Following a accomplished launch and exceeding one million concurrent players,Embark Studios is continuing to invest in its free-to-play extraction shooter,ARC Raiders. The developer plans a significant expansion of the game’s map offerings throughout 2026, building on the existing locations including the PvP-focused Stella Montis and the capacity-strained Dam Battlegrounds. According to a recent interview, these new maps will vary greatly in size and cater to diverse playstyles, signaling a commitment to long-term player engagement and addressing ongoing technical challenges.
Embark Studios is planning a substantial content rollout for its extraction shooter, ARC Raiders, with multiple new maps slated for release throughout the next year. The announcement comes after the game’s October launch and a November update introducing the PvP-focused Stella Montis map.
New Maps Will Vary Significantly in Size and Gameplay
According to a recent interview with GamesRadar, Embark intends to deliver a diverse range of maps in terms of scale to accommodate different playstyles. Design Lead Virgil Watkins indicated players can anticipate both smaller, more concentrated areas and maps that exceed the size of any currently available in the game.
The success of ARC Raiders is providing a strong foundation for future development. Despite initial skepticism, the title has become a significant hit, with publisher Nexon reporting over 12 million copies sold in the first three months. The game recently peaked at nearly one million concurrent players across PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, demonstrating its growing popularity.
Stella Montis is characterized by its intricate, labyrinthine design and is a popular location for intense player-versus-player combat. Watkins explained that the focus of upcoming maps – whether leaning towards PvP or player-versus-environment (PvE) – will largely depend on the map’s layout. He noted that enclosed spaces tend to encourage more aggressive gameplay, while open areas allow for different tactical approaches.
Technical performance is also a key consideration. Watkins stated there is a limit to the number of ARC units and live players that can occupy a map simultaneously before server capacity is reached. The initial Dam Battlegrounds map, he added, is already operating close to this limit. This highlights the ongoing challenges developers face in balancing immersive gameplay with robust server infrastructure.
While an official roadmap for 2026 has not yet been released, rumors are circulating about a potential Toxic Swamp-themed event, with in-game hints suggesting its imminent arrival.
