Tag: extraction shooter

  • Extraction shooter hits 100K wishlists: the next big thing after ARC Raiders

    Extraction shooter hits 100K wishlists: the next big thing after ARC Raiders

    Key Takeaway

    – Co-op raids for up to four players with shared progress, enhancing teamwork and loot opportunities.
    – Major upgrade to modern graphics and fully rendered environments while preserving a top-down, tactical extraction-shooter feel.
    – New features include dynamic weather, persistent relics with passive/active abilities, and procedurally generated, high-stakes raids.


    ZERO Sievert 2 is being developed by Underdog and aims to build on the surprise success of ZERO Sievert from 2022.

    In this paragraph, the author writes with a casual tone, repeating the core idea that the sequel follows the unexpected triumph of the first title created by Luca Carbonara, who worked solo. The writing here keeps a reflective mood, noting how the game captured a niche audience yet achieved commercial success, and it mentions fans of Escape from Tarkov and S.T.A.L.K.E.R. who praised the blend of extraction gameplay, survival mechanics, and a dark, pixel-art atmosphere that set the original apart. The language meanders through context without getting overly technical, aiming to preserve a sense of the first game’s spirit while hinting at the upcoming ambitions for the sequel.

    Sequel goals and visuals

    This paragraph shifts to a more modern descriptive style, touching on the sequel’s aim to reach higher horizons. The setting remains Zakov, a post-apocalyptic region, but it emphasizes a major graphics upgrade that promises modern visuals and richer environments. The top-down perspective stays, yet the signature pixel-art look is cast aside to make way for a more contemporary aesthetic. The writer pauses to acknowledge the tension between preserving identity and embracing new tech, suggesting that fans might experience a sense of evolution through improved visuals and atmosphere.

    New features and co-op emphasis

    The tone here becomes practical and news-like, detailing the core focus on dangerous raids inside procedurally generated areas where players contend with bandits, mutants, hostile factions, and dangerous anomalies. It lists the new elements like dynamic weather (fog, snowstorms, acid rain) and relics with both passive and active abilities. The standout addition is co-op for up to four players, enabling shared raids, quests, and loot. Notably, each player maintains their own progress, experience, and gear, which is highlighted to stress a persistent sense of individual advancement within a shared experience.

    Community reception and identity concerns

    The commentary here captures reactions from fans, emphasizing broad enthusiasm for co-op, which many considered the first game’s missing piece. The piece notes that the graphical upgrade is well received, with some calling it an evolutionary leap, while others worry about losing the game’s pixel-art identity as visuals shift toward modern fidelity. The writing acknowledges these mixed feelings, presenting them as part of the ongoing discussion about how the game should balance nostalgia with innovation.

    Comparisons and positioning

    This paragraph contrasts ZERO Sievert 2 with ARC Raiders, placing both within the extraction-shooter genre and stressing shared themes of risky loot runs, co-op play, and perilous game worlds. It explains that ARC Raiders leans toward PvPvE and cinematic third-person action, whereas ZERO Sievert 2 is presented as a more tactical PvE experience. The author suggests that players seeking a non-PvP tense scenario could feel at home here, and concludes that while it might not surpass ARC Raiders, it offers a distinct, PvE-heavy alternative that could enrich the genre’s landscape.


    Sources

  • Marathon Server Slam Beta Reaches 143K Players: Gunplay Praised, UI Critique

    Marathon Server Slam Beta Reaches 143K Players: Gunplay Praised, UI Critique

    Key Takeaways

    1. Marathon’s Server Slam beta attracted 143,000 concurrent players on Steam, indicating strong initial interest despite previous delays.
    2. The player count on Steam dropped to about 70,000 within a day, suggesting a challenge in gameplay difficulty but potential for spikes during the testing period.
    3. The beta testing is a key opportunity for Bungie to gather player feedback and build excitement before the official game launch.
    4. Player feedback highlights praise for the gunplay but criticism for a cluttered user interface, leading Bungie to consider quality-of-life improvements.
    5. Marathon’s player engagement is comparable to Arc Raiders, which indicates it may compete well in the extraction shooter market upon release.


    Bungie’s new venture into the extraction-shooter world, Marathon, has made a notable return after facing an indefinite delay. The Server Slam beta test for Marathon began on February 26, and it surprised many doubting gamers by attracting 143,000 concurrent players on Steam on its first day, a remarkable feat considering the game’s rocky playtests throughout 2025.

    Player Participation Insights

    It’s important to note that these numbers only reflect players on Steam and do not include those playing on PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S. This means that the actual number of players participating in Marathon’s Server Slam beta is likely much higher.

    Right now, Marathon’s Server Slam beta represents the last chance for gamers to experience Bungie’s new extraction shooter for free. This strategy allows Bungie to gather valuable player feedback while keeping excitement high ahead of the game’s official launch.

    Feedback on Gameplay

    Many players have commended Marathon for its intense and challenging approach to the extraction-shooter genre, blending PvP and PvE experiences that are quite thrilling. However, the number of players on Steam has noticeably decreased within a single day, falling to about 70,000 concurrent users. This drop may be due to the game’s tough difficulty, but it still indicates that players are working to master the mechanics of Marathon.

    There’s a chance that player numbers for Marathon might spike again over the weekend, as it’s common for games to experience drops in player count during beta testing.

    Comparing Popularity with Competitors

    For reference, Marathon’s player engagement is similar to that of Arc Raiders, which saw nearly 190,000 concurrent players at its final beta testing stage. Since then, Arc Raiders has sold over 14 million copies globally, suggesting that it’s not unrealistic for Marathon to compete with Embark’s extraction shooter once it launches.

    Gamers have also expressed their approval of Marathon’s gunplay, as Bungie is well recognized for its array of unique and enjoyable weapons in titles like Destiny 2. Nevertheless, many gamers have shared their frustrations regarding the game’s interface, which is often seen as cluttered and confusing.

    Bungie, however, remains positive about the player feedback and is encouraging new players to share their opinions, aiming to implement quality-of-life improvements to Marathon in the near future.

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  • Arc Raiders Sells 2.5 Million Copies, Grosses Over $100 Million

    Arc Raiders Sells 2.5 Million Copies, Grosses Over $100 Million

    Key Takeaways

    1. Strong Sales Performance: Arc Raiders has sold around 2.5 million copies since its release, generating over $100 million in revenue.

    2. Platform Sales Breakdown: Steam is the leading platform, accounting for 69.2% of sales, followed by PlayStation at 17.3% and Xbox at 13.5%.

    3. Player Engagement: The game launched with high player engagement, peaking at over 354,000 concurrent players and maintaining a daily user base above 300,000 on Steam.

    4. Market Appeal and Challenges: Despite its success, Arc Raiders faces challenges in reaching a broader audience due to its complex gameplay and the nature of the extraction shooter genre.

    5. Future Development Plans: Embark Studios plans to enhance the game with quest-based storytelling and new content, including a fifth map, to retain its player base.


    Embark Studios’ Arc Raiders has established itself as a top-selling extraction shooter in 2025. Since its release on October 30, 2025, it has sold around 2.5 million copies on PS5, Xbox Series S|X, and PC through Steam and Epic Games. With a price tag of $39.99, the game has generated more than $100 million in total revenue.

    Sales Breakdown

    According to Alinea Analytics, which specializes in tracking video game sales, Steam is the primary sales platform, responsible for 69.2% of total sales, amounting to nearly 1.7 million copies. Following Steam, PlayStation held 17.3% of sales with 400,000 units sold, while Xbox accounted for 13.5%, translating to 300,000 units.

    Launch and Player Engagement

    Arc Raiders shifted from a free-to-play to a paid model, celebrating its launch with 253,486 players online concurrently and peaking at 354,836 players on November 2. This influx caused server issues due to high traffic.

    Since its debut, the game has enjoyed a strong player base of over 300,000 daily users on Steam, with daily player counts staying above 90,000. Players have given the game a 90% Very Positive rating from 56,000 reviews. Arc Raiders has consistently held a top position on Steam’s Most Played Charts, frequently exchanging the number three spot with Battlefield 6.

    Previous Titles and Market Appeal

    Embark’s earlier multiplayer FPS, The Finals, pales in comparison to the success of Arc Raiders, marking it as one of Steam’s largest extraction shooter launches.

    Despite its significant success, Rhys Elliott from Alinea Analytics commented, “As an extraction shooter, Arc Raiders lacks broad market appeal. These games typically attract a dedicated group of players who enjoy tension and storytelling that emerges naturally. However, the challenging learning curve limits its wider audience.”

    Elliott suggests that the paid model enhances the game’s appeal, saying, “The game may be ‘stickier psychologically’ since players might feel they should continue playing after spending money. In contrast, free-to-play games are easier to leave and enter.”

    Future Development and Community Support

    Nonetheless, Embark has committed to developing quest-based and visual storytelling elements for Arc Raiders as it evolves, similar to Helldivers 2. This approach could help retain its player base over time. The studio has already shared a roadmap, hinting at the introduction of its fifth map, Stella Montis, in the North Line update.

    Notable streamer and esports star Shroud, impressed with Arc Raiders’ gameplay, has encouraged fans to nominate it for Game of the Year. However, the live service extraction shooter genre often experiences significant player drop-offs. Only time will reveal if Arc Raiders can maintain its growth.

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  • Arc Raiders Launches with 10-Year Update Roadmap for Players

    Arc Raiders Launches with 10-Year Update Roadmap for Players

    Key Takeaways

    1. Arc Raiders achieved over 100,000 concurrent players on Steam shortly after launch, peaking at 264,673 on its opening day.
    2. The game currently holds a 90% user rating on Steam, supported by more than 16,000 positive reviews.
    3. The storyline is set in a post-apocalyptic 1970s and will evolve over time, engaging players until 2035.
    4. Players gather lore through a codex, which updates based on quest progression and player actions.
    5. Embark plans to sustain the game for a minimum of ten years with new content, community events, and serialized storytelling.


    Embark has made a successful entry into the extraction shooter genre with their new game. Arc Raiders quickly gained popularity, attracting over 100,000 concurrent players on Steam just 30 minutes after its launch, reaching an impressive peak of 264,673 players on its opening day. The developers have plans to sustain the game for a minimum of ten years.

    A New Era for Extraction Shooters

    It looks like this is only the beginning for Embark’s latest title, which currently holds a 90% user rating on Steam, backed by more than 16,000 positive reviews. The narrative of Arc Raiders, however, remains largely unexplained. The game is set in a post-apocalyptic 1970s where robotic beings have driven humanity into hiding underground.

    Evolving Storylines

    In an interview with PC Gamer shortly before the game’s release, executive producer Aleksander Grondal shared that the storyline will develop over time, potentially engaging players until 2035. Players are tasked with uncovering the lore of Arc Raiders while battling in PvPvE scenarios. Grondal noted:

    “What has happened to this world? It’s a big question, because the raiders don’t know anymore. It’s kind of a lost myth, so they’re trying to piece it together.” By completing quests involving killing Arc creatures, gathering wire hints, and locating treasure chests, players will gather data in a codex.

    The Importance of the Codex

    Grondal elaborated on the codex, saying:

    The codex is a repository of all kinds of lore-adjacent notes that are collected, and you can easily go back and read up on what is happening to the Rocketeer. And this updates and evolves based on quest progression, but also other trigger points you’re visiting, or like, if you’ve defeated the Wasp five times, and you get to know more about it.

    Embark has plans for additional content for Arc Raiders, which will include community-driven events, special holiday activities, and new maps, along with ongoing serialized storytelling. Grondal mentioned:

    There will be events that the players will participate in. Some of them will be community-based, as the whole community will join them, and they might range from world-changing events to more novel Christmas holiday-type events.

    Looking Ahead

    The studio is working on expanding Speranza’s lore and depth for at least a decade, relying on player involvement to maintain the momentum of the game.

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