Embark Studios’ new multiplayer shooter is rewriting the rules for fresh IPs in 2026.
From the moment it launched in late October, ARC Raiders drew attention with its fast-paced combat and co-operative human-versus-robot battles. Early buzz drove initial sales, but as is typical for new releases, momentum was expected to slow as hype tapered off. However, the game’s numbers prove that players are sticking around for the long haul, and more are joining every week.
Just two months after its launch, ARC Raiders has already reached staggering numbers. Analysts at Alinea Analytics estimate the game has sold over 12 million copies across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, as shared by Head of Market Analysis at Alinea Analytics, Rhys Elliot on X (formerly Twitter):
Meanwhile, daily active users peaked at 3.2 million on 4 January, 2026, marking a record for the fledgling extraction shooter. For a brand-new IP in a competitive genre, these figures are exceptional.
Holiday discounts and major updates fuel continued growth
Daily sales of Arc Raiders had begun to stabilise by early December, but a 20% discount across all platforms during the holiday period sparked a fresh wave of purchases. At the same time, the Cold Snap update introduced environmental changes and aggression-based matchmaking, keeping gameplay dynamic and encouraging both returning players and newcomers to jump in.
Elliot notes that the timing of the holiday boost and the update “kept the game from plateauing and maintained an impressive growth trajectory.” The combination of seasonal promotions and consistent content updates has created a cycle of engagement that many multiplayer shooters struggle to achieve, particularly for a brand-new title.
With player numbers still climbing and the roadmap promising more updates, ARC Raiders is cementing itself as one of the standout multiplayer experiences of 2026. From PC rigs to consoles, the human-versus-robot battles continue to attract gamers in droves, proving that even in a crowded market, a new IP can break records and keep a thriving community engaged.
