Arc Raiders, the upcoming free-to-play extraction shooter from Embark Studios, has captured the imagination of PvE fans with its promise of cooperative gameplay against deadly machines. While the release date is still on the horizon, the thirst for tactical, team-based PvE action is very real. If you are counting down the days until you can drop into its post-apocalyptic world, there are plenty of games already available that deliver a similar adrenaline rush. This guide highlights the best PvE games like Arc Raiders that you can play right now.
These recommendations focus on titles that emphasize cooperative survival, strategic combat, and the thrill of extracting against overwhelming odds, all without forcing you into player-versus-player firefights.
What Defines an Arc Raiders-Like PvE Experience?
Arc Raiders blends several key ingredients: a third-person perspective, large-scale environments, scavenging for resources, and intense firefights against AI-controlled enemies. The extraction loop, where you drop in, complete objectives, and escape with loot, is central to its identity. A great alternative should mirror these elements, offering cooperative play, high-stakes encounters, and a sense of progression. The games below capture that spirit, whether through full extraction mechanics or simply delivering unforgettable PvE co-op.
Best PvE Games Similar to Arc Raiders
Destiny 2: Endless Cooperative PvE Challenges
Bungie’s shared-world shooter is a titan of PvE content. While not an extraction game, Destiny 2 delivers some of the most polished cooperative experiences with its raids, dungeons, and seasonal activities. Like Arc Raiders, it emphasizes teamwork, class synergy, and taking down overwhelming enemy forces. The gunplay is second to none, and the constant drip of new content keeps the world alive. If you crave challenging PvE encounters that require communication and strategy, Destiny 2’s free-to-play model is an excellent entry point. Its expansive zones and dynamic public events echo the large-scale battles Arc Raiders promises. Plus, the loot chase will feel familiar to anyone eyeing Arc Raiders’ gear progression.
The Division 2: Tactical Looting in a Realistic Setting
The Division 2 swaps sci-fi for a post-pandemic Washington D.C., but its core loop will feel instantly familiar. This cover-based shooter tasks you with reclaiming the city from hostile factions through a mix of story missions, open-world activities, and the optional Dark Zone. The latter is a PvPvE area, but the main campaign and endgame are fully PvE. The Division 2 excels at tactical combat where positioning and ability usage matter. Its extraction-like mechanics in the Dark Zone (neutralize enemies, secure contaminated loot, call for extraction) are a direct parallel to Arc Raiders. Even outside the Dark Zone, the tension of clearing a landmark and grabbing high-tier gear before more enemies arrive captures that same high-stakes energy. With a strong emphasis on co-op and build crafting, it is a must-play for extraction shooter fans.
Remnant II: Procedural Co-op with Boss-Rush Thrills
Remnant II blends third-person shooting with soulslike elements to create a uniquely replayable PvE experience. Each world is procedurally generated, so no two runs are identical, much like the dynamic encounters Arc Raiders aims for. You and up to two friends tackle nightmarish creatures and formidable bosses, requiring coordination and adaptive strategies. The game’s Archetype system encourages diverse team compositions, and the loot you find can radically change your playstyle. While there is no extraction mechanic, the loop of venturing into dangerous realms, surviving ambushes, and returning to upgrade your gear feels spiritually aligned. Its standout boss fights and eerie atmosphere make it a perfect choice for anyone seeking a challenging PvE adventure with endless variety.
Deep Rock Galactic: Dwarven Mining Meets Extraction Chaos
For a lighter but no less intense PvE experience, Deep Rock Galactic is a gem. This co-op FPS sends up to four dwarves into procedurally generated caves to mine resources and fight off alien bugs. Each mission ends with a frantic escape to the drop pod, a clear extraction phase that will resonate with Arc Raiders fans. Teamwork is essential as you navigate fully destructible environments, each class contributing unique traversal tools, firepower, and support. The game’s cheerful tone belies its ability to create genuinely tense moments when swarms descend and ammo runs low. With a robust mission variety and deep gear customization, Deep Rock Galactic proves that extraction-style gameplay does not have to be grim to be gripping. Rock and Stone!
Helldivers 2: Over-the-Top Co-op Against Overwhelming Odds
Helldivers 2 takes the cooperative PvE formula and turns it up to eleven. This third-person shooter pits you against alien bugs and robotic armies in a satirical sci-fi universe. The emphasis on calling down stratagems, from orbital strikes to supply drops, adds a layer of tactical chaos that mirrors the tool-driven combat of Arc Raiders. Missions range from quick strikes to longer survival operations, all culminating in a frantic extraction. Friendly fire is always on, forcing you to communicate and move carefully, just as you would when facing Arc Raiders’ mechanical threats. The game’s community-driven Galactic War and cinematic set-pieces make every drop feel like a desperate, heroic last stand. If you want pure, unadulterated PvE action that rewards teamwork and has a sci-fi flair, Helldivers 2 is an essential download.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Arc Raiders?
Arc Raiders is a free-to-play, third-person extraction shooter developed by Embark Studios. Set in a retro-futuristic world, players team up to scavenge resources and fight mechanical alien threats before extracting with valuable loot.
Is Arc Raiders purely a PvE game?
Initially announced as a cooperative PvE game, Arc Raiders later evolved to include PvPvE elements, meaning players may encounter other human squads during raids. However, the core focus remains on environmental and AI-driven dangers.
What are the best free-to-play PvE games like Arc Raiders?
Destiny 2 is the most prominent free-to-play option with extensive PvE content. Warframe also offers a massive cooperative PvE experience, though its sci-fi setting is more fast-paced and acrobatic. The Division 2 and Deep Rock Galactic frequently go on sale and have free weekends, making them accessible.
Are there any PvE extraction shooters with no PvP at all?
Yes, several upcoming titles like The Forever Winter and PvE modes in games like Escape from Tarkov focus entirely on AI enemies. Deep Rock Galactic and Helldivers 2 offer extraction-style endings but are not full-fledged extraction shooters. For a pure PvE extraction experience, keep an eye on the indie scene as the genre grows.
Which game is the closest match to Arc Raiders’ gameplay?
The Division 2’s Dark Zone and Escape from Tarkov’s PvE mode share the most mechanical similarities, such as loot extraction and high-stakes environments. However, Helldivers 2 and Deep Rock Galactic capture the cooperative spirit and extraction tension extremely well, albeit with more lighthearted tones.
While you wait for Arc Raiders to launch, diving into any of these PvE gems will sharpen your skills and satisfy that co-op shooter itch. Each offers a unique take on the formula, so rally your squad and get ready to extract.
