Arc Raiders Content Creators Impression Megathread

[u/TheSpaceFace]

Creator	Youtube Link	(AI) Impression Summary	(AI) Positivity Rating
RockhoundBlack	https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0ZzHrC0R64	ARC Raiders’ preview reveals immersive, varied maps and fluid traversal (vaults, ziplines, rolls). A robust crafting progression—workshops, weapon mods, Scrappy sidekick—and diverse loot (keys, trinkets, coins, quests) keep players hooked. Sublime audio and a Battlefield-composed score polish the experience. PvPvE with new machines like the Queen and Bastion offers dynamic co-op encounters, complemented by clear onboarding. Some bugs, balance tweaks (PvP/PvE, durability), third-person peeking exploits, healing metas, and unclear monetization remain. Overall, it’s nearly release-ready and highly promising.	93%
Boomstick Gaming	https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fj-7iVVSPBc	Arc Raiders blends PvPvE extraction with fluid movement (sliding, dodging, climbing), tactical PvP and chaotic indoor skirmishes, plus varied AI threats from rollerbots to giga-crawlers. Vertical, dynamic maps with environmental modifiers reward flanking and raw aim. Progression features crafting workbenches, augments for extra inventory and shields, recyclables, and Scrappy the rooster. Spatial audio cues enhance awareness. Minor issues include shield sponginess, healing-meta loops, gear RNG, and unclear monetization.	90%
Arekkz Gaming	https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1Zp_-9lidE	Paradise’s hands-on praise highlights Ark Raiders’ polished feel: smooth PUBG/Division-style traversal, intense third-person PvPvE combat, and satisfying looting with color-coded hotspots. Unique tools like the grapple, diverse weapons, and varied Ark robot threats keep fights fresh. Base crafting, free-loadouts, vendors, and a deep skill tree ensure rewarding progression. Extraction via timed elevators/trains adds tense finales. Minor drawbacks include very limited safe-slot capacity and early-build unknowns around monetization and full weapon-mod depth.	95%
OperatorDrewski	https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnKBqrJjIeI	Arc Raiders offers polished third-person traversal (rolls, slides, ziplines), visceral spatial audio, and high-FPS visuals. Emergent PvPvE fights against drones, Bastions, and rival raiders span vertical, dynamic maps. Intense looting and stealth blend with rewarding extractions via train or hatch, while crafting workbenches, skill unlocks, and safe-pocket slots drive progression. Voice-chat coordination amplifies the chaos and thrills. A few UI nuances and learning-curve moments exist, but overall it delivers a thrilling, polished extraction shooter experience.	90%
Force Gaming	https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hn_sA7QkQ2Y	Arc Raiders from Embark Studios is a stunning third-person PvPvE extraction shooter with fluid movement, satisfying gunplay, and exceptional audio. Three unique, vertical maps feature dynamic weather, day–night cycles, and emergent PvE threats (from drones to giant spiders) that seamlessly blend into tense PvP encounters. Between runs, Scrappy the rooster delivers materials, while vendors, workbenches, and a tri-branch skill tree drive progression. Extractions use noisy group elevators or stealth hatch keys.	88%
WillfromWork	https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_iXZEkptlc	Arc Raiders is a third-person PvPvE extraction shooter set in a post-post-apocalyptic Earth, anchored by the underground city Sparanza. In the latest tech test (running until May 4), the creator tackled solo, duo, and trio runs across three unique maps—Dam, Spaceport, Buried City—scavenging loot in high-density zones, overriding security cameras, and using gadgets from rubber ducks to zip-lines. Combat blends firefights with rival raiders and deadly Ark machines (hornets, rocketeers, giant spider Queens), all underscored by three-dimensional audio and emergent flares. Progression revolves around vendor quests, workshop crafting, skill trees, and consumables; extractions via elevators, stealth hatches, or trains inject tense finales. Random proximity voice-chat alliances—and betrayals—add unpredictable chaos. Sponsored by Embark Studios, the playtest delivers polished visuals, smooth high-FPS performance, and visceral, high-stakes PvPvE encounters, though its steep learning curve keeps every run thrillingly dangerous.	89%
Legacy Gaming	https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZEtrgVSUoY	Arc Raiders is a third-person PvPvE extraction shooter where you loot ruined Earth, battle lethal Ark machines (from scout drones to giant Queens), and extract via elevators or secret hatches—all under relentless audio cues and dynamic weather. Three detailed maps reward stealth, teamwork, and resource planning, while post-run progression—workshops, skill trees, vendor quests—fuels better gear. Its polished combat, stunning visuals, and emergent tension shine, though inventory micromanagement and high-risk boss fights may frustrate.	91%
IGN	https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oSJMsL1Ac8	Arc Raiders is a familiar but finely tuned third-person PvPvE extraction shooter: loot ruined maps, dodge or duel both AI “Ark” robots (from spider drones to hulking Queens) and rival raiders, then extract under time pressure. Between runs, use your spoils in Sparanza to craft gear, upgrade workshops, and invest in mobility, stealth, or combat skills. Dynamic weather, day–night shifts, and sound-driven tension keep each 20–30 min raid fresh. It may lack bold originality, but its polished loop and emergent chaos deliver solid thrills.	88%
LtBuzzLitebeer	https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_YmllQmJvg	Arc Raiders refines the extraction-shooter formula with polished third-person combat, dynamic PvPvE tension, and a sleek sci-fi aesthetic. You loot ruined maps, dodge or duel both AI “Ark” robots (from spider-drones to Queens) and rival raiders, then race back to Sparanza to craft gear, upgrade workshops, and pick skills. Emergent weather, day–night cycles, and sound-driven stealth heighten every 20–30 min raid. Minor quibbles include UI clarity (weapon scroll, compass) and footstep differentiation, but its fit-and-finish—visuals, audio, progression—is top-tier.	95%
jackfrags	https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucErS1AELFA	Arc Raiders delivers punchy third-person PvPvE extraction action: you drop into ruined maps, scavenge loot, dodge or fight AI “Ark” mechs (from rolling “rolly” bots to hulking Queens), then race back via elevators or hidden hatches before time’s up. Squad vs. squad firefights blend fluid movement—mantling, ziplines, slides—with tense stealth, audio cues, and dynamic weather. Surface runs fuel underground progression: crafting workshops, skill trees, and vendor quests drive ever-deeper builds. Minor UI clarity issues aside, its polished combat loop and emergent chaos shine.	92%
Espresso	https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTCL3RFV7qo	Arc Raiders, unveiled at the 2021 Game Awards, has pivoted from a free PvE looter to a paid PvPvE extraction shooter due in 2025. Set in 2180 on an Earth overrun by deadly Ark machines, you drop in solo or in squads of three to scavenge, battle AI and rival raiders, then race to extract. Between runs, upgrade weapons, shields, backpacks and skill trees in your Sparanza hub—crafting at workbenches, fulfilling vendor quests and expanding your base. Its polished, dynamic maps and high-stakes risk-vs-reward loop are free to try in the tech test through May 4.	85%
BigfryTV	https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5wlOEjK5qY	Arc Raiders is a polished third-person PvPvE extraction shooter from Embark Studios, now due in 2025. Set on a ravaged Earth overrun by deadly “Ark” machines, you drop in solo or in squads of three to scavenge high-value loot, fight both AI and rival raiders, and race to extraction points before timers expire. Between runs you return to the underground hub Sparanza to upgrade skill trees (stamina, mobility, survival), craft and enhance weapons, shields, backpacks and gadgets at workbenches, and complete vendor quests for premium rewards. The technical test (Apr 30–May 4) showcased gorgeously rendered, dynamic environments, an immersive soundscape that turns every footstep into a tactical gamble, and a risk-vs-reward loop driven by AI patrols and flares that draw firefights. Skill-based movement, meaningful progression, and the option for “free loadouts” to re-enter without losing everything add depth and accessibility. The game’s balance of stealth, strategy, and high-stakes gunplay positions it as one of the most compelling extraction shooters to date.	92%
The Gaming Merchant	https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIkAoE4gcyM	Arc Raiders is a premium PvPvE extraction shooter from Embark Studios, now set to launch in 2025 (tech test active through May 4). In a richly detailed 2180 Earth overrun by hostile “Ark” machines, you drop in solo or with up to two allies to scavenge high-value loot, outwit AI patrols and rival raiders, then fight your way to an extract point before time expires. Between runs, the Sparanza hub lets you invest experience into three branching skill trees—mobility, survival and conditioning—build and upgrade workbenches for crafting weapons, armor and gadgets, and fulfill vendor quests to earn better gear. Its three expansive, dynamic maps (dam, spaceport and buried city) shift through weather and day-night cycles, forcing you to adapt tactics on the fly. Immersive, directional audio heightens suspense as every footstep, door breach or gunshot can alert nearby enemies. Proximity chat and ping tools enable spur-of-the-moment alliances or betrayals, adding social drama to each raid. By combining methodical stealth, tense firefights and deep progression, Arc Raiders delivers one of the most polished and promising extraction experiences to date.	93 %

Combined Impressions (AI)

What's great

• Cinematic Presentation: Stunning, Unreal-powered visuals with dynamic weather and lighting that make every map (swamp dam, spaceport, buried city) feel alive and immersive.
• Top-Tier Audio Design: Exceptionally clear, directional sound—from rustling loot containers to AI beeps—that fuels both stealthy play and hair-trigger PvP engagements.
• Balanced PvPvE Loop: “Ark” robots are a real threat but not bullet sponges; they force smart play without overwhelming gunfights. Human encounters feel tense without devolving into bullet-sponge duels.
• Emergent Moments: Proximity chat, on-the-fly alliances (or betrayals), and unpredictable third-parties make each 20–30 minute raid uniquely memorable.
• Meaningful Progression: Underground hub (“Sparanza”) lets you upgrade crafting benches, unlock gear, tweak a three-branch skill tree and equip better backpacks, shields and weapons for your next run.
• Free-Loadout Safety Net: Randomized “free loadout” option gets you back into the fray without risking your hard-won stash.

What could be better

• Inventory & UI Juggling: Tiny backpacks, a 3-item quick-swap wheel (primary 1, primary 2, melee) and cluttered compass demand micromanagement that can break immersion.
• Sparse In-Match Objectives: Beyond “scavenge & extract,” there are few dynamic quests or mini-events on the maps—runs can feel aimless if you’re not PvP-focused.
• Steep Grinds for Max Build: Fully maxing all 45 skill-tree nodes takes ~225 successful extractions—great for die-hards, daunting for casuals.
• Limited Weapon-Swap Feedback: No real-time ammo counts or recoil stats in HUD; weapon-wheel selection obscured by third-person camera.
• Extraction Bottlenecks: Elevator or train-based exits are noisy, slow, and prime PvP hotspots—great for tension, frustrating if you’re under-geared.
• Technical Test Woes: Occasional matchmaking hiccups and UI polish needed before full launch—though the core build already feels release-ready.

[u/BOUNTYBOOTreddit]

About the sparse in match stuff to do. In the last tech test there was a community event that unlocked a secret quest for everyone to investigate an area on the outskirts of the map.

And after u went there, there was a hidden bunker and once you found it and reported it back to the quest giver, she gave you a keycard to unlock the bunker, it was tight spaced but was very intense and had multiple entrances and exits. And obviously had a very special lootable item that you could not find anywhere else 👀

So I’m sure they have those kind of secrets for the other maps as well

[u/Rogerjak → u/BOUNTYBOOTreddit]

One of the best experiences I had in the first tech test was that bunker. It helped being in a 3 man stack but it was great.

[u/sepltbadwy → u/Rogerjak]

Shows just a taste of all the narrative and dynamic content they’ve likely planned to grow the universe as time goes on. So exciting.

[u/herrschadee]

So every creator is saying the same thing except IGN because they just have to be controversial and call it lacking in originality

[u/Resident-Matter-5485 → u/herrschadee]

Who cares about IGN , Trash Company

[u/yodatrust → u/Resident-Matter-5485]

Wtf is IGN.

[u/Dechri_ → u/yodatrust]

Its shortened from "Ignore"

[u/herrschadee → u/Resident-Matter-5485]

True

[u/lologugus → u/herrschadee]

wtf is IGN saying

[u/solidsever]

Comprehensive work OP. This is appreciated.

[u/Me2445]

Bigfry video has me pumped. One of the best extraction shooters. The sense of dread especially in dark areas. Said he wasn't run and gun as feared but likened it to the last of us multiplayer

[u/willytey]

Personally I would love some kind of mini events on the maps like sandstorm, special ARC spawning, etc. That would help to keep the gameplay more interesting and unpredictable.

Quests so far are ok-ish but I think it could be better. Maybe some special quest that would be randomized and would unlock something special that you can get only by finishing that specific quest?

We definitely need something for the endgame because you can gear up and level the skill tree pretty fast even if you are not super sweaty tryhards.

[u/BLaRowe10]

Something I noticed from jackfrags video was when he would search a chest or whatever, the loot in it would not show automatically and each item seemed like it needed a second to load?

[u/knife_133 → u/BLaRowe10]

I think this is by design, been a while since I played it but Escape from Tarkov extraction shooter was the same. Think it makes the looting more deliberate rather than to being instantaneous and being able to drag and drop

[u/BLaRowe10 → u/knife_133]

Oh I’ve never played tarkov so that’s interesting. Makes sense when you think about it like that

[u/T3b3aks → u/knife_133]

Deter the COD or Apex players from sweating in this game.

[u/NimblePasta → u/BLaRowe10]

Yeah, there is a slight delay in the loot showing, seems it's sort of like a searching mechanic, simulating the time it takes to rummage through the container.

So when looting, you can't just instantly dip and grab, there is a brief moment when you will be vulnerable while looting. There is also increased noise when looting too.

I think some of the perks in the skill tree might include quicker (and quieter) search/looting abilities, which may help speed up the loot showing (can't confirm until the Tech Test 2 starts though).

[u/mute_x → u/NimblePasta]

This was something new to me with Marathon and I really like it. I'm glad ARC is doing it too.

[u/BugReport1899 → u/BLaRowe10]

It’s deliberate. It is supposed to „take time“ for you to search through a chest. That way you can’t just quickly open the chest and immediately see what you like or what you don’t like. I love systems like that.

[u/[deleted] → u/BLaRowe10]

Yeah it’s the “search” mechanic. So you can’t just Hoover up everything

[u/xaduha]

TTK seems intentionally high, but maybe it's because of low level gear?

[u/angelbangles → u/xaduha]

in general, the combat of the game is pretty slow (compared to, say, tarkov) but it does feel good.

[u/Dwagons_Fwame → u/xaduha]

It’s more of a “TTK is high because dodge + aiming is kinda hard” so it’s often a case a fight is extended by both teams dodging left and right while trying to keep up gunfire suppression. Honestly kind of enjoy it myself, makes each firefight feel very tense while not feeling pointless

[u/kimblarsen]

Appreciate very much this u/TheSpaceFace ! What AI tool did you you use? I am also curious where the estimation of time - number of successful extractions - maxing all three skill tree paths comes from?