ARC Raiders: Is Embark Studios’ Extraction Shooter the Next Big Hit?
ARC Raiders, the upcoming extraction shooter from Embark Studios, has been generating significant buzz, especially after its second Closed Alpha test. With comparisons to games like Escape From Tarkov and Bungie's Marathon, the game is quickly positioning itself as a potential genre hit. The question is: can it dethrone the giants or carve its own unique niche in the extraction shooter landscape?
The alpha test of ARC Raiders garnered attention this week, fueling positive feedback and consistently increasing player numbers, a testament to the game's appeal and the ongoing distribution of access codes. Embark Studios, known for the successful shadow drop of The Finals, seems poised for another win with ARC Raiders.
One key takeaway from the alpha is the game's accessibility. While maintaining core extraction elements like crafting and home base upgrades, ARC Raiders presents a less hardcore, more inviting experience compared to Tarkov. The game features challenging robotic PvE enemies and intense PvP encounters, creating a balanced and engaging gameplay loop. Notably, the imposing boss was only defeated 58 times, adding a layer of difficulty even for experienced players.
What truly sets ARC Raiders apart is its unique sound design. The game heavily relies on audio cues, such as footsteps, gunfire, and looting sounds, to create a tense and immersive atmosphere. According to impressions, the intensity and realism of these sounds amplify the stakes, making every encounter feel significant.
Comparing ARC Raiders to Bungie's Marathon, another high-profile extraction shooter in closed alpha, reveals a stark contrast. While ARC Raiders experienced a daily increase in players, Marathon struggled to retain its audience. This difference highlights ARC Raiders' success in capturing the essence of the extraction shooter genre while remaining accessible to newcomers.
Game Informer's impressions further emphasize the game's strengths, highlighting elements like level design, world-building, and tense combat encounters. The retro-futuristic setting, combined with the third-person perspective, distinguishes ARC Raiders from its competitors. Moreover, the game's progression system, which includes homebase upgrades and a skill tree, adds depth and longevity to the experience.
Adding friends to ARC Raiders Playtest is straightforward: get access using a steam key, complete 4 rounds and a total of 30 minutes active gameplay and wait for a bottom-left button to appear on the main menu labeled Invite Friends. After clicking the button a new screen will appear with a QR code that can be scanned by a mobile phone or clicking the "Open in Browser" button to visit a personal invite page where you can copy your referral link to send to friends.
Embark Studios seems to have masterfully blended various game art disciplines, creating visually stunning environments that are both rewarding and dangerous to explore. Weather systems, time of day, and other modifiers enhance the game's replayability by changing the conditions of each map. Add to that the excellent logic-based artificial intelligence, even basic enemies can become a serious threat, making every combat scenario significant.
While widespread mainstream success remains uncertain for ARC Raiders, Embark Studios appears to be making meaningful progress in a niche ready for more attention. Will ARC Raiders become the next big thing? Only time will tell, but the initial impressions are certainly promising.
What are your thoughts on ARC Raiders? Do you think it has the potential to become a major player in the extraction shooter genre? Share your opinions in the comments below!
Related issues news
Is Arc Raiders an extraction shooter?
ARC Raiders will be a new entry in the extraction genre releasing some time this year, it's claimed.
When can I play Arc Raiders?
The current ARC Raiders playtest ends on May 4th and is available for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC gamers.
How to get friend code for arc raiders?
Eager to team up in the ARC Raiders Playtest? First, secure your own access via Steam. Then, dedicate 30 minutes across four rounds of active gameplay to unlock the 'Invite Friends' feature. Located on the main menu, this option provides a unique referral link to share with two eligible friends aged 16 and above.
Will Arc Raiders be on console?
For now, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC players are the beneficiaries of ARC Raiders' platforms and availability. What have you made of ARC Raiders so far?
