ARC Raiders: Thrilling Extraction Shooter Debuts at Gamescom 2024

ARC Raiders delivers a quintessential extraction shooter experience, brimming with familiar mechanics that echo its genre predecessors. It’s strikingly predictable yet undeniably engaging, blending elements so close to its inspirations they feel almost interchangeable. For fans of scavenging loot while dodging AI enemies and outsmarting rival players, ARC Raiders is a sure hit. If the genre isn’t your cup of tea, it offers little to change your mind.

This game wears its influences proudly, right down to the hero’s default pickaxe melee weapon—a nod to Fortnite’s iconic tool. The homage doesn’t stop there, as ARC Raiders feels instantly familiar to anyone versed in Battle Royale or survival extraction titles. While originality takes a backseat, the game’s polished assembly of proven mechanics delivers a reliably satisfying experience.

ARC Raiders - Gamescom 2024 Screenshots

Each round’s objective is straightforward: venture to the surface, gather loot, and return underground alive with better gear. Two obstacles complicate this mission. First, the ARC—AI-driven combat robots patrolling the map, hunting for any sign of life. Even the smallest bots pose a serious threat, particularly in groups. The spider-like drones are especially unnerving for arachnophobes, while larger crawlers are relentless. These robots roam, drawn to the sounds of exploration or combat, swarming any humans they detect.

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 more than once—one towering bot spun its legs like a helicopter, catching me off guard. Defeating an ARC, however, yields valuable rewards like ammo and weapon parts.

Arc Raiders - Screenshots and GIFs

The second, more lethal threat comes from rival raiders. In ARC Raiders, constant vigilance is key, as other players are as predatory as the robots. Ambushing a loot-heavy player or sniping at an extraction point often proves more efficient than scavenging. Naturally, every raider has the same idea, making trust a rare commodity.

Combat feels polished and rewarding. Your third-person character handles smoothly, with controls that align with modern shooter standards. Bullets land accurately based on your weapon’s traits, and melee attacks pack a punch. SMGs are lively but tough to tame, assault rifles feel solid, and sniper rifles hit with devastating force.

Teaming up in groups of three adds strategic depth, enabling coordinated searches and cover tactics. Team-based firefights spark clever maneuvers, with squads outflanking or ambushing opponents. Communication, from calling out directions to listening for enemy footsteps, heightens the tension in every encounter.

Map design is a standout, funneling players toward resource-rich hubs that promise big rewards but draw heavy competition. Ambushes often lurk between these hotspots and extraction points, where opportunistic raiders prey on successful scavengers.

The environments, while functional, lean heavily on post-apocalyptic clichés—rusted warehouses, abandoned apartments, and overgrown lots. They’re serviceable but lack flair, feeling like a gritty reskin of Fortnite’s aesthetic. The world doesn’t pull you into its story, but narrative isn’t the main draw here. ARC Raiders is straightforward, delivering solid gameplay over immersive lore.

Every container holds potential riches: crafting materials, ammo, shields, healing items, or weapons. Ammunition is varied—light, medium, heavy, and shotgun types—keeping scavenging urgent. Materials follow a familiar rarity system, with higher tiers unlocking better gear. A special inventory slot ensures one prized item survives even if you fall in battle.

Some containers require time and make noise when opened, adding thrilling tension, especially solo. Prying open a loud door locks your view forward, leaving you vulnerable to passing robots or players—a mechanic that keeps you on edge.

Between rounds, you retreat underground to craft gear from your loot. Converting resources at crafting tables unlocks better equipment, or you can sell items for cash to buy ready-made gear. A curious live rooster element in crafting remains a mystery, adding a quirky twist.

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

Default character designs are basic, but premium currency unlocks sharper textures and stylish outfits. My character looked intentionally grim, while my teammate rocked a bold, rugged look, showcasing the customization potential.

ARC Raiders shines in its familiarity, offering a polished, predictable loop: loot on the surface, upgrade underground, and repeat. It doesn’t reinvent the genre, but its tight mechanics make for an engaging experience that’s easy to dive into.