ARC Raiders: A Satisfactory Gaming Experience

ARC Raiders stands out as the quintessential extraction shooter, embodying the genre's core elements in a way that feels both familiar and comfortably predictable. If you're a fan of games where the thrill comes from scavenging resources while evading PvE threats and engaging in PvP combat, ARC Raiders is likely to be right up your alley. However, if you're seeking something novel, this game might not offer the innovation you're looking for.

The game's homage to its predecessors is evident right from the start, with the hero's default melee weapon being a pickaxe—a nod to the iconic tools used by Fortnite's Battle Bus heroes. For fans of battle royale, survival crafting, or extraction games, ARC Raiders will feel instantly recognizable. While it doesn't break new ground, it seamlessly integrates elements from other successful live service games into a cohesive and enjoyable experience.

ARC Raiders - Gamescom 2024 Screenshots

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Each round in ARC Raiders revolves around a straightforward objective: venture to the surface, gather better loot, and return underground alive. Two primary threats stand between you and your goal. First, the ARC—AI-controlled battle robots that patrol the map, hunting for any signs of organic life. These aren't just any robots; even the smallest can be lethal, particularly in groups. For arachnophobes, the spider-like scurriers can be particularly unnerving, while the larger crawlers are formidable adversaries. The ARC actively listen for any sounds of activity and quickly converge on any human presence.

The second, and often more dangerous, threat comes from other players. In the world of ARC Raiders, as in Casablanca, "this place is full of vultures, vultures everywhere." It's often more strategic to ambush a well-equipped player than to spend time meticulously searching warehouses or lying in wait at extraction points. Remember, every other raider is likely plotting to do the same to you.

Combat in ARC Raiders is satisfyingly competent. The third-person controls are standard for modern shooters, ensuring a smooth and predictable experience. Firearms behave as expected: SMGs are nimble yet challenging to control, assault rifles provide a steady and heavy feel, and sniper rifles deliver powerful shots.

Playing in teams of three adds strategic depth to the gameplay. Coordinating with your squad allows for more systematic searches and better coverage, turning firefights into tactical engagements. Whether it's directing movements, listening for enemy sounds, or securing a room, teamwork elevates the tension and excitement in each building you explore.

The game's maps are cleverly designed to draw players toward the most lucrative areas. These hotspots are clearly marked, attracting raiders eager to loot or those waiting to ambush others as they leave with their spoils.

The environments in ARC Raiders are functional, featuring the typical post-apocalyptic settings of rusty warehouses, abandoned buildings, and overgrown lots. While they might not captivate with their aesthetics, they serve their purpose well. The game's focus isn't on intricate lore but on delivering a solid gameplay experience—think of it as a tasty meatloaf that might lack in presentation but certainly delivers on flavor.

Every drawer and cabinet holds potential treasures: crafting components, ammunition, shields, healing items, and weapons. Ammunition is thoughtfully categorized into light, medium, heavy, and shotgun types, keeping you engaged in the constant cycle of scavenging and crafting. Materials are color-coded for rarity, with certain colors unlocking the creation of more advanced items. A special inventory slot ensures that your rarest find remains safe even if you perish.

Some containers require time to open and generate noise, adding an extra layer of tension to the game. This mechanic is particularly nerve-wracking when playing solo, as you remain vulnerable with your camera locked forward, unaware of who or what might be approaching.

Between rounds, you retreat underground to convert your loot into better gear through an escalating series of crafting tables. You can also sell materials for cash or buy ready-made items from in-game stores. There's even an intriguing element involving a live rooster, though its purpose remained a mystery to me.

As you explore the surface world, you earn experience that unlocks a series of Skill Trees. These allow you to tailor your avatar to your preferred playstyle, enhancing combat prowess, mobility, or stealth. Each ability is clearly described and impactful, ensuring a sense of progression with every choice.

Character customization starts off basic but improves with premium currency, offering better textures and outfits. I chose to make my character appear as bleak and sad as possible using default options, while my multiplayer partner embraced a stylish ZZ Top Man With No Name look, sparking a bit of envy.

ARC Raiders previews well due to its conservative design, making it instantly familiar to fans of the genre. While it doesn't reinvent the wheel, it doesn't need to. The game's loop—venture to the surface to loot and battle, return underground to enhance your abilities, and repeat—is well-tuned and engaging. There are certainly worse ways to spend an afternoon.