Embark Studios’ ARC Raiders, which topped the Steam global charts since the 29th ahead of its launch, is keeping the momentum going. After generating a buzz as a promising extraction shooter during its testing phase, it has enjoyed a smooth arrival with over 260,000 concurrent players and a 'Very Positive' rating on Steam.

During the final 'Server Slam' test, ARC Raiders peaked at 190,000 concurrent players. By its launch day on the 30th, it had surged to 264,673, comfortably surpassing its test-period record. To put that into perspective, it has already eclipsed the peak of 240,000 concurrent players achieved by the developer’s previous free-to-play title, The Finals.

ARC Raiders is an extraction shooter set in a 'post-post-apocalyptic' version of Earth. As a 'Raider,' you must scavenge for resources while engaging with machine lifeforms known as 'ARC,' all while either cooperating with or competing against other players. The gameplay loop alternates between surface exploration and the underground base 'Speranza,' where you craft gear, trade with NPCs, and tackle quests to advance your character.

As of the 31st, the Steam user score stands at 'Very Positive' (89% positive from 10,064 reviews). Players have been quick to praise the title for its smooth optimization despite being built on Unreal Engine 5. Furthermore, the retro-SF aesthetic, aided by sharp lighting effects and an immersive soundscape, has really hit the mark with the community.

However, it is not all sunshine and rainbows. Some players who were hoping for a PvE-focused cooperative experience have expressed frustration over forced PvP elements, leading to a cycle of dying at the hands of other players. Additionally, the age-old issue of 'camping' at extraction points has also been flagged as a significant pain point.