Embark Studios is once again turning heads with its latest update to The Finals, a first-person, free-to-play shooter launched back in 2023. Despite the success of ARC Raiders, the studio hasn’t forgotten its roots with The Finals. Kicking off its third year, the game is embracing a new era with Season 9: Dragon Rising, which promises growth, accessibility, and a renewed competitive spirit.
Introducing Point Break and Fresh Features
Season 9 ushers in a slew of new features, including Fangwai City, a megacity map, an updated battle pass, and numerous quality-of-life enhancements. The crown jewel of this update is the new 8v8 gameplay mode, Point Break. This mode stands out as a larger-scale experience where players act as attackers or defenders, facing dynamic battlefield shifts. Attackers aim to demolish objectives that defenders must protect, injecting fresh excitement reminiscent of classic Battlefield experiences.
Revamping The Finals Experience
The combination of the Point Break mode, the Fangwei City map, and comprehensive optimizations underscores Embark’s commitment to revitalizing The Finals. Season 9 isn’t just about new content; it’s about crafting a stronger, more versatile game from top to bottom. This update arrives at a pivotal time, as Embark rides high on the success of ARC Raiders.
The Road Ahead for The Finals
Despite its achievements, The Finals faces challenges as recent player numbers have struggled to exceed 50K concurrent users on Steam since early 2024. The game’s longevity into its third year is a testament to its resilience, unlike some of its free-to-play counterparts that have faded away. The success of Season 9: Dragon Rising will be crucial in determining the game’s future trajectory. Will it breathe new life into the game or edge it closer to a decline? Time will tell.
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.