ARC Raiders is a fast-paced, co-op, PvE shooter set in a retro-futuristic world overrun by massive mechanical enemies known as the ARC. Whether you’re exploring vast environments, scavenging for resources, or fighting towering machines with your squad, the game rewards teamwork, awareness, and smart planning. This blog covers everything you need to know to survive your first missions and steadily grow into a strong and reliable Raider.
1. Understanding ARC Raiders Core Gameplay
ARC Raiders blends tactical shooting, resource management, and cooperative teamwork. Unlike most shooters, you can’t simply run in and fire nonstop. Mechanical enemies are resilient, unpredictable, and often come in groups, making smart decision-making more important than raw aim.
You’ll explore ruined landscapes, collect loot, build gear, and strategize with your squad. The moment you land, the world is alive around you—ARC drones patrol from above, ground units move in clusters, and large machines roam unpredictably. Knowing the environment and your tools is the first step toward survival.
2. Choose Your Loadout Wisely
Before each mission, your loadout determines how effectively you can react to threats. A balanced loadout typically includes:
- One reliable primary weapon (assault rifle or marksman rifle)
- A powerful secondary (shotgun or SMG)
- Tools like grenades, deployables, or healing items
Weapons in ARC Raiders all have specific roles. Heavy weapons are great against large ARC machines but slow you down. Lightweight guns help you reposition quickly during a fight. Try different combinations until you find a setup that fits your playstyle.
3. Master the Movement System
Mobility is one of your biggest advantages against mechanical enemies. Raiders can:
- Slide
- Dodge
- Vault
- Sprint
- Use vertical terrain for advantage
ARC enemies often fire projectiles or perform sweeping attacks. Learning to move precisely and react quickly helps you survive even when surrounded. A player who can reposition effectively often contributes more than one who just deals high damage.
4. Focus on Weak Points
Most enemies have weak points—glowing cores, exposed wiring, or mechanical joints. Shooting weak spots deals significantly more damage, helping your squad destroy threats faster.
For example:
- Flying drones usually have exposed engines.
- Heavy walkers reveal weak points during certain attack animations.
- Turret enemies often expose their core when they rotate.
Make it a habit to aim for weak points instead of spraying. Precision matters in this game.
5. Communicate Constantly With Your Team
ARC Raiders is designed for team play. No matter how strong you are, fighting alone is risky and inefficient. Good communication can save your team from disaster.
Communicate clearly when:
- You spot a large ARC machine
- You need healing or ammo
- You want to reposition
- You hear incoming danger
- You find rare loot or useful gear
Even simple callouts improve survival chances and make battles smoother.
6. Learn Enemy Attack Patterns
ARC machines don’t attack randomly—they follow predictable patterns. The more you learn about their movement, fire sequences, and tells, the easier they are to counter.
Common attack types include:
- Tracking lasers
- Heavy stomps
- Shockwave blasts
- Projectile volleys
- Area-denial attacks
Watch their movements and react early. Anticipation is far more valuable than reflex.
7. Stay Aware of Your Surroundings
The world of ARC Raiders is filled with hazards and opportunities. High ground gives huge advantages, while open fields often expose you to long-range mechanical fire.
Always watch the environment for:
- Tall grass that hides enemies
- Elevated cliffs to set ambush positions
- Buildings for cover and loot
- Hazards like exploding barrels
Positioning is one of the biggest differences between a successful Raider and a struggling one.
8. Scavenge Everything You Find
Loot in ARC Raiders determines how strong your squad becomes. Every mission offers opportunities to gather:
- Scrap
- Weapon parts
- Upgrades
- Healing items
- Armor components
Better loot dramatically improves performance in future missions. Don’t rush objectives—take time to explore. A well-equipped squad survives longer, especially against rare high-tier ARC machines.
9. Stick With Your Squad
The fastest way to fail a mission is to wander off on your own. ARC Raiders is designed around co-op mechanics like revives, team damage boosts, and coordinated attacks. Splitting up exposes you to surprise ambushes and overwhelming enemy groups.
Stay within line of sight of your team whenever possible. Move as a unit, fight as a unit, and loot as a unit. Solo hero moments usually end in disaster.
10. Upgrade Your Gear Regularly
As you progress, you’ll gain materials used to upgrade weapons, armor, and tools. Upgrades provide huge improvements like better damage, faster reloads, or more durability. Ignore upgrades and missions quickly become too difficult.
Prioritize upgrading:
- Your main weapon
- Your armor
- Support tools
Think long-term—strong gear multiplies your squad’s success.
Conclusion
Playing ARC Raiders effectively requires more than quick reflexes. You must understand enemy patterns, coordinate with your squad, gear up properly, and use the environment to your advantage. The game rewards planning as much as precision, and players who stay alert, communicate, and adapt will thrive in this challenging world.
Approach each mission with smart loadouts, team awareness, and tactical movement, and you’ll steadily grow into a reliable, powerful Raider ready to take on the ARC’s toughest machines.
