Embark Studios’ multiplayer extraction adventure, ARC Raiders, is a third-person shooter game that mixes Player-versus-Environment with Player-versus-Player, so it can be a bit confusing to know whether the end goal is to make it out alive to defeat all your opponents. Players often describe the gameplay as a simple loop: you go in, collect resources, extract safely, upgrade, and repeat while leveling skills and unlocking new options.
Unlike regular shooter games, dying in ARC Raiders means losing everything you have earned on that run, which makes the stakes higher than in any other game. Players need to prioritize informed decision-making and smart gameplay to make it out alive with the resources they have collected. You can also buy materials for sale to instantly access all the resources you need to optimize your loadout.
Let’s explore more about what’s the goal in Arc Raiders…
The Core Gameplay
Each raid follows a clear structure. You prepare in your base, choose a loadout, and deploy to the surface. There, you face machines called ARCs and sometimes other players. You aim to gather resources and reach an extraction point before you die.
ARC Raiders supports both teams and solo play, which allows many players to coordinate squads and crossplay with their friends on different platforms. This makes the gameplay feel natural.
Looting
Understanding loot zones is necessary in this game, as collecting loot is what leads to progression. Every decision you make during the game revolves around what to collect and what to leave behind. Hunting for and collecting blueprints and materials leads to weapon upgrades, which help in future raids.
Some might even say it is the goal of the game; once you master the knowledge of the loot zones, you will be practically unbeatable. This can be a tedious way to upgrade your weapons, however. So a lot of players tend to bypass this step entirely by buying blueprints for sale and unlocking the gear they want.
Maps
The maps also change through weather, enemy patterns, and events. This ensures that no two runs are the exact same. It keeps the monotony at bay. You will need to come up with new tactics and strategies for every run.
Long-Term Progression in ARC Raiders for Beginners
Having played ARC Raiders, we all know that the short-term target is to manage your own extraction safely. But this is not all, and focusing on just extraction during every run would make the game repetitive and boring. This is why it is important to have long-term milestones as well, in ARC Raiders.
Your in-raid actions will earn you the experience points needed for character and skill progression. Quests from traders also provide structure. These missions guide players toward certain locations, items, or enemies, and reward currency or materials.
What Players Actually Focus On in Each Raid
Most players enter a raid with a small set of practical goals:
- Collect loot needed for crafting or upgrades
- Complete trader quests or contracts
- Fight or avoid ARC enemies to survive
- Reach extraction with valuable items
- Gain experience and level skills
Conclusion
If you are just starting, playing ARC Raiders can seem a bit intense and challenging. Newbies tend to fall into a pattern where they prioritize a safe extraction over everything else. But it is important to keep in mind that the goal is not to come out the other end unscathed; it is to gain experience and improve your skills for future raids.
If you are wondering what’s the goal in ARC raiders, it is about steady progression. Survival, smart risk-taking, and long-term planning matter more than quick wins.
