ARC Raiders stands out as a quintessentially archetypal extraction shooter, embodying the genre's core elements with such familiarity that it borders on the comical. For fans of extraction shooters, this is a reassuring trait: if you relish the thrill of scavenging resources while evading PvE enemies and outsmarting PvP opponents, ARC Raiders is likely to captivate you. Conversely, if the genre doesn't appeal to you, there's little here to change your mind.
The game proudly wears its influences on its sleeve, with the protagonist's default melee weapon being a pickaxe—a direct nod to Fortnite's iconic tool. This homage is just the beginning; ARC Raiders feels immediately recognizable to fans of battle royale, survival, and extraction games. While originality may be scarce, the game effectively combines elements from other successful live service titles, resulting in a satisfying experience.
ARC Raiders - Gamescom 2024 Screenshots
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The objective of each round is straightforward: venture to the surface, gather superior loot, and safely return underground. Two primary threats stand in your way. The first are the ARC, AI-controlled battle robots that patrol the map, seeking any signs of organic life. These robots are formidable, with even the smallest units posing a significant danger, especially in groups. For those with arachnophobia, the spider-like scurriers can be particularly unsettling, while the larger crawlers are outright menacing. ARC units are attracted to the sounds of scavenging or combat, quickly converging on any detected humans.
The second, and often more lethal, threat comes from other players. In ARC Raiders, staying vigilant is crucial, as the game environment is teeming with opportunistic raiders. It's often more efficient to ambush a well-equipped player than to painstakingly search for loot or lie in wait near extraction points to intercept others. Remember, every other raider is likely plotting the same against you.
Combat in ARC Raiders is competently executed, offering a satisfying experience. The third-person controls are intuitive and consistent with modern shooters, with bullets landing predictably based on your weapon's characteristics. Melee attacks pack a punch, while firearms feel appropriately differentiated: SMGs are agile yet challenging to control, assault rifles offer stability and heft, and sniper rifles deliver powerful shots.
Playing in teams of three adds strategic depth, allowing for more systematic search and cover tactics. Team-based firefights encourage coordinated strategies, such as flanking maneuvers and ambushes, enhancing the tension within buildings as you cover all possible entry points and listen for enemy movements.
The game's maps are cleverly designed, with clearly marked high-value resource areas that attract players seeking loot. These zones also become hotspots for ambushes, as raiders lie in wait to plunder the spoils of others.
The environments, while functional, consist of typical post-apocalyptic settings like rusty warehouses and abandoned buildings. They lack a distinctive flair, feeling somewhat like a gritty version of Fortnite's world. The focus here isn't on immersive lore but on engaging gameplay.
Every drawer and cabinet holds potential treasures: crafting components, ammunition, shields, healing items, and weapons. Ammunition is thoughtfully categorized, keeping players engaged in scavenging and crafting. You'll encounter light, medium, heavy, and shotgun ammo, which can be found, crafted, or purchased. Materials are color-coded for rarity, enabling the creation of more advanced items. A special inventory slot ensures you can keep one unique item safe, even upon death, allowing you to secure your rarest finds.
Some containers require time to open and generate noise, adding thrilling tension, particularly when playing solo. The vulnerability of being locked forward while making noise can lead to tense encounters with passing robots or players.
Between rounds, you retreat underground to transform your loot into increasingly sophisticated gear using crafting tables. You can also sell materials for cash and buy pre-made items from in-game stores. One peculiar aspect involves crafting with a live rooster, which remains a mystery to me.
As you explore the surface, you earn experience points that unlock Skill Trees. These allow you to tailor your avatar to your preferred playstyle, enhancing combat, mobility, or stealth. Each upgrade feels meaningful and progressive.
Character customization with default options is basic, but premium currency unlocks better textures and outfits. I chose a bleak and sad look for my character using only default options, while my multiplayer partner achieved a cool ZZ Top Man With No Name aesthetic, making me a bit envious.
ARC Raiders previews well due to its familiar design, which doesn't challenge the established norms but instead delivers a reliable and enjoyable experience. The game's loop of looting on the surface, improving underground, and returning stronger is well-tuned and engaging. There are certainly worse ways to spend an afternoon.
