ARC Raiders: A Satisfactory Gaming Experience

ARC Raiders is a quintessential extraction shooter that embraces its genre roots with enthusiasm. If you're a fan of games centered around scavenging resources while dodging both PvE enemies and PvP players, ARC Raiders will feel like a comfortable, albeit familiar, playground. However, if you're looking for something new and groundbreaking, you might find ARC Raiders a bit too predictable.

The game pays homage to its predecessors with a default melee weapon that's a nod to the iconic pickaxe from Fortnite. This tribute is just the beginning of a series of elements that fans of battle royale, survival, and extraction games will find instantly recognizable. ARC Raiders doesn't venture far from its inspirations, but it assembles these tried-and-true components into a cohesive and satisfying experience.

ARC Raiders - Gamescom 2024 Screenshots

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The objective in each round is straightforward: venture to the surface, gather superior loot, and return safely underground. However, two significant threats stand in your way. The first are the ARC, AI-controlled battle robots that roam the map, relentlessly searching for signs of life. These robots, even the smaller ones, can pose a significant danger, especially when they swarm. For arachnophobes, the spider-like scurriers might be particularly unsettling, while the larger crawlers are formidable adversaries. The ARC are drawn to the sounds of conflict and will converge on any detected humans, making stealth and strategy crucial.

The second, and often more lethal, threat comes from other players. In ARC Raiders, vigilance is key, as fellow raiders are always ready to exploit any moment of inattention. It's often more efficient to ambush a well-equipped player than to spend time looting warehouses or lurking near extraction points. This constant threat of betrayal adds a thrilling layer of tension to the game.

Combat in ARC Raiders is solid and satisfying. The controls are typical of modern third-person shooters, with no unexpected quirks. The weapons feel authentic: SMGs are lively and challenging to control, assault rifles are stable and powerful, and sniper rifles deliver impactful shots. Melee combat is also effective, adding another layer to the gameplay.

Playing in teams of three introduces a strategic depth to the battles. Coordinating with teammates allows for more systematic searching and covering, leading to tactical firefights where squads use flanking and ambushes to outmaneuver opponents. Communication and teamwork are essential, whether you're calling out enemy positions, covering all angles in a room, or setting up ambushes.

The game's maps are cleverly designed, drawing players to the most lucrative areas. These hotspots are clearly marked, attracting players eager to loot or lie in wait to ambush those who've struck it rich. The environments, while functional, feel somewhat generic, reminiscent of other post-apocalyptic settings with their rusty warehouses and abandoned buildings. The lack of unique lore might detract from immersion, but the core gameplay remains engaging.

Every drawer and cabinet in ARC Raiders is a potential treasure trove, containing crafting components, ammunition, shields, healing items, and weapons. Ammunition is categorized into light, medium, heavy, and shotgun types, encouraging players to scavenge, craft, or purchase what they need. Materials are color-coded by rarity, with rarer colors unlocking more powerful items. A special inventory slot ensures that your most valuable find remains safe even if you die, allowing you to bring it back to your base.

Some containers require time to open and generate noise, heightening the tension as you risk attracting unwanted attention from both robots and players. This mechanic adds a thrilling element of vulnerability, especially when playing solo.

Between rounds, you retreat underground to convert your loot into better gear using crafting tables. You can also sell items for cash or buy fully crafted gear from in-game stores. There's even a curious element involving a live rooster, though its purpose remains a mystery.

As you explore the surface, you earn experience that unlocks Skill Trees, allowing you to tailor your character to your preferred playstyle. Whether you focus on combat, mobility, or stealth, each upgrade feels like meaningful progress.

Character customization starts basic but improves with premium currency, offering better textures and outfits. While I chose to make my character look as bleak as possible using default options, my multiplayer partner embraced a more stylish look, making me a bit jealous.

Overall, ARC Raiders previews well due to its familiar design. It doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it doesn't need to. The game's loop of looting, fighting, and upgrading is well-tuned and enjoyable, making it a solid choice for fans of the genre looking to spend an afternoon immersed in a familiar yet satisfying experience.