ARC Raiders is an extraction shooter that epitomizes the genre, offering a gameplay experience that is strikingly familiar to fans of similar games. If you enjoy scavenging for resources while evading PvE enemies and competing against PvP players, ARC Raiders will likely be right up your alley. However, if you're looking for something new and innovative, you might find it lacking in originality.
The game pays homage to its predecessors with the hero's default melee weapon being a pickaxe, reminiscent of Fortnite's iconic tool. This nod to other popular games is just one example of how ARC Raiders feels instantly recognizable to players of Battle Royale, survival, and extraction games. While the game doesn't bring much new to the table, it effectively combines elements from successful live service games into a cohesive and enjoyable 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, and return underground safely. Two primary threats stand in your way. The first are the ARC, AI-controlled battle robots that patrol the map, seeking out any signs of organic life. These robots range from small, spider-like units that can be particularly unnerving for those with arachnophobia, to larger, more formidable crawlers. Encounters with ARC can be deadly, especially when they swarm in groups or when you stumble into cleverly placed traps.
However, the more dangerous threat comes from other players. In ARC Raiders, you must always be vigilant, as fellow raiders are eager to take advantage of any moment of inattention. It's often more efficient to ambush a well-equipped player than to spend time scavenging, making the game a constant battle of wits and survival.
Combat in ARC Raiders is satisfyingly competent. The third-person controls are familiar and intuitive, with firearms and melee attacks feeling appropriately impactful. SMGs offer rapid, albeit less controllable firing, while assault rifles provide steadiness and power, and sniper rifles pack a punch.
Playing in teams of three adds strategic depth, allowing for coordinated searches and covering tactics. Firefights between squads require planning and can lead to intense, strategic encounters. The game's maps are designed to draw players towards the most lucrative areas, creating hotspots for both loot and PvP action.
Arc Raiders - Screenshots and GIFs
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The game's environments are functional, featuring typical post-apocalyptic settings like rusty warehouses and abandoned buildings. While not particularly groundbreaking, they serve their purpose well. ARC Raiders focuses more on gameplay than on a deep narrative, offering a straightforward yet engaging experience.
Scavenging is a key component, with every drawer and cabinet potentially holding valuable crafting components, ammunition, shields, healing items, and weapons. The game's inventory system includes a special pocket for safeguarding rare finds, even upon death. Opening noisy containers adds tension, especially when playing solo, as it leaves you vulnerable to both robots and other players.
Between rounds, players return underground to craft new gear using the resources they've collected. You can also sell items for in-game currency to buy ready-made equipment. The crafting system includes some intriguing elements, such as a live rooster, which adds a quirky touch to the experience.
As you progress, you earn experience points that unlock various Skill Trees, allowing you to tailor your character's abilities to your preferred playstyle. Whether enhancing combat skills, mobility, or stealth, each choice feels impactful and rewarding.
Character customization starts off basic but can be enhanced with premium currency, unlocking more detailed textures and outfits. This gives players the opportunity to personalize their avatars beyond the default options.
Overall, ARC Raiders offers a well-tuned gameplay loop that is both familiar and enjoyable. The game's conservative design ensures it's instantly accessible to fans of the genre, making it a solid choice for those looking to spend an afternoon immersed in the thrill of extraction shooting.
