ARC Raiders Is the Most ‘It’s Fine’ Game We’ve Played in a While

ARC Raiders is a quintessential extraction shooter that embraces its genre with unabashed familiarity. If you're a fan of games where you scavenge for resources while dodging PvE threats and outsmarting PvP opponents, ARC Raiders will feel right at home in your gaming library. However, if you're looking for something new and innovative, you might find it lacking in originality.

The game pays homage to its predecessors with a default melee weapon that's strikingly similar to the pickaxe wielded by Fortnite's Battle Bus jumpers. This nod to other popular titles is just the beginning. ARC Raiders borrows heavily from Battle Royale, survival, and extraction games, assembling these elements into a cohesive and satisfying experience. While it may not break new ground, the game's mechanics are well-integrated and deliver a predictable yet enjoyable gameplay loop.

ARC Raiders - Gamescom 2024 Screenshots

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In each round, your mission is straightforward: venture to the surface, gather superior loot, and return underground safely. You'll face two main adversaries: the ARC, AI-controlled battle robots, and other human raiders. The ARC robots roam the map, seeking out any signs of organic life. From small, menacing spider-like bots to larger, more formidable crawlers, these robots pose a significant threat, especially when encountered in groups. Defeating them can yield valuable rewards such as ammo and weapon components.

The human element introduces another layer of danger. As Casablanca aptly puts it, "this place is full of vultures, vultures everywhere." Other players are constantly on the lookout for an easy target, making it often more efficient to ambush someone carrying valuable loot than to scavenge for resources yourself. Keeping your wits about you is crucial in this cutthroat environment.

Combat in ARC Raiders is solid and satisfying. The third-person controls are familiar and responsive, with bullets behaving as expected based on the weapon you're using. Melee attacks are impactful, and the different firearm categories—from agile SMGs to heavy-hitting sniper rifles—feel distinct and true to their real-world counterparts.

Playing in teams of three adds strategic depth to the game. Coordinating with teammates allows for more systematic searches and better coverage, enhancing the tactical aspect of firefights. Cleverly designed maps guide players to resource-rich areas, creating hotspots for both loot and potential ambushes.

The game's environments are functional but lack a distinctive flair, reminiscent of other post-apocalyptic shooters. While the setting may not be particularly engaging or immersive, the gameplay itself remains compelling. ARC Raiders is like a well-cooked meatloaf—perhaps not visually appealing, but satisfying and enjoyable nonetheless.

Every corner of the game world offers potential riches: crafting components, ammunition, shields, healing items, and weapons. Ammunition is thoughtfully categorized, encouraging constant scavenging and crafting. Rarity levels for materials are clearly indicated by color, and a special inventory slot ensures you can keep one rare item safe even if you die.

Some containers require time to open and generate noise, adding tension to the scavenging process. This mechanic is particularly nerve-wracking when playing solo, as you're vulnerable to both robots and other players while fumbling with a noisy door.

Between rounds, you retreat underground to convert your loot into better gear using various crafting tables. You can also sell materials for cash or buy pre-made items from in-game stores. A curious aspect of the crafting system involves a live rooster, though its purpose remains a mystery to me.

As you explore the surface, you earn experience points that unlock Skill Trees. These allow you to tailor your character to your preferred playstyle, enhancing combat, mobility, or stealth. The progression feels rewarding, with each choice clearly impacting your gameplay experience.

Character customization starts off basic but improves with the use of premium currency, unlocking better textures and outfits. While I chose to make my character look as grim as possible with default options, my partner's character exuded a cool, ZZ Top-inspired vibe that I couldn't help but envy.

Overall, ARC Raiders previews well thanks to its familiar design. It doesn't push boundaries, but it doesn't need to. The gameplay loop of looting, killing, and improving your character is well-tuned and engaging. If you enjoy extraction shooters, ARC Raiders offers a solid, satisfying experience that's worth spending an afternoon with.