ARC Raiders: A Mediocre Gaming Experience

ARC Raiders is an extraction shooter that feels incredibly familiar, almost to the point of being a caricature of the genre. If you're a fan of scavenging amidst PvE threats and PvP encounters, ARC Raiders will likely strike a chord. However, if you're seeking something new and innovative, you might not find it here.

The game pays homage to its predecessors with such fervor that the hero's default melee weapon is a pickaxe, reminiscent of those wielded by Fortnite's Battle Bus heroes. This tribute is just one of many nods to popular battle royale, survival, and extraction games, making ARC Raiders instantly recognizable to seasoned players. While originality is scarce, the game successfully amalgamates elements from other successful live service titles into a cohesive and enjoyable experience.

ARC Raiders - Gamescom 2024 Screenshots

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In each round, the objective is straightforward: venture to the surface, gather superior loot, and return underground safely. Two primary threats stand in your way. The first are the ARC, AI-controlled battle robots that scour the map for any signs of life. These bots, ranging from small, spider-like scurriers to large, formidable crawlers, are deceptively dangerous, especially in groups. They react to sounds of movement and combat, swarming any detected humans. Defeating them can yield valuable rewards like ammo and weapon components.

The second and perhaps more lethal threat comes from other players. As the saying goes, "this place is full of vultures," and it's often more efficient to ambush a well-equipped player than to spend time scavenging. Always be on guard, as every other raider is likely plotting to do the same to you.

Combat in ARC Raiders is satisfying, with third-person controls that feel familiar and responsive. Firearms behave as expected: SMGs are quick and hard to control, assault rifles provide stability, and sniper rifles pack a punch. Melee attacks are also powerful, adding another layer to the combat dynamics.

Playing in teams of three enhances the strategic depth of battles. Coordinating with your squad allows for more systematic searches and coverage, leading to tactical firefights where flanking and ambushes become key. Communication and vigilance are crucial, as tension mounts in every building you explore.

The game's maps are cleverly designed, with clear markers for the most lucrative resource hubs. These areas attract players looking to loot or lie in wait to steal from others as they attempt to escape with their spoils.

The environments, while functional, consist of typical post-apocalyptic settings like rusty warehouses and abandoned buildings. They lack the charm to immerse you in the lore, but the focus here is clearly on gameplay rather than narrative. ARC Raiders may not be visually spectacular, but it offers a solid, enjoyable experience.

Scavenging is a core component, with every drawer and cabinet potentially holding valuable resources such as crafting components, ammunition, shields, healing items, and weapons. Ammunition types are well-segmented, encouraging players to craft and scavenge effectively. Materials are categorized by rarity, with higher tiers enabling the creation of better gear. A special inventory slot allows you to safeguard one rare item even upon death, ensuring you can bring home your most valuable finds.

Opening certain containers can be nerve-wracking, as they take time and generate noise, attracting unwanted attention from both robots and players. This mechanic adds a thrilling layer of vulnerability, especially when playing solo.

Between rounds, players retreat underground to upgrade their gear using crafting tables. You can also convert materials into cash to buy items from in-game stores. There's even a curious element involving a live rooster, though its purpose remained a mystery to me.

As you explore and survive on the surface, you earn experience that unlocks Skill Trees. These allow you to tailor your character's abilities to your preferred playstyle, enhancing combat, mobility, or stealth. Each upgrade feels like meaningful progress.

Character customization starts off basic but improves with premium currency, unlocking better textures and outfits. I opted for a deliberately bleak look, while my partner embraced a stylish "ZZ Top Man With No Name" aesthetic.

Overall, ARC Raiders previews well due to its familiar design. While it doesn't reinvent the wheel, it offers a well-tuned loop of looting, combat, and upgrading that can make for a satisfying gaming session.