ARC Raiders epitomizes the essence of extraction shooters with its unabashed homage to the genre's established norms. If you're a fan of scavenging for resources while dodging PvE enemies and outsmarting PvP players, ARC Raiders will feel like a familiar yet engaging playground. However, if these mechanics don't excite you, there's little novelty here to change your mind.
The game's nod to its predecessors is evident in the hero's default melee weapon—a pickaxe, reminiscent of Fortnite's Battle Bus drop-ins. This homage, while charming, is just the beginning of how ARC Raiders resonates with fans of Battle Royale, survival, and extraction games. The game's mechanics, though not original, are well-integrated, offering a satisfying experience.
ARC Raiders - Gamescom 2024 Screenshots
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The core objective in each round 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 robots designed to eradicate organic life. These range from small, menacing spider-like bots to larger, formidable crawlers. The ARC's presence is marked by their relentless pursuit, making every encounter tense and unpredictable.
The second, and often more perilous, threat comes from other players. In ARC Raiders, trust is a luxury you can't afford. As Humphrey Bogart's character in Casablanca might warn, "this place is full of vultures, vultures everywhere." Ambushing a distracted player can be more rewarding than scavenging, making every interaction fraught with potential danger.
Combat in ARC Raiders is satisfying and familiar. The third-person controls are intuitive, with firearms and melee attacks feeling appropriately weighted. SMGs offer a lively recoil, assault rifles provide stability, and sniper rifles deliver impactful shots, enhancing the overall combat experience.
Playing in teams of three adds strategic depth. Coordinating with teammates for systematic searches and covering each other's flanks can turn firefights into tactical engagements. The game's maps are cleverly designed, with high-value areas attracting players seeking loot, creating hotspots for intense confrontations.
Arc Raiders - Screenshots and GIFs
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The environments, while functional, don't stand out. They feature the typical post-apocalyptic setting with rusty warehouses and abandoned buildings, feeling like a gritty overlay on a Fortnite map. This lack of uniqueness in the setting detracts from any potential lore engagement, but the core gameplay remains compelling.
Every drawer and cabinet holds potential treasures—crafting materials, ammo, shields, healing items, and weapons. The game's inventory system includes a special pocket for safeguarding a single rare item, even upon death, ensuring that your most valuable finds make it back to your base.
Some containers require time and noise to open, adding a thrilling layer of vulnerability, especially when playing solo. The tension is palpable as you risk discovery by both robots and other players while attempting to access these resources.
Between rounds, you retreat underground to transform your loot into better gear at various crafting stations. You can also sell items for in-game currency or buy ready-made equipment. An intriguing but unexplained element involves crafting with a live rooster.
As you progress, you earn experience points that unlock Skill Trees, allowing you to tailor your character's abilities to your preferred playstyle. The options are clear and beneficial, making each advancement feel rewarding.
Character customization starts basic but improves with premium currency, offering better textures and outfits. While default options are limited, the ability to personalize your avatar adds a fun element to the game.
ARC Raiders may not reinvent the wheel, but its familiar mechanics are well-executed, providing a solid loop of looting, combat, and progression. For fans of the genre, this game offers a reliable and enjoyable experience, perfect for an afternoon of gaming.
