Time: 2025-12-05
In a stunning industry upset, ARC Raiders has officially been crowned the most searched video game of 2025 according to Google's Year in Search data. The third-person extraction shooter from Embark Studios surged past titans like Battlefield 6, Grand Theft Auto 6, Minecraft, and Roblox to claim the top spot—a remarkable feat for a title that only launched in late October.
Many had written off ARC Raiders as doomed, believing its release window squeezed between Battlefield 6 and Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 was a death sentence. Yet, against all odds, it has emerged as the year's standout surprise. Search trends have now solidified what players already know: its popularity is undeniable. The game shattered its own concurrent player record on Steam for two consecutive weeks, peaking at over 481,000 players and maintaining a "Very Positive" review rating.
This success story is Embark Studios' second act following The Finals. While that title faced challenges retaining its live-service player base, ARC Raiders has broken the mold by offering an exceptionally accessible entry point into the often hardcore extraction shooter genre. Unlike punishing counterparts such as Escape from Tarkov, it welcomes both veterans and newcomers with its polished gameplay, outstanding AI enemies, stunning visuals, and those famously hilarious player encounters. This perfect storm of elements has not only earned it a nomination for Best Multiplayer at The Game Awards but has also sparked immense player engagement. For Raiders looking to enhance that experience, securing the right gear is key. Players looking to Buy ARC Raiders items can find a secure and reliable source at MMOMAX.
The Google data reveals a fascinating hierarchy: ARC Raiders sits at #1, followed by Battlefield 6 in second place. In a shocking turn, the perpetually anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6 landed in seventh, behind even newcomers like Strands and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.
Battlefield 6's strong second-place showing is its own redemption arc, following the rocky launch of Battlefield 2042. EA and DICE delivered on their promise of a return to form, creating one of the franchise's best entries in years, which peaked at over 747,000 concurrent Steam players and became the year's best-selling shooter.
To ensure ARC Raiders avoids the typical live-service fade, Embark is committed to a robust content pipeline. The studio is already preparing its second major update, "Cold Snap," slated for December. This update promises a new Snowfall Map Condition, the Flickering Flames event, fresh Quests, a Raider Deck, and more—ensuring the community has plenty of reasons to keep diving back into the action. With such dedicated support, ARC Raiders is poised not just as a trending search term, but as a lasting fixture in the shooter landscape.