Arc Raiders Has Made Me A Lot More Optimistic About the Future of the Genre

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As someone who’s been playing games for a long time, I’ve been really impressed with Arc Raiders. I first started gaming around age four or five, learning to play Banjo Kazooie from my older cousin. The gaming world has changed dramatically since then, and Arc Raiders showcases just how much. Since Fortnite became popular in 2017, we’ve seen a lot of battle royale games, but Arc Raiders is helping to popularize a new type of game: the extraction shooter.

Extraction shooters – games where you enter a challenging area, collect loot, and try to escape – have been around for a while, but they’re getting a lot more attention lately. Popular examples include games like Escape from Tarkov and Hunt: Showdown. With Escape from Tarkov finally releasing its full version, we’re likely to hear even more about this type of game. Plus, Bungie is working on its own, called Marathon, though it’s been pushed back to 2026. When it does arrive, it will add to the growing list of major extraction shooters. I was initially worried about this trend, but playing Arc Raiders has made me more hopeful about the future of the genre.

Arc Raiders Has Showed Me Just How Wonderful the Extraction Shooter Genre Can Be

I was hesitant about the recent trend of extraction shooters because I haven’t really enjoyed games in that genre. Titles like Escape from Tarkov are very demanding, and while I appreciate the atmosphere of Hunt: Showdown 1896, it didn’t quite grab me. However, Arc Raiders has surprised me with its impressive attention to detail and world-building. Although I typically prefer games with strong storylines, Arc Raiders’ rich lore and setting create a compelling narrative experience.

I was instantly hooked by the game’s lively maps, fantastic music, and intense battles for survival, and it’s really got me looking forward to more games like this. What I especially love about Arc Raiders is that it promotes teamwork and goodwill. While you’re trying to survive, even as a lone player, most people are working together. It would be easy to attack other players, but the community has largely decided that the real enemy is the ARC itself, meaning anyone else you meet is actually on your side.

Arc Raiders is a really welcome change of pace, and it’s something that particularly impressed me. I’ve already mentioned how much I like the game’s world building, and that’s definitely a highlight for me. While the gameplay and graphics are great, I’m truly invested in the world itself and eager to discover more. Embark Studios has created a game with the potential for years of ongoing content and a rich backstory, which is incredibly exciting.

Arc Raiders Should Become the Extraction Shooter Blueprint

Several extraction shooter games have come out recently, but Arc Raiders has generated the most buzz. A key feature of Arc Raiders is how easy it is to pick up and play. It’s challenging, but doesn’t waste your time, offering a fun and satisfying experience even for more casual players.

Upcoming Extraction Shooters

  • Marathon -release date TBA
  • Exoborne – release date TBA

With the recent positive response to Arc Raiders, developers are paying close attention to the extraction shooter genre. Two upcoming games to watch are Marathon and Exoborne. Marathon learned from mixed feedback during its initial playtests and seems to be taking cues from Arc Raiders‘ success. While Marathon already boasts impressive graphics, its ultimate success will depend on delivering engaging gameplay and a compelling story.

The gameplay and visuals are great, but what really draws me in is the world of Arc Raiders. I’m eager to discover more about it.

The Future of Arc Raiders Hopefully Lives Up to Expectations

  • More maps have already been confirmed for future updates.
  • Expanding maps will also expand the story and lore.

Arc Raiders already feels like a huge and well-developed world, and it will be exciting to see how Embark Studios expands on it with future updates. However, maintaining the initial excitement will be a challenge. The game feels fresh now, but continued content is needed to keep players engaged long-term. While difficult, this is achievable, as Helldivers 2 has successfully done with its ongoing updates. Although not an extraction shooter, Helldivers 2 could offer valuable inspiration for Arc Raiders as it continues to evolve.

Currently, Arc Raiders feels incredibly promising, and it remains to be seen if it will live up to that potential. What’s clear now is that it’s completely shifted my perspective on what extraction shooters can offer. The game demonstrates how much creativity this genre can unlock, resulting in a wonderfully designed world and genuinely enjoyable gameplay. This has me really looking forward to seeing what other developers do with this formula, and how they build their own unique experiences within the genre.

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2025-11-07 01:04