Embark Studios has kicked off a big thank-you event for its growing ARC Raiders community, and it’s clear they’re listening to player feedback. Alongside fixing some recent tech hiccups, they’re giving out a bundle of free gear to everyone who logs in during the claim window. It’s a mix of practical and cosmetic rewards, aimed at making life a bit easier for Raiders in the field. If you’ve been grinding through the early access period, this is the studio’s way of saying they appreciate your time and patience. You can check out more about ARC Raiders Items while you’re at it.
The reward bundle starts with 1,000 Raider Tokens dropped straight into your account. This currency is mainly for picking up cosmetic stuff – outfits, weapon skins, emotes – but the amount they’re giving means you can grab a few things right away without touching your wallet. Whether you want to tweak your look or give your favourite gun a fresh skin, it’s nice to have that freedom without grinding for days.
On top of that, there’s the “Pioneer’s Trailblazer” backpack. It’s a one-off item, not in the regular store, so once this event’s over, you won’t be able to get it again. It’s got a rugged, sci-fi vibe that fits perfectly with ARC Raiders’ world. More than just a piece of kit, it’s a marker – a way to show you were there during the game’s early days. You’ll spot it on other players and know they’ve been through the same rough patches you have.
Claiming the rewards couldn’t be simpler. Just log in before the deadline and they’ll be dropped into your inventory automatically. No forms, no codes – just show up and they’re yours. It’s the kind of straightforward gesture that goes down well with players who’ve stuck around despite server lag or long matchmaking queues.
Speaking of servers, Embark hasn’t just handed out freebies – they’ve put serious work into the game’s backend too. They’ve admitted the matchmaking waits and occasional disconnects have been frustrating, especially in a game where timing and quick reactions matter. The latest update beefs up server capacity so more players can get into games faster, which should cut down those annoying waits.
They’ve also reworked the matchmaking system itself. The new setup aims to balance skill levels more evenly while getting squads into matches quicker. That means fewer lopsided games and less time staring at a loading screen. For a PvPvE shooter like ARC Raiders, smoother matchmaking can make a huge difference – you want to be worrying about enemy players and AI threats, not whether the server’s going to drop you mid-run.
These changes aren’t a one-off fix either. The devs say they’ll keep monitoring performance and tweaking things as needed. It’s an ongoing process, but for players, the combination of better stability and free gear is a solid win. If you’ve been thinking about jumping back in, now’s a good time – and if you need more gear, there’s always ARC Raiders Items for sale.