The Early Days

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’re well aware that ARC Raiders is a hit.

With over 350,000 players on Steam at launch, and daily numbers still hovering around 150k, this game clearly resonates with people. I’d love to know the total player counts, as ARC raiders is killing it on PC.

I’ve been enjoying it immensely. There is clearly a lot of thought and intention that has gone into the design of ARC raiders. I think it’s really unique to see a studio allow an idea to gestate and refine it based on player and tester feedback. Who would’ve thought that sticking to a vision and listening to your players would make a hit?

One of my favorite parts of a game’s early life is that no one knows anything yet. There’s this sense of mystery as you’re learning maps, developing tactics, discovering weapon metas, and figuring out what gear actually matters.

Everything is new.

But what’s equally interesting is how the community identity starts to form in real time. Will the community be a gatekeeping one, telling new players to “get gud?” Or will it be a welcoming one, like Helldivers 2 and Deep Rock Galactic?

I think one of the foundations of a fledgling community depends on the nature of the game itself. Co-op games tend to produce more friendly communities. Pure PvP games… not so much as they are inherently competitive.

ARC Raiders is unique, like many extraction shooters, as it’s both - PvPvE.

But I think what sets this game apart from its peers is that it prioritizes putting solo players into one playlist and teams into another. Sure, you can run into teams as a solo. But from my time with the game, I haven’t run into many teams when I’m doing solo runs.

What's even more interesting is that with solo play, people are more likely to team up or just communicate that they’re friendly. My experience with solos has been that if the person emotes, or has a mic and is actually talking to you, you’re probably fine. You’re typically even safer if the other person does the unspoken etiquette of being friendly by holstering their weapon.

I’m always cautious, and rarely approach people. If they don’t talk back, I stay out of sight. After that, I usually mirror their behavior. If they holster their weapon, I’ll do the same. But I never turn my back on anyone and am very cautious if I’m extracting with a stranger.

I’ve been reading a lot of frustration from the community about solo interactions, as some people have had terrible experiences. But you’ve got to be wary. Even with folks who talk back, I’m ready to draw in an instant if my gun is holstered.

As a whole, though, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how friendly the community has been in the solo queue. While that could change, it’s interesting to see a culture or set of norms organically form in the game.

I’ve really enjoyed it and highly encourage anyone to try ARC Raiders, even if PvP is not in your wheelhouse. You might be really surprised how much you love it.

Anyhoo, that’s the rant.

Stay frosty.