Embark Studios Unveils ARC Raiders Tech Test 2: Expanded Playtest Arriving on Consoles and PC

Embark Studios, the creators of the well-known multiplayer shooter THE FINALS, have revealed that ARC Raiders is set to make its comeback with the second public playtest, designated as Tech Test 2. This event is slated to take place from April 30 to May 4, 2024, and will be accessible on PC through Steam and the Epic Games Store, as well as debuting on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.

What Is ARC Raiders?

ARC Raiders is an upcoming free-to-play cooperative third-person shooter set in a bleak future, where players assume the role of Raiders—survivors traversing the remnants of Earth while battling against colossal autonomous machines known as ARC. The game merges PvE and PvPvE elements, prompting players to scavenge for resources, fulfill quests, and survive clashes with both AI-controlled adversaries and competing Raiders.

Located in the barren Rust Belt area, players operate out of Speranza, an underground center where they can trade loot, enhance gear, and prepare for their next venture. Whether embarking solo or teaming up with up to two others, each excursion into the perilous world is a high-stakes pursuit for survival and valuable rewards.

What’s New in Tech Test 2?

Following the initial public playtest in October 2023, Embark Studios has implemented significant updates to ARC Raiders driven by community feedback. Executive Producer Aleksander Grøndal noted that the team has dedicated the last six months to elevating the core gameplay experience. “This is our opportunity to assess how those modifications perform at scale,” stated Grøndal. “We’re particularly keen to gather insights on progression, the combat experience, cross-platform performance, and how the overall experience feels now that it’s more intricate and layered.”

Tech Test 2 will introduce a range of new features and enhancements, including:

– Broadened Enemy Diversity: Players will encounter a larger assortment of ARC machines, each exhibiting distinct behaviors and challenges.
– New Weapons and Gear: A wider selection of weapons, gadgets, and equipment will be available for players to experiment with.
– Improved Progression and Crafting: The player progression framework has been enriched, and crafting mechanics have been fine-tuned to provide additional strategic choices.
– Battle Pass Preview: Players will get an early glimpse at the forthcoming Battle Pass system, featuring cosmetic rewards and progression motivations.

Cross-Platform Play and Performance

One of the most thrilling elements of Tech Test 2 is the addition of console platforms. For the first time, players on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S will have the opportunity to join their PC peers in exploring the realm of ARC Raiders. This cross-platform expansion marks a significant move towards the game’s full release and will enable Embark Studios to evaluate performance and matchmaking across various systems.

How to Join the Tech Test

Players wishing to partake in ARC Raiders Tech Test 2 can register through the official ARC Raiders website at arcraiders.com. The playtest will be available from April 30 to May 4, 2024, and is open to players on PC (Steam and Epic Games Store), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Looking Ahead to Full Release

ARC Raiders is projected for a full release in 2025 and will be accessible on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and NVIDIA GeForce NOW. With its distinctive combination of cooperative and competitive gameplay, rich world-building, and dynamic combat, ARC Raiders is poised to be one of the most eagerly awaited multiplayer titles of the upcoming year.

For more details, updates, and to sign up for Tech Test 2, visit the official ARC Raiders website.

Stay tuned as Embark Studios continues to refine and expand the ARC Raiders experience driven by player feedback and testing.