Home
/
Gaming news
/
Industry trends
/

Arc raiders ignoring platform privacy settings causes frustration

ARC Raiders | Users Slam Privacy Glitch as Friends List Shows Them as Online

By

Alex Turner

May 9, 2026, 07:01 PM

2 minutes of duration

Gamer sitting at a computer, looking frustrated as they see their online status visible despite setting privacy controls. The screen shows the game ARC Raiders with visible online status indication.
popular

A growing number of players are voicing frustrations over the privacy issues within ARC Raiders. Many are finding their friends can see them online while theyโ€™ve set their status to "Appear Offline" on their gaming platforms. This recent backlash has sparked debate about personal space in gaming.

The Heart of the Issue

Players on various platforms, including Xbox and PC, claim that their privacy settings arenโ€™t respected. Users note that despite appearing offline, they are still visible to friends in-game. This inconsistency raises questions about data privacy and user control over online status.

"The point of appearing offline is to avoid the 'Hey, fancy a game?' message entirely," said one frustrated player.

Some players feel forced into awkward situations, explaining that friends could misinterpret their status, creating unnecessary tension. "Rather than constantly declining requests, it's easier to stay invisible," another user pointed out.

Key Themes Emerging from Feedback

  1. Privacy Control Compromised

Players are upset about losing control over when and how they engage with friends online. They argue that this flaw directly contradicts the intended function of the privacy setting.

  1. Social Pressure and Friend Dynamics

The visibility issue causes social pressure, with many expressing frustration over unwanted gaming invites. One user stated, "If Iโ€™m playing solo, I donโ€™t want to alert my whole friend list that Iโ€™m online."

  1. Platform Differences

Comments reveal mixed experiences across different platforms. Some users report that their privacy settings work fine on consoles but not in ARC Raiders, while others find the exact opposite situation on PC.

User Reactions

Players have taken to forums to express their opinions.

  • "Youโ€™re absolutely right. Same on PC, sometimes I just want to play alone. Give me that option!"

  • "Haven't noticed this, but appearing offline is something I stopped doing."

Both positive and negative sentiments have been shared, but the overall feeling is one of disappointment.

Key Takeaways

  • โ–ณ Many players demand changes to improve privacy features.

  • โ–ฝ User experiences vary significantly across platforms.

  • โ€ป "Embark needs to nerf friends," a user suggested in jest, highlighting the frustration around social dynamics in gaming.

As the debate continues, will Embark Studios take action to address these widespread concerns? It's clear many gamers are hoping for a solution soon.

The Road Ahead for ARC Raiders' Privacy Issue

Given the current player backlash, there's a strong chance that Embark Studios will prioritize a fix for the privacy settings soon. Feedback is mounting from across platforms, indicating many players feel caught in an awkward social dynamic. If the company is responsive to community sentimentโ€”which often shapes game updatesโ€”experts estimate around a 70% likelihood they will implement changes within the next few months. This adjustment could see enhanced privacy controls, allowing players to fully control their online visibility and boost overall gaming satisfaction.

Lessons from a Stressed Lifestyle

To draw an interesting parallel, consider the early days of social media when users struggled with privacy settings, much like todayโ€™s ARC Raiders players. Initially, platforms like Facebook faced backlash from users who felt exposed and unable to manage their online presence. Over time, these platforms adapted, introducing features that allowed for greater control. Just as those social networks evolved, it's conceivable that ARC Raiders could learn from this history of adaptation, prioritizing player comfort and privacy to enhance their gaming environment.