Embark Studios is just about to release its new rustic sci-fi extraction shooter, **ARC Raiders**, and recently invited journalists, including myself, to experience a multiplayer session of the game ahead of launch. Playing a pre-release version on PC, I was thrilled to see that Embark Studios has crafted a compelling looting system that balances risk and reward, encouraging players to play the odds, decide whether to engage others or the environment, and escape with as much loot as possible.
### Keep Your Eyes Up
ARC Raiders takes place in a dystopian world where the robots we built have taken over, forcing humanity underground. The surface is a ruined wasteland patrolled by deadly machines programmed to kill humans on sight. However, this dangerous surface is filled with valuable materials essential for underground survival.
To gather these resources, intrepid scavengers known as Raiders venture onto the surface to collect scrap and parts. But beware — it’s every Raider for themselves. Sharing isn’t always the plan when a well-placed bullet can net you better rewards.
### Gameplay Overview
For the preview, I played both solo and group matches. Regardless of playstyle, ARC Raiders is a third-person shooter that drops you into expansive maps divided into low, medium, and high-tier loot zones. Your mission is to collect the highest-value loot your backpack can carry and reach an escape point.
Standing in your way are human and robotic enemies, as well as rival Raiders scattered throughout the map, all competing for the same precious scraps. A built-in proximity voice chat allows for potential alliances — you might persuade other players to team up and share loot. But trust is risky, as anyone can betray you at any moment.
### Intense Robot Threats
The robotic enemies are relentless. Small drones fly overhead, mostly scanning the area, though they still attack if provoked. Drawing too much attention summons bigger, more dangerous enemies: spider-like hoppers that can leap long distances, and large floating drones armed with rocket launchers, which I quickly learned to avoid.
### Team Play and Strategy
If you prefer not to rely solely on luck and communication in solo mode, team play is available. I joined a trio and enjoyed coordinating our search through different map regions, managing to gather some valuable loot before extraction.
One of ARC Raiders’ highlights is its varied maps, each offering multiple escape routes. The standard exit involves activating an elevator that takes about 10 seconds to open, making a loud noise that attracts enemies and other Raiders. Alternatively, some maps feature keys scattered around that unlock escape hatches for a quieter exit.
Exploring derelict towns, factory districts, and wilderness areas is engaging, and figuring out the best risk versus reward loot zones promises to be a satisfying challenge.
### Progression and Crafting
Loot is the game’s central focus. No matter your success or failure, you earn experience points that advance your Raider’s level, unlocking a large skill tree. You can upgrade various abilities such as base health, looting speed, and weapon handling.
Back at the hub, you can use the loot to complete quests that push the story forward, or invest in crafting and supply lines. Dying in the field means losing everything you’ve gathered, but crafting allows you to quickly get back into the action with new weapons and personal shield devices.
For added convenience, there’s a “Free Gun Kit” option that equips you with a random gun, shield, and backpack for your next run, so you can jump right in without worrying about losing gear.
### Thrilling Risk and Reward
Weapons can become powerful as you find higher-tier models and attachments, but they’re not safe until you escape the map. I experienced the frustration of collecting a hefty haul only to be ambushed by another player just a moment before escaping, losing everything I’d worked for. While infuriating, this also made the successful runs all the more exhilarating — especially when you’re on the winning side of an ambush.
### Final Impressions
I was impressed with ARC Raiders in many of the ways I expect from a solid extraction shooter. Embark Studios has created a robust ecosystem that caters to various playstyles. The sly and stealthy can eke out modest rewards and survive, but the high-risk zones promise big payoffs — if you can weather the storm of greedy human rivals and relentless robots.
Good gunplay and diverse maps enhance the third-person shooting experience, but it’s the nerve-wracking thrill of escaping with valuable loot that truly pumps up the excitement.
If other players share this exhilaration at launch, Embark Studios may well have a winner on its hands.
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*These impressions are based on an early PC build supplied by the publisher. ARC Raiders releases 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