ARC Raiders: 7 Harsh Realities with Random Teammates

Playing ARC Raiders with random teammates can be a mixed bag, and while teaming up in this extraction shooter offers a unique social dynamic, it also presents some harsh realities for solo players venturing into trios.

While playing ARC Raiders solo can be enjoyable, teaming up with random players often feels like a gamble. The game's popularity stems from team coordination and emergent social interactions. However, solo queuing can lead to frustrating experiences. Here are seven harsh realities you might encounter when playing with randoms.

Loot Goblin Encounters in ARC Raiders

We all enjoy looting in ARC Raiders, but some players take it to the extreme. These "Loot Goblins" sprint ahead, grabbing everything without regard for their teammates. They don't ping useful items or stick with the squad, leading to a lack of coordination. This can be detrimental, as a single player getting caught off guard can doom the entire run.

While collecting loot is a core mechanic, prioritizing it over teamwork can create frustrating situations. Being dragged into a firefight at a disadvantage because a teammate was too busy looting is never ideal.

The Lone Wolf Quest Taker

Helping teammates with quests can be beneficial, but some players run off to do their own quests without communicating. This leaves you with two options: follow them blindly or stick with the remaining teammate, splitting the squad. Running after someone without looting or being cautious can be incredibly frustrating.

Wouldn't it be better if everyone communicated their intentions? Open communication prevents unnecessary squad splits and ensures everyone is on the same page.

Loadout Coordination Challenges

Choosing the right loadout is crucial in ARC Raiders. Playing with friends allows for easy coordination of weapons and utility items. However, when solo queuing, you have no idea what your teammates are bringing. You might be geared up for a tough fight, while your teammates might be using free loadouts, leaving you feeling underpowered.

This lack of coordination can lead to imbalances within the squad, making it difficult to contribute equally in firefights. Are you prepared to carry the team with a mismatched loadout?

The Duo in Party Chat

While privacy is important, communication is essential in ARC Raiders. Being paired with a duo who are communicating in party chat or Discord can be isolating. You become just a body in their squad, only there to even the numbers. Being left out of the conversation can be frustrating, even if they are welcoming in-game.

Sometimes, no voice chat is preferable to being excluded from the conversation. Emotes and pings can be surprisingly effective for communication.

Abandonment After Being Downed

Strangers may not feel obligated to risk their loot to save you, but it goes against the spirit of teamwork. Your random teammates are still your teammates, and you should try to extract as a squad. Some players see a rapidly declining health bar as a signal to abandon ship. This can make you question why you even bothered solo queuing.

Getting downed and seeing your teammates run away can be disheartening. Wouldn't you expect them to at least attempt a rescue?

Becoming an Accomplice to Villainy

Even worse than being abandoned is being forced into a playstyle you don't support. Some players engage in nefarious strategies, such as feigning cooperation before betraying other teams. Refusing to participate leaves you alone in a trios match. Extraction camping presents a similar dilemma, forcing you to choose between compromising your values and putting yourself at a disadvantage.

What do you do when your teammates' actions clash with your own moral compass?

Randoms Taking Your Loot

ARC Raiders can bring out both the best and worst in people. One of the most frustrating experiences is being looted by your teammates after being downed. They might watch you bleed out and then take your gear. This highlights the importance of playing with trusted friends whenever possible.

While solo queuing can lead to positive experiences, it's crucial to be aware of the potential downsides. As a stranger, others might not prioritize your well-being on a raid. Despite the challenges, a great community exists within ARC Raiders, and many matchmaking experiences are smooth and enjoyable. However, the harsh realities of playing with random teammates should be acknowledged.