Arc Raiders Hits Mixed Steam Reviews After Riven Tides Update

Arc Raiders, the extraction shooter from Embark Studios, has slipped into a Mixed status on Steam after the Riven Tides update. This shift has led to some negative comparisons with Helldivers 2, which is currently facing its own struggles with players.

This timing is tricky for both games. Helldivers 2 has an 80% positive rating from 805,711 Steam reviews, but recent player sentiment has taken a nosedive. Arrowhead Game Studios received harsh criticism after an AMA session in late April 2026. The studio promised to take action in response to the backlash, with the game’s director admitting that live service updates are “not an exact science.”

Making comparisons to Helldivers 2 right now isn’t exactly flattering for Arc Raiders. Helldivers 2 launched on February 8, 2024, for $39.99 and quickly became one of the fastest-selling PlayStation titles ever. Drawing a parallel to that game in mid-2026 means players are highlighting concerns about live service mismanagement just as much as they’re appreciating the cooperative gameplay.

The Riven Tides update seems to have pushed some of Arc Raiders’ players over the edge. Extraction shooters attract a demanding audience. Updates that change core gameplay mechanics, loot balance, or progression systems often lead to significant review bombing on Steam. While we lack detailed review data from Arc Raiders, the comparison to Helldivers 2 remains relevant: that game has held steady with 54,763 concurrent players despite its issues. This shows that a loyal player base can weather update storms, but it requires quick and open responses from the developers.

Arrowhead’s situation serves as a clear example that Embark Studios should pay attention to. The Swedish studio has a solid technical background — their previous game, The Finals, launched successfully. However, keeping a live service game thriving demands more than just releasing patch notes. OpenCritic’s coverage points out that the drop to a Mixed rating coincided directly with the Riven Tides release, making this update the clear target for player frustration.

By The Numbers

Helldivers 2 Steam Review Score	80% Positive
Helldivers 2 Total Steam Reviews	805,711
Helldivers 2 Current Steam Players	54,763
Helldivers 2 Price (Steam)	$39.99
Helldivers 2 Launch Date	February 8, 2024

Community sentiment around Helldivers 2 helps clarify these comparisons. One Steam reviewer, who has logged many hours, wrote: “I have played Helldivers 2 since release. I have supported the game at different times by buying Super Credits because I am happy to support developers, especially smaller teams, when they release great work.” However, they went on to voice frustration with the game’s current direction. That shift from supportive to disillusioned is exactly what Arc Raiders risks if it doesn’t quickly address feedback about Riven Tides.

What To Watch

• Whether Embark Studios provides a formal response to the Mixed review drop, and how quickly. Arrowhead’s slow communication became a major complaint in its AMA fallout.
• Arc Raiders’ concurrent player numbers in the two weeks following Riven Tides. This will indicate if the negative reviews represent a vocal minority or a real issue.
• How Helldivers 2 manages its own ongoing crisis. If Arrowhead stabilizes the game and reviews improve, it weakens the comparison and offers Arc Raiders a path forward.