ARC Raiders isn’t your average free-to-play shooter—it’s a gritty, third-person PvPvE extraction experience where every bullet counts, every teammate matters, and every raid tells a story of survival. Developed by Embark Studios and published by Nexon, the game takes you to a ruined Earth overrun by rogue machines known as ARC.
Unlike your typical looter shooter, ARC Raiders blends tactical teamwork, resource management, and realistic combat physics, making it a hybrid between The Division 2 and Escape from Tarkov—but with a distinct sci-fi edge and faster pacing.
If you’ve just dropped into Spearhead, this guide covers everything you need to get started — from gear loadouts and combat tactics to how to escape alive with your loot.
⚙️ 1. Understand What ARC Raiders Actually Is
At its core, ARC Raiders is a third-person extraction shooter built around three main elements:
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PvE Combat: Battle ARC machines and environmental hazards.
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PvP Encounters: Compete with other raider teams for loot and extraction points.
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Extraction & Progression: Escape with materials to upgrade your gear and base.
Your goal isn’t just to survive—but to extract valuable salvage from abandoned zones, craft better weapons, and climb the ranks of the raiding community.
💡 Pro Tip: The early-game difficulty is intentionally steep—focus on learning movement and cover mechanics before chasing high-tier loot.
🔫 2. Best Early-Game Loadouts
The community agrees that early success in ARC Raiders hinges on your gear balance—mobility, utility, and ammo management matter more than raw damage.
Recommended Beginner Loadouts:
| Role | Primary Weapon | Secondary | Support Gear | Playstyle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scout | Pulse Rifle | SMG | Scan Grenade | Fast movement, recon support |
| Assaulter | Auto Rifle | Shotgun | Frag Grenade | Balanced, close-quarters |
| Support | DMR | Pistol | Healing Drone | Team sustain, long-range cover |
| Scrapper | Shotgun | Revolver | EMP Mine | Anti-ARC specialist, close-up brawler |
Community-favorite early weapons include the Kite AR-15, Volta SMG, and Ranger DMR—all offering good stability and ammo economy.
🧭 3. How to Survive & Extract Successfully
Survival isn’t just about shooting—it’s about situational awareness and timing.
Top Survival Tips:
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Always mark loot drops – Shared intel boosts your team’s efficiency.
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Watch the skies – ARC drones patrol extraction zones.
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Travel light early – Heavier gear slows sprinting and dodging.
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Prioritize safe zones – Extractions are loud; set traps or flank routes.
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Don’t get greedy – Escape with decent loot rather than risking a wipe.
🧩 Community insight: Many new players die within the last 2 minutes of a raid. Plan your extraction early and don’t overstay.
⚡ 4. Crafting, Upgrades & Base Progression
Your base (The Hub) is your safe haven between raids. Here’s what to focus on:
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Workbench – Craft and upgrade weapons with salvaged parts.
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Storage – Manage limited inventory space.
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Contracts Board – Accept faction missions for bonus materials.
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Training Range – Test recoil patterns and reload speeds.
🔧 Tip: Upgrading your Recycler Unit first helps turn junk into useful resources faster—a long-term game-changer.
🤖 5. Combat Strategies vs ARC Enemies
ARC units are unpredictable and deadly in groups. Each type requires a distinct approach:
| ARC Unit | Weakness | Counter Tactic |
|---|---|---|
| Drones | EMP & SMG fire | Aim for glowing cores |
| Walkers | Explosives | Flank and shoot leg joints |
| Harvesters | Sustained DPS | Don’t engage solo |
| Seekers | Flashbangs | Break line of sight, reposition |
⚔️ Advanced tip: Use elevation. ARC AI reacts slower to height differences—ideal for snipers and support players.
🕹️ 6. PvP Mindset: Outplay, Don’t Outgun
Human opponents behave differently than ARC units—expect flanks, ambushes, and misdirection.
Use decoys and sound cues to bait shots and track movement.
Winning PvP Duels:
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Always peek from cover (shoulder swap helps).
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Never heal in open ground.
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Use smokes to escape, not just to attack.
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Keep one grenade for emergencies.
🌍 7. What’s Coming Next (Community Roadmap)
According to Embark Studios’ dev blog and community roadmap:
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New extraction zones with environmental hazards (snowstorms & sand tempests)
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Season-based progression
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Expanded ARC boss types
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Squad ranking system and faction events
Players are especially hyped for the Winter 2025 update, rumored to introduce custom weapon skins and seasonal co-op events
🧠 Final Thoughts: Adapt or Be Scrapped
Success in ARC Raiders isn’t about perfect aim—it’s about adaptability. Whether you’re scavenging solo or rolling with friends, every decision matters.
Learn the terrain, manage your gear, and above all, know when to fight and when to flee.
Survive long enough, and you might just become one of Spearhead’s legends.
🌐 ARC Raiders Community Links & Resources
Whether you’re looking to squad up, share your best loot run, or stay updated on developer patches, these community hubs are where ARC Raiders players connect, troubleshoot, and trade strategies daily.
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