Extraction Shooter
Ongoing coverage on Extraction Shooter.
Latest coverage
Marathon Roadmap: Less Grind, More PvE
Bungie has shared a roadmap for its extraction shooter Marathon, outlining plans to reduce grind and enhance PvE elements. The update comes three months after the game's launch and details the developer's learnings and future direction.
Marathon's Game Director admits it's "overwhelming to learn" and too sweaty
Marathon's Game Director Joe Ziegler admits the extraction shooter can be an overwhelming and overly competitive experience for new players. Bungie plans to introduce new PvE-focused modes and more sci-fi elements in Season 2 to offer more relaxed ways to play, alongside improvements to onboarding and matchmaking.
Marathon "overwhelming" for newcomers, director admits as plans for PvE and PvP-lite modes revealed
Marathon game director Joe Ziegler admitted the extraction shooter can be overwhelming for new players and revealed plans for PvE and PvP-lite modes to offer alternatives. Bungie will implement these changes starting in Season 3, with further updates planned for Seasons 4 and 5 to deepen the extraction loop and evolve the game's ecosystem. This comes amid concerns about the game's longevity and following Sony's announcement of a significant financial loss related to its ownership of Bungie.
Bungie attempts to broaden extraction shooter Marathon’s appeal with PvE modes
Bungie is introducing Player vs Environment (PvE) modes to its extraction shooter Marathon to broaden its appeal, acknowledging the game's steep learning curve and high-intensity gameplay loop. Future seasons will experiment with PvE-focused modes, including one where crews complete objectives together across matches, aiming to provide a more relaxed experience alongside the existing PvP content.
Marathon is getting a dedicated PvE and lite modes in Season 2
Bungie announced that its upcoming extraction shooter Marathon will introduce new PvE and PvP Lite modes in Season 2. These experimental modes aim to improve player onboarding and reduce the game's steep difficulty curve. Bungie also plans to address faction grinding and improve the overall player experience.
Marathon Season 2 Adds Two Experimental PvE Modes, a New Matchmaking System, and More Vault Space
Bungie is introducing two new experimental PvE modes to Marathon in Season 2: NIGHTFALL, launching June 2nd. The update also includes a new matchmaking system, increased vault space, and a Duos option. Bungie plans to further refine these modes and potentially integrate them into the core game loop.
A PvE-only mode is coming to Marathon as Bungie lays out plans for seasons 3, 4 and 5
Bungie director Joe Ziegler has outlined upcoming seasonal plans for the extraction shooter Marathon, revealing that a PvE-only mode focused on crew objectives will be introduced in Season 2. While PvP remains a core strength, the studio is experimenting with PvE elements and other mechanics to potentially integrate into the game's core loop.
Bungie’s plans for growing Marathon’s ‘strong core community,’ including a PvE-only mode, sound like just what the game needs
Bungie is implementing significant changes to its extraction shooter Marathon to grow its player base, including a less grindy experience, improved UI/UX, and a new PvE-only mode. Game director Joe Ziegler detailed plans for multiple seasons of content and revisions to the early game experience to make it less overwhelming for new players.
Prepare for Marathon's first major progress wipe as Bungie announces season 2 start date and details
Bungie has announced that Marathon's second season, titled Nightfall, will begin on June 2nd, introducing a significant progress wipe that will reset player levels, ranks, and inventory. Players will retain unlocked factions, cosmetics, and currency, with increased vault size and accelerated faction progression. The announcement comes as Marathon has not met Sony's expected popularity, contributing to a substantial financial impairment loss.
Arc Raiders Hits 16 Million Sales, Publisher Has High Hopes for October Update
Embark Studios' extraction shooter Arc Raiders has achieved 16 million sales, a significant success for developer Embark and publisher Nexon. The publisher holds high expectations for an upcoming update scheduled for October.
The next big Arc Raiders update isn't until October, but some serious stash relief lands next week
Embark Studios is shifting Arc Raiders to a bi-annual major update schedule, with the first significant update, 'Frozen Trail,' planned for October. This change aims to allow the team to invest more deeply in the game's health and create more transformative updates. In the interim, a new trader will be introduced next week offering inventory relief and stash space.
As Arc Raiders devs work on "reactivating" the 16 million people who bought the shooter, Embark Studios is…
Embark Studios' extraction shooter Arc Raiders has surpassed 16 million copies sold worldwide, making it Nexon's most successful new product release. The publisher highlighted the game's strong player engagement, with over half of active players exceeding 100 hours. Embark Studios is now focusing on reactivating players while developing two new unannounced games.
Project Rabbit: An Eastern Perspective on Alice in Wonderland - GameHaunt
Project Rabbit is a session-based extraction soulslike for PC developed by South Korean studio NovaFlare, reimagining Alice in Wonderland with an Eastern aesthetic. The game features up to three-player co-op and demands precise combat and resource management within a strict time limit for extraction, blending elements of soulslike and extraction shooter genres. A release date and pricing have not yet been announced.
ARC Raiders Tops 16 Million Sales, Over Half Its Active Player Base Has Put in 100+ Hours
Embark Studios' extraction shooter ARC Raiders has achieved over 16 million unit sales worldwide since its October 2025 launch, with more than half of its active player base exceeding 100 hours of playtime. The developer is shifting from monthly to semi-annual content updates, with the next patch, Frozen Trail, scheduled for October and introducing the game's largest map to date.
Marathon Season 2 Details
Bungie has announced details for Season 2 of its extraction shooter, Marathon, which is set to launch on June 2nd. The update will also include an end-of-season patch arriving next Tuesday.
Marathon Season 2 release date confirmed alongside how wipes work and what carries over
Bungie has announced that Marathon's Season 2, titled NIGHTFALL, will launch on June 2, with a full reveal planned for the week of May 25. The season will introduce a new playable map called The Night Marsh, a new Runner shell, new weapons, and a system for customizing Runner shell stats called The Cradle. Season 1 will conclude with update 1.0.9, which includes guaranteed key drops, guaranteed map events, and changes to Key Templates. Season 2 will feature the game's first seasonal reset, with cosmetics, weapon styles, titles, and emblems carrying over, while player levels and inventory will be wiped.
Marathon season 2 begins in 3 weeks, but I fear it won’t be nearly enough to move the needle
Bungie is preparing for the launch of Marathon's second season, "Nightfall," on June 2, but the author expresses concern that it may not be enough to re-engage players. Despite positive Metacritic and Steam reviews, the game has underperformed in sales and player numbers, leading Sony to commit to further support and content updates. The author fears that if the new season cannot bring back lapsed players like themselves, the game's future may be uncertain.
Marathon Season 2: Nightfall will begin on June 2nd
Bungie announced that Marathon Season 2, titled Nightfall, will begin on June 2nd, bringing a seasonal reset for player levels and faction progress. The update includes a new zone, Runner Shell, weapons, customization options, and quality-of-life improvements. Preparations for the season end include guaranteed key drops and increased enemy presence.
Hellforged Playtest
Moonpyre and Grindstone have announced that playtesting is currently underway for their upcoming game, Hellforged. This loot-driven extraction bullet-heaven action RPG is being developed for Windows PC, and interested players can find more information on Steam.
Marathon's First Wipe Is Just A Few Weeks Away, Here's What Carries Over
Bungie announced that Marathon's first seasonal wipe will occur on June 2, coinciding with the start of Season 2. This wipe will reset runner and ranked levels, faction levels, currencies, and vault items. While some progression elements and cosmetics will carry over, players can expect various adjustments and new content in the upcoming season, including new threats and balance changes.
