ARC Raiders is an intensely archetypical extraction shooter, delivering one of the purest forms of the genre you’re likely to find. It’s a game so deeply rooted in familiar mechanics that it feels almost comically derivative at times—yet that's precisely what makes it appealing for fans of the genre. If you enjoy scavenging valuable items while evading AI threats and outsmarting rival players, ARC Raiders will feel instantly recognizable—and likely enjoyable.
The game borrows heavily from its inspirations, to the point where even the protagonist’s default melee weapon is a pickaxe, a direct nod to Fortnite’s iconic tool. This homage is just the beginning; the entire structure of ARC Raiders—from looting mechanics to survival tension—will be second nature to anyone who has played battle royales, survival games, or other extraction-based titles. While there isn’t much that feels groundbreaking, the way these well-known elements are assembled results in a cohesive and satisfying gameplay loop.
ARC Raiders - Gamescom 2024 Screenshots
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Each round follows a simple premise: reach the surface, gather better loot than you started with, and return underground safely. Two primary dangers stand in your way. The first is the ARC, a series of AI-controlled robotic enemies patrolling the map. These aren't just simple drones—they're designed to pose real threats. Even the smallest units can become deadly when encountered in groups, and larger units like the fast-moving crawlers or spider-like bots elevate the tension significantly. The ARC respond to sound, making stealth and careful movement essential to survival.
AnswerSee ResultsARC units are often placed in smart combinations, creating ambush-style encounters that test your reflexes and awareness. I found myself caught off guard more than once by clusters of bots hiding inside buildings, ready to swarm the moment I triggered their detection range. Taking them down yields useful loot including ammo and weapon parts, making the risk worthwhile.
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The second, and arguably more dangerous threat, comes from other players. In ARC Raiders, trust is a luxury you can’t afford. As the saying goes, “this place is full of vultures,” and every raider you encounter might be looking to ambush you for your loot. Lurking near extraction points or ambushing unsuspecting players returning with high-value gear is often more efficient than spending time gathering resources yourself.
Combat controls are solid and responsive, offering a familiar third-person shooting experience. Movement and aiming behave as expected, with weapons exhibiting realistic handling traits—SMGs kick wildly on full auto, assault rifles provide balanced firepower, and sniper rifles deliver heavy-hitting precision. Melee attacks are powerful, giving you a fighting chance even when disarmed.
Playing in teams of three adds strategic depth. With coordinated cover and flanking maneuvers, squads can efficiently explore high-risk zones and hold defensive positions during firefights. Cleverly designed maps encourage player interaction around key resource nodes, leading to tense standoffs and dynamic skirmishes.
Environments are standard post-apocalyptic fare—think rusty warehouses, abandoned buildings, and overgrown lots. While visually adequate, the world lacks originality and immersion. Think of it as a gritty re-skin of popular sandbox shooters, which may not appeal to lore-driven players—but then again, narrative depth isn’t the focus here.
Every cabinet and drawer holds potential rewards: ammunition, healing supplies, armor, and crafting components. Ammo types are distinct—light, medium, heavy, and shotgun rounds—encouraging thorough scavenging. Resource rarity is color-coded, allowing for easy identification and prioritization. A dedicated inventory slot lets you protect one high-value item from being lost upon death, ensuring your most prized finds make it back home.
Some containers require time to open and generate noise, adding a layer of tension that elevates the danger—especially when playing solo. Standing still and exposed while trying to crack open a loot box is nerve-wracking, knowing that either a bot patrol or another raider could appear at any moment.
Between missions, you return underground to convert your collected materials into upgraded workbenches, enabling access to stronger gear. Alternatively, you can sell resources directly for currency and purchase pre-made equipment. There's also a quirky crafting mechanic involving a live rooster—though its exact function remains a mystery.
As you gain experience from exploration and combat, you unlock new abilities in a branching skill tree. Customization options allow you to tailor your character toward combat efficiency, mobility, or stealth, with each upgrade feeling meaningful and impactful.
Character customization starts off limited, but premium textures and outfits gradually expand your aesthetic options. While default skins may seem drab, investing in cosmetic upgrades allows for a more personalized look.
In summary, ARC Raiders previews well due to its design familiarity. It doesn’t break new ground, but it refines established mechanics into a polished, accessible package. The core cycle—surface to loot, survive, return, upgrade, and repeat—is compelling enough to justify repeated play sessions. If you're looking for a no-frills, adrenaline-fueled extraction experience, ARC Raiders delivers exactly that.
