Embark Studios is keeping Arc Raiders players on their toes with the new map condition. Close Scrutiny is taking a toll on the community, as people try to make headway against what's proving to be the toughest set of obstacles in the extraction shooter yet.
Part of the Flashpoint update, Close Scrutiny offers great reward, but with high risk. Arc Assessors drop around the map, providing massive loot, but to get to them, you've to navigate all the Vaporizers and Surveyors knocking about. Much easier said than done.
This can happen on any map with substantial outdoors areas, and thus far, raiders are finding it hard to get a hold on the whole thing. "Assessor event is hell on earth," says one Redditor, who posts a clip of them surrounded by Arcs as they try to get more treasure.
They're doing well, to be fair, but you can sense how stressful the whole situation is. "This is the first night I'm going to bed frustrated from playing the game. The new event is hella cool but holy shit is it tough," another player posts on Reddit. "The vaporizer will definitely be in my nightmares tonight."
Now that Arc Raiders has been out for coming on six months, this is very much something designed for seasoned players who're wanting to push their skills. Comparisons are emerging to Malevelon Creek in Helldivers 2, a planet where you fought the Automatons that was absolutely barmy back in the day, and which Super Earth veterans often consider the fiercest battleground of Arrowhead's game.
"Reminds me of Malevelon Creek on HD2 when it came out. Nothing but pure chaos everywhere," a commenter on Reddit states. "Yeah but you die waaayyy faster on Arc Raiders lol. I feel like a Civilian in HD2 when playing Arc Raiders," another argues.
A third player says Close Scrutiny gives them "flashbacks of the creek." A sign Embark's doing something right – if the intention is to traumatize fans, anyway.
