CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS 6

ARC Raiders – Ultimate 2025 Beginner's Guide to the PvPvE Extraction Shooter

ARC Raiders is one of the most talked-about extraction shooters of 2025, mixing intense PvPvE combat with tactical looting and high-stakes extractions. This guide covers everything new players need to know to survive the Rust Belt and consistently secure valuable drops.

What Is ARC Raiders?

ARC Raiders is a free-to-play third-person PvPvE extraction shooter where squads drop into a hostile zone full of AI enemies, rival players, and powerful ARC machines. Your main objective is to gather loot, complete contracts, and extract alive before the storm or enemy squads wipe you out.

The game is developed by Embark Studios and focuses on teamwork, verticality, and risk-versus-reward gameplay. Every raid feels different thanks to dynamic events, randomized loot, and unpredictable player encounters.

Core Gameplay Loop

The gameplay loop in ARC Raiders is simple to understand but difficult to master. Success depends on good decision-making, communication, and knowing when to fight and when to leave.

• Drop In: Choose your loadout, deploy into the Rust Belt, and identify nearby objectives and threats.
• Loot and Fight: Clear AI enemies, avoid ARC machines early on, and engage or evade other players depending on your gear.
• Complete Contracts: Capture objectives, hack terminals, or destroy key targets to earn better rewards.
• Extract: Reach extraction points, survive waves of enemies and potential third-party ambushes, and leave with your loot.

Key Features That Make the Game Stand Out

• PvPvE Focus: You fight both AI and real players in the same instance, which keeps tension high from start to finish.
• ARC Machines: Giant mechanical enemies act as roaming endgame bosses, forcing teams to coordinate or avoid them.
• Persistent Progression: Weapons, gear, and crafting blueprints carry over between raids, rewarding consistent play.
• Vertical Level Design: Towers, rooftops, and underground areas create complex sightlines and flanking routes.

Recommended System for Beginners

If you are new to ARC Raiders, focus on stability, survivability, and vision. Below is a quick reference table to help you prioritize what to unlock and upgrade first.

Priority	Category	What to Focus On	Why It Matters
High	Armor & Health	Basic armor sets and health upgrades	Keeps you alive longer in early fights and mistakes are less punishing.
High	Primary Weapon	Easy-to-control assault rifle or marksman rifle	Consistent damage at medium range is crucial in mixed PvPvE engagements.
Medium	Utility Items	Grenades, stims, deployable cover, scan tools	Utility wins fights when enemies are in cover or outnumber you.
Medium	Crafting Bench	Upgrade crafting to unlock better weapon mods	Weapon attachments boost stability, accuracy, and damage.
Low	Cosmetics	Skins and visual customization	Looks great but does not influence performance in raids.

Beginner Tips to Survive Your First Raids

New players often die not because of bad aim, but because of bad decisions. Follow these simple rules in your first hours.

• Pick Your Fights: Avoid loud, extended firefights early in the raid when your gear is weak.
• Listen Before You Move: Headphones are extremely useful. Footsteps, gunshots, and ARC machine sounds reveal danger.
• Stick With Your Squad: Lone-wolf play is possible but very risky when you are still learning the maps.
• Do Not Greed: If your backpack is full of valuable loot, prioritize extraction over another fight.

Understanding ARC Enemies and Threat Levels

ARC machines come in different sizes and threat levels. Learning their behavior helps you decide whether to fight or avoid them.

• Scout Units: Small drones and walkers that patrol an area; they are easy to kill but can alert larger ARC units.
• Mid-Tier Mechs: Heavier walkers with armor and strong weapons; best tackled by a coordinated squad.
• Boss-Level Threats: Massive ARC machines that demand plenty of ammo, positioning, and sometimes cooperation with other squads.

Best Playstyles for New Players

You do not need perfect aim to contribute to your team. Choose a playstyle that fits your strengths and gear.

• Support / Intel: Focus on scan tools, healing, and calling out enemy positions.
• Mid-Range Rifle: Stay behind your front line and provide steady damage at safe distances.
• Objective Runner: Play fast and mobile; grab loot and contracts while others cover.

Simple Loadout Template for Beginners

Use this easy template until you unlock more advanced weapons and perks.

• Primary Weapon: Stable assault rifle with a 1x–2x optic.
• Secondary Weapon: Reliable sidearm for emergencies or close-quarters fights.
• Gadgets: One healing item, one grenade, and one utility item like a scan tool.
• Armor: Balanced armor that does not slow you too much but gives decent protection.

Map Awareness and Positioning

Good positioning often beats better aim. Learn the high-ground spots, choke points, and popular extraction routes on each map.

• Avoid Open Fields: Move from cover to cover and use buildings, rocks, and debris.
• Watch Roofs and Windows: Many players camp high ground near extraction points.
• Rotate Early: Do not wait for the last minute to move toward extraction zones.

Economy, Crafting, and Progression

Outside of raids, ARC Raiders offers a hub where you manage loot, craft gear, and upgrade your arsenal. Treat this area like your long-term progression menu.

• Sell Smart: Keep rare materials and blueprints; sell low-value duplicates for currency.
• Upgrade Core Weapons First: Invest in a small set of reliable guns instead of spreading resources too thin.
• Craft Consumables: Stock up on healing items and grenades before you queue for a raid.

SEO-Friendly FAQ About ARC Raiders

Is ARC Raiders free to play?

Yes, ARC Raiders is free to play with optional cosmetic and progression-related purchases. This makes it accessible to a wide audience of shooter fans.

Is ARC Raiders pay to win?

The game is designed around fair competitive play. While you can spend money on cosmetics and some progression boosts, player skill, teamwork, and smart decision-making remain the main factors in winning raids.

Is ARC Raiders beginner friendly?

ARC Raiders can feel challenging at first, but with a simple loadout, good positioning, and a focus on survival over kills, new players can enjoy the game and improve quickly.

Can you play ARC Raiders solo?

Yes, solo play is possible, but going alone increases the risk. New players are strongly encouraged to play with at least one teammate to cover angles and share resources.

Conclusion

ARC Raiders is a thrilling extraction shooter that rewards smart play, teamwork, and map knowledge. If you take the time to learn the basics covered in this guide, you will survive longer, earn better loot, and enjoy the high-tension raids that make the game stand out in 2025.

Save this guide, share it with your squad, and keep refining your loadout and strategy as you gain more experience in the Rust Belt.