In a remarkable feat for a new release, Arc Raiders, the multiplayer extraction shooter from Swedish developer Embark Studios, has captivated the gaming world, selling a staggering 12 million copies in just three months since its October release. Its player count now rivals established titans like Counter-Strike 2 and Apex Legends. If you're curious about joining the fray, here's everything you need to know to get started.
What Exactly Is Arc Raiders?
Arc Raiders is a sci-fi extraction shooter, a genre where players are dropped into a hostile environment to scavenge for valuable loot and then attempt a daring escape. You can venture out solo or team up with two friends in a squad. Unlike many games in this competitive space, Arc Raiders encourages cooperation over constant conflict. While Player vs Player (PvP) combat is possible, human raiders often choose to band together against the common robotic threat. The game facilitates this with quick-chat options like "don't shoot!" and full voice chat, allowing for spontaneous alliances with strangers.
The World and Gameplay of Arc Raiders
The game is set on a post-apocalyptic Earth in the distant future. After an ecological catastrophe, humanity is driven underground into the vast city of Toledo. The surface is now patrolled by the Arc, a ruthless robotic alien force stripping the planet of resources. You play as a Raider, making perilous trips to the surface to scavenge ruins.
Success in raids earns you experience to upgrade skills in Conditioning, Mobility, and Survival, and you'll find blueprints to craft new gear. Traders offer missions and sell items, but the goal is to become self-sufficient by upgrading your workstations. Crucially, always store found blueprints in your safe pocket to keep them even if you die.
Why the Game Has Taken Off
In a crowded genre, Arc Raiders stands out with its striking style, compelling lore, and epic set-piece battles. Enemies like the colossal Matriarch require players to unite in impromptu co-op fights, creating thrilling moments widely shared on social media. The enemy AI, from flying Wasps to ground-based Bombardiers, is powered by machine learning, making them unpredictable and engaging foes. The game's mix of tense exploration, cooperative spirit, and occasional slapstick comedy (like self-inflicted missile deaths) has proven a winning formula.
Your First Steps in Arc Raiders
Available on PC, Xbox, and PS5, the best advice is to simply jump in. A gaming headset is highly recommended for communication and spatial awareness. Start by customising your character and head to the Dam Battlegrounds, the beginner-friendly map. Focus on exploration, learning enemy types, and looting everything—common resources for crafting and rare items like toasters for selling.
Early on, prioritise Mobility skills in the skill tree to help you run from danger. Arm yourself with two guns: one effective against Arc robots (like the Ferro) and one for PvP (like the Kettle). Always carry healing items and consider smoke grenades for escapes. Don't underestimate basic enemies; cheap seeker grenades are invaluable against swarming drones.
Pro Tips for Success:
- Expand your item stash with earned money until you max it out at 280 slots.
- For quick cash, loot the Pale Apartments, Ruby Residence, and Pattern House on the Dam map for high-value trinkets.
- Use the game's basic loadout option for risk-free exploration of new areas or to rebuild supplies.
- The game uses a behaviour-based matchmaking system. Playing aggressively matches you with similar players. Being friendly can lead to cooperative play and even gifts from other Raiders.
With its unique cooperative twist on the extraction shooter formula and massive popularity, Arc Raiders offers a distinct and engaging challenge. By starting cautiously, learning the maps, and embracing its community spirit, you'll soon be raiding successfully in Embark Studios' hit title.
