In a bold move to stamp out cheating, Embark Studios has tightened the screws on Steam Family Sharing for Arc Raiders. The developer has announced that bans will now cascade across all accounts linked to a suspended player through Steam Family Sharing. This means if one account is flagged, every account in that family group loses access—no exceptions.
The change directly targets a common workaround where banned players would share their license with another family member to bypass restrictions. Previously, suspended accounts could slip through the cracks by exploiting this feature, but that loophole is now closed. The new policy ensures that any account tied to a suspended license—whether the owner or a shared user—faces the same restrictions.
For families sharing a single license, the impact is immediate. If the primary account is banned, no other family member can access the game unless they purchase their own copy. Even if a banned player is removed from the sharing group, the restriction remains in place until the ban expires. There’s no bypass: the system treats the entire family group as a single unit when it comes to enforcement.
This isn’t the first time Embark has taken aggressive action against cheaters. Earlier updates introduced harsh penalties, such as automatic bans for detected cheats and even creative deterrents like trapping cheaters in locked rooms. Yet, despite these efforts, some players continued to find ways around the system—until now.
The move reflects a broader industry trend, where developers are increasingly leveraging platform features like Steam Family Sharing to enforce fairness. While the policy may frustrate players who share licenses for legitimate reasons, it sends a clear message: cheating in Arc Raiders comes with consequences that extend beyond just one account.
For those affected, the change underscores the importance of individual licenses. Families sharing a single copy will need to adjust their gaming habits, either by purchasing additional licenses or accepting temporary restrictions if one member is banned. The shift, while strict, aligns with Embark’s commitment to preserving a fair and enjoyable experience for all players.
