Embark Studios is ramping up the hype for their upcoming extraction shooter, ARC Raiders, with the announcement of a second public tech test — and this time, console players are joining the fight.
Originally slated as a co-op PvE experience, ARC Raiders has since pivoted to a PvPvE extraction shooter, blending high-stakes surface combat with gritty underground survival. Now, players across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam and Epic Games Store) will get to see what’s changed when the second tech test kicks off April 30 through May 4.
What’s New in Tech Test 2?
This isn’t just a rerun of the first test. Embark Studios has been listening closely to community feedback and is rolling out a slew of updates aimed at deepening the core gameplay loop:
- Expanded enemy types with more ARC threats than ever
- A wider array of weapons, gadgets, and gear
- Improved player progression and a sneak peek at the Battle Pass
- Enhanced crafting mechanics and refined squad-based tactics
Perhaps most importantly, this will be the first hands-on for console players, making it the largest and most accessible test to date.
A New Breed of Extraction Shooter
ARC Raiders throws players — dubbed “Raiders” — into a world teetering on collapse, ravaged by mechanical ARC enemies and rival scavengers. Solo or in squads of up to three, Raiders must scavenge valuable resources while navigating dynamic environmental challenges and surviving enemy ambushes, both human and machine.
With its unique verticality, blend of PvE and PvP elements, and sleek sci-fi aesthetic, ARC Raiders is gunning to carve out its own niche in the increasingly competitive extraction shooter market — one currently dominated by titles like Escape from Tarkov and The Cycle: Frontier.
How to Join the Fight
Players eager to jump into the chaos can register for the tech test now via the official ARC Raiders website or through the game’s Steam and Epic Games pages. Those who participated in the previous test are expected to receive automatic access.
With The Finals already making waves in the competitive FPS scene, Embark Studios looks to double down with ARC Raiders — and if the upcoming test delivers, this could be 2025’s sleeper hit in the extraction shooter genre.
1-Up Games 