Raiders!
Tech Test 2 for ARC Raiders is currently underway (April 30 - May 4), and we’ve gathered all the essential information for those participating or curious about the experience. This marks Embark’s largest test to date, now including players on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and the Epic Games Store alongside Steam players Steam Community.
TEST DETAILS
Dates: April 30 - May 4, 2025
Platforms: PC (Steam/Epic), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Registration: Available through arcraiders.com or directly on Steam
NDA Status: Unlike previous tests, this playtest is NOT confidential - you can share gameplay, stream, and discuss your experiences publicly Steam Community
WHAT’S NEW IN TECH TEST 2
Embark Studios has been busy implementing improvements based on feedback from the first test. Executive Producer Aleksander Grøndal stated that “Over the past six months, we’ve worked hard to expand the core experience, based on community feedback. This is our chance to see how those changes perform at scale.” Gematsu
Key additions and improvements include:
A wider range of ARC enemies to battle Gematsu
Expanded weapon, gear, and gadget options Gematsu
Much deeper player progression and crafting systems Gematsu
Preview of ARC Raiders’ upcoming Battle Pass Gamespress
New “Night Raids” featuring the formidable Queen ARC enemy and higher-tier loot ScreenRant
EARLY PLAYER IMPRESSIONS
The initial feedback from Tech Test 2 has been largely positive. Players are particularly impressed with:
The immersive sound design, which has been described as “immaculate” TheGamer
The game’s world, distinctive sounds, and legitimately scary robot enemies PC Gamer
The progression system that allows you to earn skill points even if you die during a run PC Gamer
Many players have favorably compared ARC Raiders to Marathon (Bungie’s upcoming extraction shooter), noting that Arc Raiders’ more forgiving progression system and engaging PvE elements provide a more accessible entry point to the genre PC Gamer.
GAMEPLAY FEATURES
For those new to ARC Raiders, here’s what you can expect:
High-risk surface scavenging balanced with strategic survival and crafting elements in the underground settlement XboxEra
Solo or squad play (up to three players)
A “safe pocket” system that allows you to store items that will return to base with you even if you die TheGamer
A skill tree with permanent upgrades that persist even after death PC Gamer
Tactical combat requiring strategic use of utilities like impact grenades and stuns TheGamer
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
If you haven’t signed up yet, there’s still a chance to join:
Visit arcraiders.com and click “sign up for Tech Test 2” ScreenRant
Sign in or create an Embark ID ScreenRant
Select your preferred platform (PS5, Xbox Series X|S, or PC) ScreenRant
For Steam users, you’ll be redirected to the ARC Raiders Steam page where you can click “Request Access” ScreenRant
Invitations are being sent in waves throughout the test period, so keep an eye on your email even if you don’t get in right away. Players who participated in previous tests through Steam will automatically gain access without notification. Steam Community
SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE
Embark Studios is encouraging participants to share their experiences, find friends to play with, and post their favorite ARC Raiders moments online. They’ve opened dedicated Tech Test 2 channels that will remain available throughout the test. Steam Community
Have you been playing the Tech Test? What are your thoughts on ARC Raiders so far? Drop your impressions below and let’s discuss this exciting new entry in the extraction shooter genre!