Embark Studios has officially detailed its plans for ARC Raiders new maps, promising a significant expansion for the hit survival shooter throughout 2026. Following a successful launch late last year, the studio is now gearing up to release multiple new battlegrounds over the next 12 months, catering to a wide range of playstyles.
What to Expect from ARC Raiders New Maps
In a recent discussion, Design Lead Virgil Watkins confirmed that the team is actively developing several maps designed to offer distinct gameplay experiences. While a specific release schedule has not yet been announced, the variety in map size is a key focus. According to Watkins, some upcoming maps will be smaller and tailored for intense Player-vs-Player (PvP) combat. In contrast, others are planned to be even more massive than the current environments available in the game. Furthermore, the intense action found in the Stella Montis map is serving as a benchmark for the development of future content.
This ambitious expansion is fueled by the game’s incredible success. Initially thought to be overshadowed by giants like Battlefield and Call of Duty, ARC Raiders defied all expectations. According to data from Nexon, the game achieved a massive commercial success by selling 12 million copies in its first three months. It also reached an impressive peak of 960,000 concurrent players across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, earning high praise from critics. This success has clearly motivated the studio to invest heavily in new content.
Technical Challenges and Upcoming Updates
The development team also highlighted the importance of maintaining performance balance while designing new maps. They pointed to the Dam Battlegrounds map as a prime example of their technical benchmark, noting its server-intensive density and expansive landscapes. In addition to the long-term plans, players have more immediate content to look forward to. The community is anticipating the “Toxic Swamp” map modification, expected to arrive soon. This comes on the heels of the recently released 1.11.0 patch, which introduced several balancing adjustments to the game.
So, what are your thoughts on the future of ARC Raiders? Share your opinions with us in the comments!
