Arc Raiders Set at $40 to Ensure Fair Pricing for Players

Arc Raiders has emerged as one of the standout hits of 2025, and it’s continuing to thrive into 2026, with January 4 marking its highest daily user count ever. Initially intended to be a free-to-play game, it shifted to a $40 price tag just before launch. Why the change? According to Embark Studios’ head, Patrick Soderlund, the decision was influenced by the success of Helldivers 2, which also launched at $40. He mentioned, “We basically looked at games like Helldivers and other titles and decided, ‘OK, that is where we should sit.’ We made that decision, whether that was right or wrong one can argue. I like the fact that the game is relatively affordable and that people can come in and try the game.”

Soderlund emphasized that the $40 price point was also about ensuring players felt they were getting their money’s worth, especially since Arc Raiders is entirely multiplayer with no campaign. “We’d rather make people feel like it’s totally worth 40 bucks. I hope that people, given how much time they seem to spend in the game, feel like we’ve given them value for money. That’s where we want to be,” he explained.

The game has reportedly sold over 12 million copies across all platforms, generating more than $350 million in revenue. Arc Raiders and its developer, Embark, are part of South Korean gaming powerhouse Nexon. While Embark’s previous title, The Finals, didn’t achieve the same level of success, it was said to have “laid the foundation for Arc Raiders’ explosive success,” according to a Nexon spokesperson.

Another notable title, Bungie’s PvPvE shooter Marathon, is also set to adopt a $40 price tag upon its March release. Given Arc Raiders’ remarkable success, it’s no surprise that Hollywood has shown interest in potential movie or TV adaptations, although nothing has been finalized yet. Despite its achievements, Arc Raiders has faced criticism, particularly regarding its use of AI for voice lines. In response, Soderlund defended the technology, stating, “People have to take a step back and understand what it is and how it can be a big help to developers and be a tremendous benefit to players.”