Embark Studios has officially confirmed that its upcoming sci-fi extraction shooter, ARC Raiders, will be receiving a regional price reduction just weeks before launch. The announcement comes as the studio prepares for its October 30 release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, aiming to make the game more accessible for players across different markets.
The new pricing model reportedly went live earlier this week on most digital storefronts, including Steam and PlayStation Store. However, Embark clarified that the discount will only apply to specific territories, meaning not all players will notice a change. The studio explained the reasoning behind this move as part of its commitment to creating a “fairer experience” for players worldwide.
💰 Price Adjustments Across Select Regions
According to an announcement on the official ARC Raiders Discord server, the lowered price now applies to players in countries such as Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Peru, the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, Ukraine, Uruguay, and Vietnam.
Players who already pre-ordered the game in these regions don’t need to worry — Embark confirmed that all affected users will automatically receive refunds for the price difference within the next few days.
While the developer has not disclosed the exact new prices, early reports from the community suggest a notable reduction across several platforms. The Epic Games Store is expected to update its pricing next week to match other storefronts.
This change represents a significant shift from Embark’s earlier plans. When ARC Raiders was first revealed, the studio had intended to release it as a free-to-play title, monetized through cosmetic microtransactions. However, during Gamescom 2024, executive producer Aleksander Gröndal announced that the team had decided to transition to a premium model, pricing the full game at $40 USD.
According to Gröndal, the decision was made to preserve the game’s creative vision. He explained that while free-to-play systems can reach wider audiences, they also come with design limitations and monetization compromises that could “undermine the overall experience.”
🧪 Final “Server Slam” Playtest Before Launch
In addition to the pricing update, Embark Studios has also announced a final public playtest for ARC Raiders — called the Server Slam — scheduled to run from October 17 to October 19. This event will be open to all players across PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, with no registration or pre-order required.
While Embark initially stated that no additional tests would be conducted before launch, the studio seems to have changed course. According to developers, this final test is intended to stress test online servers, ensuring stability and smooth matchmaking ahead of the global release.
Players who participate will reportedly gain access to new weapons and equipment, allowing them to preview the game’s refined combat and extraction mechanics before launch.
🚀 ARC Raiders’ Long Road to Release
ARC Raiders has had a complex development cycle since its initial reveal. Originally slated for a 2022 release, the game faced multiple delays as Embark worked to refine its core gameplay systems. The studio candidly admitted that earlier builds “just weren’t fun,” prompting a complete design overhaul that took nearly three years.
Now, with a stable version in hand, the studio is confident that ARC Raiders will deliver a polished and engaging sci-fi shooter experience. Set in a post-apocalyptic world where players scavenge for resources while fending off robotic enemies, the game blends third-person shooting, survival elements, and cooperative play — drawing comparisons to titles like Escape from Tarkov and The Division.
Still, ARC Raiders faces tough competition, launching in the same month as major shooters like Call of Duty: Season 6 and Battlefield 6. Yet, with Embark’s recent success with The Finals, the studio appears confident it can carve out its own audience.
🧩 Community Response and Expectations
Fans have largely praised Embark for its transparent communication and willingness to adjust pricing ahead of release. On social media, players in affected countries expressed appreciation for the developer’s regional sensitivity, noting that game prices in some areas had previously been disproportionately high.
However, others remain cautious about the long-term monetization plans. While Embark has stated that ARC Raiders will not include pay-to-win elements, some fans expect additional cosmetic DLCs or battle passes to appear post-launch.
The upcoming Server Slam will likely serve as a make-or-break moment for public perception before the final release. If Embark can demonstrate stable servers, balanced progression, and engaging gameplay, ARC Raiders could position itself as one of the most promising new multiplayer shooters of 2025.
🎮 Conclusion
With its regional price adjustments, final public test, and renewed confidence from the developers, ARC Raiders seems poised for a strong debut. The decision to lower prices in key markets highlights Embark’s awareness of global player accessibility — a move that may pay off in long-term community goodwill.
As October 30 approaches, all eyes are on how ARC Raiders will perform in a crowded market of online shooters. Whether it becomes another hit like The Finals or fades into the background depends on how well Embark delivers on its promise of fair pricing, smooth gameplay, and unforgettable sci-fi action.
