ARC Raiders is the quintessential extraction shooter, embodying the genre so thoroughly that it feels like a greatest hits compilation of its predecessors. For fans of the genre, this familiarity is a major plus: if you relish the thrill of scavenging for loot while evading PvE threats and outsmarting PvP opponents, ARC Raiders is likely to hit the sweet spot. However, if you're seeking something fresh and innovative, you might find yourself wanting more.
The game's homage to its roots is evident from the get-go; the default melee weapon for the hero is a pickaxe, reminiscent of the iconic tool wielded by Fortnite's Battle Bus drop-offs. This is just one example of the many nods to other successful live service games that make ARC Raiders feel immediately recognizable to fans of Battle Royale, survival, and extraction genres. While originality may be lacking, the game's mechanics mesh seamlessly to deliver a satisfying experience.
ARC Raiders - Gamescom 2024 Screenshots
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The core objective of each round is straightforward: venture to the surface, gather better loot than you started with, and return underground alive. Two main obstacles stand in your way. The first are the ARC, AI-controlled battle robots that patrol the map, hunting for any organic life. These robots are formidable, with even the smallest units posing a significant threat, especially in groups. As someone with arachnophobia, the spider-like scurriers were particularly unnerving, while the larger crawlers were outright deadly. The ARC are drawn to sounds of combat or search, and they'll swarm any detected humans.
The second, and arguably more perilous threat, comes from other players. In the words of Casablanca, "this place is full of vultures, vultures everywhere." It's often more efficient to ambush a distracted, well-equipped player than to spend time prying open doors in a warehouse or lurking near extraction points to intercept escaping raiders. Be prepared to constantly watch your back, as every other player is likely plotting the same against you.
Combat in ARC Raiders is solid and rewarding. The third-person controls are intuitive and familiar, with no unexpected quirks. Bullets generally go where you aim, depending on your weapon's capabilities, and melee attacks pack a punch. Firearms feel true to form: SMGs are lively and hard to control, assault rifles are steady and robust, and sniper rifles deliver powerful hits.
Playing in teams of three adds strategic depth to the gameplay. Coordinating with your squad allows for more systematic searches and effective cover, leading to tactical firefights. Squads can employ flanking maneuvers and ambushes, making every encounter a test of teamwork and strategy. Whether you're calling out directions, listening for sounds, or securing a room, the tension is palpable in every building.
The maps are cleverly designed to draw players in. High-value resource hubs are clearly marked, attracting players to these hotspots for loot. These areas also become prime ambush spots, as raiders hover between the treasures and extraction points, ready to plunder the spoils of others.
The environments are functional but somewhat generic, featuring the typical mix of rusty warehouses, abandoned apartments, and overgrown lots common in post-apocalyptic settings. While the world may lack visual flair, it's serviceable and gets the job done. The focus here is clearly on gameplay rather than immersive storytelling.
Arc Raiders - Screenshots and GIFs
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Every drawer and cabinet holds potential riches: crafting components, ammo, shields, healing items, and weapons. Ammo is categorized into light, medium, heavy, and shotgun types, keeping you on your toes as you scavenge and craft. Materials come in various rarity levels, indicated by color, with rarer items enabling the creation of more powerful gear. A special inventory slot ensures that one rare item remains safe even upon death, allowing you to bring your best finds home.
Some containers require time and noise to open, adding a thrilling element of vulnerability. Solo play can be particularly tense when you're locked in place, making noise, and unaware of what might be approaching.
Between rounds, you retreat underground to transform your loot into better gear through crafting. You can also sell materials for cash or buy fully crafted items at in-game stores. There's even an intriguing element involving a live rooster, though its purpose remained a mystery to me.
As you explore the surface, you earn experience that unlocks a series of Skill Trees. These allow you to tailor your character to your preferred playstyle, enhancing combat, mobility, or stealth. The abilities are clearly labeled and impactful, making every upgrade feel meaningful.
Character customization starts off basic, but premium currency unlocks better textures and outfits. I chose to make my character look as bleak as possible with the default options, while my multiplayer partner sported a stylish ZZ Top-inspired look, making me a tad jealous.
Overall, ARC Raiders previews well due to its familiar design. It doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it doesn't need to. The gameplay loop—venture to the surface to loot and fight, return underground to enhance your abilities, and repeat—is engaging and well-tuned. There are certainly worse ways to spend an afternoon.
