Arc Raiders - Complete Beginner's Guide

Arc Raiders is a PvPvE extraction shooter from Embark Studios launching October 30, 2025. It combines survival elements, tactical shooting, and exploration in a post-apocalyptic world filled with mechanical ARC robots. This guide shows you how to navigate basic mechanics and survive your first missions.

What is Arc Raiders?

Arc Raiders is a third-person PvPvE extraction shooter from Embark Studios (creators of hit game The Finals). The game takes place on a post-apocalyptic Earth where you struggle to survive an invasion of mechanical ARC machines. As a Raider, you must deal not only with dangerous robots but also with other players fighting for the same resources.

Why Arc Raiders specifically? The game combines tense firefights with an advanced crafting system and economy that almost blurs the lines between extraction shooter and survival sandbox game.

Arc Raiders officially releases October 30, 2025 on PC (Steam, Epic Games Store), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S for $40. After several successful tech tests, the game is approaching its final release.

Core Concept and Gameplay 🎮

How Does Extraction Work?

Each mission lasts a maximum of 30 minutes and your goal is to:

✓ Collect valuable loot (weapons, materials, technologies)
✓ Complete assigned contracts and objectives
✓ Safely reach the extraction point
✓ Survive encounters with ARC robots and other players

Risk vs. Reward

⚠️ Important: If you die during a mission, you lose all carried loot. The only salvation are special storage boxes or successful extraction.

💡 Pro tip: Arc Raiders uses a persistent skill system that you keep even after death - unlike the classic Tarkov approach.

Game World and Environment 🌍

Speranza - Your Underground Sanctuary

Speranza is the underground colony where humanity hides from the mechanical ARC threat. Here you:

✓ Set up your loadout and prepare for missions
✓ Trade with NPC merchants
✓ Craft new equipment from materials
✓ Accept contracts and missions from various factions
✓ Upgrade workshops and buildings

Calabretta's Surface

The surface world of Calabretta is a dangerous place where ARC robots and other Raiders roam. Maps contain diverse environments - from dark corridors beneath dams to vast desert areas and abandoned conservatories.

Main locations:

• The Dam - dam with dark underground corridors
• Spaceport - spaceport with giant spider robots
• Buried City - buried city of southern Calabretta

ARC Robots - Your Main Enemies 🤖

ARC comes in various forms - from flying surveillance and attack drones to mobile flamethrowers, sentry turrets, giant quadrupedal tanks, and more.

Types of ARC Units

Key ARC Robot Characteristics:

• Bastions can kill you in just a few hits, but drop excellent loot when destroyed
• They react to noise and movement
• Have various weaknesses (EMP sensitivity, armor gaps)
• Advanced AI controls their herd behavior

Game Mechanics and Strategies 🔧

Sound and Stealth

Similar to Hunt: Showdown, sound design and noise play a critical role in how successful you'll be during surface expeditions.

Loud Activities:
❌ Weapon firing
❌ Container searching
❌ Fast movement
❌ Mechanism activation

Silent Approaches:
✓ Crouched movement
✓ Using natural sounds as masking
✓ Team coordination through signals
✓ Planned routes avoiding patrol routes

Loot System and Economy

Types of Loot:

1. Basic Materials - for crafting and upgrades
2. Advanced Technologies - rare ARC components
3. Weapons and Equipment - immediately usable
4. Contract Items - mission-specific

💡 Expert tip: The game features a persistent skill tree that you can progressively improve even if you die during missions. Includes improvements like:

• Increased stamina
• Quieter looting
• Faster ladder climbing
• Better craft efficiency

Equipment and Loadout Strategies ⚔️

Basic Build Types

Scout Build

• Focus on fast movement and stealth
• Light weapons with silent firing
• Maximum mobility for quick escapes
• Ideal for solo players

Assault Build

• Offensive weapons and grenades
• Medium to heavy armor
• Suitable for frontal attacks
• Best in coordinated teams

Support Build

• Healing and supply equipment
• EMP grenades against robots
• Team ability buffing
• Essential in squads

Recommended Weapons for Beginners

The Anvil pistol (revolver) is an excellent choice for beginners - it has solid damage and is reliable at short range.

Basic Arsenal:
✓ Pistol - backup weapon with good accuracy
✓ Assault rifle - universal for most situations
✓ EMP grenades - against ARC robots
✓ Healing kit - survival essential

Practical Tips for First Missions 🎯

Beginner Strategies

1. Start Simple
   • Choose low-risk contracts
   • Focus on basic resource collection
   • Avoid big robots at the start
2. Always Have an Exit Plan
   • Watch map and extraction points
   • Don't plan direct engagements with multiple teams
   • Keep backup routes available
3. Communication is Key
   • Use in-game chat effectively
   • Coordinate attacks on Bastions
   • Callout enemy positions
4. Ammunition Management
   • Ammo is scarce - use it wisely
   • Collect ammo from dead enemies
   • Lower-tier weapons have characteristic "tinny" sound signaling their ineffectiveness

Advanced Tactics

Bait & Trap

• Lure enemy teams into battles with ARC robots
• Use chaos to gain advantage
• Collect loot after the battle

Environmental Advantage

• Use wreckage of giant spider bots as cover or path to hard-to-reach places
• Height positions for better overview
• Use weather systems to your advantage

Economic Optimization

• Prioritize high-value loot over quantity
• Invest in permanent upgrades
• Build Scrappy the chicken, which automatically collects materials when you're not on missions

Frequently Asked Questions ❓

Q: Is Arc Raiders crossplay?
A: Yes, the game supports crossplay between PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.

Q: How much does the game cost?
A: Arc Raiders will cost $40 and won't be free-to-play.

Q: When exactly does the game release?
A: Arc Raiders officially releases October 30, 2025.

Q: Will I lose loot when I die?
A: Yes, similar to Tarkov you lose all equipment if you don't manage to store or extract it.

Q: Can I play solo?
A: Yes, the game supports solo, duo, and three-player teams.

Q: How does it differ from other extraction shooters?
A: Arc Raiders uses a persistent skill tree system, so even when you die, you keep long-term progress.

Mistakes to Avoid ❌

Common Rookie Mistakes

❌ Direct confrontation with Bastions - better to bypass them or use team tactics
❌ Ignoring sound - every step can attract enemies
❌ Greed for loot - better to safely extract small amounts than risk everything
❌ Poor communication - in teams you must communicate positions and plans
❌ Underestimating weather - weather systems change enemy spawns and behavior

Recommended Practices for Success

✓ Study maps - terrain knowledge is half the success
✓ Experiment with builds - find your playstyle
✓ Invest in skills - permanent upgrades pay off
✓ Follow meta - game balance will evolve
✓ Practice aim - weapons have no ADS and recoil is quite strong

Future and Long-term Content 🚀

What to Expect After Release

Embark Studios promises expanding content with more locations to explore, new adventures, and more things for players to strive towards and discover.

Planned Content:

• New maps and areas
• Additional ARC robot types
• Seasonal events with exclusive rewards
• Cosmetic items and customization
• Balance adjustments based on player feedback

Given the care Embark dedicates to The Finals, it's safe to expect Arc Raiders will continue receiving a rich stream of content and updates.

Competition Comparison 📊

Arc Raiders vs. Other Extraction Shooters

Arc Raiders is a much more exciting extraction shooter than Marathon, which releases just 37 days earlier. The competition will be intense.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Arc Raiders presents a refreshing approach to the extraction shooter genre. The combination of stunning level design, world-building, and tense encounters with both players and AI makes this one of 2025's most promising titles.

Who is Arc Raiders Perfect For

Definitely try if you:
✓ Love tactical shooters with survival elements
✓ Enjoy team coordination and cooperation
✓ Seek less punishing alternative to Tarkov
✓ Appreciate quality graphics and sound design
✓ Want to experience fresh take on extraction genre

Maybe wait if you:
❌ Prefer first-person perspective
❌ Don't like risking progress loss
❌ Don't have time for learning curve
❌ Seek casual gaming experience

Key Insights

Positives:

• Innovative approach to genre with persistent skills
• Balance between risk and reward
• Quality technical execution from Embark Studios
• Strong focus on teamwork and communication

Negatives:

• High learning curve for newcomers
• Risk of frustration when losing loot
• Dependence on team coordination
• Still evolving meta

Bottom line: Arc Raiders has the potential to become the new king of extraction shooters. If you enjoy tactical games with high stakes and aren't afraid of challenges, this game will be worth watching. It could be the extraction shooter that finally brings the genre to the masses.

Related Articles:

• Arc Raiders - TOP 10 Tips for Effective Extractions
  
• Arc Raiders – Weapons and Equipment Guide