Embark Studios is about to release its new rustic sci-fi extraction shooter, **ARC Raiders**, and recently invited journalists, including myself, to join a multiplayer session to get a firsthand look at what the game offers.
As we played a pre-release version on PC, I was thrilled to discover that Embark Studios has crafted a compelling looting system. Players must balance just how much they can carry, weigh risks and odds, decide whether to engage with other players or enemies in the environment, and ultimately escape with as much loot as possible.
### Keep Your Eyes Up
ARC Raiders takes place in a world where robots we built have taken over the surface, driving humanity underground. The surface is a ruined wasteland patrolled by deadly machines programmed to kill humans on sight. Yet, it remains full of valuable materials that those living underground need to survive.
To gather vital resources, intrepid scavengers known as Raiders venture to the surface to collect scrap and parts to bring back below. But beware: in this harsh world, it’s every Raider for themselves. Sharing is rare, and sometimes, a well-placed bullet in a greedy stranger’s back will net you a better reward.
### The Gameplay Loop
For the preview, I played both solo and in groups. Regardless of your playstyle, ARC Raiders is a third-person shooter that drops you into maps scattered with low, medium, and high-tier loot zones. Your objective is to grab the highest-value loot your backpack slots can carry and make it to an escape point.
Obstacles stand in your way, including hostile humans and robotic enemies. Other Raiders are also scattered throughout the map, all vying for their share of the spoils. The game features in-game proximity voice chat, which allows players to negotiate or even cooperate. However, trust is fragile — any player can shoot you in the back at any time, making alliances a risky gamble.
### Intense Enemy Threats
Survival isn’t just about outsmarting other players; the robot enemies are a formidable threat. Small drones fly overhead, mostly scanning the area but ready to fire at players. Provoking these foes loudly can attract larger, more dangerous robots.
During the session, we encountered spider-like hoppers the size of cars that could skitter and leap toward us, as well as massive floating drones armed with rocket launchers. Engaging them was always a nerve-wracking experience, and avoiding these threats became a key strategy.
### Team Play and Map Variety
If you prefer not to rely on communication and luck when playing solo, ARC Raiders offers group play. In one trio round, we coordinated our search across different regions, securing valuable loot before making a successful escape.
Maps in ARC Raiders are diverse, featuring multiple escape routes. The most common way to leave is by activating an elevator, which takes about 10 seconds to open — a process loud enough to attract unwanted attention. Some maps feature keys scattered around, allowing you to open alternative hatches to escape.
Exploring derelict towns, factory districts, and wilderness areas made the game world exciting and rewarding to navigate. It will be fascinating to see how players balance risk versus reward when looting different locations.
### Progression and Crafting
Loot is the heart of ARC Raiders, and every successful escape grants you experience to level up your Raider. Advancing unlocks a skill tree with upgrades that enhance base health, looting speed, weapon handling, and more.
In the hub area, you can turn in gathered loot to complete quests and progress storylines, or improve crafting and supply lines. Death in the field means losing everything you carried, but crafting allows you to quickly gear up again with new weapons and personal shields.
There’s even a “Free Gun Kit” option that equips you with a random gun, shield, and backpack for your next run, ensuring you don’t have to worry about losing your gear every time.
### High Stakes and High Rewards
Guns become stronger as you find better tiers and attachments, but losing them is always a possibility if you don’t escape in time. I experienced this firsthand when I was ambushed right at the elevator escape, losing a substantial haul just seconds before confirming my getaway.
While losing loot can be frustrating, the thrill of successfully escaping with valuable items is tremendously rewarding — especially when you manage to outsmart other players during ambushes.
### Final Impressions
ARC Raiders impressed me on many levels in this early preview, delivering the kind of experience I want from an extraction shooter. Embark Studios has built a solid ecosystem that caters to a variety of playstyles.
Whether you choose to be sly and stealthy or dive headfirst into high-risk zones, there are meaningful rewards to match your approach. With engaging gunplay and varied maps, the third-person shooter mechanics are strong, but it’s the adrenaline-pumping escapes with worthwhile rewards that truly stand out.
If other players share this excitement upon release, ARC Raiders could very well be a winner.
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*These impressions are based on an early PC build supplied by the publisher. ARC Raiders launches on October 30, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.*
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146564/arc-raiders-hands-on-multiplayer-preview
