‘ARC Raiders’ — A Co-Op Extraction Shooter That I’m Loving…
I’ve been diving into ARC Raiders from Embark Studios and the ride has been exhilarating. The mix of looting, extraction, high-stakes combat and unpredictable enemy machines gives it a ton of energy. But as much as I’m enjoying it, there’s one thing I keep thinking about: I wish there was a true PvE-only mode, focused solely on co-op rather than the PvP threat.
Here’s my full review—what works, what shines, what stings a little, and why I’d love to see the co-op side fully embraced.
✅ What Works (And Why It’s Fun)
Strong Co-Op Loot & Extraction Loop
One of the standout things is how AR Raiders threads co-op gameplay into an extraction shooter format. You drop in with your squad, hunt loot, face massive robot threats (the “ARC” machines), and then choose whether you extract or risk staying on for more. That tension is real and it pulls you in.
The crafting, the skill-tree, the environment all combine for a feel that’s more than just “go in, shoot, leave” — there’s some strategy, some build-out.
Visuals & Setting That Draw You In
Visually the game impresses. Reviewers talk about clay-model lighting, lush surfaces, dramatic scenes when you’re topside in the ruined world.
The setting of humanity having pushed underground, sending “Raiders” up to reclaim supplies or fight machines, gives the co-op story more weight than most extraction shooters.
Accessible Yet Tense Gameplay
One thing I appreciate: this isn’t so obtuse that you need hundreds of hours to get into it. Many extraction-shooters lean hardcore; ARC Raiders does enough to keep things thrilling but also approachable.
And when you succeed, the “extract” moment feels earned.
⚠️ What’s Good But Could Be Better
The Unavoidable PvP Hit
Here’s the caveat: the game is built around PvPvE (player vs player vs environment). At launch there’s no pure PvE-only mode.
That means even if you want to play with friends and fight only the machines, you still have to keep one eye out for other players who might shoot you, ambush, steal loot. Some players love that tension; for me it occasionally pulls me out of the co-op groove I love.
Solo / Small-Team Matchmaking Friction
Because of the PvP component and the extraction loop structure, if you play solo or just with one buddy you can sometimes feel at a disadvantage compared with full squads. Some reviews note matchmaking isn’t always great for solos.
A Wish List Item: Dedicated Co-Op Without PvP Disruption
Since my favorite part of this game is playing with friends, coordinating, looting, pulling off extraction together — I keep wishing the option of a mode where other players aren’t the threat. Just the machines, just the environment, just us.
Some players share that desire—there’s a discussion about how the game could include a PvE-only mode.
But other viewpoints argue doing so may dilute the core loop.
🎮 My Experience Highlights
One session: my team and I dropped in, snuck past a patrol of ARC machines, looted some high-value gear, made our way to the extraction point—with another squad trying to intercept us. Heart-racing.
Another run: we decided to play slower, more methodical. We focused on exploring, stealth, upgrading our gear before extraction. Felt cinematic.
On the flip side: there were times I worried more about “other players killing me” than “the machines killing me”. That’s when I thought: “If only this were purely co-op…”
🔍 My Verdict
If you like co-op shooters, love looting, enjoy extraction thrill, the game is a strong recommendation.
Score: 8.5/10 — I’m giving it high marks for what it does, but docking a bit because my ideal mode (pure co-op vs AI) isn’t available yet for the way I want to play.
If you’re reading this blog on WordPress in a classic container format, you might want to use the images above (with proper citations) and break your review into sections like I’ve done: Pros, Cons, Experience, Verdict. Keeps it reader-friendly.
🧭 Final Thoughts & What I’d Like to See Next
I hope the devs consider adding a PvE-only mode or playlist where players can run extraction missions purely co-op vs machines (no PvP). Could broaden the audience and let more players play in a preferred style.
I’d like improvements to matchmaking so solo/small-team squads aren’t always thrown into lobbies with large clans or full squads.
More environmental variety and maybe story-driven PvE missions might deepen the co-op side.
But all that said: if you’re okay with the risk of PvP, this is one of the freshest extraction-style games I’ve played in a while.
Thanks for reading this review! If you like, I can also pull in tips for co-op teams in ARC Raiders, or how to gear up safely when you dislike PvP but still want to play. Would you like that?