"ARC Raiders: A Satisfactory Gaming Experience"

If you're a fan of extraction shooters, ARC Raiders might feel like déjà vu in the best way possible. It's the quintessential extraction shooter, drawing heavily from its predecessors to create an experience that feels both familiar and satisfying. If you relish the thrill of scavenging for resources while dodging PvE threats and outsmarting PvP opponents, ARC Raiders will likely be right up your alley. However, if you're seeking something groundbreaking, you might not find it here.

The game's homage to its inspirations is evident right from the start, with the hero's default melee weapon being a pickaxe—a nod to the iconic tool wielded by Fortnite's Battle Bus heroes. This is just one of many elements that make ARC Raiders instantly recognizable to fans of battle royale, survival, and extraction games. While originality is scarce, the game's mechanics, borrowed from successful live service titles, mesh together seamlessly to deliver a gratifying gameplay experience.

ARC Raiders - Gamescom 2024 Screenshots

View 5 Images

Each round in ARC Raiders follows a straightforward objective: venture to the surface, gather better loot, and return underground alive. Two primary threats stand in your way. The first are the ARC, AI-controlled battle robots that roam the map, relentlessly hunting for organic life. These robots, ranging from small, menacing spiders to formidable large crawlers, pose a significant danger, especially in groups. Defeating them, however, can yield valuable rewards like ammo and weapon components.

The second and more lethal threat comes from other players. As you navigate the game world, you must constantly watch your back, as fellow raiders may be lurking, ready to ambush you for your hard-earned loot. The game's design encourages strategic play, whether it's attacking unsuspecting players or setting up ambushes near extraction points.

Combat in ARC Raiders is solid and satisfying. The third-person controls are familiar and responsive, with weapons behaving as expected. SMGs are lively and challenging to control, assault rifles offer stability and heft, and sniper rifles pack a powerful punch. Engaging in team play with squads of three adds strategic depth, allowing for coordinated efforts in searching, covering, and executing tactical maneuvers.

Arc Raiders - Screenshots and GIFs

View 11 Images

The game's environments, while functional, lean heavily on common post-apocalyptic tropes like rusty warehouses and abandoned buildings. They're serviceable but lack a distinct personality, feeling like a gritty overlay on a familiar Fortnite-esque map. The focus here isn't on immersive storytelling but on the core gameplay loop of scavenging, combat, and survival.

Every nook and cranny in ARC Raiders holds potential treasures, from crafting materials and ammunition to shields and healing items. The game's inventory system includes a special pocket for safeguarding rare finds, ensuring you can bring back your most valuable loot even if you don't make it back alive. Opening certain containers generates noise, adding tension and vulnerability, especially when playing solo.

Between rounds, players head underground to convert their loot into better gear using crafting tables. You can also sell items for in-game currency to purchase ready-made equipment. A quirky element involves crafting with a live rooster, though its purpose remains a mystery.

As you explore the surface, you earn experience that unlocks Skill Trees, allowing you to tailor your character's abilities to your preferred playstyle, whether focusing on combat, mobility, or stealth. While default character designs are basic, premium currency unlocks more appealing options.

ARC Raiders may not break new ground, but its conservative design makes it instantly approachable and enjoyable. The core loop of looting, surviving, and upgrading is well-tuned, offering a satisfying experience that can easily fill an afternoon. If you're looking for a straightforward, engaging extraction shooter, ARC Raiders delivers without any surprises.