ARC Raiders Is the Best Extraction Shooter Yet – Here’s What Makes It Different

When ARC Raiders was first announced in 2021, it was pitched as a co-op PvE shooter, where players would battle against mechanized threats in a dystopian world. Developed by Embark Studios, the game immediately caught attention with its stunning visuals, fluid movement, and intense combat mechanics.

However, in 2023, Embark made a bold decision—they reworked the game into a PvEvP extraction shooter, shifting its focus to survival, scavenging, and high-stakes encounters. This change sparked mixed reactions at first, but as playtests rolled out, it became clear: ARC Raiders was something special.

Beginner-Friendly Extraction Shooter – A Game for Everyone

Unlike traditional extraction shooters that demand deep knowledge of inventory management, risk assessment, and tactical play, ARC Raiders offers a more accessible experience while still maintaining depth for veterans.

Why Beginners Love ARC Raiders

• Free Loadout Mode – Players can jump into matches without worrying about losing valuable gear. The loot they collect only gets added to their inventory if they successfully extract, meaning there’s no safety box to store items beforehand.
• Intuitive Combat & Movement – The game’s third-person perspective makes engagements more readable, reducing the frustration of sudden deaths common in FPS extraction shooters.
• Balanced PvEvP Encounters – The ARC machines create dynamic fights, ensuring that even solo players have a chance to survive against squads.

This approachable design has led many players to call ARC Raiders the best entry point into the extraction shooter genre.

The Community’s Obsession & The Rise of “ARCoholics”

Since the tech test, ARC Raiders has dominated gaming discussions. Players who got in can’t stop talking about it, while those who missed out are desperate for another chance.

On Reddit, Steam forums, and Discord, discussions are filled with:

• Strategies for surviving ARC encounters
• Speculation on the final release date
• Requests for another beta test

The game has even surpassed Nexon’s expectations, ranking 12th on Steam’s Top Wishlists and generating massive Twitch viewership.

Performance – Smooth Gameplay Across All Platforms

One of the biggest surprises is how well ARC Raiders runs, even in its beta phase.

• Stable FPS – Players report consistent 144 FPS on high-end rigs, with older setups still achieving 90-100 FPS.
• Minimal Bugs – Outside of rare Unreal Engine 5 crashes, the game has been praised for its polished experience.
• Optimized for Steam Deck & ROG Ally – The game runs exceptionally well on handheld devices, making it one of the few extraction shooters to offer smooth portable gameplay.

Why ARC Raiders Is Winning Over Extraction Shooter Fans

Many players who tested Bungie’s new extraction shooter, Marathon, and ARC Raiders say that ARC Raiders is the best extraction shooter we’ve had so far.

How ARC Raiders Stands Out

• Persistent Progression – Unlike Tarkov, where dying means losing everything, ARC Raiders allows players to progress even if they fail a raid.
• Dynamic PvEvP – The ARC machines create unpredictable encounters, making every match feel unique.
• Immersive World & Sound Design – The post-apocalyptic setting and high-quality audio make battles feel tense and cinematic.

ARC Raiders System Requirements (As per PCGameBenchmark and CanIRunTheGame)

Minimum Requirements

• OS: Windows 10 (64-bit)
• Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 3600 / Intel Core i5-6600K
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: AMD Radeon RX 560 / Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti
• DirectX: Version 12
• Storage: 70 GB available space

Recommended Requirements

• OS: Windows 10 or later (64-bit)
• Processor: Intel Core i5-9600K / AMD Ryzen 5 3600
• Memory: 16 GB RAM
• Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 / AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT
• Storage: 100 GB SSD

Epic Settings (Ultra)

• OS: Windows 10 or later (64-bit)
• Processor: Intel i7-9700K / AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
• Memory: 16 GB RAM
• Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Ti / AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX

What’s Next? SGF 2025 & The Final Push

With Summer Game Fest 2025 approaching, many expect ARC Raiders to get a major showcase—possibly a new trailer, deeper gameplay insights, or even a release date confirmation.

If Embark Studios delivers, ARC Raiders could cement itself as 2025’s biggest breakout hit—a game that went from a quiet announcement to an industry phenomenon.

Check out my previous Blog Post: Summer Game Fest 2025: Huge Announcements, Leaks, & What You Need to Know • Board Activity