While ARC Raiders begins to make waves as a new extraction shooter from Embark Studios, another title from the same studio resurfaces in the discussions: The Finals. Released in 2023, this spectacular, free and original FPS remains available for download on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC.
And he has lost none of his splendor.
With its atmosphere of futuristic game showhis fully destructible environmentsand its outrageous artistic directionThe Finals was unlike any other shooter. Even today, it offers a nervous, unpredictable and deeply fun experience, whether you are alone or in a squad.
A free FPS that breaks walls (and codes)
Unlike more classic shooting games, The Finals relied on a radically different structure. Here you play a participating in a television showwhere the objective is as much to survive as to rob safes against other teams. A concept that mixes FPS, strategy, and staging, in matches as spectacular as they are destructive.
Each session is unique. The maps can be modified in real time: an explosion can open a new passage, bring down a floor, or trap an entire team. This dynamic destruction systemrarely exploited at this level in multiplayer games, remains one of the game’s great assets.
Another particularity: aesthetics. The Finals doesn’t try to be like Call of Duty or Battlefield. His bright colorsits provocative style and its flamboyant animations give it a strong identity, both serious in its gameplay and crazy in its universe.
Why play The Finals again in 2025?
Although it experienced a peak in activity when it was launched, then a gradual drop in attendance, The Finals remains fully playable and freewithout subscription or hidden costs. It is precisely this full accessibility which makes it an excellent alternative for:
- Discover the world of Embark Studios before ARC Raiders
- Have fun without breaking the bank in an original FPS
- Test destructible mechanics as a team
- Replay a stylish, fast-paced title without excessive competitive pressure
And contrary to what some people think, the servers are still activeand reasonable queues depending on connection times. All it takes is a group of friends to restart the machine and immerse yourself in the action again.
ARC Raiders approaching? Here’s something to wait intelligently
While waiting for the final (and paid) release of ARC Raiders, nothing better than a dive into the world of Embark to get into the swing of things. Even though it’s not a mining game, The Finals shares the same vision of verticality, controlled chaos and modular gameplay.
It’s also a good reminder that some games are worth revisiting, especially when they’re still free, maintained, and packed with personality.