ARC Raiders

The network extraction shooter ARC Raiders combines arcade gameplay with a post-apocalyptic setting of "machine uprising." Players venture from an underground shelter to the surface in search of valuable loot and other resources. Each outing is time-limited, and moreover, it is a race for survival. Battles with aggressive robots and other players threaten the loss of all collected loot upon death, so the main goal is to manage to evacuate with the spoils.

The events of ARC Raiders take place on Earth in the distant future. In 2180, the "Collapse" occurred—a series of disasters (floods, fires, earthquakes) that destroyed civilization. Part of the population of the Polito region (analogous to Italy) evacuated into space on ships as part of the "Exodus" operation, while the remaining survivors took refuge in the depths of the planet. After generations, the "Era of the Sun" began—a period of returning to the surface and attempting to restore the planet using new technologies.

Suddenly, Arks—combat robots of mysterious origin—began to fall from the sky. The first war lasted ten years and ended with the raiders' triumph over the Baron—a titanic Ark that terrorized the planet. However, peace was short-lived. The beginning of the Second war was marked by the invasion of even more advanced and larger machines. Humanity was forced to retreat underground once again, establishing Speranza—the last bastion with a network of tunnels for risky outings to the surface.

The events of ARC Raiders unfold in the midst of the Second war. You are an unnamed raider from Speranza, a blank slate without a biography. The tutorial introduces the basics of survival and PvPvE, after which the main gameplay cycle begins: outings to the surface for resources and technologies. A handy bot Plushkin (Scrappy)—a mechanical rooster—provides the owner with basic supplies after each raid (regardless of the outcome).

The game offers a non-linear story campaign. The plot and lore are presented through the environment, entries in the Codex, and conversations in the hub, but the main part is revealed through mission completion, which unlocks access to new videos, cutscenes, items, and locations. Five key characters not only immerse players in the atmosphere through dialogue but also provide the economy by selling everything necessary to the player:

More than 60 missions serve as the main tool for progression. The tasks are simple ("fetch and carry," "find and kill," activating points), but their variety keeps things interesting: from hunting specific robots for rare parts to using enemy cores as weapons.

The world of ARC Raiders is not a single open space, but a set of isolated arena maps scattered across different regions, loosely tied to Sperance, the central hub of the game. The design of the locations does not copy reality but is a fantasy theme: recognizable landscapes coexist with ruins of civilization and machines. Movement is also tied to game conventions: raiders use an extensive network of tunnels and ascend to the surface using elevators. These also serve as evacuation points.

The maps feature a variety of biomes: from snowy peaks and alpine forests to swamps and toxic industrial wastelands. Many places on the map implement a high degree of "verticality." The distribution of loot on the maps is linked to zones with unique parameters of loot value. The higher the zone level (for example, "pink" or "red"), the greater the chance of finding expensive and rare loot, while low-level zones (for example, "gray" or "orange") offer loot of average value. The connection to specific resource classes (weapons, medical supplies, electronics) is not strict, and even in specialized locations, players can find basic materials.

The maps unlock gradually as experience (number of raids) is accumulated; at the time of the game's release, there were four (Dam, Buried City, Spaceport, and Blue Gates), but the authors later added a few more. For convenience in loot collection, the zones are marked by resource type and loot wealth level (gray, yellow, red). Special interest lies in locked key rooms (guaranteed loot), hidden "black locations" with random events, and "red zones" with rare exotics.

To prevent raids from becoming routine, modifiers are applied to the maps, radically changing the conditions. For example, night enhances robots and reduces exit points but provides more loot behind locked doors. Nature comes alive, rewarding participants with a large amount of natural resources. Or electromagnetic storms — they disable electronics, disrupt machine operations, and deal damage with lightning.

ARC Raiders emphasizes mobility and verticality. The character runs, jumps, slides, uses rolls, and parkour elements freely. They can pull themselves up, cling to ledges, and maneuver easily — a feeling that other extraction games lacked . Over long distances, the protagonist stows their weapon behind their back, noticeably increasing their speed.

Parkour opens alternative routes: you can climb ledges, jump between rooftops, use ziplines, and descend to any point on the map. Height and proper use of the environment expand tactical possibilities and allow you to fire at enemies from advantageous, unexpected points.

Interaction with the world is based on actively working with objects: you need to hack boxes and doors, activate mechanisms, call in airdrops, open and block passages. Sounds play a key role: making noise attracts the attention of Arks and other players. All found junk goes into the inventory and has weight — overload directly reduces the overall stamina reserve, on which all progression is based. Even weapons have to be manually stowed when running long distances to conserve energy.

The interface is minimalist and does not distract from what is happening. There is a marker system that allows you to mark enemies, points of interest, and directions for teammates. Important items for upgrades are highlighted, allowing you to quickly retrieve what you need from killed enemies or containers. Consumable management is implemented through quick access slots: grenades, healing items, shield repairs — everything is at hand. Voice communication includes both regional (proximity) chat (you can hear those nearby — yellow indicator) and team channel (white microphone).

Battles in ARC Raiders are divided into fights with Arks and skirmishes with players. The effectiveness of weapons varies depending on the target: damage to energy shields, armor, or unprotected bodies. Experienced fighters often combine weaponry: for example, they take one large-caliber gun for powerful single damage, and a second — a rapid-fire weapon with low recoil for controlling recoil at close range.

Arks are usually tied to specific zones: some patrol rooms, others control streets, although in the heat of battle they can aggressively pursue the player. Each robot has vulnerable zones — turbines, engines, stabilizers. There are 11 types of Arks in the game: from reconnaissance drones and arachnid spheres to heavy machines of the Queen's Hive level.

In PvP, accuracy and proper positioning matter: it's important to take cover in time and use the advantage of height where appropriate. TTK (time to kill) is specific here: it usually allows you to react to a sudden attack (unless it's a close-range shotgun shot), but the cost of error is high. Healing and restoring protection take a lot of time, so losing armor in open combat often becomes fatal without cover from teammates.

There are a total of 8 categories of weapons, differing in purpose and ammunition used, covering all ranges of fire. Each unit has rarity (five types, from gray to legendary) and upgrade levels that increase base parameters and make even starter models more competitive. There are many types of ammunition, but players often prefer heavy ones — they are more effective and take up less space.

Shields are a separate element of tactics. They differ in capacity and influence on equipment: for example, a medium shield will not allow you to carry a large bag for loot, while a heavy one provides maximum protection in a shootout but limits mobility. It is important to remember that no shield blocks 100% of damage, allowing some to pass through to health (HP). At low HP, strong "interference" covers the interface, but a shield that is completely depleted can be replaced with a spare, and some gadgets automatically deploy a smoke screen when breached.

Gadgets provide significant tactical advantages: they distract and pit the Arks against enemy players, create cover, or activate unmarked evacuation points outside standard routes.

All the loot gathered during a raid is broken down into basic materials: metal, plastic, chemicals, electronics, etc. They are constantly needed — for repairing weapons, crafting ammunition and consumables, upgrading the workbenches themselves, and more. Since inventory is limited, it makes sense to break down some loot right during the outing.

The size of the backpack depends on the enhancers. For example, the "Loot" module expands the inventory and opens a hidden pocket (keeps items upon death), but limits shields to light ones. The player constantly has to choose between capacity and survivability. Inventory management is simplified: no "Tetris," each item takes exactly one slot.

Working with the stash is familiar for the genre: loot is automatically unloaded, and if there is not enough space, it remains in the inventory. The storage capacity can be upgraded, but the cost of each level increases. Thanks to dynamic spawning, it is worth checking containers even in areas where other players have already passed. Rare military and medical crates, as well as trophies from the bodies of defeated Arks and opponents, are particularly valuable.

The economy is built on two currencies. The main one is money (for purchasing gear and expanding the stash), and the secondary one is seeds. Trading is standardized: prices are the same for all NPCs, there is no in-game auction, but direct item bartering is available.

Character development in ARC Raiders is tied to activities during raids: experience is earned for any damage dealt, loot collection, and world exploration up to level 75. Skill points are distributed across three branches — Endurance (health and stamina), Agility (reduces stamina consumption), and Survival (maximum weight, chance of finding items, crafting during raids) — and this choice is final, as there is no option to redistribute.

The production system is linked to an ecosystem of seven workbenches: from simple weapon and medical stations to cleaners and gadget tables. Upgrading one machine often requires components created on another, which creates a deep recycling chain. When working with the arsenal, it is important to remember the golden rule of economy: weapons should only be modified after they are fully repaired, otherwise the cost of upgrades significantly increases. Expanding the list of available recipes is aided by quests, the progress of which is counted for all group members simultaneously.

For players who have reached the development cap, a voluntary wipe system is provided through the "Expedition" project. A character can be sent on a 60-day mission, which effectively resets current leveling, skills, and workbenches, but retains all cosmetics. In return, the next raider receives global account boosts: expanded stash, bonus skill points, and accelerated experience gain.

The competitive aspect is revealed in seasonal ranking races lasting about 38 days. Progress on the leaderboard is counted only upon successful evacuation, while night raids and special events double the points earned. The most effective players, capable of surviving and completing tasks, receive the title of "Local Legend" and unique visual rewards by the end of the season.