicly on the record, but indicated that several claims being circulated were either misleading or taken out of context.

This response complicates the situation, as it neither fully confirms nor fully dismisses the claims, while also aligning with Embark’s conclusion that the investigation did not verify the allegations as presented.

Despite that, both Embark and Runesson agreed that continuing in his role was no longer viable.

Who Rob Runesson Is Within Embark

Runesson was not just another executive. He was one of Embark Studios’ original co-founders, alongside former DICE veterans including Patrick Söderlund, Magnus Nordin, Stefan Strandberg, Jenny Huldschiner, and Johan Andersson.

Serving as chief content officer, Runesson had been a visible public figure for the studio, regularly engaging with the community and appearing in interviews as Embark built its reputation through titles like The Finals and the upcoming Arc Raiders.

His departure marks a significant shift in the studio’s leadership structure.

Wider Issues Around The Finals Community

The situation comes amid broader concerns surrounding The Finals esports scene. Separate from the Runesson allegations, multiple male players within the competitive community have faced accusations of inappropriate behaviour toward women.

In response to those issues, Embark announced last month that it would pause its outbound esports efforts for The Finals. The studio said the move was intended to allow a full review of its competitive systems and handling of misconduct complaints.

Embark stated at the time that it had worked with external legal counsel and believed its actions were appropriate, while also emphasising that it takes such concerns seriously.

What This Means For Arc Raiders And Embark

For players, the immediate impact on Arc Raiders and The Finals development appears limited, with no announced changes to either project tied directly to Runesson’s departure.

However, the situation highlights the ongoing challenges studios face when dealing with allegations involving power dynamics between developers and content creators. Even when claims are not substantiated, the reputational and operational impact can still lead to major internal decisions.

Embark’s handling of both this case and its broader esports controversies suggests the studio is taking a more cautious approach as it continues to grow its live-service ecosystem.

The post Arc Raiders And The Finals Studio Parts Ways With Co-Founder After Allegations Scandal appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Embark Studios has rolled out Arc Raiders update 1.20.0 across all platforms, and while the patch notes might look relatively short at first glance, the impact is anything but. This update directly targets two of the game’s most talked-about issues, the dominance of the Il Toro shotgun and the surprisingly lucrative Energy Clips economy.

Players jumping in will need to restart their game to download the update, which is now live on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Il Toro Nerf Finally Hits After Player Feedback

The biggest change in Arc Raiders patch 1.20.0 is the long-awaited nerf to the Il Toro shotgun, a weapon that had become a staple in PvP due to its high damage and surprising versatility despite being only an uncommon tier item.

According to Embark’s official dev notes, the goal here is to make the weapon feel “more like a weapon of its rarity,” especially after players repeatedly raised concerns about its effectiveness at both close and mid-range when paired with certain attachments.

The changes are significant and touch nearly every part of the weapon’s performance:

• Pellet damage reduced from 7.5 to 7
• Fire rate reduced from 43 to 38
• Base dispersion increased from 4.5 to 6
• Reload time increased from 4.3 seconds to 5.7 seconds
• Looping reload timing slowed down
• Damage falloff increased from 40% to 50%

In practical terms, this means the Il Toro will now demand more careful positioning, timing, and use of cover, rather than allowing players to aggressively dominate fights with minimal drawbacks.

This adjustment comes directly from community feedback, with Embark noting it will continue monitoring how the weapon performs post-update and may tweak it further if needed.

Energy Clips Economy Nerfed Hard

Alongside the weapon balance changes, Arc Raiders patch 1.20.0 also makes a dramatic adjustment to the in-game economy by targeting Energy Clips.

Previously, Energy Clips could be sold for 1000 coins, making them one of the most profitable crafting items in the game. That has now been reduced to just 200 coins, a massive drop that will immediately affect players who relied on farming them for quick income.

Embark explained that Energy Clips had “unintentionally become a very profitable craft,” and the change is intended to bring their value more in line with other items.

For players who have been stockpiling Energy Clips or using them as a primary money-making method, this effectively forces a shift in strategy going forward.

Smaller Additions And Bug Fixes Included

While the balance changes are clearly the headline, the update also includes a handful of smaller additions and fixes.

Players can now access a new Rawhide outfit and two additional hairstyles, offering a bit more customisation. On the technical side, several bugs have been addressed, including persistent audio issues from destroyed Comets and Fireballs, collision problems in the Spaceport area, and a glitch that could push players through walls in the Dam Controlled Access Zone.

These fixes may not grab headlines, but they contribute to overall stability and polish, especially for players regularly exploring those areas.

Update Lands Ahead Of Upcoming Flashpoint Content

This patch arrives just ahead of Arc Raiders’ next major content update, Flashpoint, which is expected to launch within the next couple of weeks.

Details on Flashpoint are still fairly limited, but it’s set to introduce a new map condition, an Arc threat, a player project, and a mysterious “Scrappy” update that Embark has yet to fully explain.

In the meantime, Embark continues to respond to player feedback between larger updates, using patches like 1.20.0 to fine-tune balance and address problem areas as they emerge.

Ongoing Changes Come During A Busy Period For Embark

The update also lands during a particularly active period for Embark Studios. Recent headlines have ranged from comments by CEO Patrick Söderlund about reducing AI voice lines in Arc Raiders, to praise for Bungie’s Marathon, and even internal changes following the departure of co-founder and CCO Rob Runesson after allegations of misconduct.

Despite that backdrop, development on Arc Raiders appears to be continuing steadily, with balance updates like this aiming to stabilise gameplay as the team prepares for larger content drops.

With Il Toro now significantly toned down and Energy Clips no longer a reliable cash farm, the meta could shift in noticeable ways over the coming weeks, especially as players experiment and adapt ahead of Flashpoint.

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Arc Raiders AI voices have started disappearing from the game as Embark Studios gradually replaces some AI-generated dialogue with performances from real actors.

In a recent interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Embark Studios CEO Patrick Söderlund confirmed that several AI voice lines used in the game at launch have since been re-recorded with human performers. The move follows ongoing criticism from players who were uncomfortable with the game’s use of AI-generated speech when it released in 2025.

While Arc Raiders still uses some AI tools behind the scenes, Söderlund acknowledged that the difference in quality between AI voices and professional actors is significant.

Embark Has Re-Recorded Some AI Lines With Human Actors

According to Söderlund, the studio has already replaced a number of AI-generated voice lines with recordings from real voice actors through post-launch updates.

“We re-recorded some of the lines post-launch and made them with real voices,” Söderlund told GamesIndustry.biz.

He also made it clear that, from the studio’s perspective, AI simply does not match the performance quality of trained actors.

“There is a quality difference. A real professional actor is better than AI, that’s just how it is.”

The AI-generated dialogue was originally used in Arc Raiders for certain systems such as the in-match ping feature, where characters announce locations or communicate quick tactical information to teammates during gameplay.

These lines were produced using a text-to-speech model trained on voices provided by actors who had licensed their vocal data to the studio.

AI Was Originally Used For Efficiency In Live-Service Updates

Embark’s initial reasoning for using AI voices centred around development efficiency.

Because Arc Raiders is a live-service extraction shooter that receives regular updates, recording new lines for every small addition could require bringing voice actors back into the studio repeatedly. The AI system allowed the team to quickly generate placeholder or minor dialogue without scheduling new recording sessions every time the game changed.

Söderlund explained that the studio primarily treats AI as a development tool rather than a replacement for human performers.

“We look at AI first and foremost as a production tool. We can test things internally. We can test 15 different lines without recording them, and then we know what to record.”

In practice, that means AI can help prototype dialogue during development before the final version is performed by actors.

Voice Actors Are Still Paid And Brought Back For Updates

Another concern raised by players at launch was whether AI voices were being used to avoid paying voice actors.

Söderlund addressed that criticism directly in the interview, saying Embark continues to pay performers for their time and regularly brings them back for additional recordings as the game evolves.

“We pay our actors for all time spent with us in the booth and continue to bring many of them back as we carry on updating the game.”

For specific cases such as ping-system dialogue, the studio also compensates actors for licensing their voices so they can be used within Embark’s internal text-to-speech tools.

According to Söderlund, those AI-generated lines are typically reserved for audio that is less critical to immersion during gameplay.

AI In Game Development Remains A Controversial Topic

Arc Raiders became one of the most talked-about games of 2025, receiving strong reviews from critics and players and building a large audience on PC and consoles after launching on October 30, 2025.

Despite the positive reception, the use of AI-generated voice lines became a point of debate across the industry. Some players felt the technology undermined voice acting, while others viewed it as a practical tool for modern game development.

The discussion was further amplified when Nexon CEO Junghun Lee, whose company publishes Arc Raiders, previously suggested that players should assume “every game company is now using AI”.

That comment sparked pushback from some developers who disputed the claim, showing just how divided the industry remains on the topic.

Arc Raiders Continues To Grow After A Strong Launch

Since its release, Arc Raiders has remained one of Embark’s biggest successes.

The PvPvE extraction shooter reportedly passed 12.4 million copies sold in January 2026 and climbed to more than 14 million units by February, showing strong ongoing interest from players.

While the studio has not confirmed whether all AI-generated voice lines will eventually be replaced, the recent updates suggest Embark is adjusting its approach as player feedback continues to shape the live-service game.

With Arc Raiders still receiving new enemies, locations, and cosmetic content through updates, the balance between AI tools and traditional voice acting will likely remain an ongoing discussion as development continues.

The post Arc Raiders AI Voices Replaced As Embark CEO Admits Human Actors Are Better appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Arc Raiders Update 1.17.0 is here, and if you’ve been dominating PvP lobbies with the Stitcher or Venator, you’re going to feel this one. Embark Studios has rolled out the Shrouded Sky update with sweeping weapon nerfs, tougher crafting requirements, anti-cheat changes, and a brand-new hurricane map condition that completely changes how you approach a run in the Rust Belt.

📡 Attention, Raiders!
The Shrouded Sky Update is live! ⛈️
Violent hurricanes are sweeping topside, forcing new strategies for low-visibility combat.
Scouts have spotted two new ARC types in the Rust Belt; we advise caution while the storm runs its course, but those who know how… pic.twitter.com/saFDY8Vxfd

— ARC Raiders (@ARCRaidersGame) February 24, 2026

This isn’t a small balance tweak. Version 1.17.0 marks one of the biggest updates yet for Arc Raiders in 2026, and it pushes both PvP and PvE players to rethink their loadouts, strategies, and even how they read the weather.

Shrouded Sky Introduces Hurricanes And New Arc Threats

The headline feature of Arc Raiders Update 1.17.0 is the Shrouded Sky content drop. Violent hurricanes now sweep across topside areas, creating low-visibility combat scenarios, powerful gales, and flying debris that can disrupt positioning and extraction plans.

Embark has also introduced two new ARC enemy types in the Rust Belt. While full breakdowns of their behaviour are still unfolding in the community, the studio warns that players who can “read the weather” will find opportunity amid the chaos. This suggests the storm systems are more than just visual flair and may affect spawn behaviour, movement, or engagement patterns.

Alongside the hurricanes, the update adds a Weather Monitoring System as a seasonal player project, a free Raider Deck, an Expedition Window, a Dam Battlegrounds map update, and new facial hair customisation options.

Major PvP Weapon Nerfs Hit Stitcher, Kettle And Venator

If you mainly play PvP, Arc Raiders Update 1.17.0 makes its biggest statement through weapon balancing.

The Stitcher, Kettle, and Venator have all received base damage reductions. The Stitcher’s headshot multiplier has been reduced from 2.5 to 1.75, and its base damage drops from 7 to 6.5. On top of that, per-shot dispersion has increased significantly, meaning it blooms faster and loses full-spray accuracy sooner.

The Kettle’s base damage falls from 10 to 8.5. Embark says it wants to differentiate it more clearly from the Stitcher, especially after players began using it like an SMG in close quarters instead of its intended mid-range role.

The Venator, which has consistently topped PvP performance data, sees its headshot multiplier reduced from 2.5 to 2 and its base damage lowered from 9 to 8. Embark has openly acknowledged that the weapon has been dominating PvP encounters and that further adjustments could follow if these changes do not sufficiently rein it in.

Jupiter And Aphelion Receive Buffs

Not everything in Arc Raiders Update 1.17.0 is a nerf. Jupiter and Aphelion both receive meaningful buffs aimed at improving viability.

Jupiter now has improved ADS magnification, increasing from roughly 1.9x to around 2.2x, giving players a clearer view for long-range engagements. Equip time drops from 1.2 seconds to 1.05 seconds, while unequip time is reduced from 0.9 seconds to 0.75 seconds, making weapon swaps less punishing.

Aphelion gets a more dramatic rework. Base reload time drops from 4.5 seconds to 3.5 seconds. Time between shots is reduced from 0.9 seconds to 0.7 seconds. Vertical recoil is cut by roughly 50 percent, and ADS settle speed improves by around 35 percent. Embark describes this as an effort to make the legendary weapon feel less bulky and more nimble in PvP.

Crafting Changes Make High Tier Gear Harder To Farm

PvE players are not walking away untouched in Arc Raiders Update 1.17.0. Several powerful items now require additional ARC resources to craft.

Deadline and Trailblazer both see value and trader price increases, alongside the addition of new ARC parts as crafting requirements. Wolfpack now requires a Rocketeer Driver per craft, a rare resource that many players already struggle to farm consistently. Vita Spray now needs an additional Tick Pod, and Showstopper requires a Hornet Driver and swaps one of its crafting components.

Embark has also reduced ARC part sell value to better reflect their progression importance, meaning dumping excess parts for quick currency is now less rewarding.

For players who rely heavily on Wolfpack’s aerial homing explosives for ARC encounters, this is arguably one of the steepest adjustments in the patch.

Semi Auto Weapon Input Buffer Fix Addressed “Shadow Buff”

One of the more technical changes in Arc Raiders Update 1.17.0 addresses what players had described as a “shadow buff” to semi-automatic weapons.

Embark confirmed that a previous update unintentionally altered weapon input buffers. This allowed players to spam-click and bypass intended cadence timing, effectively removing some of the skill expression involved in pacing shots.

The new system introduces more granular control over input buffering per weapon. Spam-clicking remains responsive, but players who time their shots correctly should now see better overall performance. This strikes a middle ground between responsiveness and mastery.

Feat Changes And Expedition Catch Up System

Progression also receives a shake-up.

Feats can now be rerolled three times per day for free, while PvP Feats have been removed entirely. Several existing Feats have been updated, and new ones have been added.

There is also a new Expedition catch-up system, allowing players to earn missed Skill Points from previous runs. The UI has been updated to better track this progress, reducing confusion around skill progression.

Candleberries in Blue Gate now count toward the Harvest Plants trial, and players who occasionally missed a skill point due to a results screen bug should now see that issue resolved.

Anti Cheat Enforcement Tightened Further

Embark closes out the Arc Raiders Update 1.17.0 patch notes with a firm anti-cheat message.

The studio explains that its detection systems operate on multiple levels, including behavioural analysis, gameplay telemetry, and machine learning models. Serious infractions will now carry stricter consequences, with strong detections resulting in immediate permanent bans. Other cases may receive temporary suspensions with a single chance to correct behaviour.

Family Sharing updates have strengthened their ability to remove repeat offenders, and Embark is preparing a systematic manual review process for ban appeals. The team describes the anti-cheat effort as an ongoing fight and emphasises continued investment in precision enforcement.

Smaller Additions And Quality Of Life Changes

Beyond balance and anti-cheat, Arc Raiders Update 1.17.0 introduces a surprising amount of polish.

Players can now interact with a piano topside, expanding the growing list of playable instruments. NVIDIA Freestyle filters can no longer all be enabled simultaneously, removing what Embark calls an unfair visual advantage.

Ziplines can no longer be placed on carryable objects or ARC remnants in ways that consume items incorrectly. Mines, traps, and remote flares cannot be stacked onto other deployables. Performance improvements, lighting fixes across maps, animation polish, audio adjustments, UI clarity improvements, and additional localisation updates round out the patch.

Even Scrappy has been adjusted, and will now “cluck less frequently” after player feedback about excessive noise.

What Comes Next For Arc Raiders In 2026

Shrouded Sky pushes Arc Raiders halfway through Embark’s four-month 2026 roadmap.

Flashpoint is expected in late March with more threats and changes to Scrappy, while Riven Tides is set to introduce a new map and a new large ARC in April.

Arc Raiders Update 1.17.0 sets a clear tone for the year. Embark is willing to nerf dominant PvP weapons, make powerful PvE gear harder to craft, and overhaul systems like input buffering and anti-cheat enforcement, all while layering in environmental mechanics like hurricanes that directly impact gameplay flow.

For Raiders who enjoy adapting to shifting metas and evolving conditions, Shrouded Sky is less about comfort and more about learning to survive in a storm.

The post Arc Raiders Shrouded Sky Update Brings Weapon Nerfs And Hurricanes appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Embark Studios has officially paused its outbound esports efforts for The Finals, following concerns raised within the community about player conduct.

In a statement shared via Discord, the studio confirmed it had reviewed the situation carefully, including consulting external legal counsel. According to Embark, it is confident that its decisions and actions so far have been appropriate and within the scope of its responsibilities as both publisher and tournament organiser. Even so, the company says it is taking the matter seriously and believes a temporary pause is the responsible next step.

Embark Confirms Temporary Pause Of Outbound Esports Efforts

Embark’s statement acknowledged that discussions around its esports plans have intensified over recent days. While the developer did not detail the specific conduct concerns being raised, it made clear that the situation has prompted a broader internal review.

Image via The Finals Official Discord

“For the sake of our community, our players, our partners, and the long-term health of our game, we believe it is responsible to temporarily pause our current outbound esports efforts,” the studio said.

The wording is important here. The pause applies to outbound esports initiatives, meaning Embark’s direct efforts in organising and pushing forward official competitive plans are being halted while the review takes place.

No Specific Allegations Publicly Detailed

One notable aspect of the announcement is what it does not include. Embark did not disclose the exact nature of the conduct concerns or name any individuals involved. Instead, the focus of the message is on process and oversight.

The studio stressed that it had assessed the situation with external legal support and stands by the appropriateness of its prior actions. That framing suggests this is less about admitting fault and more about creating breathing room to reassess the competitive structure and governance framework around it.

At the time of writing, no timeline has been provided for when esports efforts will resume.

The 2025 Grand Major And Official Esports Expansion

The timing of this pause is significant. Embark Studios had recently expanded its involvement in official esports operations for The Finals, including the announcement of The 2025 Grand Major.

The event was positioned as the first official Finals tournament organised directly by Embark. It is scheduled to take place in Stockholm, Sweden, alongside DreamHack Stockholm 2025, and features a total prize pool of USD $100,000.

That move marked a shift from more community-driven competitive play to a structured, publisher-backed ecosystem. With that shift comes greater scrutiny, particularly around player conduct, competitive integrity, and governance standards.

Competitive Play Still Central To The Finals Vision

Despite the pause, Embark was clear that competitive play remains a core part of its long-term plans for The Finals. The statement describes this moment as an opportunity to “evaluate and review the system in its entirety” and determine the best way forward.

The Finals itself has built a reputation as a fast-paced, free-to-play first-person shooter centred on team-based combat in fully destructible arenas. Its emphasis on dynamic environments, where entire buildings can collapse mid-match, has made it stand out in an already crowded FPS market.

A stable, credible esports ecosystem has always been seen as a natural extension of that design philosophy. However, as this latest development shows, scaling up into official publisher-led competition also brings new responsibilities.

What Happens Next For The Finals Esports Scene

Right now, the key unknown is duration. Without a defined timeline, teams, players, and partners will be watching closely for further updates.

If anything, this signals that Embark is willing to slow down rather than push forward under a cloud of uncertainty. For a young competitive ecosystem still finding its footing, that could prove to be a pivotal moment in shaping how The Finals esports evolves from here.

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Update: Embark Studios says Arc Raiders servers are now recovering. In a Discord message posted late on January 28, the developer thanked players for their patience and asked the community to report any remaining issues as stability continues to improve.

Arc Raiders is facing widespread server instability following the Highwinds update, with players around the world reporting severe lag, matchmaking failures, and lost loot. Developer Embark Studios has confirmed the problems are linked to ongoing coordinated DDoS attacks affecting both Arc Raiders and THE FINALS, and is actively advising players to be cautious when logging in.

Server Instability Leaves Matches Unplayable

Since earlier today, players have flooded Downdetector and social platforms with complaints about rubber banding, disconnections, and characters freezing mid match. Many report being unable to move for long stretches, only to time out and lose full kits, blueprints, and loadouts as a result.

At the height of the outage, Downdetector logged more than 10,000 reports globally. Data shows that 81 percent of affected players experienced server connection failures, 16 percent struggled to launch the game, and a smaller portion reported extreme in match lag. Matchmaking failures and mid game crashes were among the most common complaints.

Several players noted that switching their server region to automatic reduced rubber banding, but for many others the game remained effectively unplayable, with reports of teleporting characters, random deaths, and failed extractions.

Player Reports Highlight Loot Loss And Progression Issues

The most serious concern for the community has been permanent loot loss. Players describe being disconnected during raids, forced to abandon matches, or dying while unable to heal or move. In several cases, valuable items stored in safe pockets or carried to extraction were lost after server timeouts.

As a result, frustration has grown quickly, with some players calling on Embark to take servers offline entirely for emergency maintenance. Others are asking for compensation or item restoration, arguing that the losses occurred through no fault of their own.

Embark Confirms Coordinated DDoS Attacks

In a series of Discord updates, Embark confirmed that both Arc Raiders and The Finals are under active, coordinated DDoS attacks. According to the studio, its strike team is deploying mitigations and making progress, but the attacks are still ongoing at the time of writing.

Image via Arc Raiders Discord Server

Embark first acknowledged instability earlier in the day and warned players to be careful when logging in to avoid losing items or progression. Servers briefly showed signs of recovery before instability returned, prompting renewed warnings from the team.

Timeline Of Official Updates In Popular Time Zones

Based on Embark’s Discord announcements, here is how today’s events line up across major regions:

• Initial reports of instability received
  January 28, 01:20 UTC
• Servers beginning to recover
  January 28, 02:24 UTC
• Instability returns
  January 28, 05:51 UTC
• Servers stabilising again, caution advised
  January 28, 07:00 UTC

Embark later confirmed the DDoS attacks publicly and reiterated that fixes are ongoing.

Hotfix Addresses Patch Issues, Xbox Delayed

Alongside the server problems, Embark has begun rolling out a hotfix to resolve unintended changes introduced in the Highwinds update version 1.13.0. Fixes include correcting unintentional weapon fire rate reductions, restoring missing cosmetics tied to Raider Tokens, addressing localisation errors, and rebalancing initial loot appearance speed.

Xbox players will receive the hotfix later than other platforms, and cross play on Xbox is temporarily disabled during this period.

What Players Should Do Right Now

Embark’s current advice is clear, log in carefully or avoid playing altogether until stability fully returns. While servers may appear accessible, the risk of losing loot and progression remains high while the attacks continue.

Looking ahead, the response to these issues may shape how Embark handles live service disruptions in the future, particularly around emergency maintenance and potential compensation. For now, Arc Raiders players are best served by staying off the battlefield until the studio confirms the situation is fully resolved.

The post Arc Raiders Server Issues Hit After Highwinds Update As Embark Confirms DDoS Attacks, Don’t Log in! appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

ARC Raiders has officially kicked off 2026 with its first major update, Headwinds, and it is a chunky one. Patch 1.13.0 is now live, bringing new high risk matchmaking, long term progression projects, fresh map twists in Buried City, and a wide range of fixes and improvements across the board.

Alongside the update, the developers have also shared a clear roadmap for the next four months, teasing even bigger changes on the way with Shrouded Sky, Flashpoint, and Riven Tides.

Here is everything you need to know about the Headwinds update and what is coming next.

Headwinds Update Now Live

The Headwinds update sets the tone for the year, both thematically and mechanically. Sandstorms are tearing through the Rust Belt, birds are gathering across Buried City rooftops, and some Raiders are pushing their luck by taking on squads solo for sport.

The update is available now and applies across all platforms, with Patch 1.13.0 introducing new gameplay systems, content, and extensive polish.

Solo Vs Squads Matchmaking Explained

One of the headline additions is Solo vs Squads, a new matchmaking option aimed at highly skilled and confident players.

Solo Raiders who are level 40 or above can now toggle Solo vs Squads in the matchmaking menu. This allows them to queue into squad lobbies alone and take on full teams head on.

To balance the added danger, players who opt in will receive a 20 percent bonus XP at the end of the round, whether they successfully extract or are defeated. This mode leans heavily into the PvP side of ARC Raiders and is designed for players looking for higher stakes and faster progression.

ARC Trophy Display Project And Long Term Rewards

Headwinds also introduces the Trophy Display project, a new long term progression system focused on hunting ARC enemies.

Players can collect parts from increasingly dangerous ARC encounters and submit them to build a Display Case at home base. The project is completed over five stages, similar in structure to the Candleberry Project.

Each step rewards players with blueprints and Raider Tokens, while full completion unlocks additional rewards including a Howl emote, a guitar cosmetic, and 300,000 Coins. There is currently no fixed end date for the project, and it will not be affected by Expedition resets, making it a true long term goal.

Bird City Brings New Rooftop Combat

Buried City has gained a new permanent map condition known informally as Bird City.

Flocks of birds have moved into the area, building nests inside empty chimneys and storing shiny trinkets that Raiders can loot. These nests are worth checking carefully, especially for players willing to risk rooftop encounters.

This condition applies only to Buried City and will rotate in and out on a weekly basis. When active, players can expect more bird traps, additional ziplines, increased rooftop combat, more flying ARC enemies, and a higher chance of running into other Raiders nearby.

New Items, Quests And Cosmetics

The update also adds fresh content to chase, including two new Epic Augments and seven new quests.

On the cosmetic side, Headwinds introduces new sets such as the Sandwalker Set, expanding visual customisation options for Raiders heading topside.

Open Parties And Squad Quality Of Life Upgrades

Patch 1.13.0 delivers several highly requested social improvements.

Players can now set their party to open, allowing Embark and platform friends to join seamlessly, even if the host is mid round and returning to the lobby. Squad invites have also been expanded, letting squadmates invite others, not just the party leader.

Discord integration has been improved too. Players with linked accounts can invite Discord friends directly or allow them to join automatically if open party is enabled. A new display now appears when a friend joins a party while a player is topside.

Extensive Bug Fixes And Gameplay Improvements

As expected from a major update, Headwinds includes a long list of fixes and tuning passes.

Enemy behaviour has been improved across several ARC types, including better obstacle traversal, smarter reactions from Snitches, and improved movement for Leapers after losing limbs. Ticks now give players a short window to dodge roll and remove them when grabbed.

Map fixes address stuck spots, collision issues, invisible walls, lighting problems, and unintended traversal across Dam Battlegrounds, Buried City, Spaceport, and Stella Montis. The Seed Vault extraction exploit on Stella Montis has also been fixed.

Movement, UI, audio, and input handling have all received polish, with improvements to voice chat stability, gamepad rebinding, aim assist consistency, and high framerate input registration.

A new matchmaking delay option has been added to help mitigate stream sniping, while mouse smoothing is now configurable.

Anti Cheat And Known Issues

The team has confirmed that a three strikes progressive ban system is in the process of being implemented. Repeat offenders will face bans escalating from 30 days, to 60 days, and ultimately a permanent ban.

There are still a few known issues being tracked, including missing pop ups for Solo vs Squads unlocks, occasional missing skill points on the result screen, and cosmetic preview inconsistencies. The developers note that restarting or playing another round resolves some of these issues.

ARC Raiders Update Roadmap Through April

Looking ahead, the ARC Raiders team has outlined a clear roadmap for the next four months.

Image Credit: Embark Studios

February’s Shrouded Sky update will introduce a major new map condition, a new enemy type, a new player project, a new Raider Deck, and further map updates. A second Expedition window will also open during February.

March brings the Flashpoint update, which will add another map condition, a new ARC threat, a new player project, and updates to Scrappy the Rooster.

April’s Riven Tides update is shaping up to be the biggest yet, promising an entirely new map, a new Large ARC enemy, another new map condition, and an additional Expedition window.

A Strong Start To 2026 For ARC Raiders

With Headwinds, ARC Raiders has delivered a meaningful mix of high risk gameplay, long term progression, and much needed quality of life improvements. The Solo vs Squads option alone opens up a new challenge tier for experienced players, while the Trophy Display project gives everyone something big to work towards.

Combined with a packed roadmap through April, Headwinds feels like a confident opening move for ARC Raiders in 2026, and a clear sign that much bigger changes are still on the horizon.

The post ARC Raiders Headwinds Update Goes Live With Solo Vs Squads, Trophy Displays And Major Quality Of Life Changes appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

ARC Raiders is heading into 2026 with momentum, and developer Embark Studios is making it clear that things are only going to get more dangerous topside. A new Escalation roadmap has now been revealed, outlining what players can expect from January through April 2026, including new map conditions, rising ARC threats, fresh progression systems, and a brand new map later in the season.

📡 Attention, Raiders!
We survived the Cold Snap, but don’t drop your guard.
Topside is changing – extreme weather ravages the surface while ARC numbers are climbing.
Lock your loadout, the scale of the impending escalation remains unknown…https://t.co/t8P6I6KLcO pic.twitter.com/xV9t0BdIZb

— ARC Raiders (@ARCRaidersGame) January 23, 2026

Following the end of the Cold Snap event, the world of ARC Raiders is shifting fast. Extreme weather continues to tear through the surface, ARC numbers are climbing, and the Rustbelt is becoming increasingly volatile as the scale of the impending escalation remains unknown.

The Cold Snap Ends, But The Danger Remains

The ARC Raiders team has warned players not to let their guard down after surviving the Cold Snap. While the harshest conditions may have passed, the effects still linger across the surface.

Topside is changing, extreme weather is now a permanent threat, and ARC activity is intensifying across key zones. Speranza continues to rely on Raiders scavenging the surface, but each run into the Rustbelt now carries greater risk as conditions grow more unstable and ARC presence expands.

The developers describe this phase as the beginning of a much larger escalation, one where no single faction holds all the answers.

Monthly Updates Begin With Escalation

Embark Studios has confirmed that ARC Raiders will now receive a content update every month going forward. The Escalation roadmap covers the game’s first full four months of 2026, offering a broad look at new enemies, map changes, conditions, and systems without revealing every detail.

Each month carries its own theme and set of additions, steadily building toward a major update in April.

January 2026 Headwinds Update

Despite January already being well underway, the Headwinds update still brings meaningful changes before the month wraps up. The standout addition is a new level 40 plus matchmaking option, giving higher level PvE and PvP players more freedom without being matched against significantly stronger Raiders.

January also introduces a new map condition teased by a bird icon, alongside a new player project designed to deepen progression and long term goals.

February 2026 Shrouded Sky Expands The Battlefield

February’s Shrouded Sky update continues the steady rollout of systems and threats. Players can expect a new map update, the arrival of the Raider Deck, an Expedition Window feature, and another player project.

More intriguingly, February introduces a new ARC threat and a fresh map condition marked by a wind icon, hinting at dangerous environmental changes that could dramatically alter how raids unfold.

March 2026 Flashpoint Brings Scrappy Back Into Focus

March ramps things up again with Flashpoint. Another ARC threat and new map condition arrive, alongside a fresh player project to pursue.

Scrappy, the fan favourite resource collecting rooster, is also set to receive an update as winter conditions finally begin to fade. While details are still limited, Embark has hinted that Scrappy will receive some long overdue attention during this phase of Escalation.

April 2026 Riven Tides Delivers A New Map And Major ARC Threat

April is shaping up to be the biggest moment of the roadmap. Riven Tides introduces an entirely new ARC Raiders map, alongside a new large scale ARC threat.

The threat is currently teased only by a skull icon, suggesting a powerful new enemy on the level of the Matriarch or Queen. The umbrella icon and Riven Tides title point toward coastal or water filled environments, potentially bringing beaches, flooded zones, and polluted shorelines into the fight.

This will mark the second new map since ARC Raiders launched, following Stella Montis which arrived in November 2025.

More Content Planned Beyond April

Embark Studios has made it clear that Escalation is only the beginning. While the roadmap currently runs through April, the team has confirmed that monthly updates will continue beyond that point, with plans from May onward still being kept under wraps.

The studio is also continuing its efforts to combat cheaters and improve quality of life, including addressing late spawns and tightening security across existing maps.

ARC Raiders launched on October 30, 2025, and with Escalation now underway, 2026 is shaping up to be the game’s most ambitious year yet. Raiders heading topside should lock in their loadouts and stay alert, the Rustbelt is only getting more dangerous from here.

The post ARC Raiders Escalation Roadmap Revealed With New Map, ARC Threats And Major Updates Through April 2026 appeared first on Shane the Gamer.