Arc Raiders featured in South Park Thanksgiving episode

Arc Raiders appears in South Park’s Thanksgiving episode, marking a notable crossover into mainstream pop culture

Arc Raiders, one of 2025’s most popular multiplayer games, made a surprise cameo in the latest episode of South Park.

The game, released in October, has earned widespread acclaim and was nominated for Best Multiplayer Game at The Game Awards 2025, competing alongside titles like Battlefield 6 and Elden Ring: Nightreign.

During the Season 28 Thanksgiving episode, “Turkey Trot,” character Tolkien Black is seen playing Arc Raiders on a console resembling an Xbox 360. When Eric Cartman questions him, Tolkien simply responds, “Playing Arc Raiders,” while in-game gunfire sounds play in the background. The game’s footage appears briefly on screen before Cartman unplugs the console.

Even the kids in South Park are playing Arc Raiders #ArcRaiders pic.twitter.com/PlRhKAJ5CI

— EQ (@_E__Q___) November 27, 2025

Embark Studios, the developer of Arc Raiders, confirmed the cameo was arranged on very short notice. Marketing lead Ashley St. Germain revealed that South Park contacted the studio just two days before the episode aired. The team quickly provided the required footage, resulting in the game’s appearance in the Thanksgiving-themed episode.

Although the cameo is brief, it highlights Arc Raiders’ growing cultural influence beyond the gaming community. Known primarily as an extraction shooter, the game has crossed into mainstream media, demonstrating its appeal to a broader audience. South Park’s history of referencing popular trends adds further significance to this appearance.

The cameo serves as another milestone for Arc Raiders, reinforcing its status as one of the standout titles of 2025. With its strong player base and recognition in major gaming awards, the game continues to expand its presence both in gaming circles and popular culture.