While it may not be what ARC Raiders fans were hoping or expecting, Embark Studios has finally added a highly requested PvE mode to one of its games, though it’s instead coming to The Finals. As Embark handles two live service-style games, both continue to flourish in their own ways, though this latest update may not sit quite right with ARC Raiders fans who have been lobbying for a PvE-type of mode that is now going to The Finals.
ARC Raiders exploded on to the scene when it launched last October, pulling in player numbers that were largely unheard of for the extraction genre. Seemingly able to bridge the gap between hardcore and casual players, ARC Raiders flourished thanks to monthly updates, new content, and limited-time events. However, as its popularity has since waned a bit, Embark is planning major changes to ARC Raiders going forward, with many hoping that, at some point, a dedicated PvE mode will also make its appearance for those who want to try something a bit different.
The Finals Adds a PvE Mode Against Bots
While other extraction shooters are introducing PvE modes, ARC Raiders players will need to wait a bit longer as Embark is instead adding these new modes to Season 11 of The Finals. Known as Galaxy Masters, The Finals Season 11 is adding a sci-fi theme to the game show-style arena shooter. Galaxy Estates is the new map being added to the game alongside a completely revamped tutorial, brand-new onboarding contracts, as well as tons of new cosmetics through the battle pass. The melee and ping system has also been reworked with this update as well, hoping to further improve these elements of the game.
Drag weapons to fill the grid
Drag weapons to fill the grid
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However, the biggest piece of the Season 11 update is the inclusion of “Bot Matches” as playable game modes. Instead of jumping online to face other players in The Finals various game modes, players can now select Cashout (Bots) from the main menu as a solo, a trio, or matchmaking to team up with others. Embark warns that the bot enemies are the “real deal” and will expertly navigate the maps, cause destruction, and utilize the loadouts to the fullest like a normal human would. Considering how the ARCs learn against players in ARC Raiders, players should expect a similar AI style with these enemies, which Embark confirmed will continue to grow over time. Expect to see bots coming to more game modes and maps over time.
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Image via Embark -
Image via Embark Studios -
Image via Embark
While the news may be disappointing to ARC Raiders players, Embark is giving incentive to check out its other shooter. Alongside the launch of Season 11, Embark kicked off a new crossover event for ARC Raiders and The Finals players. Inside The FInals, players have 3 new quests to complete, from earning cash through playing, reviving teammates, and getting eliminations or assists. Completing these quests will unlock the Azimuth Outfit and Archeologist Backpack for ARC Raiders as long as the player’s Embark ID is connected to both games.
Put the consoles in the correct order.
Interestingly enough, all the new content, changes, and potentially the previously mentioned ARC Raiders crossover quest have done wonders for The Finals. Even after shadow dropping as a free-to-play game back on December 8, 2023, not only is the shooter still going strong, but Season 11 has seen the player count once again spike. While console numbers aren’t known, just looking at the Steam numbers, it appears that The Finals has hit a 10-month-high in terms of active players, reaching over 28,000 players on July 3.
- Released
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December 8, 2023
- ESRB
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T For Teen Due To Violence
