Gaming opinion: Arc Raiders tips and hints - To kill or not to kill?
Sports News Blitz’s Gaming expert, Ryan Preston, has racked up over 70 hours in two weeks of playing Arc Raiders. Here, he gives advice to surviving player encounters.
PVP threat
We’re going to just forget about the nightmare-inducing robots that roam the maps searching for not-so-innocent raiders. Instead, let's talk about the larger threat, other players.
Where Arc Raiders differs from other extraction shooters is by providing a game in which co-operation actually benefits the player.
However, with all games offering PVP (player-versus-player), you will have less-than-friendly encounters.
Not everyone is here for a peaceful time, and if you are, then I’m sorry to tell you you’re playing the wrong game.
That said, this game is not a hardcore extraction shooter like Tarkov or Arena Breakout, and peace can be the answer where bullets are not.
Solo raiding
Going in alone can be daunting, especially when you’re new to the game or the genre.
No friends to back you up means even a hornet placing you in its sights can mean you’re heading back to Speranza, and leaving all your hard-earned loot behind.
Because of this increased threat, I’ve had more friendly encounters with other players than when I’m in duos or trios. I’ve been in shootouts and standoffs where neither side gains much.
Engaging in dialogue has diffused numerous situations, allowing us to both walk away or sometimes even team up.
Thankfully, I’ve somehow avoided the rats and traitors who will shoot you in the back after being friendly, though they are out there. So be warned.
READ MORE: Gaming news: Arc Raiders - New game or new business?
Location, location, location
If you’re in a higher valued looting area, outlined by red or yellow boundaries on the map, assume it is kill on sight.
Contest over these key locations is strong, and chances are, if they are there, then they’ve already looted something valuable.
If you’ve arrived first, you can be certain that they want whatever you’re carrying. Either way, everyone wants what everyone else has.
It is easier to convince the other player to leave when you’ve already cracked their shields.
Show them you’re not an easy target, and it's possible they’ll back off entirely.
However, this does not always work or risks betrayal. Ultimately, it is you, the raider, who needs to make this judgement.
Map roaming
Avoid open areas as much as possible, trust me. There are roof campers and long-range weapons even at tier one, which pack a punch (looking at you, Ferro).
And I’m as guilty as anyone at just taking a pot shot for no other reason than it is fun to watch someone scramble for cover.
Learn to tactical slide where possible - I have maxed out the feat, which seems grossly undervalued.
When you slide, it lets your stamina recharge, and you can travel quickly and still have stamina to spare.
Tips aside - if you encounter another player in a remote area of the map, try talking to them when you’re behind cover. You might gain an ally. And if they prove to be hostile, fight or run.
ALSO ON SNB: NFL Game Lines to Watch: The Can’t-Miss Week 12 Showdowns
Extraction points
You’ve spent 15 minutes looting, fighting and surviving. You can see that big shiny button blinking ready.
Press it and you’re only 45 seconds from safety. Except you’re not. The blaring siren alerts everyone nearby, robots and players alike.
And you can be sure someone is always willing to take advantage.
My advice is to always take the friendly approach here unless you are certain you’re running higher-tier equipment.
While you will sadly encounter the darker elements of PVP in this situation, the majority of players just want to get out safely.
Beware the rats, these aforementioned darker elements. They are the ones who will sit and wait 20 minutes, traps and grenades at the ready.
If you’re the one who needs to call in the extraction and you know they’re hiding in a building, they’re probably not friendly.
Peaceful players will likely be running for their lives towards the elevator and spamming “don’t shoot.”
In this case, respond in kind and enjoy that temporary moment of having extra support in those last few vital moments.
Now, to take care of those rats. If you have any spare grenades, toss them into the nearest hiding spot.
These tend to be small buildings close by, and those hot potatoes will flush out any pesky vermin.
For added security, use a smoke inside the extra point to help cover yourself as you make that clean getaway.
Lack of communication
My personal rule is if they don’t talk, then they’re not to be trusted.
If you’ve attempted to communicate, whether that’s by talking in-game or using its automated voice lines, and they don’t respond at all, then shoot them down.
This game, like other extraction shooters, carries risks with every interaction.
As you build up experience and confidence, and with the right preparation, even some of the more formidable bots, such as rocketeers, become manageable by yourself.
That only leaves the other players as the last unknown.
