Arc Raiders is a highly anticipated third-person extraction shooter from Embark Studios, known for their work on The Finals. The game blends PvPvE gameplay, where players—known as Raiders—scavenge a post-apocalyptic Earth for loot while battling both deadly ARC machines and rival human squads. With robust progression systems and Unreal Engine 5 visuals, Arc Raiders has already garnered attention for its polished design, strategic depth, and its ability to attract both hardcore fans and newcomers to the genre.
A public Tech Test ran from April 30 to May 4, offering players across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S a chance to explore the combat, new gear, and expanded world design.
The Extraction Shooter Reinvented
From The Finals to Arc Raiders
Arc Raiders is the sophomore project from Embark Studios, following their successful debut with The Finals. While The Finals was all about dynamic team-based FPS combat, Arc Raiders shifts to a third-person perspective, integrating PvP and PvE elements into a high-stakes extraction loop. The game introduces heavy recoil and a lack of ADS (Aim Down Sights) mechanics, promoting skillful weapon control.
Genre Context and Innovations
Extraction shooters like Hunt: Showdown and Escape From Tarkov have built passionate communities but can be intimidating for new players. Arc Raiders stands out with:
- Streamlined mechanics
- Third-person peeking for tactical advantages
- NPC robot enemies (ARCs) that add dynamic challenges, which can be manipulated using gadgets like lure grenades.
Gameplay Mechanics
PvPvE Loop
Each 30-minute raid in Arc Raiders begins with players selecting their loadouts at their underground hub, Speranza. They then venture out into a variety of locations such as:
- The Dam
- The Spaceport
- The Buried City
While scavenging for scrap and mission-specific items, players face off against:
- ARC machines like agile Wasp drones and hulking Bastions
- Rival human Raiders who are after the same resources.
Combat and Extraction
- Engage in third-person combat, utilizing cover mechanics
- Use rechargeable shields and consumables (bandages, shield packs) to extend combat encounters
- High-value loot is stored in backpacks, which can be dropped or stashed mid-raid, adding tension to every decision.
- Players weigh the risk vs. reward as they make their way toward extraction.
World and Progression
Post-Apocalyptic Setting
The game is set in a future Earth devastated by mysterious ARC machines. Humanity has retreated into underground settlements, with Raider squads sent to the surface to scavenge for vital resources. The Speranza base serves as the hub for players, where they can:
- Accept missions
- Trade items
- Upgrade workshops.
Customization and Crafting
Loot collected during missions is used to:
- Upgrade workshops with new benches
- Craft weapons and gear
- Purchase materials from traders.
The game offers a deep skill tree divided into three branches:
- Conditioning
- Survival
- Mobility
Players can customize their builds to suit various playstyles, including:
- Aggressive combat
- Resource efficiency
- Evasive tactics
Early Impressions
Hands-on previews have been largely positive:
- Game Informer praised the game for its world-building and art direction, highlighting its marvelously rendered environments and thrilling combat.
- PC Gamer was impressed by its polish, noting that it felt more refined than other upcoming shooters like Marathon.
- Radio Times shared that over 14,000 players signed up for the Tech Test 2, indicating strong community interest.
Tech Test and Future Outlook
From April 30 to May 4, Embark Studios conducted Tech Test 2 across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. The goal was to collect feedback on:
- Progression systems
- Cross-platform performance
- Expanded enemy variety
Executive Producer Aleksander Grøndal emphasized that the improvements were made based on community feedback, indicating the studio’s commitment to player input. A full release is scheduled for 2025, with the game launching on Steam, Epic Games Store, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S at an estimated price of $39.99.
Conclusion
Arc Raiders emerges as a strong contender in the extraction shooter genre. Its combination of polished PvPvE gameplay, strategic depth, and accessible mechanics makes it a game that both veterans and newcomers to the genre can enjoy. With the upcoming full launch and ongoing improvements based on community feedback, Arc Raiders has the potential to define the future of the extraction shooter space.