Embark Studios has launched an exciting new season for their 2023 free-to-play shooter, The Finals, captivating players with fresh content and novel gameplay experiences. As the studio gains recognition for ARC Raiders, a significant new update titled Season 9: Dragon Rising offers a revitalized experience focused on refining player engagement and expanding competitive play.
Season 9: Dragon Rising Introduces New Thrills
The latest season introduces Fangwai City, a sprawling megacity map, alongside a new battle pass and numerous gameplay enhancements. Central to this update is the debut of an 8v8 mode called Point Break, which promises to redefine strategic gameplay with its dynamic attacker vs. defender setup. Embark Studios, founded by veterans from the Battlefield series, has maintained its commitment to destructibility, a core element of their game design philosophy.
The Finals’ Point Break mode offers a large-scale battlefield experience where players must strategically attack or defend shifting objectives, showcasing Embark’s dedication to dynamic gameplay.
Revitalizing The Finals Amid Increased Competition
Embark Studios emphasizes that Season 9 isn’t just about adding content; it’s about enhancing The Finals into a more robust and adaptable game. With ARC Raiders drawing attention, the studio aims to breathe new life into The Finals at a crucial moment. Despite its longevity in the competitive gaming landscape, The Finals faces challenges in maintaining player engagement, with concurrent player numbers on Steam struggling to surpass 50K since early 2024.
The gaming community is watching closely to see if Dragon Rising can reignite interest and keep the game thriving, or if the challenges it faces signal a downturn for the title’s future.
We’ll see if Season 9: Dragon Rising is the adrenaline shot that the game needed, or if it’s another whiff, bringing the game closer to its demise.