THE FINALS
News, coverage and analysis tracking THE FINALS across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Arc Raiders devs are still weighing up PvE mode after a divisive test
Embark Studios is currently evaluating player feedback from a recent PvE-only test for Arc Raiders to determine if the mode will be permanently implemented. The studio acknowledges divided player opinions on a PvE experience, with some players desiring a less stressful alternative to PvPvE while others fear it could undermine the game's core premise.
Weekend Discussion - October 25, 2026
This Weekend Discussion from Shacknews reflects on various topics including Windows XP, business models, and incorrectly named countries. It also highlights "The Finals" as a top shooter and mentions several Shacknews articles from the week, including guides and reviews.
THE FINALS Prime Time is Live With New Destruction System, Solo Showdown and More
THE FINALS has launched its Prime Time update, introducing a new destruction system and a Solo Showdown mode. The update also adds the Infiltrator playstyle with tools like the Mimic Device and Translocator, alongside remastered arenas and other additions.
The Finals adds new solo mode, map updates, an infiltrator playstyle, and more AI-generated voice commentary
The battle royale FPS The Finals has launched its new Prime Time season, introducing a solo mode called Solo Showdown, updates to existing maps, and a new infiltrator playstyle with gadgets like a translocator and mimic device. The season also features a beta version of dynamic AI-generated voice commentary that reacts to gameplay moments and names players.
Coming to XBOX Game Pass: Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, The Séance of Blake Manor, and More
Xbox Game Pass is adding several new titles throughout October and early November, including Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, The Séance of Blake Manor, and Terrible Lizards. Additionally, The Elder Scrolls Online and The Finals are receiving updates, and The Finals is offering a Welcome Pack. Several games are also scheduled to leave the Game Pass library by the end of October and mid-November.
Evening Reading - October 19, 2026
This edition of Shacknews Evening Reading highlights the release of a documentary on Mina the Hollower, reviews for Steam Frame and Stupid Never Dies, and a discussion about potential characters in the next Street Fighter movie. It also touches on immigration policy impacting Umamusume: Pretty Derby's US concert and Konami's president's views on AI in gaming.
The Finals Season 12 lets Scotty roast you by name, and I'm not sure we're ready
The Finals' Season 12 update introduces 'dynamic commentary' where announcer Scotty can now call players out by their usernames using text-to-speech technology. This feature aims to enhance the game show premise, though concerns about potential misuse of the technology, similar to issues seen with AI Darth Vader in Fortnite, have been raised. The update also includes new gadgets, a solo tournament mode, and improved destruction physics.
The Finals adding real-time AI commentary in new update that'll call out people's usernames, a feature the…
The Finals is introducing a new update that will feature real-time AI-powered commentary, which will call out players by their usernames when they perform notable actions. This feature, powered by AI and automatic text-to-speech, aims to make gameplay more exciting by personalizing the in-game announcer's callouts. The update is scheduled to arrive on October 20.
ARC Raiders Offers “Fertile Ground” For Storytelling Through TV, Movie Adaptations, Says Exec
Embark Studios executive producer Aleksander Grøndal stated that the world of ARC Raiders provides a "fertile ground" for storytelling in potential TV and movie adaptations. While the game focuses on emergent player stories, Grøndal is excited about exploring narrative possibilities. Embark will be involved in maintaining the brand's vision for these adaptations. The studio is also testing a PvE toggle for ARC Raiders to make it more welcoming for players who prefer to avoid PvP.
The MOP Up: Jagex prepares to migrate all of its legacy RuneScape accounts
Jagex is preparing to migrate all legacy RuneScape accounts to Jagex Accounts on November 17th, 2026, and will also release a MacOS Silicon launcher. The article also rounds up other recent MMO news, including updates for Elder Scrolls Online, Ultima Online, Trove, Helldivers II, Star Wars: The Old Republic, Ace Combat 8, World of Warcraft, PUBG Battlegrounds, and The Finals.
The Finals is calling me back, and I'm so ready
The author expresses strong enthusiasm for The Finals, calling it the best first-person shooter on the market due to its gunplay, destruction physics, and core game mode. Upcoming improvements in Season 12, including enhanced destruction physics with gravity destruction and hinging, are highlighted as reasons for the author's return to the game.
Arc Raiders TV and movie adaptations can do what the game doesn't: "We feel like we have created a world that's fertile ground to tell all kinds of different stories"
Embark Studios is exploring TV and movie adaptations for its game Arc Raiders and its previous title, The Finals, in partnership with Chernin Entertainment. While Arc Raiders focuses on emergent player stories and world absorption, the adaptations are expected to delve deeper into character-driven narratives to better suit the medium.
Gears of War: E-Day server crashes and login problems are because of DDoS attacks, studio says
The Coalition has confirmed that Gears of War: E-Day is experiencing server crashes and login problems due to distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks targeting its online services. While the studio is working to mitigate the activity, these issues have caused significant disruptions for players, impacting even campaign playability. This follows similar DDoS incidents affecting other games earlier this year.
The Blood of Dawnwalker's lead actor reminds us why AI will always struggle to replicate a human performance
Martin Will de Renzy-Martin, the lead actor for The Blood of Dawnwalker, argues that AI struggles to replicate the full value of human performance, which includes personality and nuanced choices beyond just voice. While Rebel Wolves used AI for planning, the game itself does not feature AI-generated content. The article contrasts this with companies like Embark Studios, which have controversially used AI for voice lines, and highlights the ongoing debate around AI's role in game development.
Arc Raiders could eventually be split into PvE and PvP, says executive producer
Embark Studios is considering splitting Arc Raiders into separate PvE and PvP modes, according to executive producer Aleksander Grøndal. A limited PvE test will help the developer gauge player interest and identify implementation challenges, as player data shows a significant portion of the community desires fewer hostile encounters.
ARC Raiders and The Finals announce plans for film and television adaptations
Nexon's Embark Studios and Chernin Entertainment have announced plans to adapt the video games ARC Raiders and The Finals into film and television series. While specific details regarding which game will be adapted for which medium are not yet available, both companies expressed excitement for the upcoming transmedia projects.
Arc Raiders och The Finals ska bli till film och tv-serie
Embark Studios, the developer behind Arc Raiders and The Finals, has partnered with Chernin Entertainment (The North Road Company) to adapt both game franchises into film and television series. Chernin Entertainment, known for producing the Backrooms film, secured the rights after a competitive bidding process. Both Embark Studios and Chernin Entertainment will collaborate closely to ensure the creative vision of the games is maintained in the new media formats.
Evening Reading - October 5, 2026
This edition of Shacknews Evening Reading covers a variety of gaming news, including DLC for Warhammer 3, a review of Star Wars: Galactic Racer, and community-driven content in World of Warcraft. It also touches on potential TV and movie adaptations for ARC Raiders and The Finals, and the use of AI in game development by Capcom.
THE FINALS Aims To Make Its Arenas “More Alive Than Ever” With The New Dynamism Upgrade
THE FINALS is receiving a 'Dynamism Upgrade' on October 20th, introducing new mechanics to make its arenas more destructible and unpredictable. This update will feature enhanced environmental destruction, with explosions causing structures to crumble and creating damage loops in real-time. Changes to smoke and poison gas bombs will also make their effects blockable by walls, adding new tactical layers to gameplay.
ARC Raiders and THE FINALS Will Receive Film and TV Adaptations
Chernin Entertainment will adapt the extraction shooter ARC Raiders for film and TV projects, working with Embark Studios on adaptations for both ARC Raiders and their other multiplayer title, THE FINALS. The studio is excited about the potential for these adaptations to capture the unique vibes of their respective games.
