I used to always prefer single player games, but ARC Raiders has changed that

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I’ve always preferred playing games by myself. I’ve tried multiplayer games like Apex Legends and Call of Duty a few times, usually because friends talked me into it. While it was fun playing with them, I never really got hooked on those games for very long. But lately, I’ve been completely absorbed in ARC Raiders, and the fact that it’s a multiplayer game doesn’t bother me at all – I’m really enjoying it!

I’ve spent over 100 hours playing ARC Raiders, and I’ve loved every minute. I can see why it might not appeal to everyone, particularly players who prefer more relaxed, solo experiences. It can be a challenging game, especially at the beginning. But even as someone who usually enjoys single-player games, I’m completely hooked. Something keeps drawing me back for another session, and honestly, I’m surprised by how much I’m enjoying it.

Image via Embark Studios

Why Single-Player Games Have Reigned Supreme

  • I’m not the type of competitive person most multiplayer games require
  • Single-player games let me play at my own pace
  • The narratives of single-player games give gameplay its purpose
  • Single-player games don’t put pressure on me to keep playing

I’ve always preferred playing games by myself for a couple of reasons. I don’t enjoy competition – I really dislike boastful players – and I don’t have the patience to get good enough at multiplayer games to have fun. Plus, single-player games let me play however I want, at my own speed, and complete things in any order I choose.

For me, a good story is central to why I play games, and single-player games usually focus on that more than multiplayer ones. Also, I appreciate being able to stop and come back to single-player games whenever I want, without feeling rushed or worrying about missing out on things – that’s not usually the case with multiplayer games.

How ARC Raiders Broke Through the Resistance

Honestly, when I first started playing ARC Raiders, I wasn’t expecting much. I jumped into my first match and immediately thought, ‘Oh boy, another competitive game I won’t enjoy.’ But something clicked! I played one round, then another, and another… and before I knew it, I was totally hooked. I genuinely think ARC Raiders could be my new obsession.

Why ARC Raiders still works for me as a fan of single-player games:

  • It offers a degree of immersion that is more common in single-player titles.
  • It lets me play alone and on my own terms with its perfectly viable solo mode.
  • Its balance of PvP and PvE makes it less punishing than a typical multiplayer game.

ARC Raiders Is Just as Immersive as Any Single-Player Game

What immediately drew me into ARC Raiders was how immersive it is. Single-player games usually excel at creating that feeling of being truly present, something often missing in multiplayer titles. It’s impressive that an extraction shooter managed to make immersion a key feature. While the environments and graphics are stunning, it’s the game’s audio design that really brings the world to life. The soundscape is so effective, it rivals the immersion found in many single-player games, and often creates a feeling of isolation that makes the experience feel almost like playing a single-player title.

Image via Embark Studios

ARC Raiders Lets Me Play Alone and On My Own Terms

As someone who enjoys solitude, I generally prefer games I can play by myself. Even if a game has teamwork options, I like being in control of when – or if – I play with others. ARC Raiders strikes a good balance. While it’s an online game with other players, it doesn’t feel intrusive because I decide when to interact. And if I do team up, I can communicate using simple emotes instead of voice chat, which is perfect for me.

A great thing about ARC Raiders is that you can play the entire game by yourself, and it’s actually a good way to experience it. Many other multiplayer games offer solo modes, but they often come with limitations or restrictions.

ARC Raiders Balances PvP and PvE for a More Forgiving Competitive Experience

I don’t usually enjoy competitive games, so player-versus-player combat isn’t my thing. But in ARC Raiders, the dangerous enemy AI changes things. Shooting near the robotic enemies can attract their attention, meaning you need to think twice before attacking other players. Sometimes, cooperating with other Raiders is the smarter move to avoid unwanted attention from the machines.

Image via Embark Studios

Because the game already has dangerous enemies, player-versus-player combat often feels too risky, particularly if you’re carrying something valuable you don’t want to lose. Ultimately, playing ARC Raiders reminded me that gamers can be cooperative and helpful, even when they could attack each other, proving that people aren’t always focused on winning at any cost.

ARC Raiders Is Making Me Reconsider My Stance on Multiplayer Games

I’ve always strongly disliked multiplayer games, and I’ve never hidden the fact that it’s mostly because I’m not very good at them and I hate dealing with rude or insulting players. I enjoy playing with friends, but I rarely consider playing with anyone else. That’s why I prefer single-player games. However, the game ARC Raiders is actually making me rethink my feelings about multiplayer experiences.

I was surprised by ARC Raiders – it proved a multiplayer game can still feel like the single-player experiences I love, without forcing me to change how I play. Most multiplayer games I’ve tried feel restrictive, but ARC Raiders feels designed for all types of players, and especially shines in its solo mode. The fact that Embark Studios pulled this off with an extraction shooter is encouraging, and I think its blend of player-versus-player and player-versus-environment combat is key to its success.

Image via Embark Studios

I’m really surprised by how consistently engaging ARC Raiders is. Most multiplayer games lose my interest quickly when I repeatedly lose to skilled players, but ARC Raiders keeps me coming back with a gameplay loop that feels rewarding even in defeat. It’s not just about earning items, either – the game’s world is so compelling that I enjoy simply experiencing it, even if I don’t win. The level of immersion is rare for a multiplayer game, and it’s something I want to keep enjoying, even if my character falls in battle.

ARC Raiders surprised me by proving that a multiplayer game can still deliver the things I love about playing solo, without forcing me to change how I like to play.

This game has changed how I think about multiplayer experiences, though it hasn’t made me a multiplayer enthusiast overnight. Instead, it’s made me more open-minded and less quick to dismiss the genre. It’s revealed a side of multiplayer that feels welcoming and thoughtfully designed, rather than stressful and random. Ultimately, ARC Raiders has shown me I might be willing to step outside my comfort zone if a game truly captures my interest.

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2025-12-05 15:05