ARC Raiders: Ultimate Guides and Comprehensive Walkthrough Hub

ARC Raiders is an exciting new third-person extraction shooter developed by Embark Studios, the team previously known for crafting the high-octane FPS The Finals. Originally, ARC Raiders was envisioned as Embark’s inaugural title, but the team opted for a significant redesign, prioritizing The Finals first. This strategic decision appears to have paid dividends, as ARC Raiders has rapidly gained traction since its launch in October 2025, becoming one of the most sought-after games in the genre.

Gameplay Overview

A character named BiggieBayne overlooks a desert town from a rooftop in the game 'Redfall', with the inventory showing 'UNARMED', 'FLASHLIGHT', 'RATTLER', and 'HAIRPIN'. — Fans of extraction shooters will find familiar mechanics in ARC Raiders, while newcomers can easily get accustomed to the gameplay.

Players familiar with extraction shooters will quickly recognize the essential elements of ARC Raiders. You’ll traverse an expansive environment, scavenging for resources, confronting enemy players, and ultimately extracting to Speranza, an underground refuge that serves as your primary base.

In addition to rival players, you’ll face off against the ARCs, hostile robotic entities that embody the game’s dystopian backdrop. A variety of ARCs populate the world, and detailed insights about these formidable foes can be found in the ‘Know Your ARCs’ section.

Stay tuned for our forthcoming guides, including essential Tips and Tricks, the First 5 Key Actions to Take, and strategies for handling the Most Challenging ARCs.

Getting Started

A character in 'Starfield' is shown in the appearance customization menu, wearing the selected 'Valente' outfit with goggles and a hat turned 'ON', and the 'READY' button highlighted at the bottom. — Your adventure begins with character creation after completing the tutorial.

Upon entering ARC Raiders for the first time, players are taken through a brief tutorial introducing key mechanics such as movement, shooting, and resource gathering. Although it seems straightforward, it teaches a critical lesson: always be aware of lurking Raiders. The tutorial cleverly demonstrates this message when two unexpected Raiders ambush you, but fortunately, it’s just the tutorial, allowing you to continue unharmed.

After the tutorial, you will reach an exit elevator that transports you to Speranza, the underground city that becomes your new home. Here, you start by claiming a modest storage unit, which you can gradually develop into a personalized sanctuary in this post-apocalyptic world. You’ll also meet the first few vendors who provide quests and resources essential for your progress.

Our comprehensive guide detailing essential information to know before diving into ARC Raiders is coming soon.

Building Your Raider

Upgrading your stats and gear is crucial for effective character-building in ARC Raiders.

Character customization is a vital part of the gaming experience, but the real impact on gameplay lies in your selected stats and loadouts. Before heading out, it’s crucial to be strategic about your choices and avoid risking valuable items you cannot afford to lose. While experimenting with different loadouts can be tempting, finding a solid build that aligns with your playstyle is essential.

Stay tuned for our detailed guide on prioritizing which stats and weapons to enhance first.

Hope Overview

Understanding how to navigate Speranza is essential.

Speranza, your central hub in ARC Raiders, is where you manage your Raider’s progress and customize your loadouts and outfits. Navigation through Speranza is streamlined using the left and right bumpers to cycle between key areas including the main lobby, your Workshop, and the Traders.

Your inventory is always accessible via a dedicated button located in the bottom left of your screen. Make a note of the ‘Actions‘ button while in the inventory menu, as it allows you to manage and utilize the resources you gather. Pay particular attention to the ‘Expand‘ option above your inventory stack, as it’s crucial for upgrading your Stash’s capacity.

Going Topside and Coming Home

A character in the game 'Synced' approaches a large mechanical structure in a desert environment, with on-screen text — Survival is paramount when venturing topside; making it home safely is just as critical.

Progressing in ARC Raiders necessitates survival. After selecting your desired location, you will have around 30 minutes to scavenge resources and return to an elevator for a safe return to Speranza.

Each game map features multiple elevators and exit routes, but not all will remain accessible throughout the match. One elevator will always be available, but for a safer return, you should aim to reach an elevator as soon as possible.

Know Your ARCs

A soldier in futuristic armor takes cover behind a car as a large spider-like robot hovers overhead in a post-apocalyptic — Facing a Matriarch alone is risky. Image credit: Embark Studios

Always be vigilant for other players; even though many players adopt a more passive, PvE-focused approach, they still pose a threat. However, it is the ARCs—dangerous machines that roam the maps—that represent the most significant risk.

Understanding these adversaries is crucial; not only do you need to strategize how to defeat them, but knowing how to evade them is equally important in ensuring your successful extraction.