[Ark Raiders]Complete multiplayer strategy guide | Thorough explanation from basic specifications to cross-play settings, party formation, points to note, and tips for winning

Ark Raiders is a PvPvE extraction adventure game developed by Embark Studios and distributed by Nexon. Set in a devastated future Earth ruled by the mechanical life form “ARC”, you will descend on the dangerous surface as a raider of the underground city of Speranza, aiming to collect valuable resources and blueprints and escape. While you can have plenty of fun playing solo, using multiplayer will dramatically improve your chances of survival and add strategic depth. Since you can revive downed allies, you can reverse situations that would have resulted in instant death in solo mode, and the division of roles allows for efficient route searching and dealing with hostile forces.

In this guide, we have compiled the basic information into a complete version by adding more detailed cross-play setup methods, party matching mechanisms, recommended builds, and tips for compatibility with the latest updates. We provide comprehensive explanations of the content that can be used as reference by everyone from beginners to advanced users, without omitting anything. We have included many concrete steps and scenario examples so that players can consistently win in multiplayer.

1. Thorough explanation of the basic multiplayer specifications of Ark Raiders

Multiplayer in Ark Raiders is based on party formation of up to three people. This limit on the number of players was designed with game balance in mind; exceeding 3 players would make the struggle for resources on the map too complicated, and it prevents the PvP elements from becoming too strong. You can choose solo, duo (2 people), or trio (3 people), but trio formation is the most recommended. This is because the division of roles becomes clear and search efficiency is maximized. For example, it would be ideal for one person to act as a scout and search for enemies, one person to clear out the ARC with heavy weapons, and one person to act as a support person in charge of resuscitation and recovery.

First, the biggest feature is that friendly fire is completely disabled. Attacks on allies will not cause any damage, so you can fire with all your might without worrying about positioning during intense battles. In solo play, you must always be aware of the risk of self-destruction, but in multiplayer you don't have to worry about this, so you can concentrate on the battle. In actual play, when dropping grenades against a dense group of ARCs, you can use them without worrying about the location of your allies, which greatly reduces clearing time.

Secondly, the revive system after being knocked down is the lifeblood of multiplayer. In solo mode, you will die instantly, but in multiplayer mode, the bleeding timer will activate when you are down, and you can be revived when your allies approach. Resuscitation time is approximately 10 seconds, and the Defibrillator item can be used to extend the timer or revive the patient immediately. This item can be obtained from medical kits and crates on the map, so it's a good rule of thumb for one person in your party to have one. The trick to increasing the success rate of resuscitation is to carry out the resuscitation in a safe area where there are no enemies, and to share the “resuscitation request” using the pin function. As a practical example, if you are surrounded by Reaper ARCs in the final area of ​​the Stella Monteith map, one person can attract a decoy, and the rest can prioritize resuscitation to avoid annihilation.

Additionally, the ability to constantly display party member location information and HP bars is excellent. The location is indicated by an icon on the map, and the HP gauge is lined up at the bottom left of the screen. This allows you to quickly join together even when you are searching separately, and prevents you from dying alone. For example, while exploring the key room on the Blue Gate map, if one of you is spotted by an enemy, you can immediately react by reducing your HP bar and provide cover fire. Because of this high visibility, your win rate in multiplayer is about twice that of solo.

These specifications have been implemented since release and remain stable with no changes, even with the latest patches. The patch notes fix bugs related to resurrection, making it more reliable.

2. Complete step-by-step guide to setting up cross-play and inviting friends

Ark Raiders supports full cross-play on all platforms: PC (Steam/Epic), PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. This allows PC and PS5 players to play in the same party. Cross-progression is also possible via Embark ID, and equipment, skins, and progress data are shared. The setting is on by default, but be sure to check.

2-1. Steps to enable cross-play

1. After starting the game, click the settings icon (gear) at the bottom right of the main menu.
2. Select the Gameplay tab.
3. Find the “Online” section and set “Crossplay” to on.
4. Save your changes and return to the lobby.

If you turn it off, you will only be matched on the same platform, so you will not be able to play with friends. In the PS5 version, the DualSense vibration is linked when revived, increasing the immersion, but the PC version's high fps is superior.

2-2. Confirm Embark ID and add friends

Embark ID is in the format of “Username#1234” and can be checked from “+” next to the profile icon → “Manage Embark ID”.

1. Note or screenshot your friend's ID.
2. Select “+” from the main menu → “Add friend”.
3. Enter the ID exactly (ignoring case and matching exact numbers).
4. Send an invitation request, and once the recipient approves, it will be added to the list.

2-3. Party invitation and match start

1. Select the target from your friend list and press “Invite to Party”.
2. After approval, check everyone's icons in the party menu (crossplay is normal).
3. Start matching by clicking the “Play” button. You can choose to bury it in the wild.

When trouble occurs, the main cause is an incorrect ID or being offline. Wired LAN is recommended to eliminate lag.

3. Details of matching system and optimal strategy

Matching is completely separated between solo and party. Solo is a solo-only server, and party (duo/trio) is a party-only server. This ensures that solo players are not disadvantaged by large parties and that fairness is maintained.

• Notes on duos: Currently, priority matching between duos has been introduced, so the encounter rate with trios has decreased dramatically.
• Fill in the field: If you turn on “Fill in the team” in the party menu, random players will be added automatically. Pay attention to equipment disparities.

As a strategy, keep it stable as a trio. When playing as a duo, make sure to do hit-and-runs that take advantage of your mobility.

4. Multiplayer precautions, etiquette, and troubleshooting

4-1. Rules for distribution of loot (materials)

There is no automatic sharing, so it will be a manual pick-up. Divide it equally among the parties, and monopolizing it is bad manners. When opening a crate, I share it with “Item Pin” and decide the priority order. For example, distribute medical kits to support roles and ammunition to DPS roles.

4-2. Avoiding equipment disparities

Free loadouts are recommended when in the wild. This is because there is a high risk of total loss if you bring in expensive equipment. We will adjust the balance by pre-sharing with the party.

4-3. Thorough communication

• Pin function: Instantly share enemies/moves/items/revival requests.
• Voice chat: Turn on in Settings → Audio.
• Etiquette: Escape without saying anything is prohibited, and escape is given priority.

As a problem, if there are many disconnections, the server will be reconnected. Improved with latest patch.

5. Recommended party organization and role sharing

The optimal trio formation is as follows.

• Scout (mobility specialized): Strengthen your stamina with the skills “Young Lungs'' and “Marathon Runner.'' Weapon: Sniper rifle. Role: Search for enemies and develop routes.
• DPS (specialized in conditioning): Increases firepower with skill “Venator”. Weapon: Launcher. Role: ARC mopping up.
• Supporter (survival specialized): Recover with skill “Survivor”. I have Defib. Role: Revival/heal.

With this division, it is extremely efficient even on wide-area maps such as Dam Battlefield.

6. Recommendations for skills, weapons, and equipment for multiplayer

The skill tree prioritizes the following:

• Mobility: Early stage priority. By securing stamina, you can travel long distances.
• Survival: Enhances fishing and recovery.
• Conditioning: Durability and firepower.

The weapons are the “low cost SMG” in the early stages and the “Venator” in the middle stages. In multiplayer, ammunition is shared.

Equipment will be balanced with the shield “Standard”. Revival speed can be increased with augments.

7. Multi-strategy tips for each map

• Dam Battlefield: Utilizes waterside gimmicks. The trio will take part in searching for enemies.
• Buried City: There are many key rooms. Share with Pin.
• Spaceport: High altitude combat. A scout is required.
• Blue Gate: Break through security. Effective use of skills.
• Stella Monteith: There are many boss-class ARCs. Repeated resuscitation is required.

Common to all maps, escape is within the 30 minute limit and support summons can be made at the call station.

8. FAQ

Q1: Is it possible to play multiplayer in cross-playoff?

A: Limited to the same platform.

Q2: What is the cause of resuscitation failure?

A: Enemy approaches or timer runs out. We recommend using a defibrillator.

Q3: What should I do if my dog ​​is a stray and I can't trust it?

A: Solo is recommended or keeping friends is safe.

Q4: How should I deal with PvP?

A: Other raider squads will be prioritized to avoid them, and resource concessions are the basics.

Q5: I hit a trio with a duo.

A: Currently, matching is prioritized between duos, so encounters are rare.

Summary: Master Ark Raiders in multiplayer

Ark Raiders multiplayer offers the best cooperative experience thanks to its excellent basic specifications and the convenience of cross-play. If you follow the precautions and practice the recommended formations, you can easily aim for a win rate of over 90%. Form a party with your friends now and aim to conquer the surface. Enjoy endless adventures with this guide.