extraction shooters Archives

AppWizard

March 3, 2026

Should Marathon change its divisively fast Server Slam time-to-kill?

Marathon's four-day Server Slam concluded, with Bungie analyzing player feedback and statistics. A notable metric was the number of bottles of alien milk stolen from Tau Ceti. Bungie is considering changes to the time-to-kill (TTK) mechanics and the introduction of a duo queue, amidst divided community opinions on gameplay pace. The current TTK is fast, leading to quick eliminations, while the game's revive system allows teammates to bring back fallen players, affecting combat dynamics. Players are encouraged to be cautious and strategic due to the rapid pace and limited resources available during the Server Slam. Adjustments to TTK could disrupt the game's balance, and Bungie is monitoring feedback closely before the official launch.

AppWizard

March 3, 2026

The Marathon server slam consumed my weekend: 21 hours later, I’ve gone from ‘meh’ to believer

Last year, Embark and Bungie conducted playtests for their extraction shooters, with Bungie's Marathon being their first project outside the Destiny universe in over 15 years. Arc Raiders, developed by Embark, launched as the first mainstream title in the genre, while Marathon faced delays. The author initially felt indifferent towards Marathon but grew enthusiastic after playing for over four days. The game features a PvP experience with looting mechanics, weapon upgrades, and unique gun modifications. Critics compare Marathon to Call of Duty and Apex Legends, but the author finds its pacing more similar to Halo, emphasizing positioning and timing. The game includes movement shooter elements, allowing creative navigation techniques. Weapon designs are visually appealing and feature a variety of modifications. The game's progression system encourages experimentation with builds, and the vendor system aids in resource management. The upcoming full version will include a third map, Outpost, and additional content like the Cryo Archive.

AppWizard

February 28, 2026

If you love Marathon’s vectorheart style but not its PvP, get your aesthetic fix from the gorgeously overstimulating demo for this time trial FPS instead

Anticipation surrounds the game Marathon, noted for its vectorheart-inspired art style. Cicadamata, a new game, features a bold visual design with animated text and a sense of urgency. Players control Fawn-A2, navigating the Cascade and acquiring cores while using a cybershotgun. Gameplay includes mastering moves like triple jumps and air dashes, with intricate shooter maps and immersive audio-visual elements. The game is fast-paced, presenting challenges that some may find difficult but rewarding. Cicadamata's demo is available on Steam until March 5, with the full game expected to launch later this year.

AppWizard

February 28, 2026

Is Marathon’s time-to-kill too fast, or am I too Arc Raiders-pilled?

The author completed the original Mass Effect and shifted focus to extraction shooters, particularly Marathon, influenced by experiences in Arc Raiders. During the first 24 hours with Marathon, the author compared it to Arc Raiders, noting the challenging gameplay dynamics, including a fast time-to-kill (TTK) and the importance of teamwork. Initial frustrations with Marathon's pace shifted to appreciation as the author adapted strategies with friends. The game emphasizes sound and teamwork, with a TTK that feels punishing but manageable with squad support. The author reflected on the need for better resource management, expressing concerns about inventory issues and the early loss of loadouts. They suggested that Bungie should streamline gameplay to enhance the PvP experience.

AppWizard

February 20, 2026

New space extraction game Star Wrath lets you build, fly, and then totally destroy a bunch of spaceships

Star Wrath is a multiplayer, extraction-action space game that allows players to craft their own spacecraft. The gameplay involves recruiting a pilot, constructing a ship, and engaging in dogfights. The game features a modular damage system and emphasizes gear management. A closed beta is available for players to experience ship-building and combat before the official launch.

AppWizard

January 20, 2026

Marathon is enjoying some unexpected Ws, with pre-orders flying on Steam and a cast that exposes Arc Raiders’ big weakness

Enthusiasm for Marathon has increased, positioning it as one of the most anticipated games of the year. Following the announcement of its release date and pre-orders, Marathon has become one of the top five best-selling games on Steam. The game is expected to benefit from competition in the extraction shooter genre, with its unique features like first-person gunplay and player-versus-player interactions. Recent gameplay footage has improved perceptions of the game, and it will be priced at .99 / £34.99. The voice cast includes notable actors such as Ben Starr, Jennifer English, Neil Newbon, and Roger Clark, indicating Bungie's commitment to quality. Currently, Marathon ranks as the fifth best-selling game on Steam, with only Arc Raiders and Fallout 76 surpassing it among paid titles. The game is set to release on March 5.

AppWizard

January 13, 2026

If I could change one thing in Arc Raiders this year, I’d abolish late spawns

The author completed their Expedition by acquiring the last Ion Sputter and reflected on their experiences in Stella Montis. They noted that late spawns in Arc Raiders, while previously a minor inconvenience, have become a significant hurdle due to the game's focus on Expeditions and resource collection. Specifically, late spawns drastically reduce the chances of obtaining necessary items like Ion Sputters and Frequency Modulation Boxes. The introduction of aggression-based matchmaking has further complicated resource gathering. The author argues that late spawns disrupt strategic planning and introduce randomness, making it difficult to achieve specific objectives. They suggest that if the game continues to emphasize resource pursuit, the late spawn mechanics should be reconsidered to align with other extraction shooters.

AppWizard

December 27, 2025

Welcome to the FPS vibe shift

The FPS landscape is transforming, with trends indicating a shift away from high skill ceilings and expensive cosmetics in multiplayer FPS games. Gamers are expressing dissatisfaction with overpriced cosmetics, leading franchises like Call of Duty to reconsider their strategies. Activision announced that Black Ops 7 will not carry over skins from previous games, focusing instead on thematic cosmetics. Competitive shooters are broadening their appeal to casual audiences, with games like The Finals, Rainbow Six Siege, Splitgate 2, and Overwatch 2 introducing new modes that reduce competitive intensity. Purely co-op shooters, such as Helldivers 2 and Warhammer 40,000: Darktide, continue to thrive, demonstrating lasting player engagement. Additionally, titles like Battlefield 6 and Black Ops 7 are being developed as premium products, indicating that gamers are willing to pay for complete, high-quality experiences rather than free-to-play models that lack content.

AppWizard

December 19, 2025

Here are our favorite Steam Winter Sale 2025 deals, including The Witcher 3 for $4 and Arc Raiders’ first price drop

The Steam Winter Sale has begun, featuring significant discounts on various games. Key deals include: - Arc Raiders: 20% off, now priced at .99 / £24.79. - Kingdom Come Deliverance 2: 50% off, now priced at .99 / £24.99; Royal Edition available for .99 / £32.99. - Fallout 76: 90% off, now priced at .49 / £3.49. - Silent Hill f: 40% off, now priced at .99 / £41.99. - The Witcher 3: 90% off, now priced at .49 / £2.49. Additional notable deals include: - Dispatch: 10% off. - Slay the Spire: 90% off, priced under . - Far Cry 6: 83% off. - Resident Evil 4: 60% off. The discounts will be available until Monday, January 5.

AppWizard

December 18, 2025

Top Games to Try on a New PC

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is set in 1403 Bohemia, where players lead a resistance against Sigismund of Luxembourg, featuring enhanced first-person combat and a larger world. Cyberpunk 2077 has evolved into a refined RPG with improved systems and stunning graphics set in Night City. Farming Simulator 25 offers an authentic agricultural experience with over 400 pieces of machinery and regular updates. Super Fantasy Kingdom combines city-building with roguelite elements in Early Access. Strange Antiquities is a puzzle game where players manage a shop of magical artifacts. Escape From Duckov is a humorous extraction shooter featuring a duck navigating combat zones. Path of Exile 2 expands on its predecessor with numerous classes and a vast skill system, currently in Early Access. Hades II follows Melinoë, the Princess of the Underworld, with enhanced mechanics and visuals. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a turn-based RPG set on the island of Lumière, involving a mysterious event. Delta Force returns as a free-to-play tactical shooter with large-scale multiplayer and cosmetic-only monetization. ARC Raiders is a community-driven extraction shooter in a post-apocalyptic setting. Silent Hill f introduces a standalone chapter set in 1960s Ebisugaoka, featuring multiple endings and intricate puzzles. Recommended PC games for 2025 include Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, Cyberpunk 2077, Farming Simulator 25, Hades II, and ARC Raiders. Delta Force offers free-to-play gameplay without pay-to-win mechanics. Cyberpunk 2077 and Kingdom Come: Deliverance II are ideal for testing high-end graphics. Most games accommodate new players, but some have complex mechanics suited for experienced players. ARC Raiders provides a cooperative experience for new PC owners.