What Anti-Cheat Does ARC Raiders Use? EAC, AI Detection & Loot Compensation
ARC Raiders uses Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) at the kernel level, Anybrain AI behavioral analysis, and an automatic loot-return system. Here is how all three layers protect your gear.
What anti-cheat does ARC Raiders use? Embark Studios runs a three-layer defense: Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) at the kernel level, Anybrain AI for behavioral analysis, and an automatic loot-return system called Abnormal Match Compensation. If a cheater kills you and takes your gear, the system tracks them down and sends everything back through in-game mail, no report required.
In-game mail notification showing items returned after detection of abnormal match circumstances
Source: Reddit community report showing in-game compensation system
Key Takeaways
- ARC Raiders uses Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) as its kernel-level anti-cheat engine across PC, PS5, and Xbox
- Anybrain AI behavioral analysis sits on top of EAC, catching custom cheats that signature-based detection misses
- The Abnormal Match Compensation system automatically returns stolen loot via in-game mail without requiring reports
- Three months post-launch, Embark has banned thousands of accounts and shipped multiple anti-cheat patches
What Anti-Cheat Does ARC Raiders Use?
ARC Raiders runs Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) as its primary anti-cheat engine. EAC operates at the kernel level, scanning for known cheat signatures and blocking unauthorized software from injecting into the game process. Embark Studios chose EAC for its cross-platform compatibility across PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
EAC alone is not the full picture. Embark partnered with Anybrain to deploy machine-learning behavioral analysis on top of EAC. This AI layer monitors in-game actions, flagging statistically impossible patterns like perfect headshot chains or inhuman reaction times. The combination of signature-based detection from EAC and behavioral analysis from Anybrain creates a two-pronged system that catches both known cheats and custom-built exploits.
Quick Answer
ARC Raiders uses Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) for kernel-level protection, Anybrain AI for behavioral analysis, and an automatic loot-return system called Abnormal Match Compensation. All three layers work together across PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
The third pillar is the Abnormal Match Compensation system, which does not prevent cheating but reverses the damage. When the detection layers confirm a cheater, every player affected in that match gets their lost gear returned through in-game mail. You can read more about how the full anti-cheat pipeline works on our dedicated page.
How the Compensation System Works
When you're killed by someone using aimbots, wallhacks, or other third-party tools, Embark's detection system flags the match. Once confirmed, you'll receive your lost gear through the in-game mail system. This happens automatically whether you reported the incident or not. All items are tracked and returned based on what you had equipped. You can check our complete items database to see the full range of gear that could be compensated.
Embark actively tracks cheaters across matches and compensates all affected players, creating what they call "an environment where gameplay is about skill, teamwork, and fun" rather than exploits.
What Cheating Looks Like in ARC Raiders
Since the November 2025 launch, players have encountered various types of cheating. The most common include:
Aimbots
Automated aim assistance that locks onto targets through walls and obstacles, making fights impossibly one-sided.
Wallhacks
ESP (Extra Sensory Perception) cheats that reveal player positions, loot locations, and enemy movements through solid objects.
Speed Hacks
Movement modifications that allow cheaters to traverse the map faster than intended, reaching loot or escape points before legitimate players.
The extraction shooter genre particularly attracts cheaters because stolen loot carries real progression value. Losing a well-equipped loadout to a hacker can set you back hours of progress—especially when you consider the trading value of high-tier gear you've worked hard to acquire.
Embark's Multi-Layered Anti-Cheat Approach
So what anti-cheat does ARC Raiders use? Embark Studios built a multi-layered defense stack that combines industry-standard protection with custom behavioral detection:
Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC)
The foundation layer provides kernel-level protection that blocks known cheat software before it can inject into the game. While some players worry EAC can be bypassed, Embark supplements it with behavioral detection systems.
AI-Based Behavior Analysis
Embark partnered with Anybrain to deploy machine learning that analyzes player behavior patterns to identify statistically improbable actions. When someone lands 40 consecutive headshots or moves at impossible speeds, the AI flags the account for review.
Abnormal Match Compensation
The unique recovery system that automatically returns stolen items to victims when cheaters are detected. This retroactive approach ensures players don't lose progress to hackers even if detection isn't instant.
This layered approach explains why the compensation system can retroactively identify cheaters. The AI behavior analysis might not catch someone immediately during a match, but when it does flag suspicious patterns, all victims automatically get their items back through in-game mail.
Community Response
Reddit and Steam discussions show players appreciate the compensation system. One player shared an in-game mail screenshot showing returned items with a message explaining the match had "abnormal circumstances."
The Steam forums tell a different story about concerns. Some threads predict cheating will "hit hard" and question whether the anti-cheat measures are sufficient. Others point to Embark's previous game, The Finals, as evidence the studio takes cheating seriously—especially in maintaining the integrity of the game's immersive world and competitive ecosystem.
Cheat providers have already advertised ARC Raiders hacks claiming EAC compatibility. Whether Embark can stay ahead of these exploits remains to be seen, but the compensation system provides a safety net while the detection improves.
What Happens to Cheaters
Embark penalizes detected cheaters with account bans. The exact ban duration varies based on severity, though the studio hasn't published detailed penalty tiers.
Unlike some developers who only ban after multiple offenses, Embark's AI detection system can flag obvious cheating in a single match. The goal is removing bad actors quickly while ensuring false positives don't punish legitimate high-skill players.
Comparing ARC Raiders to Other Extraction Shooters
Tarkov, Hunt: Showdown, and other extraction games have battled cheating for years with mixed results. ARC Raiders' automatic compensation sets it apart. Rather than just banning cheaters, Embark acknowledges the frustration of losing hard-earned gear and addresses it directly.
This approach doesn't solve cheating, but it does reduce the sting. When you know your loadout will return if someone was cheating, the loss feels less permanent. The system transforms an infuriating experience into a temporary setback.
How This Affects Your Gameplay
Should you change how you play knowing compensation exists? Not really. The system is meant to be invisible unless you encounter cheaters. You won't know if you were compensated unless you notice new mail with returned items.
That said, understanding this protection might make you more willing to bring better gear on raids. If cheaters steal it, you'll get it back anyway. The system removes some of the risk that makes extraction shooters nerve-wracking. Consider exploring higher-tier equipment options you might have been hesitant to use before.
The Road Ahead
Three months after launch, Embark has shipped multiple anti-cheat patches and banned thousands of accounts. Cheat developers continue to target ARC Raiders, but the compensation system means their impact on legitimate players stays limited.
The compensation system buys time and goodwill. Players can tolerate occasional cheaters if they're not permanently losing progress to them. Whether this approach scales as the player base grows and cheating becomes more sophisticated remains the big question. For more insights on ARC Raiders updates and community news, check out our latest blog posts.
FAQ
ARC Raiders uses Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) as its primary anti-cheat engine, running at the kernel level to block known cheat software. On top of EAC, Embark Studios deployed Anybrain's machine-learning behavioral analysis that flags statistically impossible actions like perfect aim or inhuman movement speeds. The system also includes Abnormal Match Compensation, which automatically returns stolen loot to victims when cheaters are confirmed.
Most players report receiving items within 24 hours of the match. The exact timing depends on when Embark's systems flag the cheater and process compensations.
No. The system works automatically. Reporting suspicious players still helps Embark improve detection, but compensation doesn't require manual reports.
The current system appears to compensate players directly killed by confirmed cheaters. It's unclear if it extends to players who escaped but lost gear in other ways during affected matches.
Yes. Like most games with anti-cheat systems, ARC Raiders likely has an appeal process through Embark's support channels, though specific procedures haven't been publicly detailed.
No, it's compensation, not prevention. The multi-layered anti-cheat aims to prevent and detect cheating, while the compensation system addresses the damage when cheaters slip through.