The year 2025 is already expected to be a competitive year for extraction shooters, and skepticism is only natural, especially with the success of Escape From Tarkov dominating the genre since its closed beta began in 2017. This game has set a challenging precedent, and experimental competitors like The Cycle: Frontier have risen and fallen in its shadow. Adding to the mix is Bungie's much-anticipated release of Marathon this year, which looms over the hardcore gaming scene. Yet, amidst this competitive landscape, Embark Studios introduces ARC Raiders, a title that promises to appeal not only to hardcore players but also to more casual gamers looking for a unique experience.

During a recent three-hour online preview event, media members had the chance to engage with the latest beta build of ARC Raiders, exploring both solo and squad gameplay. The game's mechanics revolve around scavenging for loot, evading or fighting robot adversaries, and clashing with other players in frantic races to secure the last remaining exits on the map.

Set in a post-apocalyptic world, ARC Raiders showcases a striking narrative backdrop. Humanity struggles against an onslaught of mechanical foes known as the ARC, which crash down from the sky. The last bastion of humanity resides in Speranza, a hidden underground city, where life is a constant battle for survival and the hope of reclaiming the surface world.

This precarious existence leads to the formation of raidersplayers who assume the roles of mercenaries who venture back to the surface, navigating a desolate landscape filled with threats, all in pursuit of valuable supplies needed for survival below ground. Players can expect a thrilling mix of cooperative and competitive gameplay, where the lines between ally and enemy blur, making every interaction potentially lethal.

Among the iconic threats players will face is the ARC Queen, a formidable "raid boss" designed to challenge the most equipped players. This encounter elevates the game experience, transforming ordinary loot runs into epic battles that necessitate teamwork and strategy.

Mechanically, ARC Raiders shares common progression systems with other extraction shooters. Players will engage in questlines for vendors in Speranza and build and upgrade their gear to become more proficient in each run. The game features a persistent skill tree that enhances attributes such as vitality, mobility, and looting speed, ensuring that players feel a sense of growth and development, even if they do not successfully return below ground after a run.

The ultimate aim for players is to amass enough firepower to take on colossal robotic adversaries like the ARC Queen. However, the game is designed to provide enjoyment even for those who may not reach this endgame scenario. Unlike the often tedious experiences in titles like Escape From Tarkov or The Cycle: Frontier, every run in ARC Raiders feels engaging and worthwhile.

My initial forays into ARC Raiders took place at an abandoned dam, an eerie location riddled with danger from both human and robotic foes. Here, high-speed action and unpredictable map conditions ensured that each run felt distinctive. Unlike traditional extraction shooters that emphasize slow, methodical gameplay, ARC Raiders encourages a more dynamic playstyle. Players can crouch but cannot go prone, which directs gameplay towards mobility and rapid engagement rather than prolonged stealth.

The preview began with solo runs, where players entered the fray with minimal equipment. My first loot location was a medical facility situated on the outskirts of the dam, the most vibrant of the three maps available. As I sifted through drawers for medical supplies, I could hear footsteps approachinga testament to the game's impressive sound design that often gives players critical audio clues about nearby threats.

Equipped with a flashlight, I positioned myself behind a computer console, ready to ambush any intruders. When a fellow raider entered the room, I instinctively opened fire, yet my bullets sparked against their shield, signaling a tense exchange. Just then, alarms blared, drawing a menacing ARC robot into the fray, and I had to make a hasty retreat.

During my escape, I encountered a shocking twist: my rival had also fallen victim to the ARC robot, engulfed in flames as they attempted to flee. This encounter exemplified how every run in ARC Raiders is filled with emergent narratives and unpredictable outcomes, making each session feel like a unique story.

In another run, I experienced a more collaborative interaction. While exploring the spaceport map, I stumbled upon two solo raiders through proximity chat. Instead of turning against each other, we pooled our resources, sharing weapons and crafting materialsa choice that ultimately benefitted us as we worked together to extract safely.

However, the tension is always palpable. During one particularly chaotic session, a sandstorm obscured my view, and I took the risk of ambushing another player at the extraction point. Although I managed to take them out, a sniper soon ended my run, but I managed to extract my loot at the last possible moment, showcasing the high-stakes gameplay that defines extraction shooters.

Team play in ARC Raiders proved to be just as exhilarating. Collaborating with a technical artist from Embark Studios and a colleague from CNET, we navigated the Buried City. The absence of open spaces necessitated careful communication and coordination. With only 90 seconds to reach our extraction point at a train station, we faced increased threats from ARC adversaries. As we descended a zipline, we were suddenly attacked by aerial units, leading to a frantic battle that felt reminiscent of urban warfare scenarios in other popular games.

Unlike other extraction shooters, where downtime can lead to boredom, ARC Raiders ensures that every run is filled with action and excitement. Losing gear can be disappointing, but the stories born from each encounter make every experience feel worthwhile. Players can relive their best moments through a detailed map following each run, showcasing their achievements and experiences.

ARC Raiders enters the extraction shooter arena with an innovative approach that could appeal to a broader audience. The game prioritizes speed and engagement, allowing players to thrive in a high-energy environment. Unlike traditional shooters where careful camping can yield unfair advantages, the design encourages active gameplay, aiming to foster a sense of fairness and agency for all players.

Embark Studios is committed to ensuring player parity by implementing features that diminish the advantages typically held by veteran players. By eliminating excessive camping and ensuring that gear advantages are balanced, ARC Raiders aims to create a level playing field for newcomers and seasoned veterans alike.

While the games mechanics promise a thrilling experience, the studio needs to address potential cheating issues that have plagued similar titles in the past. The success of ARC Raiders will depend significantly on how effectively Embark Studios can manage cheating and maintain the integrity of the gameplay experience.

Set to launch on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, ARC Raiders has yet to announce its pricing, release date, or monetization strategy. However, with promising gameplay mechanics and a focus on accessibility, it appears ready to carve out a significant niche in the extraction shooter genre.