One of ARC Raiders’ most recognizable creators has publicly warned he may walk away from the game if Embark Studios fails to take stronger action against cheaters. TheBurntPeanut, known for his peanut avatar and past success in competitive shooters, made the statement during a recent stream after repeated encounters with the same suspected hackers.
Playing alongside Cloakzy and Nickmercs, the group reportedly faced constant domination by players believed to be using cheats. A clip of TheBurntPeanut saying he was “actually out of here” quickly spread across social media, sparking renewed debate about the state of fair play in ARC Raiders.
Why His Words Carry Weight
TheBurntPeanut has been a major force in keeping attention on ARC Raiders since launch. His earlier viral back-and-forth with fellow creator HutchMF drew new eyes to the game and helped fuel community momentum during a critical growth phase.
Now, that same influence is amplifying concerns shared by many other high-profile streamers. Creators such as Shroud have also spoken out about persistent hacking, arguing that the problem feels out of control and that current countermeasures are not strong enough to protect competitive integrity.
For a live-service title that thrives on visibility from major creators, public frustration at this level risks more than just bad press. It threatens long-term player confidence.
Embark Responds, But Community Remains Unconvinced
Embark Studios has acknowledged the cheating issue and confirmed that new detection systems and stricter rule changes are in development. Early enforcement waves reportedly led to a number of bans, but many of those penalties were temporary, which only intensified criticism from the community.
Players and creators alike are now calling for a more decisive stance, arguing that repeat offenders should face permanent consequences to restore trust in the matchmaking environment.
Where ARC Raiders Stands Now
ARC Raiders has reportedly surpassed 12 million copies sold, making it one of Embark’s most successful launches to date. Yet its momentum is being tested at a time when content updates are relatively light.
The first major update of 2026, version 1.11.0, focused primarily on balance adjustments rather than new features. Key changes included:
- A reduced fire rate for the Kettle weapon to discourage macro abuse.
- Nerfs to the Trigger Nade, cutting both its damage range and activation time.
While these tweaks aimed to address exploitative playstyles, many players were disappointed by the lack of fresh content. With the Cold Snap event now over, attention has shifted to rumors of an upcoming Map Modifier that could refresh gameplay, but expectations remain cautious.
A Turning Point for the Game’s Future
TheBurntPeanut’s ultimatum reflects a growing sentiment among ARC Raiders’ most visible supporters: action against cheaters needs to be faster, harsher, and more transparent. For Embark, this moment may prove pivotal.
If the studio can demonstrate real control over its anti-cheat systems, it could rebuild confidence and stabilize the competitive scene. If not, losing major creators could trigger a wider exodus that affects both player numbers and the game’s long-term reputation.
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