Arc Raiders Review: Gameplay, Performance, and the QoL Changes It Desperately Needs

At gpuniverse , we’re always scanning the horizon for games that push visuals, atmosphere, and performance in ways that make our hardware actually break a sweat. Arc Raiders is one of those rare titles that immediately stands out. Not just because it looks gorgeous, but because it delivers that gritty, cinematic sci-fi feeling that gamers can’t get enough of.

It’s stylish. It’s chaotic. It’s addictive. And even with its rough edges, it’s shaping up to be one of the most promising co-op PvPvE shooters of the year.

First Impressions – A Retro-Futuristic World Built for Screenshot Addicts

From the moment you drop in, Arc Raiders makes a statement. The world is drenched in that delicious 80s-inspired retro-futurism: glowing lights, dusty ruins, towering ARC machines, and sound design that makes every corner feel dangerous.

The visual direction is strong, and it doesn’t just look cool, it’s memorable. It feels like a playable sci-fi movie trailer, and that alone sets it apart in a crowded genre.

For GPU enthusiasts, there’s plenty going on under the hood too, large-scale particle effects, dynamic lighting, and dense environments that really let modern GPUs stretch their legs.

Gameplay – Chaotic, Rewarding, and Built Around Pure Fun

Arc Raiders nails the formula of:

• Drop into hostile territory

• Scavenge everything

• Get ambushed by a robot the size of your house

• Panic

• Somehow escape with loot

• Do it again immediately

The combat has weight. The movement is smooth. Team play feels natural and exciting.

There’s always that “oh s**t" moment. Low ammo, alarms blaring, ARC bots marching in, extraction miles away, and those moments are where the game absolutely shines.

Progression feels fair, with each run nudging you forward toward better gear and builds.

Where Arc Raiders Needs Work – Mostly Quality-of-Life Fixes.

For all its strengths, the game does have some friction points, and almost all of them come down to quality of life.

The Inventory System Needs a Search Bar

This is the big one.

After a few sessions, your inventory becomes a long, messy scroll of:

• attachments

• weapons

• crafting materials

• upgrades

• items you don’t even remember picking up

  
  

A simple search bar would save players hours of UI time.

Other QoL upgrades that would improve the experience massively:

• Clearer material descriptions (some items feel vague or underexplained)

• Mark items as favourite or junk for faster clean-up

• More detailed stat comparison when swapping weapons or attachments

• Faster menu navigation, especially for controller users

None of these issues ruin the game, but fixing them would make it feel much more polished

and modern.

The Verdict – Arc Raiders Is a Gem With Huge Room to Grow

Arc Raiders has all the ingredients of a long-term success:

• a distinctive art style

• chaotic and memorable co-op encounters

• satisfying progression

• a world that’s fun to explore

• high replay-ability

It’s already great, and with a few smart quality-of-life updates, it could become exceptional.

If you’re into atmospheric sci-fi shooters, squad-based PvPvE, or games that push your GPU with dynamic effects and chunky visuals, Arc Raiders is absolutely worth diving into right now.

Keep your eye on this one, it’s only getting better.