ARC Raiders Swings for the Fences Against Cheaters: Three Strikes and You're Out—For Good
The hunt for cheaters has reached a turning point in ARC Raiders! Embark Studios is rolling out a progressive penalty system that leaves no room for fraudsters: rack up three offenses and you’re out for good. This bold move comes in response to mounting community complaints and could reshape the landscape of this hit extraction shooter.
Since its blockbuster launch, ARC Raiders has enjoyed runaway success, surpassing all expectations. Embark Studios’ title even snagged the coveted Best Multiplayer Game award at the Game Awards, capping off a stellar 2025. But with every online sensation comes the inevitable wave of cheaters, threatening to spoil the fun for honest raiders. In response, the indie studio has just dropped a major update to tackle the issue head-on.
Image credit: Embark Studios
A three-strike system straight out of baseball
Since the Headwinds update launched on January 27, Embark Studios has implemented a three-step progressive ban system designed to seriously deter cheating.
This new anti-cheat policy is simple and takes a page straight from American baseball: three strikes and you’re out! Here’s how the progressive system works:
- First strike: 30-day account suspension
- Second strike: 60-day ban
- Third strike: permanent, irreversible ban
This approach strengthens the existing arsenal, including Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC), to create a true multi-layered deterrent. Embark Studios hasn’t just tweaked the tech—they’ve gone for a holistic response to cheating. Just three weeks ago, the developers announced on Reddit their intent to get tougher on fraud. With this three-strike system, that promise is now a reality, sending a clear message to both the community and would-be cheaters.
[Embark] Official Update on Addressing Cheaters
byu/p_visual in ArcRaiders
A divisive anti-cheat policy
Unsurprisingly, the announcement of this progressive penalty system has sparked a wave of reactions on social media, especially on X. And one thing’s clear: the community is deeply split.
Many players feel the policy is far too lenient. For them, giving cheaters a second—or even third—chance is a strategic mistake. Some argue that only an immediate permanent ban, or even a hardware ban, would truly deter cheaters. Others point out that the most seasoned cheaters often use alternate accounts, making temporary suspensions almost useless.
On the other hand, a more moderate minority supports Embark Studios’ approach. They argue that a progressive system helps reduce false positives, especially when automated or AI-based tools are involved. Some also note that in certain regions, digital goods laws make it difficult to issue an instant permanent ban after a first offense.
Arc Raiders is in the process of implementing a “three strikes progressive ban system” where players will progress from 30, 60 and finally a permanent ban for repeat offenders.
— ModernWarzone (@ModernWarzone) January 27, 2026
Thoughts? I think if you’re actually cheating then it should be an immediate perma ban. No strikes. pic.twitter.com/tARHT3ZsWm
Between anger, confusion, and cautious support, this new policy has become a lightning rod for debate—a reminder that fighting cheating without splitting the community is a delicate balancing act, with every decision under the microscope.
A promising future, challenges ahead
This new anti-cheat policy is part of a broader mission: to deliver a stable, fair experience to a rapidly growing community. With a staggering 482,000 concurrent players on Steam since launch and over 282,000 active in the last 24 hours, ARC Raiders is cementing its place as one of 2025’s multiplayer sensations.
But this meteoric rise comes with major challenges. The game recently faced massive DDoS attacks that crippled servers, and the new “Ville aux oiseaux” condition has sparked outrage among European players.
In these sometimes turbulent times, the new anti-cheat policy stands as a crucial test. Will it succeed in targeting real cheaters without punishing legitimate players? One thing’s certain: Embark Studios is making it clear they’re committed to protecting the integrity of their game and won’t let cheating ruin the raider experience.
ARC Raiders, PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
