ARC Raiders is a quintessential extraction shooter that epitomizes the genre with unwavering familiarity. If you're a fan of games that involve scavenging for resources while evading PvE enemies and engaging with PvP players, ARC Raiders is likely to be right up your alley. For those not enamored with this formula, the game offers little in the way of novel surprises.
The game unabashedly borrows from its predecessors, with the hero's default melee weapon being a pickaxe—a nod to Fortnite's iconic tool. This homage is just one example of how ARC Raiders feels immediately recognizable to players accustomed to Battle Royale, survival, and extraction games. While originality may be sparse, the game effectively assembles tried-and-true elements from other successful live service games into a satisfying whole.
ARC Raiders - Gamescom 2024 Screenshots
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The core objective in each round is straightforward: venture to the surface and return underground with superior loot. Two main threats impede this goal. First, the ARC—AI-controlled battle robots that scour the map for signs of life. These aren't mere nuisances; even the smallest bots can be hazardous, particularly in groups. For arachnophobes, the spider-like scurriers are particularly unsettling, while the larger crawlers are formidable adversaries. The ARC's ability to detect and converge on human activity adds an element of tension as they patrol the map.
The second, and often more lethal, threat comes from other raiders. In the world of ARC Raiders, vigilance is key, as players must constantly be on guard against opportunistic attacks. Quoting Casablanca, "this place is full of vultures, vultures everywhere." It's often more strategic to ambush a well-equipped player than to spend time methodically searching for loot or lurking near extraction points to intercept others trying to escape. Every raider is a potential adversary, ready to capitalize on your vulnerability.
Combat in ARC Raiders is competently executed, offering a satisfying experience. The third-person controls are standard and intuitive, with weapons behaving as expected. Submachine guns are lively and challenging to manage, assault rifles are steady and robust, and sniper rifles deliver impactful shots. Melee attacks are powerful, adding another layer to the combat dynamics.
Playing in teams of three enhances the strategic depth of battles. Coordinating with teammates allows for more systematic exploration and coverage, leading to tactical firefights where squads employ flanking maneuvers and ambushes. Communication, sound cues, and room control all contribute to the tension and excitement of each encounter.
The game's maps are thoughtfully designed, guiding players to lucrative resource hubs that attract both looters and potential ambushers. These areas are clearly marked, creating hotspots where players can either seek riches or lie in wait to plunder others.
The environments, while functional, are reminiscent of typical post-apocalyptic settings with their rusty warehouses, abandoned buildings, and overgrown lots. Though serviceable, the world lacks the flair to deeply engage players with its lore. However, the focus here is clearly on gameplay rather than narrative, making ARC Raiders akin to a hearty, if unadorned, meal.
Every drawer and cabinet presents an opportunity to find valuable resources such as crafting components, ammunition, shields, healing items, and weapons. Ammunition is categorized into light, medium, heavy, and shotgun types, adding a layer of strategy to scavenging and crafting. The rarity of materials is denoted by color, with rarer colors enabling the creation of more potent items. A special inventory slot ensures that one rare find can be safely transported back to your base, even in the event of death.
Some containers require time to open and generate noise, heightening the tension as you risk attracting unwanted attention from both AI and human threats. This mechanic is particularly nerve-wracking when playing solo, as the vulnerability is palpable with your focus locked forward.
Between rounds, you retreat underground to transform your loot into advanced crafting stations, allowing you to produce increasingly sophisticated gear. You can also sell materials for cash or buy pre-made items at in-game stores. An intriguing yet unexplained element involves crafting with a live rooster.
As you explore the surface, you accumulate experience that unlocks Skill Trees. These allow you to tailor your character to your preferred playstyle, enhancing combat prowess, mobility, or stealth. The progression feels meaningful, with each upgrade offering tangible benefits.
The default character design options are basic, but premium currency unlocks more appealing textures and outfits. While I chose a deliberately drab and somber appearance for my character, my multiplayer partner sported a stylish, ZZ Top-inspired look that I couldn't help but envy.
ARC Raiders previews well, thanks to its conservative yet familiar design. It may not challenge the conventions of its predecessors, but it delivers a well-tuned gameplay loop: venture to the surface to loot and battle, return underground to enhance your abilities, and repeat the cycle with increased strength. There are certainly worse ways to spend an afternoon.
