Stop Asking for First-Person in ARC Raiders: Why the TPS Perspective is Non-Negotiable

The Bottom Line: Despite a vocal segment of the community attempting to force a first-person perspective (FPS) via PC console exploits, Embark Studios is holding the line on its third-person vision for ARC Raiders. Our analysis confirms that shifting to FPS wouldn't just break the game’s custom animations—it would gut the tactical identity that separates this extraction shooter from a market already saturated with Tarkov clones.

The "Fairness" Fallacy and the Camera Meta

Over on the ARC Raiders subreddit, players have been showcasing a janky, unofficial FPS mode achieved through console commands. While some "sweaty" players argue that third-person (TPS) offers an unfair advantage via corner peeking, we view this as a fundamental misunderstanding of the game's DNA. In ARC Raiders, the camera isn't a cheat code; it’s a survival tool. Whether you're navigating the claustrophobic tunnels of the Buried City or scouting the ruins of Stella Montis, the wider field of view is what allows for the cinematic, squad-based "hero moments" that Embark is clearly aiming for.

Embark’s Community Lead, Julia Ossen, has already signaled that the studio is clamping down on these exploits to protect "fair play and the integrity of the game." This isn't just about stopping hackers; it's about preserving a specific combat pacing that FPS simply cannot replicate.

Market Comparison: Why We Don't Need Another FPS

The extraction genre is currently a crowded house of first-person titles. Forcing ARC Raiders into that box would be a regressive move for the meta. Below is how the current heavy hitters stack up against Embark's new challenger:

Identity Matters: The "Space Bozo" Factor

One aspect often overlooked in the FPS vs. TPS debate is the "drip." We’ve spent decades playing shooters where your character’s appearance only matters to the person who loots your corpse. In ARC Raiders, the third-person view allows your squad to actually inhabit their roles. Whether you’re running a disciplined SEAL-style formation or just three "bozos in space helmets" trying to survive a raid, seeing your character deep in the fray adds a layer of narrative weight that first-person view obscures.

Our experience with the genre shows that when you can see your gear, you’re more invested in the grind. Embark has clearly put massive effort into the Rust Belt’s aesthetic and character cosmetics; it would be a waste to hide that behind a floating gun model.

Tactical Consequences of the Camera Shift

The shift to first-person would fundamentally alter the "threat detection" loop. Currently, the tension comes from the unknown—scanning your peripheral while moving through the gravel-strewn tunnels. In FPS, the game would shift toward a "twitch-reflex" meta where whoever has the faster DPI wins the encounter. In TPS, the advantage goes to the player with the better positioning and situational awareness.

• Intel Gathering: Using the camera to track ARC movement without exposing your hitbox.
• Squad Synergy: Better visual feedback on squadmate positioning during high-stakes breaches.
• Verticality: Easier navigation of the Rust Belt’s complex, multi-layered ruins.

If you're still demanding an FPS mode, the answer is simple: play something else. ARC Raiders is carving out its own niche in a genre that desperately needs fresh ideas. We believe Embark is making the right call by protecting their creative vision from a vocal minority of players who want every game to feel like Call of Duty. The third-person perspective is here to stay, and the game is better for it.