Arc Raiders Solo Play: How It Works & What to Expect
Arc Raiders is an upcoming free-to-play PvPvE extraction shooter from Embark Studios, and it fully supports solo play. You can drop into matches alone, facing both AI-controlled enemies and up to 15 other players (or squads), with the goal of extracting with valuable loot. This article explains exactly how solo play works, what you should expect, and how to succeed without a team.
Game Overview and Solo Play Background
Arc Raiders was first announced in 2022 as a cooperative PvE game, but after a major pivot, it became a PvPvE extraction shooter. The game is set in a futuristic world where you play as a Raider, scavenging for resources while avoiding deadly ARC machines and competing with other players. Solo play is not a separate mode; it simply means you queue into the same matches as everyone else, but without teammates. The game does not offer a solo-only queue, so you will always be matched with and against squads. This is a key point: solo play is about adapting to a team-based environment, not a separate, easier mode.
How Solo Play Works in Arc Raiders
When you start a match as a solo player, you are placed on the same map as squads of up to three players. You have the same objectives: loot, complete contracts, and extract. The game does not give you any special advantages or disadvantages; you simply have one life and no backup. Here’s what that means in practice:
- Matchmaking: You are matched with other players of similar skill, but the matchmaking does not consider team size. You may face full squads or other solo players.
- No AI teammates: There are no bots or AI companions to help you. You are alone.
- Same objectives: You have the same contracts, loot, and extraction points as squads.
- No solo bonus: There is no increased loot or XP for playing solo. The reward is the challenge and the satisfaction of outplaying teams.
You can still use all the game’s systems, like the ping system, but it’s only useful for marking enemies for yourself. You cannot revive yourself, and if you die, you lose everything you have not insured or put in your secure container (if that system exists at launch). This makes solo play a high-risk, high-reward experience.
What to Expect: Solo Difficulty and Pace
Playing solo in Arc Raiders is significantly harder than playing in a squad. You will face two main threats: the AI-controlled ARC machines and other players. The ARC machines are tough, and they often patrol in groups. As a solo player, you cannot afford to engage them in a prolonged firefight because the noise will attract other players. You also have to watch for other Raiders who may see you as an easy target. Expect a slower, more cautious pace. You will spend more time hiding, waiting, and picking your fights. The game is designed for teamwork, so solo players must be more tactical and use the environment to their advantage.
How to Choose Your Solo Strategy
Your approach to solo play should depend on your goals. If you want to survive and extract with loot, you should adopt a stealthy, hit-and-run style. If you are looking for PvP combat, you can still do that, but you need to pick your fights carefully. Here are some common strategies:
- Loot and Extract: Focus on low-traffic areas, grab what you can, and extract early. Avoid combat unless you are forced into it.
- Ambush Predator: Use the environment to hide and ambush other players. Wait near high-value loot or extraction points, then strike when they are distracted.
- Third-Party: Listen for gunfire and wait for two teams to fight, then move in to pick off the survivors.
- Speed Run: Learn the map and rush to the best loot spots, grab what you can, and extract before most players are even set up.
Your choice of weapons and gear also matters. As a solo player, you want weapons that are effective at medium range and can handle multiple enemies, like an assault rifle or a submachine gun. You also want to carry medkits and shields, as you cannot rely on a teammate to heal you.
Common Problems and How to Overcome Them
Solo players face a few common issues. The biggest is being overwhelmed by numbers. If you are caught in the open by a squad, you will likely die. To avoid this, always have an escape route, and use cover to break line of sight. Another problem is the lack of a safety net; one mistake can end your run. The best way to mitigate this is to play cautiously and not take unnecessary risks. Finally, you may find that some contracts are nearly impossible to complete solo, especially those that require holding a position or defending an objective. In these cases, it is better to skip them and focus on simpler tasks. The game does not penalize you for not completing contracts; you just miss out on the bonus rewards.
Comparison to Other Extraction Shooters
Arc Raiders’ solo play is very similar to that of other extraction shooters like Escape from Tarkov or Hunt: Showdown. In all these games, solo play is a self-imposed challenge, not a separate mode. The key difference is the setting and the AI enemies. In Arc Raiders, the ARC machines are a bigger threat than in Tarkov, where the AI is less dangerous. In Hunt, the AI is also a threat, but the game is more PvP-focused. Arc Raiders seems to strike a balance, with the AI being dangerous enough to force you to be careful, but not so dangerous that you cannot handle them. The game also has a more arcade-like feel, with faster movement and more forgiving gunplay than Tarkov, but it is still a hardcore experience.
Costs and Safety in Solo Play
Arc Raiders is free-to-play, so there is no cost to try solo play. However, there may be microtransactions for cosmetics, but these do not affect gameplay. As for safety, this is a video game, so there are no real-world risks. In-game, the main risk is losing your gear when you die. To mitigate this, you can insure your gear before a match, which allows you to get it back if no one else extracts with it. This is a good idea for solo players, as you are more likely to die and lose your gear. You can also use a secure container to protect your most valuable items, but this is a limited space, so use it wisely.
Alternatives to Solo Play
If you find solo play too difficult or frustrating, you have a few alternatives. You can queue with random teammates, but this can be hit-or-miss. You can also join a community or Discord server to find regular teammates. The game also has a practice mode (if available at launch) where you can learn the maps and mechanics without the risk of losing gear. Finally, you can simply play with the intention of dying; use solo runs to learn the map, practice combat, and not worry about extracting. This can be a great way to improve your skills before you start trying to survive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play Arc Raiders solo?
Yes, you can play solo, but there is no solo-only mode. You will be matched into the same games as squads, so you will be at a disadvantage. The game is designed for teams, but solo play is possible and can be very rewarding.
Is solo play harder in Arc Raiders?
Yes, solo play is significantly harder because you have no backup. You will face squads of players and AI enemies alone. You have to be more cautious, use stealth, and pick your fights carefully.
Do I get any bonuses for playing solo?
No, there are no bonuses for playing solo. You get the same loot and XP as a squad would. The only benefit is the personal challenge and the satisfaction of succeeding alone.
What is the best strategy for solo play?
The best strategy is to be stealthy and avoid unnecessary combat. Focus on looting low-traffic areas, use the environment to hide, and extract early. If you want to fight, ambush other players or third-party fights between teams.
Can I revive myself in solo play?
No, you cannot revive yourself. If you die, you are out of the match and lose your gear (unless you insured it or it is in your secure container). This is why solo play is so high-risk.
Will there be a solo mode in the future?
There is no official word on a solo mode. The developers have not announced any plans for a solo-only queue. If the community requests it, they might add one, but for now, solo play means playing in the same mode as everyone else.
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