Arc Raiders | The Most Searched Game of 2025: Full Review & Beginner's Guide
In a landscape crowded with multiplayer titles, Arc Raiders managed to do something remarkable it became the most-searched game on Google in 2025, outpacing juggernauts like GTA 6 and Battlefield 6. Developed and published by Embark Studios, the game launched on October 30, 2025 across PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S at $40.
Arc Raiders is a third-person PvPvE extraction shooter set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity has been driven underground into a city called Speranza, while intelligent machines known as the ARC rule the surface. You play as a Raider an elite soldier who dares to venture topside, armed with salvaged weapons, to scavenge the resources that keep Speranza alive.
Graphics & Performance ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Built on Unreal Engine 5, Arc Raiders is one of the most visually stunning games of 2025. Ruined maps with intricate detail, dynamic lighting, and immersive environmental effects make every run feel like a genuine expedition. On PS5, the game holds a rock-solid 60 FPS throughout. On PC with an RTX 4070 or better, hitting 144 FPS on Ultra settings is entirely achievable.
Critical reception reflects the quality: Arc Raiders holds an 87 on Metacritic for PC and 88 for PS5 placing it among the top-rated games of 2025. LG
Gameplay ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is where Arc Raiders truly earns its reputation. Each match runs for 30 minutes you drop onto the surface, scavenge resources, engage ARC machines and rival Raiders, and fight to extract before time expires. Die, and you lose everything you collected except what's secured in your safe pocket.
The ever-present tension coupled with intense unpredictability makes Arc Raiders one of the most exciting, tension-filled, and satisfying gameplay loops in recent memory. ASUS
Progression System ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Arc Raiders features three skill branches — Conditioning, Mobility, and Survival each offering passive bonuses and abilities that can be tuned to your playstyle, whether you prefer speed, endurance, or tactical survival. It's a lean system, but it adds genuine long-term investment that the extraction genre rarely gets right. ASUS
Weaknesses ⭐⭐⭐
The voice acting is noticeably weak relative to everything else the game does well. Inventory management on console also needs polish. Minor complaints in the context of an otherwise exceptional experience.
Overall Score: 9/10
Beginner's Guide — How to Start Strong
Step 1: Accept That You'll Die — A Lot
If you're new to Arc Raiders, be prepared to die a lot while you're still learning the ropes. Play a few matches first to earn XP and level up — dying is fine, but you'll earn the most XP if you escape alive. ASUS
Step 2: Know Your Extraction Points
Every match has designated Elevator extraction points. As the 30-minute timer winds down, some of these close off. Always plan your escape route before you start pushing deep into the map.
Step 3: Safe Pocket First, Always
Before anything else, secure your most valuable finds in your safe pocket these items stay with you even if you die. Never risk everything on a single run.
Step 4: Learn the Machines
Unlike other PvPvE games where NPCs mostly amount to a nuisance, the ARC machines have intelligent pathfinding that forces tough decisions as you scramble across the map. Observe before engaging — not every fight is worth taking. ASUS
Step 5: Play as a Team
Arc Raiders is built for squad play. A coordinated team of three makes extraction significantly more viable, especially when facing veteran Raiders or heavy ARC units. Communication is the difference between a successful run and a wipe.
Why Arc Raiders Is Built for INFINIARC® Gamers
If you're running a 144Hz+ monitor and an RTX 4070 or above, you're sitting on the ideal hardware for Arc Raiders. The game is engineered to take full advantage of modern hardware — and every extra frame translates directly into faster reactions and sharper decisions in the moments that matter most.