ARC Raiders stands out as the quintessential extraction shooter, embodying the genre with such familiarity that it's almost a caricature of its predecessors. If you're a fan of scavenging for resources while dodging both PvE threats and PvP adversaries, ARC Raiders is likely to resonate with you. Conversely, if this formula doesn't excite you, there's little novelty to draw you in.
This game pays homage to its roots with an unmistakable nod: the hero's default melee weapon is a pickaxe, echoing the iconic tool of Fortnite's Battle Bus survivors. For players accustomed to battle royale, survival crafting, or extraction games, ARC Raiders will feel instantly familiar. While originality is sparse, the game effectively combines elements from successful live service titles, creating a satisfying experience.
ARC Raiders - Gamescom 2024 Screenshots
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Each round in ARC Raiders presents a straightforward challenge: venture to the surface, gather superior loot, and return underground alive. Two primary threats obstruct this mission. The first are the ARC, AI-controlled battle robots patrolling the map for any signs of life. These robots, ranging from small spider-like units to larger, formidable crawlers, pose a significant danger, especially in groups. Confronting an ARC can be rewarding, as they often drop valuable ammo and weapon components.
The second, and often more perilous, threat comes from other players. In ARC Raiders, keeping your guard up is essential, as fellow raiders are always ready to ambush and steal your hard-earned loot. Whether you're looting a warehouse or approaching an extraction point, the risk of being targeted by another player is ever-present.
Combat in ARC Raiders is solid and satisfying. The third-person controls are standard for modern shooters, with predictable and reliable mechanics. Firearms behave as expected, with SMGs being hard to control, assault rifles offering stability, and sniper rifles delivering powerful shots. Melee attacks are impactful, adding another layer to the combat experience.
Playing in teams of three enhances the strategic depth of the game. Coordinating with teammates allows for more systematic searches and effective coverage, leading to tactical firefights where squads can employ flanking and ambushing tactics. The tension within buildings is palpable, as teams must cover all angles and communicate effectively.
The game's maps are cleverly designed, with clearly marked resource hubs that attract players seeking the best loot. These areas become hotspots for both scavenging and potential ambushes, adding to the game's dynamic environment.
The settings in ARC Raiders are functional but unremarkable, featuring typical post-apocalyptic locales like rusty warehouses and abandoned buildings. While the world lacks depth and lore, the focus remains on the gameplay loop, which is engaging and rewarding.
Every drawer and cabinet in the game 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 and craft. 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 upon death.
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 layer of vulnerability, especially when playing solo.
Between rounds, players retreat underground to convert their loot into better gear through crafting tables. You can also sell materials for cash or buy pre-crafted items from in-game stores. An intriguing but unexplained feature involves crafting with a live rooster.
As you explore the surface, you earn experience that unlocks Skill Trees, allowing you to tailor your character to your preferred playstyle. Whether enhancing combat, mobility, or stealth, each upgrade feels meaningful and impactful.
Character customization starts basic but improves with premium currency, offering better textures and outfits. While default options may seem lackluster, the potential for personalization adds a fun element to the game.
Overall, ARC Raiders previews well due to its familiar design. It doesn't reinvent the wheel but offers a well-tuned gameplay loop that's enjoyable: loot and fight on the surface, enhance your abilities underground, and return stronger for better gear. It's a solid way to spend an afternoon for fans of the genre.
