The Rise of Extraction Shooters in Modern Gaming
The video game industry has always been quick to chase emerging trends, a tendency that has become increasingly pronounced in the era of live service games. Major publishers like Sony and Ubisoft have repeatedly attempted, often unsuccessfully, to capture the multiplayer market with blockbuster hits. Whenever a new game achieves even modest success, it inevitably sparks a wave of imitators, much like Fortnite's influence on the battle royale genre.
Currently, the spotlight is on extraction shooters, thanks largely to the remarkable success of Arc Raiders. This game, along with the upcoming reboot of Marathon, has positioned the extraction shooter as the hot new genre for publishers to emulate. However, whether Arc Raiders will establish a lasting trend or remain a one-hit wonder is still uncertain.
Defining the Extraction Shooter Genre
Extraction shooters are a relatively new and loosely defined genre. At their core, these games focus on escaping a map rather than achieving traditional combat objectives. Typically, they are first-person shooters featuring PvPvE (player versus player versus environment) gameplay, where players must navigate threats from both human opponents and AI-controlled enemies.
Resource gathering and loot collection are central mechanics, with players needing to secure items and reach an extraction point to succeed. In team-based modes, success may be determined by who extracts the most valuable loot, though often, mere survival and escape are the primary goals.
The Historical Roots of Extraction Shooters
Despite their recent surge in popularity, extraction shooters have deeper roots than many realize. Escape From Tarkov, one of the genre's most famous examples, debuted in early 2017 and played a pivotal role in popularizing the format. This led to similar military-themed titles like Gray Zone Warfare (2024) and Delta Force (2025).
Debates persist about the genre's origins, with some pointing to Ubisoft's The Division (2016), which included extraction-style gameplay in its Dark Zone mode. Others cite elements in DayZ (2012) or even Left 4 Dead (2008). Many games on Steam's extraction shooter list don't explicitly market themselves as such, including Helldivers 2 and Dark & Darker, which incorporate extraction mechanics without being dedicated to the genre.
Notable Extraction Shooters and Publisher Involvement
Historically, extraction shooters have been dominated by indie developers rather than major publishers. Ubisoft's Rainbow Six Extraction (2022) was a rare AAA attempt but had limited impact. Instead, publishers have often integrated extraction modes into existing games.
For example, EA included Hazard Zone in Battlefield 2042 and extraction missions in Battlefield Redsec's Gauntlet mode. Activision added the DMZ mode to Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 in 2022, though it was later abandoned. Other titles like Borderlands 3 and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 have also incorporated extraction elements into their gameplay.
The Growing Popularity and Future Potential
Arc Raiders' success has undoubtedly captured the industry's attention. Since its October launch, it has sold over 14 million copies and maintains six million weekly active players across platforms, proving that such games don't need to be free-to-play to thrive. Its consistent presence in Steam's top 10 most played games underscores its appeal.
This success bodes well for Marathon, Bungie's upcoming extraction shooter reboot. Despite skepticism due to Sony's mixed track record with live service games and Bungie's internal challenges, Marathon's free open beta was well-received, and pre-orders have propelled it to high positions on Steam's best sellers chart.
If Marathon can rival Arc Raiders in popularity, it will signal to publishers that extraction shooters have substantial audience appeal. This could encourage more dedicated full-game releases rather than the extraction-lite modes seen in many existing titles.
Top Extraction Shooters to Play Now
Arc Raiders: Available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, this game offers solo or team-based gameplay in a post-apocalyptic setting, with a focus on scavenging and combat against giant robots.
Escape From Tarkov: A PC title known for its realistic military sim approach and brutal difficulty, it fully launched on Steam in November after years in beta.
Arena: Breakout Infinite: This military sim is available on PC, iOS, and Android, featuring strong visuals but a steep learning curve.
Delta Force: A free-to-play game on multiple platforms, it has gained popularity since its 2025 release, currently ranking among Steam's most played titles.
Hunt: Showdown 1896: Set in a supernatural world, this game tasks players with hunting bosses and stealing bounties, offering a unique twist on the genre.
Helldivers 2: Published by Sony, this game combines extraction mechanics with chaotic, comedy-prone gameplay and has seen success on both PlayStation and Xbox.
The Division 2: While not exclusively an extraction shooter, its Dark Zone mode provides a well-crafted example of the genre's mechanics.
Escape From Duckov and Zero Sievert: These PC titles cater to solo players, with Escape From Duckov offering a parody experience and Zero Sievert incorporating roguelike elements.
Marathon: Set to launch on March 5 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, this paid title has generated positive buzz from its beta, suggesting strong potential in the market.
The extraction shooter genre is poised for significant growth, driven by the successes of Arc Raiders and Marathon. As publishers take note, players can expect more innovations and entries in this evolving space, potentially reshaping the multiplayer gaming landscape for years to come.
