ARC Raiders

With Arc Raiders, Embark Studios delivers a manifesto of what a modern extraction shooter can be: intense, immersive, and exceptionally elegant. Everything about it exudes mastery, from the world design to the precision of the gameplay. You come back to it again and again, not to check off objectives, but to experience that unique tension. One of the most accomplished games of its kind, and undoubtedly one of the big names of the year.

As much as I've already tried, Arc Raiders keeps pulling me back in for reasons I can't always explain. It's fast, punishing, and unpredictable, yet it never forgets to be fun. Its world feels alive in a way that makes every step Topside matter, every run tell its own story, and every narrow escape feel like something worth bragging about. The sound design, traversal, and enemy AI all come together to create a rhythm that's equal parts chaos and control, and it rewards players who learn to move with it instead of against it. After more than thirty hours, I’m still discovering new ways to survive, new risks to take, and new reasons to go back.

What might be the friendliest extraction game out there might also be the best: Incredibly solid core mechanics converge with a captivatingly beautiful world that consistently produces memorable moments.

ARC Raiders doubles down that Embark Studios is force of nature in the shooter space. It runs great on handheld PCs and is ideal for newcomers and veterans alike. With best-in-class sound design, gripping firefights, and a brilliant social system to explore, no match is the same within the Rust Belt.

ARC Raiders blends careful pacing, immersive audio, and high-risk extraction gameplay into a consistently engaging multiplayer experience. The mix of hostile machines and unpredictable player encounters keeps every raid tense and fun, whether played solo or with a squad.

Arc Raiders combines deep yet accessible mechanics with S-tier sci-fi world-building to deliver the best extraction shooter yet.

ARC Raiders is an incredibly challenging extraction shooter that will push you to your limits and frustrate you, but you'll keep coming back for more. With breathtaking visuals, thoughtfully-designed maps, intense PvP, and intelligent, unpredictable AI, ARC Raiders has raised the bar incredibly high for extraction shooters and will likely inspire an entire wave of games that hope to recreate its magic. Its quirky cyberpunk cosmetics give it a personality all its own, and with extensive quests and co-operative gameplay opportunities, ARC Raiders is revolutionizing the genre and pushing it further into the spotlight.

Arc Raiders is an exceptionally tight extraction shooter, offering plenty of atmosphere alongside the necessary tension. Even though you're constantly being hunted by robots or suspicious fellow Raiders, life as a post-apocalyptic looter is a beautiful experience. Arc Raiders is at its best when excursions take unplanned turns, and you unexpectedly make new friends (or even bitter rivals).

ARC Raiders might be a casual take on the extraction shooter genre, but it’s not a lesser experience because of it, quite the opposite. The defeats sting, but the pain of losing all your gear is softened by the approachable combat, player interaction, and the ARC enemies. And despite this approachability, the game has a gnarled edge. There’s texture to the world, a visceral tang and depth to the weaponry, and engrossing foundational systems that make the whole thing hurt so good. With ARC Raiders, Embark Studios has proved, once again, it knows how to deliver the goods.

ARC Raiders is one of the big surprises of the year, popularizing and taking the extraction shooter genre to another level. With a captivating universe and superb gameplay, it stands out for its present and excites for its future.

Arc Raiders delivers one of the most refreshing multiplayer experiences in recent years, combining excellent art direction with stellar sound design to create a tense extraction shooter where every match feels unique. Despite inconsistent hit registration and AI-generated voices that clash with the game's otherwise high production values, Arc Raiders succeeds in creating a paranoia-inducing experience that keeps you coming back for more loot and memorable encounters.

ARC Raiders may not be reinventing the extraction shooter genre mechanically, but it redefines it in terms of gameplay and engagement. It builds on a system that is highly enjoyable and never tiresome, with impressive graphics and atmosphere. It stands out from its competitors with tense combat, a rewarding progression loop, and a balanced risk-reward structure.

Arc Raiders is a love child of a developer that genuinely cares about quality and player enjoyment. The simple attention to detail, the fantastic graphics, and the phenomenal soundstage work together with core player systems in a way that, honestly, not many other games come close to. I was so far away from the ledge when it came to Arc Raiders, I had zero interest in it, even looking into it, and yet one slight push from some friends, and a server slam event later, here I am gushing over it. With gaming giants all attempting to capitalize on a genre made popular by Escape from Tarkov, a game that I’ve long considered the crowning jewel of the genre, Embark Studios has taken Arc Raiders and made it the epitome of what an extraction shooter should be. It’s chaotic, it’s random, it’s sometimes painstakingly frustrating. But in the end, it’s fun. In the current gaming climate, where companies are pushing the limits on what to charge for games, Arc Raiders is a simple $39.99. With a game as good as this, selling over 2.5 million copies so far, what more can I say?

Arc Raiders is undoubtedly a must-have in the genre. Extremely enjoyable and addictive, the game grabs you by the gut and allows any player to find themselves in it. Its only drawback? The frustration, inherent to the genre, if you get eliminated before you have time to escape. Beyond that and a few menus that are a bit difficult to navigate, Arc Raiders is an experience that would be a real shame to miss. The immersion is incredible, driven by a stunning sound design and a surprising AI that serves not only the gameplay but also the narrative. A rich universe, top-notch art direction and technical prowess, an accessible yet unforgiving game, incredible sensations… the list goes on. Arc Raiders is certainly one of the best multiplayer surprises of 2025 with a very promising future, all for around forty euros.

ARC Raiders has taken the world by storm, redefining what an extraction shooter is with a brilliant blend of PvP and PvE gameplay. It’s risk vs reward loop won’t be for everyone but for those it captures, it sets a new standard for extraction shooters.

Arc Raiders does more than any other game I’ve seen to deliver an experience to the extraction shooter genre that allows everyone to feel good. This is a release that you shouldn’t miss, and even if you’re afraid of extraction shooters, Arc Raiders is worth your eye if you’re even generally interested in shooter games. At a $40 day one price, it’s more than fair for the quality delivered, and Embark has proven with The Finals that they are reliable with keeping fresh updates dropping regularly to keep the experience fun for regular players. The numbers don’t lie; there’s a reason Arc Raiders is sitting in the top 5 games for player count on Steam since launch day.

ARC Raiders raises the bar for extraction shooters pretty much across the board, with an incredibly gripping progression grind, tense fights against NPCs and other players that make for memorable matches, and loot that feels completely worth all the work and stress it takes to obtain it. The fact that it manages to also run well and look amazing all the while is just downright impressive, even if a few bugs here and there lead to the rare rage quit. For years I’d been wondering when someone would take the awesome promise of this genre to the next level, and ARC Raiders is without question what I’ve been waiting for.

Arc Raiders is a standout third-person extraction shooter that delivers intense PvP, strong co-op potential, and a surprisingly thoughtful gameplay loop. Embark Studios blends dynamic combat with world-building that supports unpredictable player choices and high-stakes encounters. While the menus and quests falter, the overall design and audio atmosphere push the game into must-play territory for shooter fans.

Despite my misgivings, I hold the human-made experience of Arc Raiders in high regard. Its creators have made an intriguing world full of curiosities and payoffs. Nearly every match yields a memorable sequence: an unexpected encounter, a dramatic escape, a hilarious interaction, or a tragic end. While casual gamers may find its harsh consequences frustrating, Arc Raiders provides an impressive setting and format for multiplayer fans seeking excellent engagements and novel interactions.

ARC Raiders is an unexpected triumph of the extraction genre, combining breathtaking audiovisual design with accessible and captivating gameplay. Embark Studios has created a world that not only dazzles visually but also surprises with the warmth of its community. With a well-thought-out progression system, meaningful expeditions, excellent map design, and impressive sound work, it’s a game that entertains far beyond the usual limits of its genre. Despite minor shortcomings in weapon variety and occasional confusion in the loot system, ARC Raiders stands as proof that an extraction shooter can be welcoming, stylish, and exceptionally fun.

Embark took their time developing ARC Raiders, and the end result is spectacular. There are, indeed, some problems, but everything indicates that they will be resolved over time.

In the post-apocalyptic and ruthless world of Arc Raiders, the human touch gives this extraction shooter a fantastic soul. With a unique and well-executed aesthetic, the focus on player interaction makes Arc Raiders greater than the sum of its parts, which, by the way, are also brilliant. Each trip to the surface has the potential to become a unique and exciting adventure, between ambushes, betrayals, or unexpected rescues, which at the end of the day showed me that there are more players with hearts of gold than I thought.

Nothing hits quite like crawling your way to a hard-earned exfil after getting absolutely shredded in the raid before. It’s an emotional rollercoaster that’ll break your heart, then hand it back to you like an ex-girlfriend you can't quit. From your first boot-shaking sprint across the surface to the moment you start hunting other raiders for sport, every match will leave you wanting another. Hands down, ARC Raiders is my favorite PvP shooter in years.

ARC Raiders is simply one of the most polished and accessible third person extraction shooters in recent memory. It has something for everyone, from solo players to teams ready to wreak havoc in the world. With a confident and coherent mashup of systems and a simple, addictive loop, ARC Raiders helps wrap up a notable gaming year in fine fashion.

Arc Raiders will continue to grow with new content and updates, but this is a competent and complete experience at launch.

ARC Raiders has been a real surprise. Embark takes the plunge into extraction shooters with one of the most energetic mixes of PvE and PvP I've ever played. Despite a few shortcomings in terms of usability, this game has earned its place on the list of the biggest surprises of 2025.

By sanding down some of the roughest edges of the genre, Arc Raiders delivers an extraction experience that manages to be approachable while still being palpably tense, incredibly dramatic, and occasionally kinda heartwarming. If you're new to the genre, this is the place to start.

ARC Raiders is virtually flawless. It's hard to expect more from an extraction shooter, but it has everything: excellent PvE driven by simply superb AI; plenty of plot twists with just the right number of players; vast maps brimming with secrets; solid gameplay that knows exactly what it's doing; and a long, gradual progression culminating in massive machines to be fought. In short, you get the idea. It's a must-try.

It’s devilishly addictive, dazzling with its visuals and cohesive retro-futuristic world. It rewards knowledge of enemies and items, as well as careful decision-making. It delivers unforgettable solo gameplay and tons of excitement in co-op. ARC Raiders is one of my most pleasant surprises of 2025.

After The Finals, Embark Studios hits the mark again, releasing not only one of the best extraction shooters on the market, but also one of the most interesting games of the year. With robotic enemies as bad as ever, gorgeous maps, and a remarkably accessible loot system, ARC Raiders manages to be the first entry in the genre truly accessible to everyone, even running flawlessly on consoles. The only unknown remains post-launch support, but the roadmap published by the developers is promising, with an additional map already arriving in the next few days. In the meantime, see you above ground.

With its high production values and accessibility, ARC Raiders secures a strong position in the extraction shooter market. Having taken a step toward popularizing the genre, its long-term success now depends on careful post-launch planning.

Arc Raiders is an extraction shooter unlike any other, playing out like a totally unpredictable, immersive, thrilling story generator directed by the community.

Whether it's with teams and battling other players or running solo and measuring each encounter, Embark Studios has struck gold.

ARC Raiders is at times punishing and unforgiving, but it's also the most accessible game yet in the extraction shooter genre. It's simultaneously one of the most technically impressive games of 2025 and one that genre veterans and newbies alike can find a ton of fun in. This game will likely be around for years to come.

ARC Raiders perfectly combines the punishing gameplay of extraction looter shooters with the setting, graphics, and storyline of the best single-player shooters. Battling against machines is engaging, and the game encourages cooperation even without friends to form a party. The gun physics are very well done and create a pleasant sense of impact. While you can purchase assets with real money, there's no pay-to-win. Servers that guarantee near-instant access and a solid, lag-free netcode complete the package.

Embark Studios' ARC Raiders is a successful title that dramatically lowers the barrier to entry for the extraction genre with its third-person perspective and intuitive systems. Clever safety nets like 'Scrappy' and the 'Free Loadout' reduce the burden of failure and encourage repeat play, while the developer's expertise shines through in its 'devilish details,' elevating the game's quality to the highest level. While it has minor quality-of-life issues, its low barrier to entry and high quality make it a highly recommended game for both genre newcomers and players experiencing PvP fatigue.

Arc Raiders successfully blends intense extraction shooter mechanics with a more accessible and colorful approach, delivering thrilling tension around extraction points while offering smooth shooting and RPG-like progression. Although some weapon balancing issues and long-term scalability concerns remain, the game shines with its audiovisual quality, satisfying gameplay, and strong potential for multiplayer fun.

Arc Raiders is a genuinely enjoyable extraction shooter thanks to interesting weapons, beautiful maps, and unpredictable, action-packed PvPvE encounters.

Arc Raiders is a technically stunning, atmospherically dense, and easily accessible extraction shooter that impresses with its excellent AI.

Arc Raiders is undoubtedly one of the best multiplayer games of 2025. Thanks to the admirable work of the Embark Studios teams on the maps, sound design, and addictive (but unforgiving) gameplay loop, this extraction shooter manages to rise above the fray with rock-solid arguments. A few teething problems remain to be ironed out, but the future looks bright for the many raiders who have taken the plunge.

Arc Raiders’ success is definitely no accident. Embark, driven by genuine passion, has really nailed the PvP aspect - the single most critical element an extraction shooter needs. In this game where you shouldn’t trust anyone, it could have been an almost flawless experience if not for a few critical missteps.

Within the shooter genre, it's a true gem, and one of the best extraction shooters. I could easily call it the Helldivers 2 of 2025. It's not an extremely innovative title, but everything it does, it does brilliantly. It can be a bit slow, especially at the beginning. But it's incredibly addictive to loot, progress with your character, try new things, and above all, interact with other players, as its social aspect is amazing.

Arc Raiders is pure fun — a smart and engaging product on which Embark Studios can build years and years of additional content. However, the long-term goals offered to players still feel a bit too vague, the monetization system has yet to reveal its true nature, and the inventory management could use some reworking or evolution.

ARC Raiders could be a long-running game with the right support. For now, it's one of the most solid, engaging, and fun PvPvE extraction games out there.

Fans of the Extraction Shooter genre, rejoice - there's a new king in the neighborhood, and his name is ARC Raiders, and it earns this title thanks to an addictive gameplay loop, quality sound design, along with impressive graphics and excellent performance.

The extraction game offers a striking vision of what the Earth could become if we continue to wage wars and allow machines to dominate. However, if you want to survive, you must be inconspicuous. It's a shame that some things are not explained well enough and that the quests are so trivial.

ARC Raiders achieves what many developers have failed to do: creating a mainstream extraction shooter that does justice to the quality you expect from a Triple-A-Shooter.

Arc Raiders isn’t just fun to play. It’s a straight-up shot of serotonin.

More than once we extract on our knees, the dregs of life draining out as we hit the button. [Issue#418, p.100]

ARC Raiders presents itself as a post-apocalyptic extraction shooter that breaks away from the traditional military style that gave birth to the genre. It stands out with a fresh and solid proposal that leans toward third-person action and a gameplay loop built around exploration and looting mechanics — all while driving the extermination of machines, either solo or in teams of three. Through feats and mission systems within each raid that feed into individual progression, the game showcases both ambition and a distinctive identity. It achieves this with visuals and sound design that feel as realistic as they are satisfying.

Arc Raiders is an excellent game and a new benchmark for the extraction shooter genre. Its few flaws, particularly its somewhat conventional art direction, won't diminish its appeal. More than the gameplay itself, it's the interactions with other players, both hostile and peaceful, that linger in the memory, making Arc Raiders a truly memorable game.

Arc Raiders stands out for its remarkable optimization and stunning visuals, delivering a highly entertaining and visually striking co-op experience. While some mechanics still need fine-tuning, the game shows great potential and could become one of the best extraction shooters if it manages to stay fresh over time. Embark Studios presents an ambitious project here—one that perfectly balances action, humor, and just the right amount of challenge.

ARC Raiders currently feels like chaos held together by a thin layer of order. Once new players get discouraged and leave, and veterans exhaust the existing content, the overall environment will likely shift and I don't have high hopes for that change. The experience is unique, but heavily dependent on the behavior and attitude of the players you happen to match with.

It's hard to recommend Arc Raiders to anyone but the fiercely devoted. It is burning bright now, but there's so little to differentiate it from the competition that anything can and most likely will topple it from that throne. If it had dared to think outside of the limitations of the extraction shooter genre, it could have come upon something really special...Now, it's just a good extraction shooter, and what a shame that is.

ARC Raiders seems to be a good contender for the extraction shooter genre, offering solid, if familiar genre gameplay and a unique aesthetic. However, overpriced monetization plagues this already pay-to-play title, and as something of a tourist to the extraction shooter genre, I can’t personally say that ARC Raiders does anything too different or exciting, proving to be an inoffensive experience, albeit one that failed to win me over.