Arc Raiders and Three Other Essential Games to Revisit This Weekend

The Essential Gaming Lineup: Returning to Highly Anticipated and Enduring Titles

As the gaming calendar continues its relentless pace into 2025, many players find themselves caught between the deluge of new releases and the desire to revisit or finally dive into titles that demand significant time investment. The editorial staff at Kotaku recently highlighted four specific games—ranging from high-profile cooperative shooters to beloved JRPGs—that they were eager to spend quality time with, underscoring the enduring appeal of these experiences.

This selection provides a snapshot of the current gaming landscape, blending the excitement of a major upcoming free-to-play title like Arc Raiders with the comfort of established franchises like Dragon Quest.

Arc Raiders: The Cooperative Shooter That Pivoted

One of the most anticipated titles on the list is Arc Raiders, developed by Embark Studios, a team founded by industry veterans from DICE (known for the Battlefield series). Arc Raiders has garnered significant attention not just for its pedigree but for its notable shift in development focus.

Initially announced as a competitive PvP extraction shooter, Embark Studios made the strategic decision to pivot the game entirely toward a cooperative player-versus-environment (PvE) experience. This change was crucial, aiming to deliver a more focused and satisfying experience centered on teamwork against overwhelming mechanical threats.

Key Details on Arc Raiders:

• Developer: Embark Studios (also known for The Finals).
• Genre: Third-person cooperative shooter.
• Premise: Players form squads to defend Earth against the ARC, a relentless, mechanized alien threat.
• Appeal: The game promises intense action, deep customization, and the satisfaction of overcoming massive, unpredictable enemies through coordinated strategy. The shift to PvE has heightened anticipation among players looking for a high-quality co-op experience in the vein of Monster Hunter or Helldivers.

The Enduring Appeal of the Battlefield Franchise

While the original article may have referenced a specific iteration like “BF6,” the ongoing appeal lies in the next major installment of the Battlefield franchise. The series, known for its massive scale, vehicular combat, and destruction physics, remains a benchmark for large-scale military shooters.

For many journalists and core gamers, returning to the Battlefield sandbox—whether it’s the latest release or the anticipation for the next one—is a perennial draw. The desire to jump back into the chaos of 128-player maps, master complex aerial dogfights, or coordinate squad pushes is a powerful motivator for weekend gaming sessions.

Why Battlefield Remains a Must-Play:

• Scale and Scope: Unmatched large-scale multiplayer engagements.
• Vehicular Warfare: The integration of tanks, jets, and helicopters fundamentally changes the dynamics of combat.
• Destruction: The ability to dynamically reshape the environment adds a layer of tactical depth and unpredictability that few other shooters replicate.

Dispatch: The Niche Title That Hooks Players

Often, the most compelling games are not the AAA blockbusters but the smaller, more focused titles that offer a unique hook. Dispatch falls into this category, representing the kind of game that might not dominate headlines but captures the attention of those seeking specific, focused gameplay loops.

The original context suggests Dispatch is a game that offers a compelling, perhaps procedural or roguelike, experience that makes it perfect for repeated, short sessions. This type of game design—where every run is different and mastery is rewarded—is increasingly popular among players looking for high replayability without the commitment of a massive open-world RPG.

Dragon Quest: The Comfort of Classic JRPGs

The final game highlighted is the venerable Dragon Quest series. While the specific title being played may vary—from the critically acclaimed Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age to the anticipation surrounding Dragon Quest XII: The Flames of Fate—the core appeal remains consistent: comfort, charm, and classic JRPG mechanics.

Dragon Quest is celebrated for its traditional turn-based combat, its vibrant, Akira Toriyama-designed characters, and its heartwarming, often humorous narratives. For journalists and long-time fans, returning to Dragon Quest is often less about chasing the latest mechanics and more about enjoying a reliable, high-quality adventure that feels like coming home.

“The Dragon Quest series offers a unique blend of nostalgia and modern polish, making it the perfect escape for players seeking a deep, satisfying story without the complexity of modern action RPGs.”

The Enduring Formula:

1. Classic Turn-Based Combat: A reliable and strategic combat system that rewards planning.
2. Visual Identity: The instantly recognizable character and monster designs by Akira Toriyama.
3. Worldbuilding: Rich, expansive worlds filled with memorable NPCs and hidden secrets.

Analysis: Why These Four Titles Define the Modern Gaming Weekend

This curated list of four games—Arc Raiders, the latest Battlefield, Dispatch, and Dragon Quest—perfectly encapsulates the diverse demands and desires of the modern gamer. It highlights a balance between high-stakes, competitive or cooperative multiplayer and deep, single-player narrative experiences.

Arc Raiders and Battlefield satisfy the need for adrenaline-fueled, social gaming, often requiring intense focus and coordination. In contrast, Dispatch and Dragon Quest offer avenues for relaxation, deep immersion, or quick, satisfying bursts of gameplay.

This selection demonstrates that true gaming satisfaction often comes from returning to trusted genres and franchises, or embracing new titles that promise a fresh, focused take on established mechanics, such as Arc Raiders‘ commitment to PvE.

Key Takeaways for Gamers in 2025

For players looking to maximize their gaming time, these four titles offer distinct and compelling reasons to dive in:

• Arc Raiders: Represents the future of free-to-play co-op shooters, backed by experienced developers from Embark Studios.
• Battlefield: Continues to be the gold standard for large-scale, combined arms military simulation, offering endless replayability.
• Dispatch: A reminder that niche, focused indie games can often provide the most satisfying and addictive gameplay loops.
• Dragon Quest: Provides essential comfort gaming, delivering high-quality, traditional JRPG storytelling and mechanics.

Conclusion: Finding Value in Variety

The games that journalists and dedicated players choose to return to are often those that offer genuine depth, unique mechanical hooks, or reliable comfort. Whether coordinating a defense against the ARC, dominating a massive multiplayer map, mastering a niche indie title, or settling in for a long JRPG journey, the common thread is the promise of a satisfying and meaningful gaming experience that transcends fleeting trends. These four games stand out as essential choices for anyone seeking quality entertainment in the current gaming landscape.