Extraction Shooter
Ongoing coverage on Extraction Shooter.
Latest coverage
Arc Raiders is down but not out - dwindling player numbers and a long wait for the next update mark an important time for the extraction shooter
Arc Raiders, an extraction shooter praised for its accessibility and social features, is experiencing a significant decline in player numbers, dropping from nearly half a million daily players to around 50,000. This decrease is attributed to a lack of substantial content updates, with major additions now only arriving twice a year. The game's unique aggression-based matchmaking system may also suffer as the player pool shrinks, potentially forcing players with different playstyles into the same lobbies. The upcoming 'Frozen Trials' update is seen as a critical relaunch opportunity for Embark Studios to re-engage players and regain lost momentum.
This is my 3rd time playing EVE Online's upcoming extraction shooter little brother, and it finally feels like it's coming together—all without the ambitious crossover features it was made for
EVE Vanguard, an upcoming extraction shooter from Fenris Creations, is showing significant improvement and is shaping up to be a compelling standalone experience, even without its planned EVE Online integration. The game offers immediate action, satisfying gunplay, and emergent player behavior, reminiscent of titles like Tarkov. Developers are aiming for a self-sustaining narrative powered by EVE's player corporations, with director Scott Davis emphasizing a caretaker role similar to EVE Online's lead designers.
Taking Too Long to Release a Game Could Harm its Potential For Success, Says Ubisoft
Ubisoft's financial report discusses the risks of both premature and delayed game releases in the current market. The company noted that extended development cycles can harm a game's potential success by causing market anticipation to wane or standards to shift. While no specific titles were named, the report comes amid ongoing development for the Far Cry franchise, with rumors suggesting a new entry will feature PvEvP elements and extraction shooter mechanics.
Arc Raiders introduces separate Solo, Duo and Trio tracking so you can be friendly in one and a rat in the others
Arc Raiders has implemented a significant update to its matchmaking system, allowing for separate tracking of player behavior across Solo, Duo, and Trio playlists. This change addresses previous issues where aggressive play in one mode could negatively impact matchmaking in others, enabling players to adopt different playstyles depending on their squad size.
EVE Vanguard Reinvented Its Gameplay With Some Notes from Battlefield 6 | Hands-On Preview
EVE Vanguard's Operation Avalon is an extraction shooter where players collect resources on a planet, aiming to extract before being eliminated by other players or NPC enemies. The gameplay loop focuses on high risk for high rewards, without a closing circle or victory royale mechanic.
EVE Vanguard Alpha Testing
Fenris Creations has announced Operation Avalon, a limited-time Alpha playtest for EVE Vanguard, their upcoming extraction shooter. EVE Vanguard is connected to the ruthless space MMORPG, EVE Online.
EVE Vanguard has begun its Operation Avalon open alpha, and yes you’re invited to try it
EVE Vanguard has launched its Operation Avalon open alpha, inviting players to test CCP Games' extraction MMOFPS. This phase aims to refine the game into a more cohesive vision, with features like the Lost Convoy map, updated gunplay, and persistent progression. The alpha runs until July 20th and is accessible via the EVE launcher or Steam.
EVE Vanguard’s First Alpha Playtest, Operation Avalon, Deploys Today on Steam and the EVE Launcher
Fenris Creations has launched Operation Avalon, the first Alpha playtest for EVE Vanguard, an extraction-adventure FPS connected to EVE Online. Available for free on Steam and the EVE Launcher until July 20, this playtest introduces a new map, overhauled gunplay, expanded enemies, and a deeper risk-reward system. The playtest aims to refine the core experience and move towards a persistent 24/7 Alpha later this year.
Far Cry 7 To Have 72-Hour Time Limit, Weapon Durability, Extraction Shooter Loop – Rumor
A rumor suggests Far Cry 7 will feature a 72-hour time limit, weapon durability, and an extraction shooter loop where players scavenge loot and survive against AI and other players. The game reportedly involves rescuing six family members from a cult called the Sons of Truth, with a setting in Alaska. Development is rumored to be troubled, though Ubisoft has confirmed multiple promising Far Cry projects in the works.
SAND: Raiders of Sophie Review
SAND: Raiders of Sophie is an extraction shooter featuring giant mechs called Tramplers, developed by Hologryph and TowerHaus and published by tinyBuild. The game offers a unique take on the genre with its customizable mechs and two modes: Voyage Mode and Storm Dive. While it provides a solid extraction experience with good visuals and sound, it lacks in-depth narrative and crucial features like bosses and events, scoring a 7/10.
Shack Chat: What's your Game of the Mid-Year?
Shacknews staff members share their personal favorite games released in the first half of 2026. Titles like Pragmata, Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream, Star Fox, and Marathon are highlighted for their engaging gameplay, compelling stories, and unique experiences.
The Mound: Omen of Cthulhu – 15 Things Horror Fans Need to Know
The Mound: Omen of Cthulhu, a co-op PvE extraction shooter with psychological and Lovecraftian horror elements developed by ACE Team, is set to release on July 15th for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The game features a jungle expedition where players must scavenge, survive, and manage madness while dealing with environmental hazards and unreliable senses. It will be priced at $29.99 for the standard edition and $39.99 for the Deluxe Edition, with a free demo available on Steam.
Arc Raiders devs have "completed our rollout of Denuvo Anti-Cheat to all players," but Embark isn't done yet with "a more extensive update" striving for fair play
Embark Studios has completed the rollout of Denuvo Anti-Cheat to all players of their extraction shooter, Arc Raiders. The studio is monitoring the software's performance and impact while working on a more extensive update to further combat cheating and exploits. This move is part of an ongoing effort to ensure fair play and address issues like duplication glitches.
Reinventing Extraction: Inside Delta Force’s Most Ambitious Map Yet
Delta Force's new season, Meltdown, introduces the AZ3 map on Xbox Series X|S, aiming to reinvent the extraction shooter experience. Game Director Shadow Guo and Game Design Director Ricky discuss how the map's reactive environment, player-driven narrative, and escalating threats like radiation and the H1000 boss create a dynamic and immersive run. Player actions collectively determine the outcome, whether it's stabilizing the reactor or facing a full meltdown, offering a fresh sense of adventure with each playthrough.
After 2 hours, Splatoon Raiders is better played with friends than going solo
Splatoon Raiders, a new spin-off for the Nintendo Switch 2, shifts focus from Splatoon 3's single-player campaign to a co-op extraction shooter experience. Players team up with AI companions or other players to battle waves of enemies and collect resources, with progression tied to upgrading abilities and equipment. Despite its marketing as a single-player adventure, the game heavily emphasizes its multiplayer and horde-mode aspects.
Pick up Arc Raiders for less than $25 on Fanatical ahead of its next big update
Arc Raiders is currently available for less than $25 on Fanatical, offering a 30% discount on both standard and deluxe editions. Developer Embark Studios is also preparing for a major update in October, which will introduce a new map and additional weapons, with future updates planned twice a year.
SAND: Raiders of Sophie Early Access Review – As Rough As Sand
SAND: Raiders of Sophie is an Early Access extraction shooter that incorporates mechs, called Tramplers, into its core gameplay loop. While the concept of piloting a customizable war machine is compelling and encourages cooperative play, the game suffers from a lack of polish, inconsistent mechanics, and a dull environment that makes solo play and long expeditions tedious. The developers have plans for future updates, but in its current state, the game is difficult to recommend.
ARC Raiders community divided as negative reviews ramp about content cadence issues
ARC Raiders is experiencing a surge of negative Steam reviews and community division due to concerns over its content update cadence. Embark Studios has shifted from monthly updates to larger, six-month content drops, a move that has split player sentiment. While some players are leaving, others are willing to wait for the substantial updates, but the game's long-term health is being questioned amidst a crowded extraction shooter market.
Delta Force's "biggest update of the year" adds a radioactive map, Terminator-style enemy agents, and a transport chopper
The free-to-play shooter Delta Force is receiving its "biggest update of the year," titled 'Season Meltdown,' on Tuesday, June 30. This update introduces a new map called Coliseum for Havoc Warfare mode, two new weapons, a transport helicopter, and a new operator with freezing abilities. Hazard Operations mode will feature the AZ3 Nuclear Plant location with radiation hazards and a new Terminator-inspired enemy boss, the Neural Device Agent H1000.
"Can't lose if you never give up": After a last-minute delay and pivot into early access, new extraction shooter grosses $1 million in its first 12 hours as devs battle DDoS attacks
The new extraction shooter Sand: Raiders of Sophie has grossed $1 million in its first 12 hours on Steam after a pivot to early access. Publisher tinyBuild announced the strong financial performance despite ongoing DDoS attacks that have impacted player reviews. Developers Hologryph and TowerHaus are actively working to stabilize the game.
