ARC Raiders stands out as a multiplayer extraction shooter that blends tense scavenging runs with crafting and survival elements in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by deadly machines.
Gameplay
In ARC Raiders, you take on the role of a Raider venturing from the underground haven of Speranza to the dangerous surface world. The core loop involves exploring ruined landscapes, gathering loot, and battling or evading ARC machines, which range from drone swarms to massive mechanical behemoths. Each machine has unique weaknesses, requiring quick adaptation and strategic use of the environment. Noise from fights can draw in other players, adding a layer of PvPvE tension where rival Raiders might ambush you for your haul.
Crafting plays a central role, with players kitbashing scavenged parts and ARC components into weapons, gadgets, and gear at personal workshops. The skill tree splits into three branches: Survival for efficient looting and stealth, Mobility for better movement and evasion, and Conditioning for improved strength and stamina. Weapons include options like SMGs, rifles, shotguns, railguns, and energy weapons, complemented by deployables such as grenades, traps, and ziplines. Augments allow customization of loadouts with extra perks and inventory slots.
Recent updates have introduced dynamic elements like hurricane weather in the Shrouded Sky patch, which brings low-visibility combat and debris hazards to maps like the Rust Belt. This update also added new ARC types and adjusted weapon balances, such as nerfs to the Stitcher and Kettle for PvP fairness, while buffs improved items like the Jupiter sniper.
Game Modes
ARC Raiders focuses on online PvP and co-op experiences, supporting solo play or teams of up to three with cross-platform multiplayer. The primary mode revolves around extraction runs where you scavenge, complete objectives, and extract loot while contending with AI threats and potential player encounters.
Trials offer competitive challenges for climbing leaderboards and earning rewards, testing skills against set scenarios. Quests from Speranza's Traders provide structured missions that yield gear, materials, and experience, often tying into the game's narrative of community tensions.
Updates and Current State
As of early 2026, ARC Raiders continues to receive support through a four-month roadmap. The Shrouded Sky update in February introduced hurricane conditions, new mechanics like a Weather Monitoring System, and content such as playable pianos and facial hair customization. Upcoming patches include Flashpoint in late March and Riven Tides in April, promising a new map and a large new ARC enemy.
The game launched with four maps, each featuring evolving conditions like weather variations and enemy placements to keep runs unpredictable. Steam Deck verification ensures smooth play on handhelds, and features like the Expedition Window help with session planning.
Is It Worth Playing?
With a Metacritic score of 86 and Steam reviews at 86% positive from over 179,000 users, ARC Raiders has earned praise for its innovative PvPvE extraction gameplay and detailed world. Recent reviews sit at 78% positive, reflecting some player concerns over content pacing, but the ongoing updates address this by adding fresh threats and systems.
If you enjoy tactical shooters with high-stakes looting and unpredictable player interactions, ARC Raiders delivers a compelling experience, especially in co-op. Solo players might find the tension rewarding, though the PvP elements can be intense. Its active development, including the 2025 Steam Award for Most Innovative Gameplay, makes it a solid pick for fans of the genre seeking something beyond standard battle royales.
