"ARC Raiders: A Satisfactory Gaming Experience"

If you're a fan of extraction shooters, ARC Raiders will feel like a familiar, yet exhilarating ride. It's the quintessential extraction shooter, unapologetically drawing inspiration from its predecessors. For those who enjoy scavenging for valuable resources while dodging both PvE enemies and PvP players, ARC Raiders offers a thrilling experience. However, if this genre doesn't excite you, there's little here that's groundbreaking enough to change your mind.

The game's homage to its roots is evident right from the start, with the hero's default melee weapon being a pickaxe—reminiscent of the iconic tool wielded by Fortnite's Battle Bus heroes. This nod is just the beginning; ARC Raiders feels instantly familiar to fans of Battle Royale, survival, and other extraction games. While originality might be lacking, the game's mechanics, borrowed from successful live service titles, mesh seamlessly to create a satisfying gameplay loop.

ARC Raiders - Gamescom 2024 Screenshots

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In each round, your objective is straightforward: venture to the surface, gather better loot, and return underground alive. Two main threats stand in your way. The first are the ARC, AI-controlled battle robots patrolling the map in search of organic life. These robots, even the smallest ones, can be surprisingly lethal, especially in groups. The spider-like scurriers can be particularly unsettling for those with arachnophobia, while the larger crawlers are formidable foes. The ARC are drawn to the sounds of search and combat, quickly swarming any detected humans. Defeating them, however, can yield valuable rewards such as ammo and weapon components.

The second, and often more dangerous, threat comes from other players—your fellow raiders. As the saying goes, "this place is full of vultures," and it's often more efficient to ambush a well-equipped player than to spend time scavenging. This player-versus-player dynamic adds a layer of tension and strategy, requiring constant vigilance.

Combat in ARC Raiders is satisfying and intuitive. Your third-person avatar moves and controls like those in other modern shooters, with predictable and responsive mechanics. Bullets go where intended, and melee attacks pack a punch. Firearms feel authentic, with SMGs being hard to control, assault rifles offering stability, and sniper rifles delivering powerful shots.

Playing in teams of three enhances the gameplay, allowing for coordinated searches and strategic firefights. Teams can execute flanking maneuvers and ambushes, adding depth to the combat. The maps are cleverly designed, with the richest resource areas attracting players and creating hotspots for both loot and conflict.

The environments, while functional, are typical of post-apocalyptic settings—rusty warehouses, abandoned buildings, and overgrown lots. They lack the charm to immerse players in the lore, but the focus here is clearly on gameplay rather than storytelling. ARC Raiders might not win any awards for visual flair, but it offers a solid, enjoyable experience akin to a no-frills, yet tasty meatloaf.

Every drawer and cabinet you encounter can hold valuable resources like crafting components, ammunition, shields, and weapons. Ammunition types are segmented to keep you engaged in scavenging and crafting, with options for light, medium, heavy, and shotgun ammo. Materials follow a familiar rarity system, with colors indicating their value and potential uses. A special inventory slot allows you to keep one rare item safe even upon death, ensuring you can bring home your most valuable finds.

Some containers require time to open and make noise, adding tension to the scavenging process. This mechanic is particularly nerve-wracking when playing solo, as you're vulnerable while your camera is fixed forward, unaware of any approaching threats.

Between rounds, you retreat underground to convert your loot into better gear through various crafting tables. You can also sell materials for cash and buy pre-crafted items at in-game stores. There's even an intriguing, albeit mysterious, crafting element involving a live rooster.

As you explore the surface, you earn experience points that unlock a series of Skill Trees. These allow you to tailor your avatar to your preferred playstyle, enhancing combat, mobility, or stealth. The progression feels meaningful, with each upgrade offering tangible benefits.

Character customization starts off basic, but premium currency unlocks better textures and outfits. While default options might leave your character looking bleak, the more advanced options can add a stylish flair to your avatar.

ARC Raiders previews well due to its familiar design, offering a well-tuned gameplay loop. The cycle of looting, fighting, and improving your gear is engaging and rewarding. While it doesn't push boundaries, ARC Raiders delivers a solid experience that fans of the genre will appreciate.