In just three short months since its release, the multiplayer extraction shooter ‘Arc Raider’ has already sold an astounding 12 million copies, rivalling the success of established gaming giants like Counter-Strike 2 and Apex Legends. Developed by the Swedish studio Embark, this post-apocalyptic sci-fi adventure has quickly become one of the most popular online shooters in the world.
So what is it about Arc Raider that has captured the attention of so many players? At its core, it’s an extraction shooter, where players are dropped into a world filled with other raiders and must scavenge for valuable weapons and resources before attempting to escape. Unlike many similar games, Arc Raider encourages cooperation over conflict, with players often banding together to take on the game’s formidable robotic enemies rather than fighting each other.
The game’s setting is a captivating one – a dystopian future Earth ravaged by ecological disaster, now patrolled by a menacing alien invasion force known as the Arc. Players take on the role of raiders venturing topside to scavenge the ruins of humanity’s former cities, earning experience and unlocking new abilities and crafting blueprints as they go.
What really sets Arc Raider apart, however, is its exceptional production values. The game boasts stunning environments, an atmospheric soundtrack, and thrilling set-piece battles against the colossal, machine-learning-powered enemies. These epic encounters, from the drone-like Wasps and Hornets to the towering, spider-like Matriarch, have been widely shared across platforms like Twitch, TikTok, and Instagram, showcasing both the game’s technical prowess and its capacity for cinematic, emergent gameplay.
For newcomers looking to dive in, the advice is simple – just jump in. Arc Raider is available on PC, Xbox, and PS5, and the early game maps like the Dam Battleground provide a solid introduction to the game’s mechanics and systems. Prioritising mobility and stealth skills at first is recommended, as is arming yourself with a mix of weapons effective against both the game’s robotic enemies and other players.
With its compelling world, excellent production values, and innovative approach to the extraction shooter genre, it’s easy to see why Arc Raider has captured the attention of millions of players worldwide. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter fan or a newcomer to the genre, this thrilling sci-fi adventure is well worth checking out.
