Embark Studios is about to release its new rustic sci-fi extraction shooter, **ARC Raiders**, and recently invited journalists, including myself, to join a multiplayer session to get a first look at what’s in store.
Playing a pre-release PC version of the game, I was thrilled to see that Embark Studios has built a compelling looting system. You’ll need to carefully manage how much you can carry, weigh the risks, decide whether to engage with other players or the environment, and make it out with as much loot as possible.
### A Post-Apocalyptic World to Explore
ARC Raiders takes place in a world where the robots humanity built have taken over and driven humans underground. The surface is a ruined wasteland, patrolled by deadly machines programmed to kill humans on sight. Yet, it’s filled with valuable materials necessary for surviving underground.
To gather these resources, brave scavengers known as Raiders venture to the surface to collect scrap and parts and bring them back. But beware: it’s every Raider for themselves. Sometimes, shooting a greedy stranger is the quickest route to securing better loot.
### Gameplay Overview
In the preview, I played both solo and group matches of ARC Raiders.
The game is a third-person shooter where you’re dropped into a map scattered with low, medium, and high-tier loot zones. Your goal is to gather the highest-value loot your backpack slots can carry and then escape through a designated extraction point.
Standing in your way are hostile human and robot enemies, as well as rival Raiders also hunting for loot. The game features an in-game proximity voice chat that allows you to negotiate, form temporary alliances, or deceive others. However, trust is limited as any player can turn on you at any moment, making cooperation a risky gamble.
### Intense Combat Against Machines and Raiders
Robots are a constant and dangerous threat. You’ll encounter small drones scanning the area — and while they are the least intimidating, they will still fire on you. If you make too much noise, more formidable robotic enemies arrive, including:
– Automobile-sized spider-like hoppers that can jump to your location
– Large floating drones equipped with rocket launchers
Avoiding these foes when possible is wise, as engaging them often escalates the danger considerably.
### Teamwork and Strategy
If you prefer not to rely on makeshift alliances or solo luck, ARC Raiders supports team play. In a trio session I participated in, we coordinated our search efforts across multiple regions, harvested some valuable loot, and managed a successful escape.
Maps in ARC Raiders are diverse, featuring abandoned towns, factory districts, and wilderness areas that are fun to explore. Escape routes vary by map; the common method involves activating an elevator that takes about 10 seconds to open — but its loud noise attracts robots and other Raiders. Some maps offer alternative exits, such as finding a key to unlock a hatch for extraction.
### Progression and Rewards
Loot is the core of the ARC Raiders experience. Beyond just collecting gear, you earn experience points that level up your Raider and unlock upgrades via an extensive skill tree. Improvements include:
– Increased base health
– Faster looting times
– Enhanced weapon handling
Back at the hub, you can use gathered loot to complete quests that advance storylines or improve your crafting and supply capabilities.
Death means losing everything you carried, but crafting allows you to quickly rearm with new weapons and personal shields. Additionally, the game offers a “Free Gun Kit” option, providing a random gun, shield, and backpack for your next run so you don’t have to worry about losing your gear.
Weapons can become powerful as you find higher-tier models and attachments, but they are risky to carry since death results in losing them. I experienced this firsthand: after a massive haul, I was ambushed just a moment before escaping, losing it all. While frustrating, successfully escaping with a big load brings an adrenaline rush that is the heart of the game’s excitement.
### Final Impressions
I was impressed with ARC Raiders in many ways that I look for in an extraction shooter. Embark Studios has crafted a solid ecosystem that supports a variety of playstyles. Whether you’re sly and sneaky escaping with modest loot or charging into high-risk zones battling robots and other Raiders for the best rewards, the game offers satisfying gunplay and varied maps that keep gameplay fresh and engaging.
More than anything, it’s the thrill of making it out with valuable loot, against all odds, that gets my blood pumping. If other players share this feeling upon launch, Embark Studios might have a standout hit on their hands.
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*These impressions are based on an early PC build provided by the publisher.*
**ARC Raiders** launches on October 30, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Keep an eye out for this exciting new entry in the extraction shooter genre!
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146564/arc-raiders-hands-on-multiplayer-preview