Arc Raiders, you’ve got stolen my coronary heart. The now-concluded Server Slam achieved one thing I did not assume was doable (dragging me away from Battlefield 6 for a complete weekend), however there was one factor that impressed me greater than some other. Whereas the bottom Arc Raiders expertise is great, its limited-time dynamic occasions take issues to a unique degree. In truth, they produced one among my favourite gaming moments of the yr. Sarcastically, it was additionally liable for me shedding a few of my greatest loot – and getting struck by lightning.
Let me paint the scene. For a number of hours prior, I might already discovered myself loving Embark’s upcoming extraction shooter, increase a robust stash and upgrading my beloved Ferro rifle. From fast ‘free loadout’ runs to get some supplies, to buzzer-beater extractions with just some seconds to spare, I already had a fairly lengthy checklist of memorable moments. I used to be beginning to consider that, even in the course of a Battlefield 6 and Black Ops 7 sandwich, Arc Raiders might grow to be the very best multiplayer recreation of the yr.
As nice as these hours have been, nothing in comparison with the run the place my loot and kit grew to become another person’s prize. For the unaware, Arc Raiders dietary supplements its regular model of the Dam Battlegrounds map with ‘map situation’ – limited-time lobbies that modify the expertise in sure methods. An evening raid, for instance, drops you in after sunset for a extra eerie really feel. A Harvester foyer contains a big Arc bot referred to as a Queen guarding a mysterious machine. These experiences not solely hold issues contemporary and supply new challenges, however higher or targeted loot swimming pools are normally utilized as properly.
So, think about my squad’s intrigue once we see an electromagnetic storm map situation. Foolishly, we additionally resolve that that is going to be a ‘long term’ – pack your greatest gear, as a result of we’re out to rack up some kills and take out some huge ol’ robots. Inside seconds of loading in, remorse. As I emerge from our spawn level, cracks of lightning illuminate the map, create distant explosions, and instantly recommend that this would possibly not be a stroll within the park. Inside a minute, these lightning bolts are joined within the sky by possibly a dozen crimson flares from lifeless raiders. I will be trustworthy, the electromagnetic storm was one of many coolest however most terrifying issues I’ve witnessed in a videogame – ridiculously spectacular, however an actual risk to me and my loot.
Whereas a blue indicator on the bottom exhibits you the place a lightning strike is about to hit, it is solely a quick warning – there have been positively some expletives (and laughter) as we dodged these strikes whereas exploring. After they land close to to you, additionally they create a biblical sound in your headset, additional including to my sense of panic. Regardless of my greatest efforts, I get caught out by the lightning on a few events, however to be trustworthy, I’ve by no means had extra enjoyable getting fried by a number of million volts.
As a result of higher-quality loot on supply, there have been additionally some extraordinarily organized and deadly gamers on this foyer – a lot in order that my squad and I did not make it out alive. My Ferro, that I might pumped loads of assets into, was gone. My extraordinarily valuable medium defend? Additionally gone. The high-tier elements I might scavenged? Another person’s prize now.
Whereas that brutal factor of an extraction shooter can usually go away you feeling bitter within the aftermath, Arc Raiders put me in such an exhilarating, immersive match that I felt the exact opposite. As I peruse my now sad-looking stash and horrible weapons, I’m, weirdly, the happiest I have been all through the entire Server Slam, and extra excited than ever for the sport’s launch in just below two weeks’ time. Bravo, Embark.
When launch arrives, be sure you have our greatest Arc Raiders builds information useful – particularly if you are going to be taking up these harder, riskier dynamic occasion lobbies. Within the meantime, see what else shall be competing in your money and time this yr in our upcoming PC video games checklist.
For those who took half within the Server Slam, come by our group Discord server and inform me about a few of your favourite moments.
