ARC Raiders review: A contender for game of the year
We subjected ARC Raiders to technical and benchmark testing on various laptop and desktop GPUs. This extraction shooter from Embark Studios is an approachable take on the genre, designed for a wide audience. Unlike other extraction shooters such as Escape from Tarkov, which face barriers to mainstream success due to challenging learning curves, ARC Raiders succeeds in being accessible and engaging.
Our experience with this third-person shooter was very enjoyable, making us eager to keep playing. A major factor is its captivating introduction, featuring a cinematic opening and a clear, atmospheric tutorial that effectively explains the core gameplay mechanics.
The first few matches are intense and exciting, sparking interest in the unique, immersive world and delivering adrenaline-pumping encounters with both human enemies and machines. The controls are smooth and responsive, complemented by stylish animations that enhance the fluidity of movement.
Long-term appeal seems assured thanks to a rewarding combination of loot and crafting systems, compelling quests, and a detailed skill tree that encourages continued play.
Visual Style
ARC Raiders’ visuals deserve commendation for seamlessly combining natural landscapes with sleek modern industrial and technological designs. The clean, futuristic aesthetic is a notable highlight of the game’s presentation.
"An extraction shooter for the masses - that’s the simplest way to sum up ARC Raiders from Embark Studios."
"The first few matches are incredibly intense, sparking curiosity about the unique, immersive world while raising your pulse with tense encounters against both humans and machines."
"Smooth, responsive controls and stylish animations add to the excellent sense of movement."
Overall, ARC Raiders offers an accessible yet thrilling experience that effectively blends immersive gameplay with a striking visual identity, making it a strong candidate for game of the year.