ARC Raiders is off to a strong start. As reported by Alinea Analytics, the extraction shooter from Embark Studios launched on October 30 at a $40 price point and has already sold 2.5 million copies in its first week, generating more than $100 million in revenue. The launch window was competitive, arriving just two days after Battlefield’s free-to-play REDSEC mode and only weeks before Call of Duty: Black Ops 7.
Most ARC Raiders players are on Steam, where roughly 1.7 million copies have been sold, representing about 69 percent of total sales. PlayStation accounts for more than 400,000 copies and Xbox for more than 300,000. The early performance demonstrates that even in a market dominated by free-to-play shooters, players are willing to pay upfront when the value proposition is clear.
Why ARC Raiders Is Breaking Through in a Crowded Genre
Extraction shooters blend PvP and PvE in a session-based loop where players enter a map, collect loot, complete objectives, and attempt to reach an extraction point without dying. If they do not make it out, everything they brought into the session is lost. The tension of risking loot has defined the genre, and games like Escape from Tarkov turned that risk into a core appeal.
For many players, however, that tension can also push the genre away from mainstream appeal. Most extraction shooters reward paranoia and punish curiosity. The learning curve can be steep, and new players often churn quickly. ARC Raiders takes a different approach. Instead of leaning into hostility between players, Embark encourages cooperation. The tone is less about distrust and more about rebuilding a community in a world overrun by ARC machines.
Players are frequently nudged toward collaboration through proximity chat, shared threats, and mission design that makes teaming up beneficial. Instead of dropping new players into high-stress encounters immediately, the game introduces challenges gradually, allowing time to understand the mechanics and the environment. This creates a more accessible experience without abandoning the high-stakes DNA of the extraction genre.
Co-op Games Are Thriving on Steam
ARC Raiders is benefiting from a larger trend: co-op games are performing extremely well on Steam. According to estimates from Alinea, co-op games on the platform have surpassed $7 billion in gross revenue this year. That demand aligns with player crossover patterns. Analysis shows that a significant portion of the ARC Raiders player base has also played titles like Phasmophobia, Lethal Company, Helldivers 2, and Valheim.
The shared interest suggests ARC Raiders’ success may be driven more by its co-op focus than its extraction mechanics. The game generates positive player moments naturally, which helps fuel social traction on TikTok, Twitch, and YouTube. Viral clips of spontaneous teamwork and rescues are already circulating, boosting word-of-mouth visibility without heavy marketing.
A Paid Model May Be Key to ARC Raiders’ Fast Start
Embark made the decision in August 2024 to shift ARC Raiders from a planned free-to-play model to a paid premium release. It appears to have been the right call. Estimates show that ARC Raiders has already generated more Steam revenue than Embark’s previous game, The Finals, which launched as a free-to-play title.
The paid model changes the psychology of commitment. Players who spend money upfront are more likely to invest time in learning the game, which results in stronger early retention. By contrast, free-to-play titles have low barriers to entry but equally low barriers to exit. Embark also avoids the pressure of designing aggressive monetization systems that can frustrate players.
This strategy mirrors the success of Helldivers 2, another co-op-focused shooter with a premium price that has nearly reached 20 million copies sold across platforms.
What Comes Next for ARC Raiders
Embark has outlined seasonal plans extending through the end of the year, including a new map, new raid zones, and additional enemy types that could impact player strategies. Continued content support will be essential as the player base matures and high-level meta strategies form. Extraction shooters can become less welcoming over time as experienced players dominate the gameplay loop.
Embark has emphasized that the studio learned from The Finals and built its tech and content pipelines to support faster iteration. If ARC Raiders maintains a consistent update cadence, it could remain sustainable well beyond launch.
Source: Alinea Analytics
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What type of game is ARC Raiders?
ARC Raiders is a co-op-focused extraction shooter that mixes PvP and PvE elements. Players enter maps to complete objectives, collect loot, and extract before being eliminated.
How much does ARC Raiders cost?
ARC Raiders launched as a premium title priced at $40. It is not free-to-play.
What platforms is ARC Raiders available on?
The game is available on Steam, PlayStation, and Xbox.
How well is ARC Raiders selling?
The game sold 2.5 million copies in its first week, generating more than $100 million in revenue.
Does ARC Raiders require co-op play?
No. ARC Raiders supports solo play, but the design encourages collaboration through shared threats, proximity chat, and mission structure.
Is ARC Raiders similar to Escape from Tarkov?
Both games are extraction shooters, but ARC Raiders focuses more on accessibility and co-op encounters. Tarkov emphasizes tension, realism, and high-stakes PvP.
Will ARC Raiders receive ongoing updates?
Yes. Embark has announced seasonal updates with new content, including a new map and additional enemies.
