The newly released shooter game ARC Raiders is making waves on Steam, achieving a “Very Positive” rating and nearly 200,000 concurrent players shortly after its launch. This strong debut further cements its status as one of the standout titles of 2025.
Now, consider this: even though I’m typically not drawn to the extraction shooter genre, ARC Raiders has managed to impress me. It’s finely crafted, maintains an excellent balance between player-versus-player (PvP) and player-versus-environment (PvE), and overall, it’s just incredibly enjoyable. However, I won’t deny that there’s a unique frustration in losing your loot during a failed run.
One aspect that players have begun discussing is the absence of a dedicated PvE mode. Many gamers aren’t fond of PvP interactions but still wish to enjoy the latest games with friends. This raises an essential question: are extraction shooters always meant to be PvPvE? The demand for a purely PvE extraction shooter is palpable, and I’m not the only one expressing this thought.
As one enthusiastic Steam review stated, “Good game, but I still hope one day someone will make a good extraction shooter that lets you just do the PvE.”
After diving into ARC Raiders this morning, my stance on a PvE mode was only reinforced. I was aiming to exit with my loot when I spotted another player. Through VOIP, I announced my intentions to collaborate against the ARC blocking our path. Instead, they turned and shot me! I managed to escape just as the ARC took them down, which was funny, but I can’t help but wonder how that scenario would have played out in a purely co-op mode. Missing that option feels like a missed opportunity.
The recent success of Escape From Duckov, a whimsical top-down PvE-only game inspired by Escape From Tarkov, proves there’s a market for this kind of experience. Surprisingly, Duckov had more concurrent players on Steam than ARC Raiders on its launch day. It’s worth noting that while Duckov and ARC Raiders serve different audiences, this statistic is thought-provoking.
Picture ARC Raiders or similar games capturing the excitement of the extraction genre but with no need for interaction with players who can disrupt the fun. While purists of extraction shooters may not support this idea, introducing multiple modes could cater to various preferences without diluting the core experience.
Another upcoming game, Marathon, showcases engaging PvE combat unexpectedly cut off by PvP encounters. During playtests, fans asked for a PvE-only mode, though it seems unlikely to be available initially. But who knows? That could well become Marathon’s unique selling point.
Many reasons might explain why games in this genre shy away from focusing purely on PvE. Yet, the first title to truly perfect this concept could find immense success, much like Duckov.
Are there any notable features players are seeking in future extraction shooters? Definitely. Many players are yearning for alternatives that allow for more cooperative gameplay without PvP interruptions.
What has been the initial reception for ARC Raiders? The game launched with impressive ratings and a staggering number of concurrent players, demonstrating its immediate popularity.
Is there a demand for PvE modes in extraction shooters? Yes, an increasing number of users are expressing their desire for a dedicated PvE experience in their shooter games.
Can Escape From Duckov be compared with ARC Raiders? While they cater to different gameplay styles, Duckov’s success as a PvE-only game raises important questions regarding player preferences in shooter genres.
If you’re interested in more gaming insights and trends, feel free to explore additional content on Moyens I/O.