TECHMASH

Tag: #EmbarkStudios

  • ARC Raiders Flashpoint Gets An Update

    ARC Raiders Flashpoint Gets An Update

    The skies over Speranza just got a lot more crowded. Embark Studios has officially dropped the Flashpoint Update for ARC Raiders, and it’s the third major content expansion in what has been a blistering 2026 roadmap.

    Following January’s Headwinds and February’s Shrouded Sky, Flashpoint is here to tighten the screws on veteran Raiders while introducing some much-needed quality-of-life tweaks. If you haven’t ventured topside since the game’s launch late last year, now is the time to check your ammo and re-sync your sensors.

    Here is the breakdown of everything hitting the wasteland in the Flashpoint update.

    1. New Aerial Menace: The Vaporiser

    Just when you thought it was safe to sprint across the open Dam Battlegrounds, the Vaporiser has arrived. This is a new aerial ARC unit that travels in groups. Unlike the predictable flight paths of the smaller Fireflies, the Vaporiser is erratic and lethal, utilising a sustained laser beam attack that can melt through armour if you’re caught out of position.

    Pro Tip: Look for the new Energy weapons added in this update—they seem specifically tuned to strip the Vaporizer’s shielding.

    2. Shredders on the Loose

    The tank-like Shredders, which were previously contained within the Stella Montis underground, have broken out. You can now encounter these mechanical beasts across all maps, including the Spaceport and Buried City. This change significantly raises the stakes of “standard” runs, as a Shredder encounter can quickly turn a quiet loot trip into a fight for survival.

    3. High-Risk Map Condition: Close Scrutiny

    Flashpoint introduces a new map condition called Close Scrutiny. When this event is active, it spawns the ARC Assessor—a heavily guarded unit carrying high-tier progression components.

    The twist? Regular map loot is significantly reduced during this event. This effectively turns the map into a massive PvP magnet, funnelling every squad toward the Assessor. It’s a bold move by Embark to lean into the “Extraction” tension, forcing players to decide if the risk of a firefight is worth the reward.

    4. Expanding the Arsenal

    To counter the escalating ARC presence, Tian Wen has opened up two new toys for us to play with:

    • Canto SMG: A unique sub-machine gun that utilises Medium ammo—a first for its class, offering more stopping power than your standard light-calibre SMGs.
    • Dolabra Energy Shotgun: This is the star of the show. It features a variable focus, allowing you to switch between a wide defensive burst and a tight, concentrated beam of electricity.
    • Surge Coil: A new placeable deployable that shocks nearby enemies. It’s essentially a repeating “Jolt Mine,” perfect for holding down extraction points while you wait for the mule.

    5. Better Living in Speranza (QoL)

    Embark has finally listened to the community regarding the friction in the base camp.

    • Streamlined Crafting: You can now recycle, refine, and purchase missing materials directly from the crafting menu. No more jumping through three different screens just to see if you have enough scrap for a scope.
    • Supercharging Scrappy: You can now feed specific food items (like Apricots or Mushrooms) to Scrappy the rooster. This influences what types of loot he prioritises gathering for you while you’re away.
    • Loadout Priority: A major backend change—players who bring in their own gear (rather than going “naked”) are now prioritised for fresh server instances, rewarding those who are willing to risk their high-tier equipment.

    The Verdict

    The Flashpoint update feels like a “bridge” to the massive Riven Tides expansion coming in April, but it’s a beefy bridge nonetheless. The addition of the Vaporiser and the wandering Shredders makes the world feel more alive—and much more dangerous.

    Raiders, what are your thoughts on the new Vaporiser? Is it a fair fight, or are the skies getting too cluttered? Let us know in the comments!

    Find out more here – https://epic.gm/arc-raiders

    #ARCRaiders #multiplayer #extractionshooter #EmbarkStudios #UnrealEngine5 #games #gaming #gamers #scifi #combat

  • The Storm Has Arrived: Shrouded Sky is Live in ARC Raiders

    The Storm Has Arrived: Shrouded Sky is Live in ARC Raiders

    Raiders, batten down the hatches. The latest major update for ARC Raiders, titled Shrouded Sky, is officially live as of February 24, 2026. This isn’t just a minor patch; it’s a total atmospheric shift that brings the most volatile environmental conditions we’ve seen in the Rust Belt yet.

    If you haven’t dropped in since the update hit, here is everything you need to know about surviving the storm and the new threats lurking within it.

    The Main Event: Hurricane Map Condition

    Forget everything you know about navigating the surface. The Hurricane is now a permanent rotating map condition across Blue Gate, Buried City, Spaceport, and the Dam Battlegrounds.

    • Tactical Turbulence: The wind isn’t just a visual effect. Running with a tailwind gives you a significant speed boost, while fighting a headwind will drain your stamina and slow you to a crawl. Even your thrown items (grenades, flares) are now subject to wind trajectory.
    • Static Interference: The debris kicked up by the storm is lethal to tech. Your shields will steadily drain and glitch out if you leave them equipped for too long in the gale.
    • Low Visibility: Sound is swallowed by the wind and sightlines are cut short, making it easier to sneak up on squads—but even easier for the ARC to sneak up on you.

    New ARC Threats: Fireflies and Comets

    As if the weather wasn’t enough, two new ARC machines have been deployed to make your life difficult:

    1. The Firefly: An armoured flying machine that acts as a deadlier cousin to the Hornet. It emits a devastating jet of flame that can engulf a Raider in seconds.
    2. The Comet: Think of it as a “Pop” on steroids. This spherical machine honks (yes, honks) as it locks onto you, relentlessly chasing you down before detonating with a massive seismic boom.

    Seasonal Project & Progression

    • The Weather Monitoring System: A new five-stage Seasonal Player Project is available until March 31. You’ll need to brave the hurricanes to scavenge components for a monitoring system. Completion nets you 250 Raider Tokens and the exclusive Anemometer Backpack Charm.
    • The Surgeon Raider Deck: A new free progression track is now available. It includes the surgeon-inspired outfit, new cosmetic toggles, and—highly requested by the community—facial hair customisation options.

    Meta Shift: Weapon Balancing

    Embark Studios has also shaken up the gunplay. Popular “low-tier” weapons that were overperforming in PvP have seen some nerfs, while legendary weapons got some much-needed love:

    • The Stitcher & Kettle: Both received damage and headshot multiplier reductions to bring their Time-to-Kill (TTK) in line with other gear.
    • The Jupiter & Aphelion: These legendary rifles received buffs to their handling and reload speeds, making them much more viable for high-stakes encounters.

    What’s Next: Expedition 2

    The Second Expedition window opens today, February 25! Embark has listened to feedback regarding the grind: the required stash value for maximum rewards has been lowered to 3 million Coins (down from 5 million). Plus, if you missed out on skill points during the first Expedition, a new catch-up system allows you to earn those missed points now.

    Pro-Tip: Keep an eye out for the new interactive pianos scattered around residential areas. Sometimes you just need to play a tune while the world ends around you.

    Find out more here – https://epic.gm/arc-raiders

    #ARCRaiders #dystopia #extractionshooter #EmbarkStudios #scifi #PlayStation #PC #Xbox #UnrealEngine #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames

  • ARC Raiders Server Slam: A Deep Dive into the Chaos and Fun!

    ARC Raiders Server Slam: A Deep Dive into the Chaos and Fun!

    Hey Raiders!

    For those of us eagerly awaiting the next big co-op sci-fi shooter, the ARC Raiders Server Slam was a much-anticipated glimpse into what’s coming. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! As someone who jumped in headfirst, I’m here to share my thoughts, experiences, and what really stood out during this action-packed weekend.

    The Premise: Simple, Yet Effective

    ARC Raiders throws you into a world overrun by the ARC, a ruthless mechanised alien force. Your job, as one of the last remaining resistance fighters, is to fight back, scavenge, and survive. The Server Slam focused on the core gameplay loop: drop in, complete objectives, extract loot, and try not to get obliterated. It’s a classic setup, but the execution feels fresh and incredibly engaging.

    First Impressions: Visually Stunning and Smooth Gameplay

    From the moment I dropped into the map, I was struck by the game’s aesthetic. The environments are beautifully rendered, with a clear distinction between the desolate, war-torn landscapes and the sleek, intimidating design of the ARC machines. The sound design also deserves a shout-out – every explosion, every whir of an enemy drone, and every satisfying thud of a successful melee attack contributed to an immersive experience.

    Gameplay-wise, the movement felt incredibly fluid. Sprinting, sliding, and climbing felt natural, which is crucial in a game where positioning can mean the difference between life and death. The gunplay was tight and responsive, and each weapon felt distinct. I particularly enjoyed experimenting with the various weapon types and finding my preferred loadout.

    The Thrill of the Hunt: Objectives and Loot

    The Server Slam offered a good variety of objectives, ranging from defending key locations to scavenging for valuable resources. Each objective felt meaningful, pushing you and your squad to strategise and work together. But let’s be honest, the real addiction comes from the loot! Finding rare weapons, useful gadgets, and valuable crafting materials was incredibly satisfying. The inventory management felt intuitive, and I never felt overwhelmed by the sheer amount of items.

    The crafting system, while only briefly touched upon in the Server Slam, shows immense promise. Being able to customise and upgrade your gear will undoubtedly add another layer of depth to the long-term gameplay loop.

    The Enemy: A Challenging Foe

    The ARC enemies are no joke. Each type presented a unique challenge, requiring different tactics to take down. From agile drones to heavily armoured mechs, the variety kept combat fresh and exciting. There were moments of pure adrenaline as my squad and I were swarmed, narrowly escaping with our lives. The boss encounters, though limited in the Server Slam, were epic and truly tested our teamwork.

    ARC Raiders Server Slam https://arcraiders.com/en/

    #ARCRaidersServerSlam #ARCRaiders #ServerSlam #pcgames #PlayStation #Xbox #games #gaming #gamers #EmbarkStudios

  • Ready to Raid? The ARC Raiders Server Slam is Calling You!

    Ready to Raid? The ARC Raiders Server Slam is Calling You!

    The post-apocalyptic world of ARC Raiders is about to get a whole lot more crowded. Before the full launch on October 30, Embark Studios is inviting everyone to a final, high-stakes test: the ARC Raiders Server Slam.

    From October 17 to October 19, players on PC (Steam and Epic Games Store), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S can jump into the action for free. No codes, no invites, just pure, unadulterated extraction shooter fun. This isn’t just a demo; it’s a massive stress test designed to push the servers to their absolute limit. The goal, as Executive Producer Aleksander Grøndal puts it, is simple: to ensure a smooth, polished, and ready-for-action experience on launch day.

    What to Expect in the Server Slam

    This isn’t your average playtest. The Server Slam will let you dive back into the “Dam Battlegrounds” map, a key location in the game’s devastated world. You’ll get a taste of the core gameplay loop that has captivated players in previous, invite-only tests. This includes:

    PvPvE Gameplay: Battle against the lethal, mechanised threat known as the ARC, while also keeping an eye out for rival Raiders.

    Progression and Crafting: Get a feel for the systems that will let you scavenge, craft, and upgrade your gear as you brave the surface.

    Quests: Take on missions from the underground community of Speranza’s “Traders” to earn valuable rewards.

    While progress won’t carry over to the full game, participating is worth it for more than just the thrill. All Raiders who join the Server Slam will earn an exclusive “Server Slam Exclusive” backpack cosmetic to show off their veteran status once the game officially launches.

    Why a “Server Slam”?

    The name says it all. After highly popular closed betas, Embark Studios knows the interest in ARC Raiders is massive. This is their final, crucial step to make sure the game’s online infrastructure can handle the rush of players on October 30. It’s a testament to their commitment to a smooth launch, and a fantastic opportunity for new players to see what the hype is all about.

    So, mark your calendars. Get your squad ready. The Rust Belt is calling, and it’s time to prove your worth as a Raider. Will you be part of the Server Slam? Let us know in the comments below!

    ARC Raiders Server Slam https://www.embark-studios.com/

    #ARCRaidersServerSlam #ARCRaiders #ServerSlam #PvPvE #EmbarkStudios #PC #Steam #EpicGamesStore #PlayStation #Xbox #games #gaming #gamers