The extraction shooter landscape is about to get a major new contender. The free "Server Slam" playtest for Arc Raiders is now live, and it's already making waves across the PC gaming world. Developed by Embark Studios, the minds behind the explosive hit The Finals, this PvPvE shooter has rocketed to an impressive #4 on the SteamDB global sales chart, even outperforming heavyweight newcomers like Borderlands 4 and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 ahead of its full launch on October 30.
But beyond the commercial success and the frantic, free-to-try firefights, a crucial discovery has the Linux gaming community cheering: Arc Raiders runs nearly flawlessly on Linux, a significant feat for a game protected by Easy Anti-Cheat.
A Surprise Victory for the Penguin Brigade
For Linux gamers, the mention of anti-cheat software often spells trouble. Many popular competitive titles, especially those using kernel-level drivers, are outright unplayable on the Steam Deck and other Linux distributions. However, players diving into the current Arc Raiders playtest are reporting a remarkably smooth experience.
This positive news comes despite older reports on ProtonDB that noted some initial hiccups. The current state of the game appears to be perfectly functional on a variety of Linux setups, often without the need for extensive tweaks or workarounds. The proof is in the gameplay: at the time of writing, streamer A1RM4X has been broadcasting over three hours of seamless Arc Raiders action on Linux via YouTube, demonstrating the stable performance firsthand.
This isn't a fluke limited to specific hardware, either. Positive reports are flooding in from players using both AMD and Nvidia graphics cards, indicating broad compatibility. This level of out-of-the-box support is a breath of fresh air and suggests a promising future for the game on portable PC handhelds and Linux desktops alike.
Embark Studios: Building a Linux-Friendly Legacy
For those wondering if this Linux support is temporary, the track record of Embark Studios offers strong reassurance. The developer's previous title, The Finals, also uses Easy Anti-Cheat and remains fully playable on Linux nearly two years after its launch. This establishes a pattern of developer-friendly implementation that the community deeply appreciates.
The key lies in the tools. Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) has had built-in Linux and Steam Deck compatibility for years, but it requires developers to actively enable it. Embark Studios has consistently chosen to flip that switch, ensuring their games are accessible to a wider audience from day one.
As highlighted in a recent tech analysis, this commitment to accessibility is a core part of their development philosophy. For more details on the game's mechanics and launch plans, you can check out the full breakdown over at GSMGO Tech: Gear Up, Raiders: Arc Raiders Announces Free Playtest and October Launch.
The Anti-Cheat Balancing Act
Of course, in any competitive online PvPvE game like Arc Raiders, the specter of cheating looms large. While EAC is a robust solution, its effectiveness is entirely dependent on how diligently developers like Embark maintain and update it post-launch. The battle against cheaters is a constant arms race, and as we've seen with countless other live-service games, even the strictest systems are not always a perfect shield.
The industry continues to innovate in this space, with some publishers, as discussed in a feature on GSMGO Tech about Battlefield 6's Javelin Anti-Cheat, exploring new proprietary solutions. For now, Embark is sticking with the proven, Linux-compatible EAC, and the community is hopeful they will be vigilant in keeping the playing field fair.
Accessible for All: Tame System Requirements
Another factor driving Arc Raiders' popularity is its surprisingly accessible minimum system requirements. This means the game isn't just a beast for high-end rigs; it's also a perfect candidate for the burgeoning handheld PC market. Devices like the Lenovo Legion Go S (curr. $649.99 from Lenovo US) or the Asus ROG Ally X, especially when running SteamOS, should have no problem delivering smooth, enjoyable frame rates on the go.
The Verdict? Jump In Now
With its successful playtest driving massive sales and proving its compatibility with Linux and handheld devices, Arc Raiders is positioning itself as a must-try title of 2025. The combination of Embark's proven gameplay chops and their commitment to platform accessibility is a winning formula.
The free Server Slam playtest is your chance to see what the hype is about and to experience the Linux compatibility for yourself.
Ready to drop in? The free playtest is live now on the official Arc Raiders Steam Store page: Store Powered by Steam.
For those on Linux, you can track the game's compatibility and share your own experience at ProtonDB: ARC Raiders ProtonDB Page.
And to see the smooth Linux gameplay in action, check out the live stream proof from A1RM4X on YouTube: Live ARC Raiders Linux Gameplay.
Post a Comment