Arc Raiders Reminds Me of Classic PUBG—The Highest Praise I Can Offer

I remember those wild, early days in PUBG. Seriously, there’s this folder I’ve got jammed full of clips. It’s like a chaotic scrapbook of all the insane, heart-pounding, and downright huh? moments from the game’s early journey. No multiplayer game, battle royale or not, has ever knocked it off its pedestal for me. Arc Raiders, though, feels kinda reminiscent, maybe not identical, but close enough to tickle the same nerves.

So, I got to mess around with Arc Raiders for a few days at this preview thing. Spoiler: it’s kinda the same as what you’ll play starting April 30. And by spacing tests out, Embark, the developers, totally hit the mark. Each iteration came back, showing off like a peacock with how much it had grown and changed. Seeing it evolve was like watching a kid you’ve always had your eye on finally learn to ride a bike—arms flailing, but they get there eventually.

Now, I was dipping my toes into it for the first time at this event. Been sorta watching from the sidelines, so I knew what I was bracing for. Yeah, it’s not exactly PUBG despite what my brain keeps saying—but hey, it’s not a battle royale. We’re talking extraction shooter. The stakes? Pretty high—die, and poof, all your gear’s gone. Bummer? Sure. But there’s a comforting familiarity to anyone who’s even remotely brushed up against this genre.

Here’s a kicker, though. You lose your stuff, right? But not all’s lost. If you’ve been busy opening crates, taking cheeky shots, and snooping around, you’ll wrap up the round with some snazzy XP. Use it to pimp out your character with upgrades. Reduced stamina cost for running around like a maniac? Yes, please. Quieter rummaging noises in drawers? Weirdly helpful.

Not going to lie, this write-up isn’t about that alone. It’s about this strange, nostalgic nod to PUBG.

In a nutshell, the magic of PUBG lived in its scarcity. Seriously, the less you had, the more thrilling it got. Land with just a machete while your neighbor holds a shotgun – and you’re all about outsmarting them to stay alive. Pull that off? You’re on cloud nine.

The whole you-can’t-see-other-players dilemma? So, you’re either a curious cat or a cautious mouse. Peek around, sure, but you might just reveal yourself. The high ground might seem like the king’s throne, but it’s not guaranteed. Sometimes the dude up there is a few sandwiches short of a picnic—or at least short on the gear to exploit that vantage.

Scarcity here forces creativity, molds playstyles. Hide in a bathroom much? Probably why the game’s pushing you. Feel constantly short on gear? Guess what, that’s the game nudging you right where it wants to.

Arc Raiders, man, you won’t be bathroom-hopping, but roam long enough, and that unease becomes like an old chum.

Even without weapon sights galore, you’re egged on to tango with far-off players. Engage, don’t engage—your call. Maybe you’ll be the eagle-eyed hero. Who knows?

Characters here won’t let you coast like in Apex Legends, with its slick escapes and surprise ambushes. You’ve gotta think, plot, and wield a bit of skill to triumph. No freebies—they just hand you tools and sensory cues. It’s a DIY battle victory kit.

Reminds me of a simpler PUBG era, when grabbing a gun and armor made you feel invincible. I dig that scarcity vibe, and Arc Raiders nails it, bringing that thudding heart-in-your-throat tension when shots start flying.

For all my PUBG pals who’ve been chasing shadows trying to recapture that magic, seriously, give this a whirl. It’s open to all—for real, console folks—you too. What are you waiting for? Jump in and see what’s up.