Embark will tighten its anti-cheating rules in ARC Raiders, introducing new detection systems, instant permanent bans, improved detection, and measures against queue teaming.

In a recent blog post, which came out on September 30, ahead of the October 8 Frozen Trail update, executive producer at Embark Aleks Grøndal outlined the means that the studio would take against those violating the rules, noting that "cheating undermines what makes ARC Raiders challenging and fun, and disrupts the experience for everyone playing fairly." He said that the studio takes it "incredibly seriously," spending "a lot of time and money in the ongoing fight against unfair play." Grøndal noted he wouldn't disclose too much information about the anti-cheating systems so it wouldn't be easier to adapt to them, only emphasizing that the studio continues working on the issue.

The producer said Embark is strengthening its cheat-detection systems, and besides relying on Denuvo's kernel-level protection and Anybrain's detection, Embark is developing its own in-house models that use machine learning and other data. The studio is also considering additional anti-cheat capabilities, including Elytra, currently being tested on a small scale in THE FINALS.

As for actions against unfair players, the studio admitted it was initially too lenient on first-time cheaters and has since changed course. Anyone caught using cheats receives a permanent ban: "No warnings, no second chances." Embark also expanded its license restrictions, which stop a game copy tied to a sanction from being used on another account. The approach to linked accounts is stricter too: any account ever connected to a banned copy of the game will also be permanently banned. In addition, the studio uses hardware bans, which block the game from running on machines used for cheating.

As for queue teaming, a "major frustration in the community," Embark started separating known teaming groups in matchmaking and saw 85% fewer players engaging in this behavior after several days, and spoiled raids dropped from around 1 in 50 to 1 in 300, with no meaningful impact on queue times.

The upcoming Frozen Trail update will add a new map, new enemies, upgraded and new weapons, and more.

Before, there was an interesting observation that multiple players in Embark's brutal shooter have been choosing peaceful collaboration instead of eliminating each other; reportedly, about one in five players has never eliminated another raider, and half have done so fewer than 10 times.

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