Arc Raiders And The Fortnite Comparison Gains Traction After Shroud’s Comments

Arc Raiders has emerged as one of the most discussed multiplayer launches of 2025, driven by player retention and visible support from high-profile streamers. Since its release in October, Arc Raiders has held a stable concurrent player base, a contrast to the decline seen in several larger releases this year. That performance has fueled discussion about its long-term ceiling, especially after comments from streamer Michael “Shroud” Grzesiek suggested the game could eventually eclipse Fortnite.

Shroud has been vocal about Arc Raiders since launch and has streamed the extraction shooter extensively. He previously criticized The Game Awards 2025 for excluding the game from GOTY nominations, calling the outcome unfair. His enthusiasm has not been without limits. Earlier this year, he warned he might stop playing due to widespread cheating issues, placing pressure on developer Embark Studios to respond.

In a recent livestream, Shroud framed Arc Raiders as a defining release for the genre, placing it alongside only a few modern multiplayer landmarks (thanks Insider Gaming).

“This game is definitely the biggest game since Fortnite for sure. The only other game I can think of along the way is maybe like Valorant and Apex. But I think this game is bigger than both those games and will be bigger as time goes on.”— Shroud

The statement immediately sparked debate among players and observers. Fortnite remains the dominant force in the industry, with a player base measured in the tens of millions, aggressive content updates, and a monetization model built on constant collaborations. Arc Raiders, by comparison, is a new release with a narrower scope and a more restrained design philosophy.

Embark has been clear that Arc Raiders will not follow the crossover-heavy path common to live-service shooters. The studio has publicly ruled out novelty or celebrity skins, a decision that limits revenue opportunities tied to brand partnerships. Its monetization system exists, but it is modest next to competitors that rely on frequent cosmetic drops to sustain engagement.

That approach has earned praise from some players who value tonal consistency, but it also raises questions about scalability. Fortnite’s dominance is not based solely on gameplay but on its ability to function as a platform, hosting events, promotions, and constant seasonal reinvention. Arc Raiders has yet to signal ambitions on that scale.

Even so, its early stability has surprised analysts. Other high-profile multiplayer releases in 2025 struggled to maintain momentum after launch, while Arc Raiders avoided sharp declines. That consistency has helped sustain attention, even as concerns around cheating remain unresolved for some players.