Arc Raiders: A Polished and Instantly Gratifying Extraction Shooter Before Launch

Arc Raiders is finally finding its groove. While it might not be the co-op game many anticipated, it offers an incredibly rewarding experience for those who love extraction shooters without obsessing over modern firearms. If you’re able to look past the initial disappointment, you’ll discover a game that doesn’t punish you for not knowing the ins and outs of every weapon.

Embark, the team behind Arc Raiders, boasts an impressive pedigree with former DICE and Battlefield developers. This marks their second endeavor after successfully launching the free-to-play shooter The Finals in late 2023, which has seen significant evolution since its release.

During my hands-on time with Tech Test 2 at a recent preview event, my main focus was to determine if this extraction shooter would be compelling enough to keep players coming back.

The term “extraction shooter” has recently acquired a negative reputation, much like the term “battle royale” did several years ago. It seems every multiplayer game in development either includes extraction elements or aspires to redefine the genre, following in the footsteps of games like Fortnite and Apex Legends.

I don’t believe there’s a definitive formula for mastering extraction shooters. The genre’s nature inherently challenges that idea, allowing for a wide array of unique interpretations. Having played a substantial portion of Arc Raiders in its early stages, I can confidently say it stands out.

The game’s setting successfully combines a post-post-apocalyptic world with elements of 70s and 80s sci-fi, evoking a vibe that feels like the world ended in 1982. It’s a synthwave-meets-NASA aesthetic wrapped in a Wild West ambiance, offering a space-age gunslinger feel.

If you imagined this as a world without ultra-precise machinery and fully outfitted combatants, you’d be spot on. The only well-equipped faction is the Arc machines, an array of drones from unknown origins patrolling the surface to eliminate anything that moves.

This cobbled-together environment supports the methodical and deliberate gameplay Arc Raiders demands. Every action requires stamina, generates noise, and takes time. You’re always on edge, whether because of the lengthy animations or the time it takes to switch weapons mid-battle.

The encounters in Arc Raiders lack immediate clarity, rewarding players for patience, reconnaissance, and strategic decision-making—or, often, opting to steer clear of conflict.

The most useful item I found was a pair of binoculars. Unlike the magical Far Cry optics, these simply let you see far into the distance. Other than one sniper rifle with a scope, I didn’t find any other optics. The game creates exciting confrontations that occur at greater distances, without the usual reliance on 4x or 6x sights.

In combat, it’s crucial to observe the impact of your shots. Not paying attention could leave you unsure of which side is coming out on top. You can hear a clear sound when shields break, and you learn whether your shots penetrated or were absorbed. True to its ethos, the game doesn’t alert you to grenade radii or automatically reload weapons. Failing to stay on top of these could cut your round short.

Arc Raiders introduces a few innovative features to the genre, with the red flare mechanic being particularly fascinating. If a player is downed, a red flare automatically signals their location. It’s up to you to decide whether to investigate and potentially ambush them or steer clear of the area.

My primary gripe is with the third-person perspective. If you’ve played competitive third-person games, you’ll know the challenge of wall and cover-peeking.

As an extraction shooter, Arc Raiders also embraces the harsher aspects of the genre. I wasn’t able to confirm the developer’s stance on regular character resets, a controversial element in these games. No single game has perfected this yet.

Given Embark’s thoughtful approach to genre challenges, I’m optimistic they’ll strike a balance. However, that only matters if players are engaged enough to play and care about potential resets.

You’ll get to form your own opinion when Tech Test 2 launches tomorrow, April 30, and for the first time, it’s coming to consoles! Trust me, this is one event you don’t want to miss.