If you thought you were tough because you survived a few sweaty matches in Call of Duty or managed to outlast a horde in Left 4 Dead, let me stop you right there. ARC Raiders is here to remind you that you’re just a flapjack waiting to get flipped with a... modified spatula. This PvPvE extraction shooter doesn’t just test your reflexes—it tests your will to keep playing after the cold hearted dirt bags + ARC machines stomp you into digital dust. It’s survival at its most unforgiving, and yet, it’s so beautifully executed that you’ll keep crawling back for more punishment.
Want a dose of the action? Check out the first 30 minutes of gameplay below—showcasing raw, unfiltered action, guaranteed to make you question whether you’re ready to step into this ruthless world:
Now that you’ve gotten a taste of the action, let’s talk about why ARC Raiders feels like a fever dream mashup of Star Wars and a retro sci-fi flick from the late ’70s or early ’80s. The visual effects are a love letter to that era—grainy yet futuristic, cinematic yet... gritty (in my worst William Shatner voice). Pair that with phenomenal sound design (seriously, don’t play this without hi-res headphones or surround sound if you don't have too), and you’ve got an experience that doesn’t just look good, it feels good. Let's not forget the benefits of hearing incoming threats... when you're lucky enough to react in time. Every laser blast, every mechanical stomp, every desperate reload is engineered to rattle your bones.
But let’s not sugarcoat it: this game is hard (in my opinion). Like, “throw your controller, pace around the room, and then pick it back up because you’re stubborn” hard. Some players might sprint for the hills after their first few raids. Others—the brave, the bold, the slightly unhinged—will lean in, determined to become the kind of Raider whose very username makes enemies scatter before the fight even begins. If that’s you, congratulations... badass! (Here's a rubber ducky for ya!)
Execution-wise, Embark Studios nailed it. The visuals are gorgeous, the mechanics are tight, and the world feels alive in all the right ways. The only drawback? That brutal difficulty curve some may not feel like they can overcome. But honestly, that’s part of the charm. This isn’t a game that hands you victory—it makes you earn it, and when you do, the payoff is glorious as you grow and tweak abilities.
And here’s the kicker: ARC Raiders is only $39.99. That’s already a sweet spot, but right now you can snag it for 16% off. For a game that delivers this much action, depth, and intensity, that’s a deal worth strapping on your headset, grabbing your controller, and texting your squad about game time. It feels like that... prime-time experience you’ll want to schedule your night around.
So, Raiders, are you ready to get your flapjacks whipped and your pride tested? Or do you plan to be the one pouring the syrup? Either way, game on!
ARC Raiders is available on EPIC Games | Steam | PS5 + Xbox!
