ARC Raiders and Escape From Tarkov are both extraction shooters, but they suit different players. ARC Raiders is more approachable and built around fighting machines, usually with a squad. Tarkov is a hardcore PvPvE shooter built on realism, steep learning and heavy losses. Pick ARC Raiders for readable raids, Tarkov for punishing depth.
At a glance
| Category | ARC Raiders | Escape From Tarkov |
|---|---|---|
| Learning curve | Guided and gradual | Very steep, mostly self-taught |
| Cost of dying | Moderate | Severe, full gear loss |
| Systems | Readable and simplified | Dense and layered |
| New player feel | Cooperative and forgiving | Harsh |
| Camera | Third person | First person |
Core loop
An ARC Raiders session sends a squad into a map filled with hostile machines, objectives and loot. You choose when to extract based on supplies and risk. A bad run tends to feel like a lesson. Tarkov spawns you into danger straight away, with other players hunting for you, and a death costs gear that has real value in the economy.
Difficulty
Tarkov asks you to learn ammunition types, armour penetration, limb damage, medical systems and inventory management, usually with outside research. ARC Raiders is easier to read, and squadmates act as a safety net while you learn.
Combat feel
ARC Raiders combat is about movement, positioning and enemy behaviour. Tarkov is slow, realistic and lethal, with sound doing a lot of work. If you enjoy patience and detail, Tarkov pays you back. If you tire of that, ARC Raiders is less draining over long sessions.
Progression and risk
ARC Raiders progression runs on gear upgrades and mission success, and losing a loadout rarely feels catastrophic. Tarkov ties progression to traders, hideout upgrades, skills and a player economy, so gear loss hurts.
Solo or squad
ARC Raiders is designed around squads, though you can play alone. Tarkov can be played either way, with solo play being harder and more stealth-based.
Which should you play?
Choose ARC Raiders if you want co-op, readable systems and mistakes you can recover from. Choose Tarkov if you want realism and high stakes and accept the learning cost. We do not currently sell for Tarkov, but we do support ARC Raiders, and you can see the ARC Raiders cheat page or see which games we currently sell. For more on the game itself, start with the ARC Raiders beginners guide.