"ARC Raiders: A Satisfactory Gaming Experience"

ARC Raiders is a quintessential extraction shooter, embodying the genre with such fervor that it feels like the ultimate extraction experience. If you're familiar with games that involve scavenging for resources while dodging PvE threats and competing against PvP opponents, ARC Raiders will feel like a comfortable, albeit predictable, addition to your gaming repertoire. For those who don't enjoy this style, there's little novelty to draw you in.

The game pays homage to its predecessors with a nod as clear as the hero's default melee weapon—a pickaxe, reminiscent of those wielded by Fortnite's Battle Bus jumpers. This tribute is just the beginning; ARC Raiders borrows heavily from Battle Royale, survival, and other live service games. While originality might be scarce, the familiar elements are assembled in a way that delivers a gratifying gameplay experience.

ARC Raiders - Gamescom 2024 Screenshots

View 5 Images

The objective each round is straightforward: 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 patrol the map, hunting for any signs of life. These aren't just any foes; even the smallest bots can be lethal, especially in swarms. For those with arachnophobia, the spider-like scurriers are particularly unsettling, and the larger crawlers are formidable. The ARC are drawn to the sounds of battle and scavenging, ready to overwhelm any detected humans.

The second, and perhaps more perilous, threat comes from other players. In ARC Raiders, vigilance is key, as fellow raiders can be more dangerous than the AI. As the saying goes, "this place is full of vultures, vultures everywhere." It's often easier to ambush a distracted, well-equipped player than to spend time breaking into locked containers or waiting near extraction points to intercept others.

Combat in ARC Raiders is solid and satisfying. The third-person controls are standard for modern shooters, with no surprises. Bullets follow your aim reliably, depending on the weapon's characteristics, and melee attacks pack a punch. The feel of different firearms is spot-on: SMGs are lively and hard to control, assault rifles are steady and robust, while sniper rifles deliver powerful impacts.

Playing in teams of three adds a strategic layer to the gameplay. Coordinating with your squad allows for more systematic searching and covering, leading to tactical firefights where flanking and ambushes become key. Communication, sound cues, and securing vantage points all contribute to the tension within each building.

The game's maps are cleverly designed, drawing players to the most lucrative resource zones. These hotspots attract looters and those lying in wait to steal the spoils, creating a dynamic environment.

The settings in ARC Raiders are functional, featuring the typical post-apocalyptic scenery of rusty warehouses, abandoned apartments, and overgrown lots. While the world might lack the allure to pull you into its lore, the core gameplay remains engaging. Think of ARC Raiders as a hearty, no-frills meatloaf—perhaps not visually stunning, but satisfying nonetheless.

Every nook and cranny holds potential treasures: crafting materials, ammo, shields, healing items, and weapons. Ammunition types are segmented to keep you scavenging and crafting, with light, medium, heavy, and shotgun ammo available early on. Materials are categorized by rarity and color, enabling the creation of more valuable items. A special inventory slot ensures you can keep one rare item safe even upon death, allowing you to bring home your best finds.

Some containers require time to open and make noise, adding a thrilling element of risk. This mechanic is particularly intense when playing solo, as you're vulnerable and unaware of approaching enemies while you're busy.

Between rounds, you retreat underground to transform your loot into upgrades via crafting tables, which unlock increasingly sophisticated gear. You can also sell items for cash and buy ready-made equipment from in-game stores. There's even a mysterious element involving a live rooster, which I never fully understood.

As you explore the surface, you earn experience that unlocks Skill Trees. These allow you to tailor your character to your preferred playstyle, enhancing combat, mobility, or stealth. The various skills are well-labeled and impactful, making every choice feel meaningful.

Character customization starts basic but improves with premium currency, offering better textures and outfits. I chose to make my character look as grim as possible using default options, while my partner went for a stylish, ZZ Top-inspired look, making me a bit jealous.

ARC Raiders might not break new ground, but its familiar mechanics are well-executed and satisfying. The gameplay loop of looting, surviving, and improving your gear is engaging and enjoyable. There are certainly worse ways to spend an afternoon.