Arc Raiders Evokes Classic PUBG Vibes, and That’s the Ultimate Compliment

Sure thing, here goes nothing:

—

Okay, rewind to when PUBG first hopped onto my radar — those early wild days of classic PUBG are forever tattooed in my brain. Seriously, I’ve got this folder bursting with old recordings, and wow, it’s just full of crazy, terrifying, and downright baffling times from back when the game was evolving every other week.

Honestly, no multiplayer game, be it battle royale or something else, ever really matched that early PUBG chaos for me. Oh, and I’m not saying Arc Raiders is the next PUBG, but man, it sure gives a nostalgic vibe that’s oddly similar.

So, I got to mess around with Arc Raiders during this preview event. Three days of diving into what’s basically the Tech Test 2 build – yep, the same one y’all will be jumping into come April 30. Embark, the developers, nailed it by spacing the game’s tests out over several months. Each comeback is like a glow-up, showing off new tweaks and changes.

Anyway, wait… right, the event was my first hands-on with the game. I’d been sort of watching it from the sidelines, so I had some idea of what I was getting into. Now, before you think it’s PUBG all over again, spoiler: it’s not a battle royale; it’s actually an extraction shooter.

And yes, that means biting the dust results in a permanent kiss goodbye to your gear, weapons, and all the snazzy stuff you either brought in or scavenged. If you’re even vaguely aware of the genre, this should ring a bell, but it’s got some standout pieces worth highlighting.

Your character? Sure, you might lose everything if you go down, but spend time opening crates, taking risky potshots, crafting, or scouting, and you’ll end up with some sweet XP. You don’t lose that, and you can pretty much use it for long-term upgrades, tweaking everything from stamina use to noise levels when rummaging through drawers.

There’s more, of course, but anyway, back to the game clashing with my PUBG feels.

You know why PUBG clicks for me? Scarcity. Basically, the less you find, the more precious it becomes. Land near someone when you’ve got a machete, and they’ve got a shotgun, and it’s all about outsmarting them to survive. Pull it off, and the rush sticks with you.

The same mystery and tension run through the rest of the game’s flow. Finding a spot to evade is risky itself, ‘cause you’re always in someone’s crosshairs. And hey, that person on the high ground might not have the gear to capitalize on it – a twist of fate the player below could use to their advantage.

And that’s what I love — scarcity forcing bold decisions. It pushes you to play smart, not hard. Like hiding in the bathroom most of the game? It’s that scarcity-driven safe choice. Feeling kinda outgunned? Bingo, it’s working as designed.

Not gonna lie, you won’t be bathroom-hiding as much in Arc Raiders, but the more you wander its world, the more that edgy, uneasy feeling becomes a pal.

Oh, plus, it’s a game where weapon sights are like unicorns, yet you’re expected to tackle foes at scopes-required distances. You can opt-out of such skirmishes – there’s even a heads-up feature about fallen players nearby – but if you’re hungry for action, trust your eyes and ears to nail it.

Your character’s built for speed, not fancy aerial tricks like in Apex Legends. No sliding around to duck danger; it’s more about patience, planning, and well, a bit of skill. The game won’t just hand you victories, but it does offer the tools and cues needed to turn the tide.

Reminds me so much of PUBG’s roots, where snagging even the meekest weapon and crudest armor felt like slapping on plot armor. Love me some scarcity mechanics, and Arc Raiders does it justice. Can’t overlook how a bullet whizzing past you feels like a mini heart attack too.

For anyone who vibed with early PUBG and keeps chasing that thrill – this is a ride you don’t wanna miss. It’s open for everyone, including console players, so really, give it a whirl if you’re even a tad intrigued.

—