Extraction shooters have become a bit of a boogeyman in recent years. They’re either immensely challenging or DOA, and that has blocked many from entering the genre out of fear or disbelief that the game they’ll be investing in is worth their time and effort. They typically have punishing mechanics, deep learning curves, and extremely high-stakes loss loops.
If you think that the extraction shooter market consists solely of the hyper-tough title, Escape from Tarkov, you’ve been misled. On October 30, ARC Raiders (Embark Studios) was released, and it has cemented itself as the perfect gateway extraction shooter for even those who hate the concept of the genre.
Why is ARC Raiders Perfect for Beginners?
ARC Raiders drops players into a gorgeous post-apocalyptic Earth ruled by hostile machines known as ARC. The surface, known as ‘Topside’, is dangerous, but it’s also immersive and bursting with potential. As you explore ARC Raiders, you’ll be dodging mechs, looting forgotten ruins for tech and resources, and battling other players, all while resolving quests.
However, where most extraction shooters rely on a kill-or-be-killed model backed by a steep learning curve and unfriendly mechanics, ARC Raiders is way less intimidating and much more adventurous.
For example, ARC Raiders has maps, icons, and a much more detailed UI that instantly sets it apart from games like Escape from Tarkov. You’re guided fairly nicely to objectives, you can use social wheels and emotes to communicate with teammates, and friendly fire is switched off by default.
That being said, there’s still plenty of challenge in ARC Raiders, as the game has tough AI enemies, limited resources, and the core extraction loop requires you to successfully leave a raid before you can claim any booty. You can also expect incoming fire from other players at any given moment.
ARC Raiders Keeps Giving Back
ARC Raiders has several facets that make it a wonderfully addictive and exciting extraction shooter for newcomers. The ‘wipe’ mechanic that allows players to periodically reset their account to keep things fresh is as innovative as can be. There’s a free ‘battle pass’ system, and Feats and Trials keep gamers occupied while resolving the game’s 60+ quests.
Unlike other extraction shooters that demand hours of prep, punishing commitment, and second screens loaded with wiki pages and maps, ARC Raiders respects your time, even if you’re the most casual gamer. It’s easy to get in, loot, shoot, and extract, getting in and out of a raid in a matter of minutes.
It has been dubbed by some as the ‘extraction shooter for people with jobs.’
If you’re a fan of looter-shooters, sci-fi titles, or even battle royale games, you’ll find that ARC Raiders is quite a familiar setting and feel that will pull you straight in. If you’re worried about the extraction mechanics, you can bear a few things in mind:
- Survivability is very high in ARC Raiders, as you have many ways to escape fights and live to battle another day
- You have unlimited ‘free kits’ that you can run at the press of a button, preserving your high-level gear
- The game is designed to be social, and you can pair with other players with ease for free backup
- Crafting, buying, and finding resources in ARC Raiders is affordable and simple, and you won’t need to grind much
- The game has a skill path mechanic that you can use to get stronger and more capable over time
It’s also worth stressing that ARC Raiders is much cheaper than your average AAA release, coming in at just $30 for the standard version. It’s a bargain if nothing else.
Let me know on the Insider Gaming Discord server if you want to play ARC Raiders but are hesitant for whatever reason.
For more Insider Gaming coverage, check out the news that ARC Raiders has hit a new peak player count
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Grant has been gaming for 30+ years and in the industry for 10+. You'll probably find him playing a post-apocalyptic game or an extraction shooter somewhere.
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