Arc Raiders devs have used a music sample ‘from a piano in Chernobyl’ that someone had discovered in the Forbidden Zone
Arc Raiders, a multiplayer extraction shooter, features an intriguing audio design that incorporates an unusual sound sample. Developers have integrated a music sample sourced from a piano discovered in the Forbidden Zone of Chernobyl into the game’s soundtrack, adding a unique atmospheric element to its soundscape.
The game’s audio design emphasizes immersion, with distinct sound design for various gameplay elements including distant gunfire, the clicks and cracks of roaming AI enemies called Arcs, and the sound of players scavenging through abandoned buildings. A notable feature of Arc Raiders is the inclusion of playable musical instruments that players can discover among the rubble and debris scattered throughout the game world.
According to the developers, these musical instruments were introduced relatively early in development and initially seemed out of place to the team. One gameplay designer created a trumpet as a prototype, prompting questions about its purpose. However, the musical items serve multiple gameplay functions beyond mere aesthetics, including providing social incentives for player interaction and engagement.
The use of the Chernobyl piano sample represents an unconventional creative choice that underscores Arc Raiders’ commitment to atmospheric world-building and unique audio design. By incorporating real-world audio elements from historically significant locations alongside interactive musical gameplay mechanics, the developers have created a distinctive auditory experience that enhances the game’s post-apocalyptic setting.