ARC Raiders, the latest creation from Embark Studios, diverges from the classic third-person cover shooter genre you might associate with the Xbox 360 and PS3 era. This game embraces the extraction shooter model, merging intense combat with strategic looting, all while emphasizing the critical element of survival.
While you can gather valuable high-tier loot with a full backpack, you won’t reap the rewards unless you successfully return to your home base in Speranza. Having spent numerous hours raiding the surface of Calabretta, I’ve unearthed several key insights that would have been beneficial to know at the outset.
Essential Tips for ARC Raiders: Preparations Before Raiding
1. Track Everything!
As a newcomer venturing onto the surface, engaging with ARCs for high-tier loot can initially feel unstructured if you’re merely collecting everything in sight. Inventory management becomes crucial since there are limited slots available, one of which is your Safe Pocket, reserved for an item you want to guarantee brings home with you.
Filling your inventory haphazardly can lead to time-consuming decision-making that could jeopardize your return to safety. Therefore, before diving into your next expedition, take a moment to strategize which upgrades you desire and prioritize items marked with an indicator in the top-right corner—this will streamline your raids and facilitate faster gear upgrades.
2. Prioritize Self-Sufficiency Over Traders
Upon starting your journey in ARC Raiders, you’ll encounter five traders: Celeste, Shani, Tian Wen, Lance, and Apollo. Although they offer various supplies and quests to enhance your gameplay, you’ll soon discover that being resourceful makes these vendors less crucial, especially after establishing a Refiner in your workshop.
This allows you to deconstruct found materials into crafting resources at your Workbench. While selling excess loot for cash is beneficial for emergencies, investing in expanding your Stash is a more prudent choice early on.
3. Tailor Your Gameplay Experience
Game matchmaking, particularly in multiplayer environments with PvP elements, can significantly shape your experience. In my experience, Embark Studios employs an aggression-based matchmaking system. If you adopt a combat-ready mindset, expect to encounter similarly aggressive players.
Conversely, greeting other players with a simple hello and focusing on cooperative looting will lead to more interactions with like-minded players. Since ARCs themselves pose enough threat, you can enhance your gameplay by focusing on overcoming these robotic adversaries rather than engaging other Raiders. To foster a non-hostile atmosphere, effectively utilizing the “Don’t Shoot!” emote can be beneficial.
4. Embrace Audio over Visuals for Stealth
It’s vital to avoid walking directly into the line of sight of ARCs or enemy Raiders. Although some players might escape unnoticed, the ARCs can still detect you from a considerable distance. More importantly, sound plays a pivotal role in stealth. Being overly noisy attracts unwanted attention, so prioritize moving quietly to enhance both your safety and your ability to listen for other Raiders nearby.
Despite the limited cover available on the surface, ducking into bushes often provides a temporary safe haven from ARCs. However, be aware that injuries can compromise your stealth, making you audible to enemies, underscoring the importance of finding effective hiding spots while under duress.
5. Keep an Eye on Your Clock
At the start of each session, a countdown timer appears on your screen, indicating the time left before elevators close, necessitating a Raider Hatch for a safe retreat. Losing track of time can lead to dire consequences, particularly for beginners. As you approach ten minutes before the elevators shut down, prioritize your path to safety.
Being oblivious to potential obstacles, including ARCs and other players, can hinder your escape, making diligent time management integral to your survival. Don’t let the thrill of exploration distract you from the overarching goal of returning home unscathed.
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