Disclosure: WigSec purchased this game for review purposes. The developer and publisher have no editorial input on this content.
The Basics
Game: Arc Raiders (Deluxe Edition) Platform: PC (Steam) ESRB Rating: T for Teen (violence) Price Model: One-time purchase with potential cosmetic microtransactions Online Features: Co-op PvE with PvP elements, always-online
Arc Raiders is a third-person cooperative extraction shooter set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by machines. Players team up to complete objectives, gather loot, and extract before hostile AI (and potentially other players) stop them. Think of it as a more accessible version of games like Escape from Tarkov.
Content Considerations
Violence: Players shoot robotic enemies and potentially other players with various weapons. Violence is sci-fi/fantasy—shooting machines, not realistic human combat.
No gore or blood: Combat is against mechanical enemies. There’s no blood or dismemberment.
Post-apocalyptic themes: The world is destroyed, humanity is struggling to survive. The tone is serious but not bleak or disturbing.
Player vs. Player potential: Depending on game mode, other players may be hostile. This adds tension but also potential for negative social interactions.
Overall: The T rating is appropriate. This is comparable to games like Fortnite in violence level, though with a more serious tone.
Online and Privacy Exposure
This is an always-online game with moderate exposure.
Account requirements: Steam account required. Developer Embark Studios may require additional account creation for online features.
Voice chat: Co-op games typically feature voice communication. This may be with friends only or potentially with matched teammates depending on how you play.
Extraction shooter dynamics: The genre involves high-stakes gameplay where you lose progress if you fail to extract. Other players may be encountered as hostiles. This can lead to tense encounters and potential toxicity.
Squad-based play: Designed for 3-player squads. Playing with strangers involves voice coordination with unknown players.
Platform integration: Likely includes friends lists, party systems, and social features typical of online shooters.
Privacy Settings to Configure
Embark Account (if required)
- Use a dedicated email address
- Non-identifying username
- Review privacy settings after account creation
- Opt out of marketing communications
Steam Level
- Profile to Private or Friends Only
- Game activity to Friends Only
- Review friend list visibility
In-Game Settings
- Voice chat: Set to squad only or friends only if options exist
- Disable open mic: Use push-to-talk if available
- Privacy settings: Review any profile visibility options
- Squad settings: Prefer private squads over open matchmaking when possible
Talk to Your Kid About
- Playing with friends vs. strangers: The experience is dramatically different. Encourage pre-made groups over random matchmaking.
- Voice chat behavior: If they’re matched with strangers, they should share no personal information and mute toxic players immediately.
- The extraction mechanic: Losing loot is part of the game. It can be frustrating—make sure they understand this going in.
- PvP encounters: Other players may attack them. This isn’t personal—it’s the game design.
- Time and frustration: Extraction shooters can be punishing. Failed runs mean lost time and progress.
Bottom Line
Arc Raiders sits in the middle tier for both content and privacy concerns. The violence is appropriate for teens (shooting robots in a sci-fi setting), but the always-online nature means exposure to voice chat with strangers and potential PvP toxicity.
The extraction shooter genre is inherently high-stakes, which creates both exciting gameplay and potential frustration. If your teenager handles competitive pressure well and you’re comfortable with online multiplayer, Arc Raiders is reasonably safe with proper voice chat configuration.
Key recommendation: Play with friends rather than random matchmaking. The privacy exposure and social experience improve dramatically when the squad is pre-selected rather than randomly assembled.