ARC Raiders Carry Run

Raiders, the Chinese version of ARC Raiders launched its first test on June 24th. As we previously learned, the Chinese version does indeed have a friendly PvE-like mode, allowing for safer exploration - something players in the global version have been eagerly awaiting.

Of course, this mode is a major highlight of the Chinese version of ARC Raiders, but if you think this is the only thing worth paying attention to, you're sorely mistaken.

Next, we'll not only delve into how this PvE-like mode works, but also explain other highly anticipated mechanics and features of the Chinese version of ARC Raiders.

Core Gameplay

The common misconception that the Chinese version of ARC Raiders is simply a PvE mode is incorrect.

There is indeed a map condition in the game called Security Protocol. In this map condition, if you shoot a teammate, there will be a hit effect and blood splatter, but no actual damage will occur to their health.

However, we must recognize that this doesn't mean PvP has been completely eliminated, as the system provides each player with an active Rebellion switch.

An additional key binding, not present in the global version of ARC Raiders, will appear on the right side of the screen. Pressing it will produce a larger and thicker piece of equipment, similar in appearance to Shield Recharger. This device requires a relatively long five-second induction time to activate, and the entire process is completely irreversible.

Once Rebellion is activated, players cannot deactivate it again, and the entire game will be in PvP mode.

To prevent unannounced backstabbing at close range, Rebellion activation process is highly distinctive: activation produces a long-lasting and loud unique sound effect, providing a clear audible warning to all nearby players.

Simultaneously, the player's inventory will flash a striking red light, and their location will be displayed in real-time on HUD compass of all players in the lobby, meaning the betrayer will be exposed to all opponents.

It's important to note that Rebellion mechanic isn't a standalone game mode, but a temporary, rotating map event. Therefore, it's not a completely new, permanent mode as some players on Reddit have mistakenly claimed.

Matchmaking Changes

The changes to the matchmaking system are another highlight of ARC Raiders China server.

Through the test server, we learned that when players first enter early matches, ARC Raiders will be heavily populated with AI bots. These bots behave very passively, almost never actively shooting at players, and even when shot at, they rarely retaliate. Their only possible target is attacking ARCs on the map.

This design isn't meant to deceive players, but as a clear tutorial step to help newcomers familiarize themselves with basic controls and the map environment.

This phenomenon is particularly noticeable in solo matchmaking, while teams entering together may encounter fewer bots because of their higher skill level.

However, the bot population will gradually decrease and eventually disappear completely as players play more matches; it's not all bot matches.

Second, the Chinese version of ARC Raiders introduces an optimized framework for gear intent tracking. This algorithm scans players' current gear configurations before matchmaking loads and groups players into similar matchmaking pools based on gear quality, rather than simply matching based on aggressive behavior or match history.

This means players with high-level gear are more likely to encounter equally well-equipped real opponents.

This mechanism is essentially gear-based matchmaking, unlike the purely random or skill-based matchmaking methods that the global version of ARC Raiders might employ.

Interface and Social System Upgrades

In addition, two highly valuable interface features are launched first in the Chinese version of ARC Raiders, which are not present in the global version.

Built-in Recruitment Board

Global version players will surely be envious, as the Chinese version of ARC Raiders features a native team-up tool directly integrated into the game's main interface, eliminating the need for third-party platforms to find teammates.

This recruitment board offers a wealth of filtering options, including player playstyle tags, leader level, and specific intention notes.

You can view currently available team slots in real time and apply to join with a single click - the process is simple and eliminates the need for manually entering complex specifications.

If only one feature could be ported from ARC Raiders China server to the global server, this would undoubtedly be the top priority.

Three-Slot Preset Gear System

In the game's custom menu, players can create and save up to three complete gear setups, each with a custom name and the ability to modify them at any time.

When you need to quickly change gear, simply click the preset button, and the system will automatically retrieve the corresponding ARC Raiders items from your inventory, completing the gear setup in one step.

If any necessary parts are missing from your inventory, the system will highlight the missing items in red and indicate the required crafting materials.

This design directly addresses a major problem of the global version: after dying, players often have to spend a significant amount of time manually searching their inventory and reassembling their gear.

The gear preset system allows players to almost instantly return to ARC Raiders battlefield after dying, significantly improving game smoothness and pace.

Inspiration of the Changes for the Global Version

The built-in recruitment board and pre-built gear system are purely quality-enhancing tools and do not affect the core PvPvE combat logic and economic system of ARC Raiders. Therefore, it is entirely worthwhile to directly introduce or develop similar features for the global version.

However, mechanisms like Rebellion, which can directly change the rules of game interaction, require careful consideration, as they may weaken the original tense extraction shooting feel of the global version of ARC Raiders.

The Chinese version of ARC Raiders has indeed done a great job, so let's hope that the global version will receive the same recognition in the future!

Raiders, although ARC Raiders Expedition 4 departure window is now open, because of the eventual data reset, we need to quickly select our most valuable items and blueprints to add to our Expedition Vault.

Our choices should be carefully weighed and planned. With Expedition 4 departure window just opened, we still have time to make decisions. A well-designed gear setup can help us quickly restore our account's progress and rebuild our resource accumulation system.

Looting Mk. 3 (Survivor) Blueprint

If you have many gear options, adding Looting Mk. 3 (Survivor) blueprint to your Expedition Vault is almost undoubtedly a priority.

During the early game, having Safe Pockets, storage capacity, and medium shield provided by Looting Mk. 3 (Survivor) gives us a significant advantage in terms of basic attributes.

A more crucial and unique mechanic is that even after being knocked down, your character can still crawl to Raider Hatch and successfully evacuate. This is particularly crucial in PvE, as it effectively reduces the probability of gear loss when exploring high-risk areas.

Considering these advantages, making Looting Mk. 3 (Survivor) blueprint a fixed requirement in Expedition Vault is definitely a reasonable decision.

Obtaining Augment blueprints in ARC Raiders isn't as difficult as one might imagine, as they exhibit a clear tiered drop rate system.

Tactical Mk. 3 (Revival), Combat Mk. 3 (Flanking), and Tactical MK. 3 (Defensive) Augment blueprints appear frequently, while Tactical MK. 3 (Smoke), Looting Mk. 3 (Safekeeper), and Looting Mk. 3 (Survivor) Augment blueprints are designated as rare drops.

One effective strategy is to continuously farm Augment blueprints at the preferred location Blue Gate in the near term, but the competition is fierce.

Looting Mk. 3 (Safekeeper)

Next, we can consider Looting Mk. 3 (Safekeeper), not its blueprint.

This is chosen because if our PvE lobbies are active, the core strategy should focus on quickly completing the workbench.

During the post-Expedition account progression rebuild, the collection and preparation of materials needed for workbench upgrades is the main obstacle. Whether crafting basic weapons like Renegade early on or requiring advanced materials like Advanced Mechanical Components, complete workbench support is essential.

This is where Looting Mk. 3 (Safekeeper) comes in handy, as it provides a Max Loadout Weight of 65, eliminating concerns about the bumpy process of upgrading Workbench.

Of course, in the initial stages of the game, you can still use currency to unlock Looting Mk. 2 to collect basic lootable items like Rusted Tools, Power Cables, and Motors. If you need to carry heavier loads to move ARC parts, you should consider using Looting Mk. 3 (Safekeeper) stored in the vault.

Jupiter

During account rebuilding, it often takes five or six hours to collect most of the basic parts, but the process becomes extremely slow when using Anvil or Renegade to fight ARC enemies and acquire parts like Bombardier Cells, Leaper Pulse Units, and Rocketeer Drivers.

However, if you have Jupiter available, eliminating ARC enemies in the early game will be a breeze.

In addition, with Jupiter's suppressive fire, we can obtain Energy Clips in Harvester map conditions simply by entering and picking them up, with no need to complete complex puzzles, thus gaining sufficient ammunition for combat against ARC enemies.

If the situation becomes dangerous or other players attempt an ambush, Jupiter can be placed in Safe Pocket provided by Looting Mk. 3 (Safekeeper), ensuring the weapon is preserved and usable again even in unforeseen circumstances.

Therefore, the combination of Looting Mk. 3 (Safekeeper) and Jupiter allows players to efficiently upgrade their workbench very early in the game, laying a solid equipment foundation for later progress.

Heavy Gun Parts Blueprint and Bettina Blueprint

Finally, the two blueprints that can be placed into your Expedition Vault are Heavy Gun Parts blueprint and Bettina blueprint.

Bettina's performance in ARC Raiders is undeniable.

An even more important reason for choosing Bettina blueprint is its relatively low crafting cost compared to other epic weapons, requiring only three Canisters, three Advanced Mechanical Components, and three Heavy Gun Parts.

While Heavy Gun Parts blueprint and Bettina blueprint themselves aren't particularly rare, the pool of Raider-style blueprints is enormous, making the probability of obtaining both at the start of Expedition quite low.

Specifically, nine other blueprints share the same drop pool, making it difficult to precisely acquire Heavy Gun Parts and Bettina blueprints from such a large pool. Placing them in Expedition Vault is a wise choice.

Many players might consider keeping Anvil blueprint in Expedition Vault instead of Bettina, arguing that Anvil has lower ammo consumption and might be more practical in the early game.

However, a deeper analysis reveals that Anvil appears quite frequently on the map, and even without Anvil blueprint, it's easy to unlock Anvil weapon directly.

Compared to Anvil, Bettina blueprints are almost never dropped if we don't unlock Security Breach skill, making them quite rare in the early stage of ARC Raiders.

Therefore, carrying both Heavy Gun Parts blueprint and Bettina blueprint ensures you have an efficient farming weapon immediately after completing Gunsmith bench 3, avoiding delays because of unlocked blueprints.

If you save your equipment as suggested above during ARC Raiders Expedition 4 departure window, you should be able to restore your pre-expedition account status in a relatively short time!