Embark Studios’ new extraction shooter, ARC Raiders, is making waves not only for its engaging gameplay but also for its proactive stance against cheaters. Despite a strong player reception, reports of players losing hard-earned loot to unfair play emerged. In response, the developer has implemented an "Abnormal Match Compensation" system to automatically refund stolen items and punish offenders.
Key Takeaways
- Embark Studios is automatically refunding items lost due to cheaters in ARC Raiders.
- An "Abnormal Match Compensation" system detects and rectifies losses from cheaters using third-party tools.
- Cheaters face account penalties, including bans and potential game repurchase.
- Players are encouraged to report cheaters to aid the anti-cheat efforts.
Addressing Cheating Head-On
ARC Raiders, which has seen over 260,000 players on Steam since its launch, has unfortunately been marred by instances of cheating. Players have reported losing valuable gear and loot not to skilled opponents, but to malicious actors employing hacks like aimbots and wallhacks. Embark Studios has taken a firm stance, assuring players that their lost items will be returned.
Automatic Compensation System
The core of Embark’s solution is its "Abnormal Match Compensation" system. This sophisticated anti-cheat mechanism actively monitors matches. If it detects that a player was eliminated by a cheater, it automatically restores the lost gear and items to the victim’s inventory, often via in-game mail. This process occurs even if the incident wasn’t initially reported by the player.
Punishing Cheaters and Player Reporting
Beyond compensating victims, Embark Studios is also actively pursuing the cheaters themselves. Offenders face severe account penalties, which can include permanent bans, forcing them to repurchase the game and lose all their progress and acquired items. While the automated system handles many cases, players can further assist by reporting cheaters directly through the official website or in-game, providing profile IDs or incident details.
A Refreshing Extraction Shooter Experience
Launched on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, ARC Raiders has been praised for its accessibility within the typically challenging extraction shooter genre. Reviewers note its blend of "arcadey" gameplay with a solid challenge, making it welcoming for both casual and competitive players. The game features a post-apocalyptic setting where players scavenge for supplies while fending off robotic enemies and other players. The developer’s commitment to a fair playing field through robust anti-cheat measures further enhances its appeal.
