Arc Raiders, an innovative extraction shooter developed by Embark Studios, has captured the attention of gamers for its unique mechanics and engaging gameplay. While extraction shooters typically aren’t my go-to genre, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed my time with this game. Even though I missed the pre-release Server Slam, I found something incredibly satisfying in its tight 30-minute raids combined with ongoing mission goals. Here’s what I’ve learned during my time exploring the depths of Arc Raiders, helping you jump-start your adventure.
Arc Raiders Basics
When you first dive into Arc Raiders, the sheer number of menus and options can feel overwhelming. However, familiarizing yourself with some basic mechanics can make your experience smoother. You start a raid by selecting a destination from the map and setting your gear loadout. A crucial aspect of gameplay is that if you fail to extract after a raid, you’ll lose almost everything in your inventory—except one item designated as your “Safe Pocket.” This can feel daunting at first.
Fortunately, you can opt for a free loadout, which provides low-level disposable items for those initial explorations. This low-stakes option is perfect for venturing into uncharted territory or tackling short missions without the fear of significant loss.
As you traverse the surface, keep an eye out for useful items. Initially, I was unsure what to do with the large metal crates littering the landscape. My breakthrough came when I learned that these crates can be deposited at nearby Field Depots, where an extraction machine rewards you with supplies. Additionally, Supply Call Stations allow players to summon supply drops, but be vigilant—other players will see your flare, possibly attracting unwanted company.
Understanding Arc Raiders Loot
Looting forms the crux of Arc Raiders gameplay. While most of your time will be spent digging through containers and gathering up items, it’s crucial to understand the value of what you collect. Early on, I made the mistake of immediately recycling or selling items that seemed useless. It’s a lesson learned the hard way—innocent-looking items like Arc Batteries or Rusted Gears can be transformed into valuable crafting materials or be required for specific assignments later on.
I recommend checking your haul against an Arc Raiders loot cheat sheet to determine if certain items might be essential in the future. Expanding your stash capacity back at base will also allow you to hold onto valuable items until they’re needed, ensuring you’re not scrambling to find them later.
Leveling Up and Skills
As you engage in raids, completing missions will earn you experience points (XP) that contribute to leveling up your Raider. I focused heavily on the Conditioning branch, which aids in looting efficiency. Depending on your gameplay style, you might discover that the best skills for your character lie in a different branch altogether. Amassing an arsenal of weapons also becomes a priority; however, the best weapons are often harder to come by, so keep an eye out for those elusive blueprints during your adventures.
The Importance of Scrappy the Rooster
One unique aspect of Arc Raiders is building a relationship with Scrappy the Rooster, who requires a consistent supply of food to stay happy. Discovering items like Prickly Pears and Mushrooms while navigating the surface adds another layer of dynamism to your looting strategy. Not only do you need to stay alive, but you also have to keep Scrappy fed for upgrades!
Facing the Enemies
Arc Raiders features a variety of enemies that you’ll encounter during your surface raids. While I’ve been lucky enough to avoid hostile players thus far—likely because I mostly play solo—the primary threats come from the Arc machines throughout the game. Engaging these enemies might be tempting; however, discretion is often the better part of valor. Avoid conflict when you’re ill-equipped, and save confrontations for when you’ve upgraded your weaponry and shields.
When missions require defeating enemies like Hornets or Bastions, aim for vulnerable points, such as propellers on flying foes. Environmental opportunities, like using Electromagnetic Storms to zap enemies, can also turn the tide in your favor.
Continued Exploration
There’s still so much to uncover within the universe of Arc Raiders. The game world is teeming with hidden treasures and secrets waiting to be discovered. Exploring locations like the Hidden Bunker or delving into the eerie depths of abandoned research facilities at Stella Montis presents not only the thrill of discovery but also the chance to tackle complex missions.
As I continue my journey in Arc Raiders, I feel equipped with valuable knowledge and strategies to enhance my performance. With each raid, I am more determined to master the game, uncover its secrets, and confront whatever challenges lie ahead on the surface.