The developers behind the smash-hit extraction shooter ARC Raiders have broken their silence after facing a wave of criticism from prominent gaming personalities, including Ninja and Matthew 'Nadeshot' Haag, over an alleged rampant cheating problem.
Streamers Sound the Alarm on 'Egregious' Cheating
Following its hugely successful launch in October 2025, ARC Raiders has encountered its first significant controversy. In recent weeks, players have voiced growing concerns about the integrity of matches, with accusations of widespread cheating taking centre stage.
The issue was thrust into the spotlight when Nadeshot, founder of 100 Thieves, posted a lengthy critique on social media platform X. He described his recent gameplay experience as "hell," despite professing a deep love for the game, which he ranks in his personal top ten.
"The egregious amount of cheating genuinely might be worse than peak Call of Duty," Nadeshot claimed. He reported encountering invincible opponents with suspicious aim and highlighted a pattern of facing accounts with Level 0 Steam profiles or multiple prior game and VAC bans.
He was soon joined by fellow streaming titan Ninja, who warned during a Twitch broadcast that uncontrolled cheating and stream-sniping could drive content creators away from the game, posing a significant threat to its longevity and popularity.
Embark Studios Breaks Its Silence
As frustration built online, with players directly questioning the developer's absence, Embark Studios has now responded. A community manager addressed the community, offering a concise, five-word explanation for their recent quiet period: "The team was on vacation."
The statement acknowledged that the holiday season had caused delays but sought to reassure the player base. The developer confirmed the team is actively investigating balance issues, specifically naming the stitcher, kettle, and trigger nade for review.
"Rest assured, we hear you and are working to deliver a good gaming experience," the statement continued. "Things just aren’t immediate."
Can ARC Raiders Overcome Its First Major Hurdle?
This public relations challenge represents the first major test for Embark Studios since ARC Raiders' standout release. The developer's acknowledgment is a critical first step, but the community's patience will hinge on the speed and effectiveness of the forthcoming solutions.
Players are now watching closely to see if the promised updates and anti-cheat measures can restore faith and return the game to its previously celebrated state. The outcome will likely determine whether ARC Raiders can solidify its position or see its early momentum eroded by the ongoing controversy.
