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MONSTER

ARC Raiders

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of ARC Raiders
Item: ARC Raiders
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2025

GenresAction, Third Person Perspective, Shooter, Multiplayer

AvailableOct 30, 2025

PlatformPlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, PC

DeveloperEmbark Studios

Overview

ARC Raiders is a free-to-play, reimagined, cooperative action shooter that offers an intense struggle in every session: together with your squad, defend our home and resist the onslaught of ARC – a ruthless mechanized threat descending from space.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

ARC Raiders impresses with its immersive post-apocalyptic world and rich lore, praised by critics for its atmospheric gameplay and community focus. However, it falters in narrative depth and character development, offering minimal story engagement and player choices. It’s a game that prioritizes survival mechanics and exploration over a robust narrative, appealing to those who favor gameplay over storytelling, but may disappoint players seeking a rich narrative experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

53%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

40%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of ARC Raiders has garnered a mix of praise from critics, particularly for its immersive world-building and thematic depth. Many reviewers, such as Eurogamer Germany and GameSpot, highlight the rich, post-apocalyptic setting, which is filled with fictional history and lore that invites players to explore and engage with the environment. Critics like CGMagazine and Game8 appreciate the compelling personality of the world, suggesting that while traditional narratives may be minimal, the atmosphere and context provide a strong foundation for player engagement. Additionally, the game’s focus on survival and community, as noted by GameStar and Pocket Tactics, resonates with players, creating an emotional backdrop against which the gameplay unfolds. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the narrative depth and character development. Several reviewers, including Toisto and Vgames, point out that the story is often secondary to gameplay, with minimal character interaction and a lack of meaningful choices that affect the game world. Critics like GamingBolt and Try Hard Guides echo this sentiment, suggesting that while there are elements of lore, the narrative is not heavily emphasized and may be easily overlooked by players. This leads to a perception that the game may not satisfy those seeking a rich storytelling experience, as the missions often follow strict paths and do not allow for significant player agency. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while ARC Raiders presents a captivating setting and thematic elements that enhance the gameplay experience, it falls short in delivering a robust narrative. The game is characterized by its focus on survival and exploration in a post-apocalyptic world, as highlighted by reviewers like Hobby Consolas and Push Square. However, the lack of a deep story and character development may leave some players wanting more. Ultimately, ARC Raiders seems to be a title that prioritizes gameplay mechanics and world immersion over a traditional narrative structure, appealing to those who enjoy emergent gameplay but potentially alienating players who seek a more story-driven experience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

ARC Raiders impresses critics with its engaging scavenging, crafting, and cooperative multiplayer gameplay, praised for its strategic depth and polished mechanics. However, concerns over repetitive missions and potential toxicity in PvPvE interactions highlight areas for improvement. Overall, it’s a solid entry in the extraction shooter genre, appealing to both casual and veteran players despite some balancing issues.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

88%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

13%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of ARC Raiders has garnered a predominantly positive reception from critics, highlighting its engaging mechanics and unique features. Many reviewers, including CGMagazine and Eurogamer Germany, praised the game's emphasis on scavenging, crafting, and cooperative multiplayer experiences. The dynamic PvPvE extraction shooter format, as noted by GamersRD and GameSpot, encourages teamwork and strategic thinking, making each session feel fresh and rewarding. Critics like GamingBolt and Pocket Tactics emphasized the polished gameplay, seamless integration of looting and shooting, and the risk-reward mechanics that enhance player psychology. The game’s accessibility was also a common theme, with several reviewers pointing out that it caters to both casual and veteran players, making it an inviting entry point into the extraction shooter genre. However, not all feedback was entirely positive. Some critics, such as Toisto and Try Hard Guides, expressed concerns about the game's repetitive missions and lack of variety, which can lead to a sense of monotony over time. The transition from PvE to PvPvE was noted to create a potentially toxic environment among players, detracting from the overall experience. Additionally, issues with weapon progression and player interactions were highlighted by Try Hard Guides, indicating areas where the game could improve to enhance player satisfaction. Overall, the consensus among critics is that ARC Raiders offers a compelling and enjoyable gameplay experience, with a strong emphasis on strategy, cooperation, and engaging mechanics. While there are valid criticisms regarding repetition and balance, the majority of reviewers, including GameStar and Hobby Consolas, agree that the game successfully combines elements of resource gathering, combat, and decision-making in a way that keeps players invested. The positive sentiments surrounding the gameplay suggest that ARC Raiders is a noteworthy addition to the extraction shooter genre, appealing to a wide audience while providing opportunities for strategic depth and emergent gameplay.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

ARC Raiders impresses with its stunning graphics and immersive environments, earning high praise from critics for its cinematic quality and retro-futuristic aesthetic, powered by Unreal Engine 5. While some minor graphical errors and map engagement issues were noted, the overall consensus is that the game offers one of the year's best visual experiences, captivating players with richly detailed and interactive settings.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

93%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The overall sentiment regarding the graphics and visual design of ARC Raiders is overwhelmingly positive, with many critics praising its stunning aesthetics and immersive environments. CGMagazine highlights the game's art direction as "stunning," emphasizing the sense of scale and beauty in its environments, while GamersRD notes that the visuals, powered by Unreal Engine 5, provide cinematic quality that enhances the multiplayer experience. Eurogamer Germany and Vandal both commend the captivating visual design, with Eurogamer specifically pointing out the lively and interactive post-apocalyptic setting of Italy. Critics like PC Games and Pocket Tactics appreciate the retro-futuristic aesthetic, which not only enhances the atmosphere but also draws inspiration from iconic cinema, contributing to a richly detailed world that feels alive. However, not all feedback is entirely positive. Some critics, such as GamingBolt, mention the presence of initial graphical errors, although they note that a subsequent hotfix improved lighting and materials. Try Hard Guides offers a more subdued perspective, describing the map as less engaging despite the colorful and visually interesting aesthetic. This indicates that while the overall graphical quality is strong, there are areas in the game's design that could benefit from further refinement, particularly in terms of map engagement. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that ARC Raiders excels in its graphics and visual design, with a majority affirming that it stands out as one of the most visually impressive games of the year. The combination of detailed environments, high-quality animations, and a unique aesthetic has resonated well with reviewers. Critics like GameSpot and Hobby Consolas reinforce this sentiment, noting the diverse and well-crafted environments that contribute to an immersive experience. While some minor issues were reported, the overall impression is that ARC Raiders delivers a compelling visual experience that enhances gameplay and draws players into its richly designed world.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

ARC Raiders’ sound design and music are widely praised for enhancing gameplay and immersion, with critics highlighting the impactful audio cues and atmospheric score. While the overall experience is celebrated, some improvements are noted regarding limited dialogue and directional audio elements. Nonetheless, the game's auditory landscape captivates players, solidifying its strengths despite minor critiques.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

92%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of ARC Raiders have garnered widespread acclaim from critics, with many highlighting the impressive auditory elements that contribute to the game's immersive experience. CGMagazine praised the sound design for its ability to enhance the game's world through echoes of gunfire and ambient noises, while Eurogamer Germany noted the exceptional variety of audio cues that provide valuable information about the environment and other players. GamersRD also emphasized the impact of environmental sounds, such as rain, on gameplay, showcasing how these elements create a more engaging atmosphere. Additionally, GamingBolt celebrated the music as incredible, adding personality to the game without overwhelming the gameplay, and Pocket Tactics described the score as reminiscent of iconic sci-fi soundtracks, enhancing tension and excitement during gameplay. Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, some critics pointed out areas for improvement. Toisto raised concerns about the limited pre-recorded dialogue, which fails to address toxic player interactions, and the use of AI for voice acting, suggesting potential issues for future development. Vandal mentioned that while the soundtrack and ambient sounds were well-received, some directional audio elements, like footsteps, may require adjustments to enhance the overall experience. These critiques, while not detracting from the overall quality of the sound design, indicate that there are still aspects that could be refined for a more polished auditory experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that ARC Raiders excels in sound design and music, creating an immersive and engaging atmosphere for players. The majority of reviewers, including GameSpot and Hobby Consolas, praised the rich soundscapes and atmospheric music that enhance gameplay and tension. With critics largely agreeing on the strengths of the audio experience, it is clear that ARC Raiders has successfully crafted an auditory landscape that captivates players, even as a few minor issues remain to be addressed.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

ARC Raiders shines with exceptional technical performance, especially on PC, where critics laud its smooth launch, stability, and optimization across various hardware. While minor issues like inventory glitches and animation flaws were noted, the overall experience remains solid. The PS5 version also performs well, delivering stable frame rates despite some slight dips. Overall, ARC Raiders is praised for its commendable execution, though a few areas need polishing.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

75%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

25%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of ARC Raiders has garnered a largely positive reception across various platforms, particularly on PC. Critics like CGMagazine and GamersRD praised the game for its smooth launch and exceptional optimization, allowing it to run effectively on a wide range of hardware configurations. The game’s stability was highlighted by several reviewers, including INVEN and PC Games, who noted minimal loading times and good frame rates on high-end systems. Additionally, Pocket Tactics mentioned that the game performs well on handheld devices, making it accessible to a broader audience. Overall, the consensus is that the PC version of ARC Raiders delivers a solid technical experience, marked by consistent performance and minimal bugs. Despite the overall positive impressions, some critics pointed out a few technical shortcomings on PC. Eurogamer Germany mentioned occasional issues with inventory management and level navigation, which, while not significantly detracting from the experience, indicate areas for improvement. Vandal also noted issues with character animations that need polishing. Furthermore, while Toisto acknowledged the game’s solid performance on limited hardware, he did mention initial server hiccups, suggesting that some players may have experienced connectivity issues at launch. On the PS5 front, the game has also received favorable reviews, with Hobby Consolas highlighting its smooth performance and good optimization, especially considering the challenges often associated with Unreal Engine 5. Push Square echoed this sentiment, noting that while the PS5 Pro delivers a stable 60 frames-per-second, minor frame rate dips were observed on the base PS5. Overall, the critics agree that ARC Raiders showcases commendable technical performance across both PC and PS5 platforms, with the majority praising its stability and optimization. While there are minor issues to address, the overall sentiment is that the game provides a satisfying experience for players, reinforcing the notion that the developers have delivered a well-optimized title.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

ARC Raiders is praised for its engaging co-op gameplay and diverse systems that boost replayability, but concerns about repetitive missions and limited launch content could hinder long-term player retention. Critics urge the need for ongoing developer support and updates to keep interest alive. The game's potential is strong, but addressing its weaknesses is crucial for sustaining engagement.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

40%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

47%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

13%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions regarding the replay value of ARC Raiders are predominantly positive, highlighting several engaging aspects that encourage players to return. Critics like Eurogamer Germany and Pocket Tactics emphasize the game's cooperative gameplay and dynamic encounters, which contribute to a fresh experience in each session. The inclusion of various systems such as Trials and Expeditions, as noted by GameSpot, further enhances replayability by providing structured challenges that can attract players back. Additionally, the crafting-centric economy and deep progression systems mentioned by Game8 and Hobby Consolas suggest that players have meaningful goals to strive for, which can sustain their interest over time. However, there are notable concerns regarding the potential repetitiveness of the gameplay. Critics like GamersRD and Toisto express worries that the missions and objectives may become monotonous as players progress, which could diminish long-term engagement. PC Games points out the limited number of maps at launch, suggesting that this could lead to quick player fatigue. Furthermore, Try Hard Guides explicitly states a personal doubt about returning to the game, indicating that not all players may find enough incentive to keep engaging with ARC Raiders in the long run. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates a mixed outlook on the replay value of ARC Raiders. While many reviewers acknowledge the game's engaging mechanics and potential for replayability, there are significant concerns about repetitiveness and content limitations that could impact player retention. Critics like Vgames highlight the importance of ongoing developer support and content updates to maintain interest, suggesting that the game's long-term replay value may heavily depend on future developments. Thus, while there are strong elements in place to encourage replay, the game must address its shortcomings to fully realize its potential in sustaining player engagement.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

90%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

10%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment regarding ARC Raiders from the critics is predominantly positive, with many praising its engaging gameplay, artistic design, and community aspects. CGMagazine and Pocket Tactics both highlight the game as a potential game of the year, emphasizing its fun factor and the talent of Embark Studios in crafting an engaging shooter. Eurogamer Germany echoes this sentiment by calling it one of the most entertaining games of the year, while GameSpot reinforces the notion of a strong multiplayer experience, noting the hopeful narrative and sense of community among players. Critics like Vgames and Game8 also commend the game for its addictive gameplay and impressive visuals, solidifying ARC Raiders' position as a standout title in the extraction shooter genre. However, not all reviews are without criticism. Some reviewers, such as Toisto and Try Hard Guides, point out the game's repetitiveness and lack of innovation as significant drawbacks. Toisto specifically mentions that while the game is visually impressive, it ultimately falls short due to its repetitive gameplay. Similarly, Try Hard Guides notes that the game feels familiar and is hindered by overpriced monetization. Critics like PC Games also express concerns regarding replayability, citing limited maps as a potential challenge for sustaining long-term interest in the game. Overall, the consensus among critics is that ARC Raiders is a strong entry in the extraction shooter genre, with many reviewers recognizing its potential and engaging elements. While there are valid concerns about repetitiveness and innovation, the majority of critics, including those from GameStar and INVEN, agree that the game offers a refined experience that balances accessibility with depth. This positive reception suggests that ARC Raiders is well-positioned to appeal to both casual and dedicated players, making it a noteworthy title in the current gaming landscape.

TL;DR

Critics are largely praising ARC Raiders for its engaging gameplay, artistic design, and strong community vibe, with many dubbing it a potential game of the year. While it excels in fun and multiplayer experiences, some reviews highlight issues like repetitiveness and lack of innovation, potentially hindering long-term appeal. Overall, it stands out in the extraction shooter genre, appealing to both casual and dedicated gamers despite some valid critiques.

MONSTER

Reviews

40 reviews found

100

Pocket Tactics

Nov 3, 2025