ARC Raiders is a quintessential extraction shooter, embodying the genre’s core with relentless intensity. It’s strikingly familiar, echoing its predecessors so closely they’re nearly interchangeable. For fans of scavenging loot while dodging AI enemies and outsmarting rival players, ARC Raiders is a safe bet. If the genre doesn’t appeal, it offers little to change your mind.

This game wears its influences proudly, right down to the hero’s default pickaxe, a nod to Fortnite’s iconic melee tool. The homage runs deep, instantly recognizable to fans of Battle Royale, survival crafting, or extraction shooters. Originality is sparse, but the familiar elements are assembled with precision, delivering a reliably engaging experience.

ARC Raiders - Gamescom 2024 Screenshots

Each round’s objective is straightforward: land on the surface, gather loot, and return underground alive with better gear. Two threats complicate this. First, the ARC—AI-driven combat robots patrolling the map, hunting for signs of life. Even the smallest bots pose a serious challenge, especially in packs. The spider-like drones are particularly unnerving for arachnophobes, while larger crawlers are relentless. These robots react to noise from searches or fights, swarming any detected players.

ARC robots grow deadlier in groups, with cleverly placed clusters combining complementary abilities, often lurking indoors where players can stumble into them. Overconfidence around ARC led to my downfall multiple times—one massive bot spun its legs like a helicopter, a terrifying sight. Defeating them yields valuable rewards like ammo and weapon parts.

Arc Raiders - Screenshots and GIFs

The second, deadlier threat is other players. In ARC Raiders, vigilance is key—rival raiders are everywhere, ready to ambush. It’s often easier to target a distracted, loot-heavy player than to spend time scavenging warehouses or to lurk near extraction points for an easy kill. But every raider has the same idea, making trust a rare commodity.

Combat feels polished and satisfying. Your third-person character handles smoothly, with controls that align with modern shooters. Weapons behave as expected: SMGs are lively but hard to tame, assault rifles are steady, and sniper rifles hit with devastating force. Melee attacks pack a punch, adding to the tactile fun.

Teaming up in groups of three adds strategic depth. Squads can cover more ground, coordinate ambushes, or flank enemies, turning firefights into tense, tactical battles. Communication is crucial, whether spotting enemies or guarding entry points, making every building a potential hotspot.

Map design is clever, funneling players toward resource-rich hubs that spark intense competition. Looters swarm these areas, while others lurk nearby to steal hard-earned rewards. The environments—rusted warehouses, abandoned apartments, overgrown lots—feel standard for post-apocalyptic shooters, borrowing heavily from Fortnite and Day Z. The world lacks flair, making the lore forgettable, but the gameplay loop is the real draw.

Every container holds potential riches: crafting materials, ammo, shields, healing items, or weapons. Ammo types—light, medium, heavy, shotgun—keep scavenging urgent. Rarity tiers, color-coded as expected, unlock better gear. A special inventory slot ensures one prized item survives death, securing your best finds.

Some containers take time to open, generating noise that attracts trouble. This mechanic heightens tension, especially solo, as you’re locked in place, exposed to passing robots or players. The sound of a creaking door while you’re defenseless is nerve-wracking.

Between rounds, you retreat underground to craft gear from your haul. Convert loot into better equipment at crafting stations, sell items for cash, or buy ready-made gear. A quirky live rooster ties into crafting somehow—its purpose remains a mystery.

Exploration earns experience, unlocking Skill Trees that tailor your character to your style—boosting combat, mobility, or stealth. Each upgrade feels impactful, with clear labels guiding your choices.

Default character designs are basic, but premium currency unlocks better textures and outfits. My character looked grim by choice, while my teammate rocked a rugged, stylish vibe—I was jealous.

ARC Raiders shines in its familiarity, offering a polished, predictable loop: loot, fight, upgrade, repeat. It doesn’t reinvent the genre, but it nails the essentials, making it a solid choice for extraction shooter fans.