Embark Studios is gearing up to release its new rustic sci-fi extraction shooter, **ARC Raiders**. Recently, they invited journalists, including myself, to participate in a multiplayer session to get a firsthand look at what the game has to offer. Playing a pre-release version of ARC Raiders on PC, I was thrilled to discover that Embark Studios has crafted a compelling looting system where you must balance risk and reward—deciding whether to engage other players and enemies or to focus on grabbing as much loot as possible and making a timely escape.
### A Post-Apocalyptic World Overrun by Robots
ARC Raiders takes place in a bleak future where robots have taken over the world, forcing humanity underground. The surface is a dangerous wasteland, patrolled by deadly machines programmed to kill humans on sight. However, it is also rich with the materials necessary for life below ground.
Enter the Raiders—brave scavengers who venture to the surface to retrieve precious scrap and parts. But beware, in this harsh world, it’s every Raider for themselves. Sharing loot isn’t always an option, and sometimes, the best way to get ahead is by shooting a greedy stranger and taking their hard-earned rewards.
### Gameplay Overview
During the preview, I played both solo and group matches in ARC Raiders. Regardless of the mode, the game is a third-person shooter that drops you into maps with low, medium, and high-tier loot zones. Your objective is simple: gather the most valuable loot your backpack can carry, then reach an escape point.
The map is teeming with threats—not just deadly robots, but other human Raiders vying for the same prizes. Proximity voice chat allows players to negotiate or form temporary alliances, but trust is fragile in ARC Raiders, as anyone can turn on you at a moment’s notice.
### Robotic Threats and Intense Combat
The enemies vary in scale and danger. Small drones buzz around, mainly scanning areas but still willing to shoot if provoked. Engaging in noisy combat attracts bigger threats: giant spider-like hoppers that can leap great distances, and formidable floating drones equipped with rocket launchers. Avoiding these heavy-hitters is usually a wise choice.
### Teamplay and Tactical Exploration
If you prefer not to rely on luck and makeshift alliances, ARC Raiders offers team-based play. In a trio match, I coordinated with others to explore several regions, successfully gathering valuable loot before making a clean getaway.
Maps in ARC Raiders are diverse, featuring derelict towns, factory districts, and wild wilderness. Multiple escape routes exist—most commonly an elevator that takes about 10 seconds to activate, loudly announcing your presence to foes. Alternatively, some maps have hidden keys to open secret hatches for a quieter exit. This variety makes exploration engaging and strategic, as you weigh the risks and rewards of each location.
### Progression, Crafting, and Risk of Loss
The core loop revolves around gathering loot and leveling up. Experience points earned from runs allow you to enhance your Raider’s abilities via a skill tree, upgrading base health, looting speed, weapon handling, and more.
Back at the hub, you can use collected loot to complete quests that advance the story or improve your crafting and supply chains. Crafting is essential because death in the field means losing everything you’ve gathered. Fortunately, crafting lets you quickly build new weapons and personal shields to return to the fight.
ARC Raiders also includes a “Free Gun Kit” feature, which provides a random gun, shield, and backpack for your next run—helpful if you want to jump back in quickly without worrying about lost gear.
### High Stakes and Exciting Escapes
Weapons in ARC Raiders grow stronger as you find higher-tier models and attachments. However, the risk is ever-present—lose your gear upon death. I experienced this firsthand when I narrowly missed escaping with a hefty haul, getting ambushed right at the elevator moments before extraction. It was infuriating to lose so much, yet infinitely more exhilarating to survive and make it out alive.
### Final Impressions
In my preview, ARC Raiders impressed me in many ways I hoped an extraction shooter would. Embark Studios has built a solid, rewarding ecosystem that caters to various playstyles. Whether you choose to be sly and stealthy or bold and aggressive, there are meaningful rewards to be earned.
The game’s strong gunplay and varied maps create an engaging third-person shooter experience, but it’s the thrill of escaping with valuable loot amidst hostile players and relentless robots that truly gets the blood pumping.
If other players share this excitement when ARC Raiders launches, Embark Studios might just have a winner 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**.
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146564/arc-raiders-hands-on-multiplayer-preview