The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to ARC Raiders

Get started in ARC Raiders with practical tips on character creation, combat, teamwork, and looting. Learn how to thrive as a new player in this co-op shooter.

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Samantha

A Raider character surveys an alien world in this beginner's guide to ARC Raiders.

If you’re tired of games where co-op feels like playing solo next to other people, ARC Raiders might be exactly what you’re looking for. This game is built from the ground up with teamwork at its core. From its shared quest progression to combat encounters that demand real coordination, your success is directly tied to how well you work with your squad. This guide will show you how to be the best teammate possible, right from your very first mission. We’ll cover the fundamentals of communication, resource sharing, and tactical positioning so you can become an invaluable part of any team.

Key Takeaways

  • Success is a Team Effort: The game’s shared quest progression means you literally can’t succeed alone. Communicate with your squad, share resources, and focus on objectives together to make every mission a win.
  • Master Movement Before Marksmanship: How you move is just as important as how you shoot. Focus on managing your stamina, using cover effectively, and positioning yourself smartly to outlast your opponents in any firefight.
  • Embrace the Learning Curve: Your first few raids are for learning, not for flawless victories. Concentrate on understanding the core mechanics, experimenting with gear, and setting small goals, like successfully extracting with your loot.

What is ARC Raiders?

So, you’ve heard the buzz about ARC Raiders and want to know what it’s all about. At its core, ARC Raiders is a third-person cooperative shooter where you and your squad drop into intense, fast-paced missions to loot valuable resources from a hostile world. It’s all about getting in, grabbing what you can, and getting out alive.

The game drops you into a stunning sci-fi landscape where teamwork isn’t just recommended—it’s essential for survival. You’ll face off against ARC, a menacing robotic threat that won’t go down without a fight. Think of it as a high-stakes treasure hunt where the treasure is guarded by killer robots. The game blends strategic combat with the thrill of exploration and the constant pressure of extraction. It’s a fresh take on a beloved genre, and it’s already capturing the attention of gamers looking for their next big adventure.

What’s a Looter Shooter?

If you’re new to the term, a “looter shooter” is exactly what it sounds like: a game that combines shooting mechanics with a heavy emphasis on collecting loot. As you defeat enemies and complete objectives, you’ll find new weapons, gear, and resources. This loot allows you to upgrade your character, making you stronger for the next run. Games like Destiny and Borderlands perfected this addictive loop of fighting and finding better gear. In ARC Raiders, every successful mission means coming back with valuable materials to improve your loadout, which is crucial for taking on tougher challenges and securing even better rewards.

Core Gameplay Mechanics

ARC Raiders keeps you on your toes with several key mechanics. You’ll have a stamina bar, which means you can’t just sprint endlessly across the map; you have to manage your movement strategically, especially when you’re trying to escape a tight spot. Communication with your team is also a huge part of the experience. You’ll need to coordinate your attacks, call out enemy positions, and work together to complete objectives. As streamer ZLaner put it during his first playthrough, “We’re going to be complete noobs tonight and we’re going to learn so much.” That spirit of discovery and learning with your friends is what makes the initial hours so memorable.

What Makes ARC Raiders Stand Out?

What really sets ARC Raiders apart is its focus on creating a thrilling, community-driven experience. The game has generated a lot of excitement, with players praising its intense and engaging gameplay. But it’s the social dynamic that truly shines. One moment you’re in a desperate firefight, and the next you’re laughing with the friends you just made. It’s a game that fosters both fierce competition and strong alliances. As one player joked, “We’re going to be ultimate villains tonight… but we’re also going to be best friends with everybody.” This blend of high-stakes action and shared camaraderie is why so many are already calling it a potential game of the year.

Create Your First Character

This is where your adventure really begins. Before you drop into the world to take on rogue machines, you get to create the Raider who will represent you. This isn’t just about picking a cool haircut (though that’s important too!); your initial choices will shape how you experience the game’s early hours. Think of this as laying the foundation for your legend. It’s your chance to build a character that not only looks the part but also plays the way you want. Let’s walk through the key decisions you’ll make.

Choose Your Character Build

Your character build is the blueprint for your playstyle. Are you the type to charge in headfirst, soaking up damage for your team? Or do you prefer to hang back, picking off targets from a distance? While you can always adapt later, your starting build gives you an initial advantage in a specific area. Don’t stress too much about finding the “perfect” meta build right away. Instead, focus on what sounds fun to you. The best way to learn is by doing, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to refine your approach as you discover which strategies work best for you and your squad.

Your Starter Gear Explained

When you first spawn, you won’t be empty-handed. The game equips you with a basic set of starter gear to help you survive your initial encounters. This usually includes a standard-issue weapon, some basic armor, and essential tools. Take a moment to get familiar with what you’ve been given. How does the weapon handle? What’s its effective range? Understanding the limitations of your initial loadout is the first step toward mastering combat. This gear is designed to get you through the tutorial phase and your first few quests, so don’t get too attached—you’ll be looting bigger and better equipment before you know it.

Customization Options That Matter

ARC Raiders gives you a solid suite of customization options to make your character feel unique. You can tweak everything from facial features and hairstyles to outfits and accessories. Want a rugged, battle-hardened look with tactical headgear? Go for it. Prefer a sleeker, more agile appearance? You can do that too. While most of these choices are cosmetic, they help you stand out and express your personality. Some players find that certain items, like bulky helmets, can slightly affect their field of view, so it’s worth experimenting to find a look that’s both stylish and practical. Your character is your own, so have fun creating someone you’re excited to play as.

Master Movement and Combat

Getting the hang of movement and combat in ARC Raiders is your first big step toward becoming a formidable player. This isn’t just about pointing and shooting; it’s about how you move through the world, manage your physical limits, and position yourself for every fight. Think of the environment as your playground and your stamina as a resource just as valuable as your ammo. Unlike the frantic pace of some shooters, ARC Raiders rewards thoughtful, deliberate action. You’ll need to be aware of your surroundings, your character’s abilities, and your own limits to survive encounters with the ARC.

Mastering these fundamentals early will make your entire experience smoother. You’ll learn to approach fights with a plan, use the terrain to your advantage, and conserve your energy for when it matters most. As streamer ZLANER puts it, sometimes you “might have to haul ass,” and you need to be ready for that moment. From sprinting across open fields to climbing up structures for a better vantage point, every action counts. Let’s break down the core mechanics you need to practice to stay one step ahead of your enemies.

Manage Your Stamina and Sprinting

The first thing you’ll notice is the stamina bar at the bottom of your screen. You can’t just sprint forever. This mechanic forces you to be strategic about your movement. Wasting all your stamina to get to loot a few seconds faster might leave you unable to escape when an enemy squad shows up. Think of it like managing your resources in a fast-paced game like Warzone; every decision has a consequence. Conserve your sprint for repositioning in a fight, closing the distance on an enemy, or making a tactical retreat. A full stamina bar is your get-out-of-jail-free card when a firefight goes south.

Climb and Traverse the Environment

ARC Raiders isn’t a flat battlefield. The world is full of structures to climb and obstacles to vault over, and using them effectively can give you a serious edge. Abilities like “Nimble climber” let you scale walls and vault over cover more quickly, turning the environment into your personal jungle gym. Keep an eye out for opportunities to gain high ground or find a flanking route. Exploration is also rewarded. As you move through the world, you’ll spot things like “those red lockers,” which are often filled with valuable goodies. Always be scanning your surroundings for tactical advantages and hidden supplies.

Basic Weapon Handling and Positioning

How you handle your weapon and where you stand are just as important as your aim. Before entering a room, get your weapon ready. As ZLANER says while pushing a building, “I got a pistol, too. Let me shoulder that.” This simple action prepares you for an immediate engagement. Positioning is key to winning fights and staying alive. Don’t just stand in the open. Use cover, play corners, and communicate with your team to cover different angles. And don’t forget your evasive maneuvers! A quick roll can help you dodge incoming fire and create an opening to shoot back, turning a deadly situation into a winning play.

How Do Quests Work in ARC Raiders?

ARC Raiders is built from the ground up with teamwork in mind, and its quest system is a perfect reflection of that philosophy. Forget the days of every player needing to interact with the same NPC or collect their own set of items just to stay on the same page. In this world, quests are shared experiences designed to bring your squad together. When one person makes progress, the whole team moves forward. This cooperative approach is central to the game, encouraging constant communication and strategic thinking that turns every mission into a collaborative puzzle. It’s a refreshing change of pace from games where co-op can sometimes feel like you’re just playing solo next to other people. Here, your success is directly tied to how well you function as a unit. Whether you’re disabling an alarm system, salvaging critical resources, or taking down a massive robotic boss, you’ll do it more effectively as a team. This system not only streamlines the experience but also deepens the sense of camaraderie. You’re not just completing objectives; you’re achieving them together, which makes every victory feel earned and significant. Understanding how this shared system works is one of the first steps to becoming a successful Raider, so let’s break down what you can expect when you drop into your first mission and how to make the most of this team-first design.

Complete Quests as a Party

When you’re in a squad, think of your quest log as a shared to-do list. Any action taken by a single player contributes to the objective for everyone. If a quest requires you to hack three terminals, it doesn’t matter if one person hacks all three or if three different players each hack one—as soon as the third terminal is done, the objective is complete for the entire party. This design removes a lot of the usual friction found in co-op games and lets your team focus on what matters: working together. It allows for more dynamic gameplay where players can take on different roles. One Raider can provide overwatch while another completes a tricky objective, and both are rewarded equally for the team’s success.

Playing Solo vs. Squad

You have two ways to approach the world of ARC Raiders: as a lone wolf or as part of a full squad. It’s important to know that the game doesn’t currently support duos or trios, so if you want to team up, you’ll need to find enough players to form a complete team. Playing solo offers a much tougher, high-stakes experience where every decision rests solely on your shoulders. It’s a great way to test your skills, but you’ll miss out on the synergy that makes squad play so rewarding. The game truly comes alive when you’re coordinating with a full team, combining your abilities to overcome challenges that would be impossible alone. This focus on team coordination is what makes the gameplay so compelling.

How Shared Progression Works

The shared progression system is the glue that holds the co-op experience together. It means that every resource gathered, enemy defeated, and objective completed by any member of your squad counts toward the team’s goal. For example, if a mission requires you to collect 50 pieces of scrap, the counter will go up no matter who picks them up. This fosters a truly collaborative environment where you’re never competing against your teammates for resources or quest items. Instead, you’re all working toward a common goal, and everyone shares in the rewards. This system ensures that no one gets left behind and that every successful mission feels like a genuine team victory.

Infographic showing ARC Raiders squad tactics including shared quest mechanics, shield management with Arc Power Cells, stamina-based movement strategy, environmental positioning techniques, and resource allocation priorities. Features tactical diagrams, gameplay screenshots, and step-by-step guides for new players to master cooperative gameplay mechanics.

Learn These Combat Fundamentals

Getting the hang of combat in ARC Raiders is about more than just pointing and shooting. Your survival depends on a handful of core skills that keep you alive long enough to actually win a fight. Mastering your resources, healing effectively, and using the map to your advantage are what separate fresh recruits from seasoned veterans. Focus on these three fundamentals, and you’ll build a solid foundation for taking on any enemy the game throws at you.

Heal Shields with Arc Power Cells

Your shield is your first line of defense, and knowing how to keep it charged is non-negotiable. In ARC Raiders, you’ll use Arc Power Cells to restore your shields mid-fight. This isn’t an automatic process; you have to actively equip and use the cell, which takes a precious few seconds. As streamer ZLaner demonstrated while playing, you can even heal your teammates: “I can pull this out… and then what I can do is I can go ahead and heal you.” Get comfortable with this mechanic early. Practice finding a safe moment to pop a cell so you can stay in the fight longer and support your squad when they need it most.

Manage Resources During Fights

Every action in ARC Raiders has a cost, and managing your resources is key to sustained success. This goes beyond just tracking your ammo. Your stamina, for example, is a finite resource that drains when you sprint. As ZLaner noted during a tense moment, “I’m gonna stop sprinting so much because I also don’t want to waste my stamina.” It’s tempting to run everywhere, but entering a fight with an empty stamina bar means you can’t dodge or reposition effectively. Just as you’d carefully select your Warzone loadouts for a match, you need to think strategically about how you spend your personal resources in ARC Raiders.

Use Smart Positioning to Survive

Where you stand is just as important as how you shoot. Good positioning means using your environment for cover and constantly being aware of potential threats. It’s a proactive skill, not a reactive one. For instance, upon spotting a threat, ZLaner immediately reacted by saying, “Careful, careful, careful. You see that drone? I’m backing up a little bit.” He didn’t wait to get shot; he saw a potential danger and moved to a safer spot. Always be scanning your surroundings. Use hills, buildings, and even small bits of cover to minimize your exposure and give yourself a tactical edge. This habit will save you more often than you think.

Loot and Manage Your Inventory

ARC Raiders is a looter shooter at its core, which means grabbing gear is just as important as landing your shots. Success isn’t just about what you find, but how you manage it. A messy inventory can get you killed faster than a surprise enemy patrol. Think of your backpack as your lifeline—keeping it organized and stocked with the right items will make you an invaluable part of any squad. You’ll need to be quick on your feet, constantly scanning for resources, and making smart decisions about what to keep and what to leave behind. Mastering your inventory is a fundamental skill that separates rookies from seasoned Raiders who consistently complete their missions and extract with the best goodies.

Prioritize Your Loot

When you’re in the middle of a firefight, you don’t have time to second-guess what to pick up. You need to develop an instinct for high-priority loot. Always keep an eye out for mission-critical items first; sometimes, you’re just one key piece of salvage away from completing an objective. Next, look for Arc Power Cells to keep your shields charged and any resources your team is calling out for. It’s easy to get distracted by every shiny object, but efficient looting means grabbing what you need to survive and win right now. You can always come back for secondary items if the area is clear, but getting the essentials first is non-negotiable.

Organize Your Inventory

A well-organized inventory is a lifesaver. Take a moment between encounters to arrange your items so you can access them without thinking. Set up your quick-use slots with healing items and essential combat tools. You should be able to pull out a medkit and heal a teammate in seconds, not fumble through a cluttered grid while they’re bleeding out. This level of preparation is crucial in many games, where having the right Warzone loadouts can determine the outcome of a match. Treat your inventory with the same care. A clean setup lets you react instantly, keeping you and your squad in the fight longer.

Allocate Your Resources Wisely

Hoarding every single resource for yourself is a fast track to failure. ARC Raiders is a team game, and that extends to your inventory. Communicate with your squad about who needs what. If your support player is low on healing supplies, pass them yours. If you see Arc Power, ping it for your teammates. The goal is to make the entire team stronger. This also means knowing when to use your most powerful items and, just as importantly, when to cut your losses. If a mission is going south, focus on grabbing what you can and getting to the extraction point. Securing some loot is always better than losing everything.

What to Expect in Your First Session

Jumping into a new game like ARC Raiders for the first time is a mix of excitement and, let’s be real, a little bit of chaos. Your first session is less about topping the leaderboards and more about getting your bearings. You’ll be figuring out the controls, learning what all the shiny loot does, and probably getting blasted by enemies you didn’t even see. And that’s completely normal! Think of it as your orientation day. The key is to embrace the newness, have a laugh at your own mistakes, and focus on learning one thing at a time. Before you know it, you’ll be playing with confidence.

The Learning Curve and Skill Development

Everyone starts at square one. Even seasoned streamers have that first “what does this button do?” moment. Your initial hours in ARC Raiders will be a crash course in everything from movement to combat. You’re going to be a total noob, and that’s the best part. It means every quest you finish and every enemy you defeat is a genuine achievement. Don’t get discouraged if you feel clumsy or overwhelmed. Instead, lean into the learning process. Pay attention to how different weapons feel, how enemies attack, and how you can use the environment to your advantage. This initial phase is where you build the foundational skills that will carry you through the rest of the game.

Set Realistic Goals as a Newcomer

Your main goal for your first session should be simple: have fun and learn something new. Forget about flawless victories or perfect K/D ratios for now. Instead, focus on completing a single quest, figuring out how to revive a teammate, or just successfully extracting with some decent loot. It’s easy to get caught up in trying to do everything perfectly, but that’s a quick way to get frustrated. Just focus on the task at hand. Team up with friends, communicate, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. The social aspect and shared discovery are a huge part of what makes looter shooters so engaging. So relax, don’t overthink it, and enjoy the ride.

Optimize Your Graphics and Performance

Before you even drop into your first mission, take a few minutes to tweak your settings. This can make a massive difference in your gameplay experience. First, check your audio. The game’s music might be epic, but you’ll want to lower it so you can hear crucial in-game sounds like enemy footsteps or gunfire. Next, head to the graphics settings. A common pro tip is to increase your Field of View (FOV) to around 80-100, which lets you see more of your surroundings. Also, look for and disable settings like Motion Blur and Film Grain. While they can look cinematic, they often make it harder to track targets. Getting your settings right is a universal step for any shooter, much like finding the perfect Warzone loadout.

Learn from the Community

Jumping into a new game like ARC Raiders can feel like a lot, but you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. The game already has a passionate community full of players who are discovering strategies, sharing tips, and learning the ropes together. Tapping into this collective knowledge is one of the fastest ways to get comfortable with the mechanics and find your footing. Whether you prefer to watch, chat, or play alongside others, there are plenty of ways to connect.

Learning from others isn’t just about getting better at the game; it’s also about making the experience more fun. You’ll discover new ways to play, get help when you’re stuck on a tough quest, and meet people who can become your regular squadmates. The community is your best resource for everything from character builds to combat tricks. So, before you drop into your next raid, think about connecting with other players who are just as excited about the game as you are.

Watch Experienced Streamers

One of the easiest ways to absorb information is to watch people who know what they’re doing. Firing up a stream from an experienced player gives you a firsthand look at effective strategies, smart positioning, and efficient looting routes. You can see how they handle different enemy types and what gear they prioritize. Many streamers are great at explaining their thought process in real-time, giving you a direct line into a more advanced mindset.

Plus, streams are interactive. You can ask questions in the chat and get immediate answers. As one streamer put it while creating his character, “I’m sure there’s going to be tons of Backseat Gaming and it’s going to be great.” This shows how you can join the conversation and learn directly from a streamer’s decisions and the community’s feedback.

Engage with Other Players

Don’t be afraid to dive into community discussions. Platforms like Discord and Reddit are buzzing with players sharing clips, asking questions, and debating the best strategies. This is where you can find answers to specific problems, get opinions on your character build, or just see what other people are talking about. Engaging with others helps you stay on top of the evolving meta and learn from a wide range of perspectives.

The community is a mix of friendly competition and genuine support. As one player joked, “We’re going to be ultimate villains tonight… but we’re also going to be best friends with everybody.” This perfectly captures the spirit of many gaming communities. You can find a wealth of knowledge and maybe even a few friendly rivals by joining the official ARC Raiders Discord.

Find Mentors and Teammates

While watching and chatting are great, nothing beats learning by doing—especially with a solid team. Actively look for more experienced players to squad up with. A good mentor can point out mistakes you don’t even realize you’re making and guide you through challenging quests. Playing with a coordinated team is not only more effective but also way more enjoyable than going it alone.

Listen in on streams and you’ll hear players constantly coordinating: “Brother Destroy, are you live, brother? Yes, sir. Are you making your character right now or are you just talking in the chat?” This kind of simple communication is the foundation of a good team. Use LFG (Looking For Group) channels in community hubs to find teammates who match your playstyle and goals.

Avoid These Beginner Mistakes

Jumping into a new game like ARC Raiders is exciting, but it’s easy to fall into a few common traps. Every veteran player was a rookie once, and learning from mistakes is part of the fun. To help you get ahead of the curve, we’ve identified some of the biggest blunders new players make. Keep these in mind during your first few raids, and you’ll be playing like a pro in no time. Think of this as your cheat sheet for avoiding those face-palm moments we’ve all had.

Poor Combat Positioning

Getting caught out in the open is a death sentence in ARC Raiders. You might feel powerful with your new gear, but as streamer ZLaner found out the hard way, that confidence can vanish fast. He warned his squad, “Be careful with those robots, though,” right before admitting, “Apparently, we just used a lot of our gear because we took a big missile to the… to the dome.” That’s a classic case of bad positioning. Always be aware of your surroundings and use cover. Hugging walls, ducking behind crates, and using the environment to your advantage will keep you from becoming an easy target for enemy rockets. Good positioning is just as important as having the best loadouts and will save you a ton of resources.

Weak Team Coordination

This isn’t a solo adventure; ARC Raiders is built around squad play. If you’re running off on your own, you’re not just putting yourself at risk—you’re hurting the whole team. As ZLaner points out, “Quests are done by the whole party. So, like when you started that quest right there… everything we both do in the map will affect the quest.” This means communication is everything. Use the ping system, call out enemy locations, and decide on a plan together. A coordinated squad that sticks together and focuses on the same objective will always outperform a group of lone wolves. Teamwork makes the dream work, and it also leads to some of the most hilarious gaming moments.

Bad Resource Management

Your inventory is your lifeline, and wasting resources is a fast track to failure. It’s tempting to use a bandage for every little scratch, but that habit will leave you empty-handed when you really need it. This exact scenario creates tension in squads, as seen when one player tells another, “You’re wasting all your bandages. I’m not using my bandages on you, bro.” Don’t be that person. Pay attention to your ammo count, use healing items wisely, and communicate your supply levels to your team. A well-managed inventory means you’ll have what you need during critical fights and won’t have to beg your teammates for their last medkit. After all, poor planning often leads to unfortunate (and funny) consequences.

Build Your Skills Over Time

Every single player in ARC Raiders starts at the exact same place: square one. Nobody drops into their first match as a seasoned pro. As streamer ZLaner put it when diving in, “We’re going to be complete noobs tonight and we’re going to learn so much. It’s going to be incredible.” Embrace that mindset. Your first few sessions are all about soaking up information, getting a feel for the controls, and figuring out what works for you. Don’t get discouraged by early losses or confusing moments.

The key is to treat every raid as a learning opportunity. Did you get taken out by a robot from an unexpected angle? Now you know to check that spot next time. Did you run out of ammo mid-fight? You’ll learn to manage your resources better. This gradual improvement is one of the most rewarding parts of any looter shooter. The skills you build over time—from weapon handling to map awareness—will eventually become second nature. Focus on small victories and consistent practice, and you’ll be surprised at how quickly you progress from a fresh-faced Raider to a confident veteran.

Develop Your Weapon Mastery

Finding the right weapon can feel like a game-changer. You’ll go from feeling like you’re barely scratching enemies to confidently melting them down. When you find a gun that just clicks, like an “insane assault rifle” that ZLaner picked up, you’ll know it. The best way to find your favorite is to simply try everything. Don’t get attached to the first gun you find. Pick up different assault rifles, SMGs, and shotguns to understand their recoil, effective range, and ideal use cases. True mastery isn’t just about aiming; it’s about knowing which tool is right for the job and building a powerful loadout that complements your style.

Learn Advanced Movement Techniques

In ARC Raiders, how you move is just as important as how you shoot. Standing still is a surefire way to get sent back to the lobby. You need to be a hard target, and that means mastering the game’s movement system. Simple actions can make a huge difference. For example, you can perform a quick dodge by doing “a little roll” to evade incoming fire or reposition behind cover. Another pro tip is to stow your weapon (press H on PC) to sprint faster. This is perfect for escaping a bad situation or rotating to a new objective quickly. Integrating these small techniques into your gameplay will dramatically increase your survivability and give you a major edge in any fight.

Find Your Preferred Playstyle

There’s no single “right” way to play ARC Raiders. The fun is in discovering what kind of player you want to be. Are you going to be an “ultimate villain,” aggressively pushing every fight and taking all the loot? Or will you be a team player, coordinating with your squad and sharing resources? Maybe you want to get “so sweaty” and focus entirely on mechanical skill and outplaying your opponents. Your playstyle will influence everything from the gear you prioritize to how you approach each encounter. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Try being the aggressor in one match and a stealthy opportunist in the next. Finding a playstyle that you enjoy is the key to staying engaged and having a blast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play ARC Raiders by myself? You absolutely can play solo, but you should know it’s a much tougher experience. The game is designed with squad-based cooperation at its heart, so going in alone means you’ll need to be extra careful with your positioning and resource management. The quests and challenges don’t scale down for a single player, so it’s a great way to test your skills, but the real magic happens when you’re coordinating with a full team.

What’s the main objective in a typical mission? Think of each session as a high-stakes heist. Your primary goal is to drop into the map with your squad, complete a series of shared objectives, and loot as many valuable resources and pieces of gear as you can carry. The final and most crucial step is to make it to an extraction point and get out alive. Successfully extracting means you get to keep all the goodies you found, which you can then use to upgrade your character for the next run.

What happens when my character dies? Dying is a big deal in ARC Raiders. Since it’s an extraction shooter, getting eliminated during a mission means you will likely lose the gear and loot you brought in with you for that specific run. This high-stakes system makes every decision matter and adds a real sense of tension to firefights. It also makes a successful extraction with a backpack full of loot feel incredibly rewarding.

Is this game more like Warzone or Destiny? It actually borrows some of the best ideas from both. Like Destiny, there’s a heavy focus on collecting loot to constantly upgrade your character and fine-tune your build. However, the mission structure is more like an extraction game, sharing that tense, session-based feeling you might get from Warzone where the goal is to survive and get out, not just to win a single match. It’s a great blend of persistent progression and in-the-moment stakes.

Do I need to have perfect aim to be good at this game? While being able to land your shots is definitely helpful, it’s not the only thing that matters. ARC Raiders puts a huge emphasis on strategy and teamwork. Smart positioning, managing your stamina, using the environment for cover, and communicating effectively with your squad are just as critical to your success. A well-coordinated team that plays smart will almost always beat a group of sharpshooters who don’t work together.