Embark Studios' PvPvE extraction shooter Arc Raiders has smashed yet another milestone, achieving its highest-ever single-day player count of 3.2 million daily active users across all platforms on January 4, 2026.
This unprecedented surge caps a weekend where the game surpassed 12 million copies sold, fueled by a timely 20% discount that dropped the price to $32 and the extended holiday period keeping players engaged longer. The title, which blends intense player-versus-player combat with cooperative survival against AI threats in a post-apocalyptic world, has maintained extraordinary momentum since its launch, defying typical post-release drop-offs seen in the genre.
Capping off an extraordinary 2025, Arc Raiders won Best Multiplayer Game at The Game Awards last month, beating out strong competition including Battlefield 6 and Elden Ring: Nightreign. This prestigious accolade underscores the game's impact on the multiplayer landscape, rewarding its outstanding online gameplay, design, and community engagement.
Financially, Arc Raiders has generated an estimated revenue exceeding $350 million across consoles and PC. According to data from Alinea Analytics, Steam continues to dominate as the primary platform, responsible for 53.5% of sales in January alone. On Valve's storefront, the game recorded a 24-hour concurrent player peak of 466,372—coming within striking distance of its all-time high of 481,966—placing it among the most played titles alongside perennial leaders like Counter-Strike 2 and PUBG: Battlegrounds.
The game's success stems from its polished core mechanics: scavenging valuable resources, engaging in high-risk firefights, and successfully extracting loot while evading both human rivals and mechanized ARC enemies. Embark Studios, led by industry veterans including former DICE executive Patrick Söderlund, has drawn on deep expertise in large-scale multiplayer shooters to deliver tight gunplay, strategic depth, and emergent gameplay moments that encourage repeated sessions.
One notable aspect of development has been the integration of AI-generated voice lines, a choice that has streamlined production while adding variety to in-game dialogue. Studio head Söderlund has defended the technology, noting its potential to aid developers in creating richer, more dynamic experiences that ultimately benefit players.
Cross-platform play has further broadened the game's reach, allowing seamless matchmaking between PC, PlayStation, and Xbox users. Regular content updates, including new weapons, events, and environmental challenges, have kept the experience fresh in a crowded field of looter-shooters and battle royales.
As Arc Raiders enters 2026 with this explosive start, its trajectory suggests even greater heights ahead. With planned expansions and ongoing support, the title is poised to challenge established franchises, proving that innovative design and strong community retention can propel a new IP to blockbuster status in today's competitive landscape.
