Arc Raiders has shipped with four large, visually distinct maps that feel grounded in real places. Embark Studios has confirmed that the maps are heavily inspired by real-world locations, with Spaceport traced back to Tenerife. The studio uses satellite topography data from Google Maps, supplemented by scanned data and on-location photography to craft terrain that reads as plausible while staying playable in a fast-paced extraction shooter. After launch, the studio expanded the map pool with a fifth location, Stella Montis, continuing to grow the world.
In a GamesBeat interview, Embark CEO Patrick Söderlund described the map creation process as a two-stage effort. The first iteration can be produced in weeks and is playable but ugly; the real work comes in the following months as the team tests and tunes. Söderlund estimated roughly six months of playtesting and refinement on a given map to reach a stable, balanced state. The emphasis is on making sure the map plays well—where to place items, where enemies spawn, and how the overall layout feels as players push through outdoor expanses and interior spaces.
He stressed that design is an iterative phase, with frequent back-and-forth between testing and adjustment to ensure each area has a distinct identity while remaining cohesive with the rest of the game. Arc Raiders aims for maps that are large enough to support varied routes and tactical choices but structured so players can learn key landmarks and still feel challenged. The result is a setting that rewards exploration and positioning without sacrificing the frantic, high-stakes feel of extraction gameplay.
Söderlund also revealed the real-world inspiration behind every map: all are based on real-world satellite topography. The team visits locations, photographs rocks and formations, and uses Google Maps topography as a backbone, augmented by scanned data, to shape the geography. The process combines on-site references with digital data to craft maps that resemble real-world locations while supporting the game’s design goals.
In addition to the topographic process, Arc Raiders began with four maps at launch and soon added a fifth, Stella Montis, as ongoing content. The approach signals Embark’s intention to sustain the game through regular updates and new environments that keep players returning to the same core loop with fresh spaces to master.
On matchmaking, Söderlund confirmed an aggression-based system designed to balance player-versus-player interaction. Players who prefer PvE or want fewer direct clashes with others are more likely to encounter similar-spirited opponents, while those seeking more intense PvP action will encounter supportive matches that reflect their appetite for conflict.
Taken together, Arc Raiders stands out as one of the more intriguing surprises of 2025 in the PC and console space. Embark’s approach to world-building—grounding maps in real geography, iterating through careful playtesting, and expanding content with new locations—underpins the game’s ongoing appeal. As the studio continues to refine the balance and broaden the map lineup, players can expect further opportunities to explore these familiar-feeling spaces and test new strategies.
