I didn't think Arc Raiders could win against Battlefield 6 and Black Ops 7, but then I got struck by lightning and now I believe

Arc Raiders, you've stolen my heart. The now-concluded Server Slam achieved something I didn't think was possible (dragging me away from Battlefield 6 for an entire weekend), but there was one element that impressed me more than any other. While the base Arc Raiders experience is superb, its limited-time dynamic events take things to a different level. In fact, they produced one of my favorite gaming moments of the year. Ironically, it was also responsible for me losing some of my best loot - and getting struck by lightning.

Let me paint the scene. For several hours prior, I'd already found myself loving Embark's upcoming extraction shooter, building up a strong stash and upgrading my beloved Ferro rifle. From quick 'free loadout' runs to get some materials, to buzzer-beater extractions with just a few seconds to spare, I already had a pretty long list of memorable moments. I was starting to believe that, even in the middle of a Battlefield 6 and Black Ops 7 sandwich, Arc Raiders could become the best multiplayer game of the year.

As great as those hours were, nothing compared to the run where my loot and gear became someone else's prize. For the unaware, Arc Raiders supplements its normal version of the Dam Battlegrounds map with 'map condition' - limited-time lobbies that modify the experience in certain ways. A night raid, for example, drops you in after sundown for a more eerie feel. A Harvester lobby features a giant Arc bot called a Queen guarding a mysterious machine. These experiences not only keep things fresh and offer new challenges, but better or focused loot pools are usually applied as well.

So, imagine my squad's intrigue when we see an electromagnetic storm map condition. Foolishly, we also decide that this is going to be a 'long run' - pack your best gear, because we're out to rack up some kills and take out some big ol' robots. Within seconds of loading in, regret. As I emerge from our spawn point, cracks of lightning illuminate the map, create distant explosions, and immediately suggest that this won't be a walk in the park. Within a minute, those lightning bolts are joined in the sky by maybe a dozen red flares from dead raiders. I'll be honest, the electromagnetic storm was one of the coolest but most terrifying things I've witnessed in a videogame - ridiculously impressive, but a real threat to me and my loot.

While a blue indicator on the ground shows you where a lightning strike is about to hit, it's only a brief warning - there were definitely some expletives (and laughter) as we dodged these strikes while exploring. When they land near to you, they also create a biblical sound in your headset, further adding to my sense of panic. Despite my best efforts, I get caught out by the lightning on a couple of occasions, but to be honest, I've never had more fun getting fried by several million volts.

Due to the higher-quality loot on offer, there were also some extremely organized and lethal players in this lobby - so much so that my squad and I didn't make it out alive. My Ferro, that I'd pumped plenty of resources into, was gone. My extremely precious medium shield? Also gone. The high-tier components I'd scavenged? Someone else's prize now.

While that brutal element of an extraction shooter can often leave you feeling sour in the aftermath, Arc Raiders put me in such a thrilling, immersive match that I felt the complete opposite. As I peruse my now sad-looking stash and terrible guns, I am, weirdly, the happiest I've been throughout the whole Server Slam, and more excited than ever for the game's release in just under two weeks' time. Bravo, Embark.

When launch arrives, make sure you have our best Arc Raiders builds guide handy - especially if you're going to be taking on those tougher, riskier dynamic event lobbies. In the meantime, see what else will be competing for your time and money this year in our upcoming PC games list.

If you took part in the Server Slam, come by our community Discord server and tell me about some of your favorite moments.