Embark Studios surprised the ARC Raiders community with a special gift in early 2026. The developer announced the free distribution of the Gilded Pickaxe tool, an exclusive item to celebrate an impressive milestone: 12 million players, known as Raiders, exploring the world of Speranza. Scheduled to begin on January 13th, the reward is a way of thanking the massive support that turned the title into one of the most popular multiplayer games of last year, with constant streams on Twitch.
To secure your Gilded Pickaxe, the process is simple. You just need to have a game account and have logged in at least once before the deadline, which is 11:59 PM (Central European Time) on January 13th itself. The great advantage is that you don’t need to be online at the exact moment of distribution. Embark Studios will send the item directly to the in-game mailbox of all eligible players, even if they are offline. So, if you’ve played in the last few weeks, you’re probably already qualified to receive the golden tool automatically upon logging into the game after that date.
This gift symbolizes the rapid success of ARC Raiders, which in less than three months has gained a legion of fans. Despite some technical issues common in online game launches, the developer has maintained an open dialogue with the community and worked to fix the flaws. Thus, the distribution of the Gilded Pickaxe reinforces the company’s commitment to rewarding the players who helped build this successful trajectory.
What to expect from the game’s future?
Beyond celebrating the 12 million Raiders, Embark Studios’ action generates anticipation for what’s to come. A gift of such relevance, distributed widely, is often a sign that the developers are investing in the title’s longevity. Meanwhile, the community remains active in the Trials modes and the cooperative exploration of Speranza, suggesting that ARC Raiders is set to receive even more content and events throughout 2026. Therefore, securing the Gilded Pickaxe now is not just about adding a cosmetic item to your inventory, but also about being part of an important milestone in the history of this game that promises to continue evolving.
