ARC Raiders review: The best shooter of 2025

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Occasionally, a shooting game comes out that truly revolutionizes the genre. Games like Half-Life 2, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, and Fortnite all had that impact, and ARC Raiders is no different. It’s a game that good.

Embark Studios, created by the team behind the popular Battlefield games, showed their skill with the surprisingly good shooter, The Finals. Now, with ARC Raiders, they’ve truly outdone themselves, creating their best game yet.

With intense gun battles where every shot matters, frightening robotic enemies always on the attack, and a gameplay experience packed with memorable moments, you’ll find yourself wanting to play ‘just one more time’ long into the night.

ARC Raiders screenshots

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What is ARC Raiders? 

ARC Raiders is a shooter game where you play as a Raider, venturing out from the underground city of Speranza to find essential supplies. But be warned: the planet is now controlled by the ARC, powerful robots that will instantly attack any humans they see.

Every trip to the surface lasts a maximum of 30 minutes, so you’ll have limited time to search for valuable items, finish quests, and make it back safely. If you don’t return within that time, or if another player or an automated defense system defeats you, you’ll lose everything you’ve collected.

If you manage to return home, you can use the items you’ve found to create improved weapons or enhance your Workbenches. This will let you craft powerful healing items and throwables for your next adventure.

Ask questions first, shoot later 

If you’ve played games like Escape from Tarkov, you’ll quickly understand ARC Raiders. It involves going into a map, collecting valuable items, and then trying to get out before you lose everything.

This game creates intense moments where every choice matters. Do you cash out and keep what you’ve won, or risk it all by continuing to play for potentially bigger rewards?

It’s incredibly frustrating to be defeated, especially when it happens right before you can escape, and your best weapons are taken by your opponent. But even with those tough losses, every battle is exciting, and the satisfying gunplay always makes me want to jump right back into the action.

Playing alone often creates surprisingly good experiences. While some players will immediately attack, many will actually warn you not to shoot and will even team up with you to take down shared opponents.

I’ve had more amazing experiences in just one week playing ARC Raiders than I usually have in an entire year with other games. I spent time chatting with another player about strategy, teamed up with two others to protect a new player from a robot attack, and even surprisingly betrayed someone who promised not to shoot me – and I still have their weapons!

Every playthrough of ARC Raiders feels unique, and it’s this constant surprise that should keep players engaged long after the first excitement fades.

Not your average bots

The launch maps feel vibrant not only because of the other players, but also thanks to the powerful ARCs. These robotic enemies range from the Hornet, a drone equipped with a rapid-fire minigun, to the Leaper, which bounds through the air like a powerful giant before crashing down on opponents.

Even simple enemies can be dangerous if you’re not careful. They hit hard and are surprisingly intelligent, quickly exploiting any mistakes you make. They feel truly powerful, even when facing multiple opponents, creating a strong sense that you’re the intruder, not them.

This game’s challenge might discourage some, but it forces you to think carefully about every move. Unlike shooters like Warzone or Overwatch, where it’s easy to fall into familiar patterns and rely on proven strategies, this game keeps you constantly reacting and adapting.

ARC Raiders doesn’t offer any easy solutions. Trying to sneak past the drone protecting the escape zone – all while racing against the clock and avoiding other players – is incredibly challenging, like a high-pressure, complicated game of chess.

Each map offers unique challenges and events. For example, an electromagnetic storm keeps you inside to protect against lightning, and nighttime attacks create a scary, horror-like experience.

Verdict

ARC Raiders stands out as something truly special. In a world of multiplayer shooters that are starting to feel repetitive, it’s a fresh and exciting addition to the genre.

As a player, I can tell you this game is a total rush! It’s a wild ride – one minute you’re broke, the next you’re rolling in cash, and then things can quickly change again. But honestly, those amazing winning moments are so addictive, you just have to jump right back in for another try. Plus, the tough enemies and all the funny stuff that happens with other players always give us something to talk about – it’s non-stop entertainment!

It’s unusual for a game like this to feel so complete when it first comes out, and I’m excited to see how it improves over time. With a little luck, ARC Raiders will become the next hugely popular shooting game.

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2025-11-07 19:19