Comparing ARC Raiders vs. Helldivers 2

Both ARC Raiders and Helldivers 2 are action-packed third-person shooters, but they cater to different types of players and experiences. Whether you enjoy high-intensity, chaotic battles or more deliberate and strategic encounters, these two games offer distinct approaches to gameplay, and each brings something unique to the table. Let's explore the differences in detail, covering gameplay style, PvP versus PvE dynamics, movement, teamwork, and much more.

Gameplay Style: Chaos vs. Strategy

The first and perhaps most notable difference between ARC Raiders and Helldivers 2 lies in their gameplay focus.

• Helldivers 2: This game thrives on chaos and large-scale cooperative combat. It places players in the shoes of a Helldiver, sent on missions to eradicate enemy threats on foreign planets. The gameplay is fast-paced, and players are often overwhelmed by hordes of enemies. The emphasis is on teamwork, with players needing to coordinate and survive waves of enemies, often making use of chaotic gunplay and cooperative strategies.
• ARC Raiders: On the other hand, ARC Raiders offers a more tactical approach, blending PvP and PvE elements. The game revolves around scavenging and extraction, where players must find valuable resources, survive against robot enemies, and engage in high-stakes player-versus-player (PvP) encounters. The tension in ARC Raiders is heightened by the risk of losing your loot if you don't manage to extract successfully or if you run into enemy players along the way.

PvP vs. PvE: The Player Dynamics

• Helldivers 2: This game is entirely focused on PvE (player versus environment). You and your team fight against waves of AI-controlled enemies. The experience is designed to be frantic, as players deal with increasing numbers of enemies while trying to complete objectives and escape. This allows for a more laid-back cooperative experience where the focus is on surviving the chaos rather than engaging in direct combat with other human players.
• ARC Raiders: Unlike Helldivers 2, ARC Raiders includes both PvE and PvP elements, making it a more dynamic and unpredictable experience. While players work together to fight off robotic enemies, other players can be lurking, ready to steal your loot or disrupt your extraction. This adds a whole new layer of tension, as you not only have to worry about AI enemies but also the threat of other human players potentially sabotaging your mission. This makes ARC Raiders a more high-risk, high-reward game, as PvP conflict can occur at any time.

Movement and Physics: Momentum vs. Speed

• Helldivers 2: The game uses “weighty” physics, meaning characters move with momentum, and their movements feel grounded and heavy. This can create a more deliberate, measured experience when moving and shooting. The slow, methodical pace can sometimes feel a bit cumbersome, but it also adds to the weight of combat. Players need to be strategic about when and how they move, as the game's physics are more closely tied to the overall pace of action.
• ARC Raiders: By contrast, ARC Raiders allows for quicker, more fluid movement, such as sliding, jumping, and maneuvering around obstacles with ease. The game emphasizes mobility, with players able to engage in fast-paced combat and movement. The quicker pace makes for a more agile experience, especially when it comes to evading enemy robots or human players in PvP combat. Despite this, many of the game's enemies share the slower, more deliberate physics style, which means players will still need to adapt to the rhythm of their adversaries.

Teamwork and Stakes: Casual vs. High-Tension Combat

• Helldivers 2: Helldivers 2 is a game that thrives on the chaos of teamwork. Missions are often wild and unpredictable, with lots of action happening simultaneously. The game doesn't hold back when it comes to challenges, but it doesn't impose heavy penalties for dying. In fact, dying can often be humorous, thanks to the ragdoll physics, and it is a regular part of the experience. The stakes are lower here, and while coordination is crucial, it's more about fun, fast-paced action than worrying about losing your hard-earned progress.
• ARC Raiders: In ARC Raiders, the stakes are much higher. Dying doesn't just cost you time; it can cost you valuable loot and progress. When you're out in the world trying to gather resources and extract them, losing a fight could mean the loss of everything you've gathered up until that point. The game is designed to be more intense, with players constantly managing their resources, scouting for threats, and weighing the risks of PvP engagement. The tension in ARC Raiders is palpable, and it keeps players on edge as they try to outlast both AI enemies and rival players.

Solo vs. Group Play: Find Your Preferred Experience

• Helldivers 2: While Helldivers 2 can be fun with friends, its chaotic nature makes it better suited for group play. The sheer volume of enemies and the need for coordination means that playing solo can be a difficult (and sometimes frustrating) experience. The game's design is built around cooperative multiplayer, so going it alone isn't always the best way to experience it.
• ARC Raiders: ARC Raiders, on the other hand, is more accommodating to solo players. While the game does shine in group settings, the tension and tactical approach make it enjoyable for individual players as well. The game's extraction-focused mechanics mean that you can play at your own pace and focus on your own objectives, making it a more flexible experience for players who prefer to go solo. The choice to engage in PvP conflict with others is optional, meaning you can still enjoy a more controlled, solitary experience.

Which One Should You Choose?

The decision ultimately comes down to the kind of gaming experience you're after.

• Choose Helldivers 2 if you enjoy chaotic, cooperative PvE experiences. If you like fighting against hordes of enemies and having fun in a team without worrying too much about the consequences of dying, Helldivers 2 is the right choice. The game's lighthearted tone and easy-to-jump-into nature make it perfect for quick sessions with friends, where teamwork is key but the stakes aren't as high.
• Choose ARC Raiders if you prefer a more intense, tactical approach. ARC Raiders offers a richer, more rewarding experience for those who enjoy the challenge of extraction shooters, where managing both robots and human threats is crucial. If you like high-stakes gameplay and don't mind the tension of PvP conflict, ARC Raiders will provide a thrilling, strategic experience.

Summary

Both ARC Raiders and Helldivers 2 are exceptional in their own right, offering players distinct experiences based on their preferred gameplay style. Whether you're looking for a chaotic, team-based PvE shooter or a more calculated, high-risk PvPvE extraction shooter, these games provide two compelling options for action-packed gaming. Choose the one that fits your preferred playstyle, and you're guaranteed an exciting experience.