In a stunning display of success, the multiplayer extraction shooter Arc Raiders from Swedish developer Embark Studios has captivated the gaming world, selling a remarkable 12 million copies in just three months since its release last October. Its player numbers now rival established titans like Counter-Strike 2 and Apex Legends. For those curious about joining the fray, here is your essential guide to understanding and starting your journey in this sci-fi phenomenon.
What Exactly Is Arc Raiders?
Arc Raiders is defined as an extraction shooter, a genre of online multiplayer game where players are dropped into a hostile environment to scavenge for valuable gear and must then successfully escape to keep their loot. You can venture out solo or team up with two friends in a squad. While most games in this niche pit players against both AI enemies (PvE) and each other (PvP), Arc Raiders introduces a compelling twist: cooperation is often more rewarding than conflict.
Human raiders frequently choose to band together rather than fight. The game facilitates this with quick-chat options like "don't shoot!" and, for those with a microphone, the opportunity to form impromptu alliances with strangers met in the field.
The World and Gameplay of Arc Raiders
The game is set on a post-apocalyptic Earth in the distant future, ravaged by ecological disaster. Humanity survives underground in a vast city named Toledo, while the surface is plundered by a robotic alien force known as Arc. You play as a Raider, making perilous trips to the surface to scavenge ruined towns.
Success in raids earns experience points to improve your character's abilities in Conditioning, Mobility, and Survival. You'll find blueprints to craft new items and can complete missions for traders who offer rewards. The core loop involves looting, surviving, extracting, and using your spoils to become more self-sufficient by upgrading your workstations.
Keys to Success for New Raiders
Available on PC, Xbox, and PS5, the best way to start is simply to jump in. A gaming headset is highly recommended, both for communication and for pinpointing audio cues from threats. Beginners are initially confined to the Dam Battlegrounds map, which is the perfect place to learn. Later, more dangerous zones like Buried City and Stella Montis unlock.
For your first raids, focus on exploration and looting every item you find—common resources for crafting and rare trinkets for selling. Always secure blueprints in your safe pocket to retain them after death. The game offers a risk-free option to start raids with basic gear, ideal for learning new maps or rebuilding after a loss.
Invest early in expanding your stash storage and consider your playstyle when allocating skill points. Prioritise Mobility skills initially for evasion. Arm yourself with two primary weapons: one effective against Arc robots (like the Ferro) and one for PvP (like the Kettle or Stitcher). Essential gear includes bandages, shield rechargers, adrenaline shots, and smoke grenades for escapes. Don't underestimate basic flying enemies; cheap seeker grenades are highly effective against them.
To make money quickly, target high-value locations in the Dam like the Pale Apartments. Remember, the game's matchmaking considers your behaviour; acting aggressively will place you on more hostile servers. A friendly approach, using emotes and cooperating, can lead to valuable help and gifts from other players.
Why Has It Captured 12 Million Players?
In a crowded field that includes titles like Escape from Tarkov and Hunt: Showdown, Arc Raiders stands out with its impeccable style, compelling lore, and thrilling set-piece battles. Its AI-driven enemies, from drone-like Wasps to the colossal Matriarch, provide unpredictable and engaging combat. These epic encounters, along with the game's shareable comic moments, have fueled its popularity on platforms like Twitch, TikTok, and Instagram, driving its meteoric rise to 12 million copies sold.
