Arc Raiders Review
Out Now
Version tested: PC (5090,9800x3d, DRR5 64GB)
ARC Raiders is a 2025 third-person extraction shooter from Embark Studios, built in Unreal Engine 5 for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. The game puts you into a world ravaged by mechanised ARC enemies, challenging players to loot, survive, and extract — all while contending with both AI threats and other players. From the moment you load in, the game sells itself on tension, urgency, and the dread that every drop-in could be your last.
What stands out most is how it blends PvE (fighting robotic enemies) and PvP (competing or cooperating with other players) with the high stakes of classic extraction shooters — but with a more accessible tone than many in the genre.
The game is a real showcase for Unreal Engine 5, with environments, lighting, and level design giving a distinctive sci-fi/apocalyptic vibe! It beautifully merges industrial tech and ruined landscapes.
The sound design is among the best in shooters right now, and unlike anything I have ever really heard. The night raids in particular offer tense affairs where audio cues, such as distant footsteps, creaking floors, and robot drones, are often more crucial than what you see around you!
Gunplay and traversal feel smooth; sliding, grappling, and momentum-based movement make combat more dynamic than static run-and-gun shooters.
AI-driven enemies (ARC) behave unpredictably and intelligently, adding challenge beyond just other players. They’re not just there to fill a gap; they can flank, hunt, and react in realistic ways, which can really push skill limits with other human players attacking at the same time!
The extraction-based risk/reward loop is implemented well: the tension of venturing out, gathering loot, and then attempting to extract (constant threat of losing everything) works amazingly well; it makes every run feel meaningful.
Whether you team up with friends or strangers (or betray them), this is where the game really shines! Sudden firefights, zero trust for anyone, betrayals at extraction. These are just a few things that make every run feel unique. For an extraction shooter, ARC Raiders is very accessible; it doesn’t demand machinery-level skill or deep grinding to get started; new players can jump in with minimal setup! Once you play, you will likely start with a free loadout, which takes some risk out of the run, but you go in with a basic gun, bandage, and a couple of other essentials.
Performance is impressive considering it’s a modern UE5 game! The game remains stable, runs well even on older hardware, and the options menu is responsive with minimal restart times. The game does feel very complete at launch! A nice change compared to other releases that seem to debut in beta-ish states. I personally found it runs smoothly without major bugs or game-breaking issues.
Verdict:
ARC Raiders is in many ways a breath of fresh air! In 2025’s crowded shooter landscape, it has really stood out. It blends the tension and thrill of extraction shooters with a richly atmospheric world, amazing AI, smooth combat, and genuine wow moments.
For groups of friends or players willing to dive into PvPvE with others, it delivers some of the best high-stakes, lose-everything sessions available today. Its long-term appeal is a worry, especially if you lean towards solo, dislike PvP, or expect deep, evolving content.
Amazing sound really pushes the boundaries, and the visual/performance from the off for a new release was really impressive!
Score:
9/10
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Pros
- Exceptional visual and audio design! A very atmospheric, immersive world that draws you in.
- Fluid and satisfying combat with smart, reactive AI enemies that add unpredictability.
- Balanced extraction-shooter loop combining loot, risk, and reward in tense, meaningful runs.
- Strong potential for emergent multiplayer stories, unpredictable teamwork and betrayals.
- Accessible for newcomers — no steep skill entry barrier, welcoming for both vets and newcomers.
Cons
- Limited content depth and progression for solo players; long-term engagement may suffer.
- PvP imbalance and random match-making often pit newcomers against experienced squads.
- Cosmetic store feels overpriced for a paid game; premium currency is hard to earn in-game.
- Lack of dedicated PvE mode — forced PvP can turn sessions frustrating or off-putting.
- Use of generative AI voice-overs can undermines immersion for some players.
