The extraction shooter genre has grown so large—perhaps too large, depending on who you ask—that it now seems like the predominant template for live-service shooters. There are plenty of leaders in the genre space, though the most recent figurehead to emerge is ARC Raiders, a game that, despite some controversies, has managed to amass a hulking, dedicated playerbase since its October 2025 release. Like Escape from Tarkov, The Division, and The Hunt: Showdown before it, ARC Raiders is shaping up to be a touchstone against which all future extraction shooters are measured against.
This is already happening, as the recently released Marathon has garnered no shortage of comparisons to ARC Raiders these past weeks, and most of them aren’t exactly favorable for the former. Even ahead of launch, expectations for Marathon were tempered to say the least, with early impressions noting that it was missing a strong “hook,” or reason to keep playing, round after round. Following Marathon’s server slam and eventual release, opinions on the game have settled into a more diverse range: a lot of players have effusively praised the game, but it’s not enjoying the phenomenal success of something like ARC Raiders. You could analyze the reasons behind this until the cows come home, but one central factor is risk-taking, which ARC Raiders exhibits to a far greater extent.
Marathon vs. ARC Raiders on Steam Player Count
Marathon is now here to bring ARC Raiders its first big competitor, and this is how each game's Steam player count is shaping up.
ARC Raiders Is a True Breath of Fresh Air in the Extraction Shooter Scene
Even if you don’t particularly like ARC Raiders, it’s hard to argue that it isn’t unique. Just looking at it within the context of other extraction shooters (or other multiplayer shooters in general, for that matter), its dense, unique science-fiction world, compelling ARC PvE enemies, and robust, elegant social systems are clearly enough to pique anyone’s interest.
ARC Raiders has the same high-risk, high-reward tension as its contemporaries in the extraction genre, but the social systems are its true crown jewel. Everything in ARC Raiders subtly encourages you to cooperate with your fellow players rather than outright kill them, which flings the doors to emergent gameplay wide open. It’s rewarding to collaborate with other players (a process elevated by ARC’s great proximity chat), and that fundamental design choice is a massive risk in a genre defined by competition. By implementing pro-social gameplay successfully, ARC Raiders arguably redefines what extraction shooters can be.
Marathon Has a Lot Going for It, but It’s Not Groundbreaking
To call Marathon generic or uninspired is entirely unfair, although its ingenuity is expressed in its details rather than its fundamental construction. Marathon’s striking art style, for instance, enriches its strong and satisfying FPS gameplay, but this doesn’t make for a completely new kind of experience in the way that ARC Raiders’ multilayered, emergent social systems do. Similarly, Marathon’s great gunplay—which isn't a surprise, considering that it’s a Bungie game—makes combat fun, intense, and tactical, but in the same way as Halo and Destiny. The impact of this is expressed in the Steam data for each game which, at the time of writing, can be summed up as follows:
- ARC Raiders current players: 128,346
- Marathon current players: 39,092
- ARC Raiders 24-hour peak concurrent players: 147,231
- Marathon 24-hour peak concurrent players: 53,569
- ARC Raiders all-time peak concurrent players: 481,966
- Marathon all-time peak concurrent players: 88,337
For the record, none of this is meant to necessarily declare ARC Raiders as objectively better than Marathon, only that it pushes more boundaries and succeeds by virtue of this. A good way to describe Marathon might be as an extremely solid execution of a tried-and-true premise. Within its individual mechanics, systems, and design choices, passion and creativity are evident, but the package as a whole lacks the X-factor of something like ARC Raiders, which could wind up harming it in the long run.
ARC Raiders
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 87/100 Critics Rec: 91%
- Released
- October 30, 2025
- ESRB
- Teen / Violence, Blood, In-Game Purchases, Users Interact
- Developer(s)
- Embark Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Embark Studios
SCAVENGE, SURVIVE, THRIVE - In ARC Raiders, gameplay flows between the surface ruled by lethal machines, and the vibrant underground society of Speranza. Craft, repair, and upgrade your gear in the safety of your own workshop, before venturing topside to scavenge the remnants of a devastated but beautiful world. Play solo or in parties up to three, navigating the constant threat of ARC's machines and the unpredictable choices of fellow survivors. In the end, only you decide what kind of Raider you are - and how far you’ll go to prevail.
EXPLORE AN IMMERSIVE WORLD - Explore four distinct maps at launch, with more to be revealed as the underground society evolves and expands its reach. Each destination carries the weight of a world twice-destroyed, and the scars of conflicts both old and new. Sift through the remnants for valuable loot, and piece together the past as it's slowly reclaimed by nature. Evolving map conditions ensure that no two runs are the same, with varying weather, enemies, and mechanics adding unpredictability and danger.
STAKE YOUR CLAIM - In a society built on boldness and bravado, it is up to you to stake your claim as a Raider. The loot you scavenge can be sold for coin or crafted into all-new gear, allowing you take on increasingly lethal dangers head-on. Through both victories and hardships, you'll gain valuable experience; unlocking varied skills that enable all-new ways of play. In addition, you'll complete quests for Traders with differing motives and agendas; uncovering both the friction and comradery of a community under constant threat of collapse.
BEWARE THE MACHINES - Lethal machines known as ARC rule the surface, ranging from unrelenting drone swarms to mechanical giants that obliterate everything in their path. Their origins remain a mystery, but their ever-present danger is felt with every step you take. Each machine comes with distinct strengths and tactics, forcing you to pinpoint their weak spots and constantly think on your feet. And remember: the noise of battle carries. Other Raiders may be listening; eager to claim what you leave behind.
FORGE YOUR OWN PATH - Raiders survive by kitbashing scavenged materials; using long-lost tech and looted ARC parts to craft weapons, gadgets, and gear. Upgrade your workshop stations and learn blueprints to craft even more advanced items, or improvise quick fixes in the field to get yourself out of a bind. As you make a name for yourself, you'll be able to measure your skill against other Raiders by taking on Trials; rising through the leaderboards to earn valuable rewards.
QUESTS - In Speranza, everyone has an agenda, and the Traders are no different. They’ll send you topside on missions in exchange for rewards, slowly revealing more about who they are and what they want for Speranza’s future. Complete quests to earn gear, crafting materials, and XP to level up your Raider and unlock new skill points.
SKILL TREE - The ARC Raiders skill tree branches into three paths: Survival, Mobility, and Conditioning. Spend your points to shape your playstyle. Loot faster and move quieter with Survival skills. Outmaneuver your opponents and threats with Mobility. And enhance your Strength and Stamina with Conditioning. Choose how you grow and what your Raider brings to the battle.
BUILD YOUR ARSENAL - Whether you’re preparing to take down specific ARC enemies or fend off rival Raiders, there's a choice of weaponry for every fight. Cater to your style with a range of firearms including SMGs, rifles and shotguns, as well as more advanced options such as railguns and energy weapons. Grenades, traps, ziplines and deployables offer the tactical depth needed to outsmart your enemies, while augments allow you to tailor your loadout to your preferred playstyle; unlocking dedicated inventory slots and additional gameplay perks.
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer, Online Co-Op
- Cross-Platform Play
- Full
- Cross Save
- Yes - via Embark ID
- Number of Players
- Single-player
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Verified
- PC Release Date
- October 30, 2025
- Xbox Series X|S Release Date
- October 30, 2025
- PS5 Release Date
- October 30, 2025
- Genre(s)
- Extraction, Shooter, Third-Person Shooter, Survival
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
