ARC Raiders Beginner Guide: How to Avoid PvP With Etiquette Tips

 

ARC Raiders Beginner Guide: How to Avoid PvP With Etiquette and Friendly Play

ARC Raiders is one of those rare extraction shooters where you can actually influence the kind of interactions you have with other players. While PvP is always a possibility, it isn’t always inevitable.

After sinking countless hours into ARC Raiders—mostly playing solo—I’ve consistently had some of the friendliest and most wholesome player interactions I’ve experienced in years. That doesn’t mean it’s guaranteed, but by following a few simple etiquette guidelines, you can significantly reduce unnecessary PvP encounters and enjoy smoother extractions.

If you’re a beginner, a solo player, or someone who prefers avoiding PvP when possible, this ARC Raiders beginner guide is for you. And if you’re a fan of the game, you can also check out our ARC Raiders merch collection featuring game-inspired shirts and apparel designed for fans of extraction shooters.

Why PvP Etiquette Matters in ARC Raiders

ARC Raiders isn’t just about loot and extraction—it’s about player intent. Unlike traditional shooters, many encounters are shaped by how you communicate, move, and respect other players’ space.

  • Reduce surprise firefights
  • Build trust between solo players
  • Turn tense moments into cooperative ones
  • Create better extraction outcomes

You won’t avoid PvP 100% of the time, but you can influence it.

Use Voice Chat and Emotes Immediately

This is the biggest and most important tip.

When you run into another player, use proximity voice chat immediately. A quick callout like:

  • “Friendly, friendly”
  • “Hey man, just looting”
  • “I’m questing, we’re good”

…can genuinely save your life. Voice communication clearly states your intent and encourages the other player to respond instead of reacting with gunfire.

Don’t want to use voice chat?

That’s fine. ARC Raiders gives you alternatives:

  • Use the “Don’t shoot” emote
  • Flash your flashlight briefly
  • Put your weapon away
  • Double crouch (many players recognize this as a friendly signal)

Silence, however, makes you look suspicious. If you don’t communicate at all, most players will assume the worst.

Announce Yourself Before Entering Buildings

This tip might sound controversial, but it works surprisingly well.

Before entering high-traffic areas like buildings, key rooms, or busy POIs, use proximity chat and say something simple like:

  • “Friendly coming in.”
  • “Anyone inside? Friendly here.”

Even if no one responds, you’ve set the tone. When players do respond, it often turns into cooperative play—sometimes even multiple solos grouping up to loot, quest, or take down enemies together.

Yes, even announce yourself at extraction

Calling out before extracting lets anyone nearby know you’re not camping or setting a trap. It reduces panic and last-second betrayals more often than you’d expect.

Announce Yourself Before They See You

If you spot another player in the distance and you’re about to cross paths, don’t creep up silently.

Instead, say something like:

“Hey, I see you. I’m friendly and just passing through.”

This avoids startling them and prevents panic shots. Letting someone know you could have attacked—but chose not to—builds trust fast. Many of these moments turn into friendly conversations or short-term team-ups.

Ask Before Sharing Loot

This is one of the most underrated etiquette rules in ARC Raiders.

If you enter a room or encounter a player who clearly:

  • Cleared enemies
  • Used a key
  • Completed a difficult objective

…simply ask:

“Hey, is it cool if I loot with you?”

Yes, loot is technically free-for-all—but asking shows respect. In almost every case, players respond positively, often even pinging items for you to take. It keeps interactions smooth and avoids unnecessary tension over high-value loot or quest items.

Don’t Follow Directly Behind Other Players

This is a universal trust issue.

Running directly behind someone makes them uneasy—for good reason. They can’t see you, and any sudden movement feels threatening.

What to do instead

  • Run beside them
  • Stay within each other’s line of sight
  • Maintain visible positioning

This small adjustment communicates trust and reduces paranoia on both sides.

Loot in Opposite Directions

If you’re looting together:

  • Don’t loot directly in front of them
  • Don’t loot the same containers
  • Move in opposite directions within the room

This avoids competition, confusion, and frustration. You still gain XP from opening already-looted containers, and it keeps things feeling fair and organized.

Accept That Betrayal Is Part of the Game

Even with perfect etiquette:

  • Some players will betray you
  • Some will fake friendliness
  • Some will backstab at extraction

That unpredictability is part of what makes ARC Raiders so intense and memorable. Etiquette doesn’t remove risk—it reduces unnecessary risk.

Final Thoughts

If you want to avoid PvP in ARC Raiders as a solo or beginner player, etiquette goes a long way. Clear communication, respectful movement, and small gestures of trust can dramatically change your experience.

If ARC Raiders is your go-to extraction shooter, explore our ARC Raiders collection for shirts and apparel inspired by the game.

If you have your own tips for staying friendly—or want to see a Part 2—drop them in the comments. ARC Raiders thrives on community behavior, and sharing knowledge helps everyone.

See you topside.

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