The Best Extraction Shooters You Should Try in 2026
If you’ve ever heard about extraction shooters and wondered what all the hype is about, you’re in the right place. Extraction shooters blend intense combat, high‑stakes scavenging, and the thrill of getting out alive with your loot. Whether you’re new to the genre or a seasoned player, here’s a friendly guide to the best extraction shooters worth checking out right now.
If you’ve ever heard about extraction shooters and wondered what all the hype is about, you’re in the right place. Extraction shooters blend intense combat, high‑stakes scavenging, and the thrill of getting out alive with your loot. Whether you’re new to the genre or a seasoned player, here’s a friendly guide to the best extraction shooters worth checking out right now.
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What Is an Extraction Shooter?
Extraction shooters are a sub‑genre of action shooters where your goal isn’t just to eliminate enemies — it’s to enter a dangerous area, scavenge valuable gear and loot, and make it back alive. If you die, you usually lose everything you brought in or found during the run. This high‑risk, high‑reward loop makes every raid feel intense and memorable.
1. ARC Raiders – Most Recommended in 2026
Why it's #1:
ARC Raiders blends intense PvPvE gameplay with high visual fidelity, storytelling, and team dynamics, making it the best all-around extraction shooter of the year. Whether you're facing mech threats or rival players, it constantly challenges your survival instincts. There are a ton of items to use, and the gameplay feels dynamic and fun throughout. IF you are new to the extraction shooter genre there is no game that comes more highly recommended. It may even be the best extraction shooter of 2026.
Key Highlights
PvPvE with dynamic enemy AI and player encounters
Stunning graphics and immersive environments
Proximity voice chat for negotiating or ambushing
Co-op or solo options for flexible playstyle
Crafting, base-building, and trading post-raid
Why You’ll Love It:
This game is shaping up to be the definitive next-gen extraction shooter. You’ll need to make tough calls in high-stress raids, with a compelling loop that keeps you coming back for more.
2. Incursion Red River – Best PvE‑Focused Shooter
For those who prefer teamwork over solo PvP chaos, Incursion Red River delivers a tactical PvE extraction experience. You’ll spend time exploring detailed maps with quests and objectives, and there’s no time limit on missions — making it ideal for methodical players. Though the overreliance on fighting bot enemies may make it dull for some who crave PvP action and the variety that comes with it.
What You’ll Love
Cooperative play with squads
No clutch timer — take your time
Faction missions and reputation progression
Realistic weapon feel and customization
Just remember: dying still means losing your gear, so play smart!
3. HOLE – Best Indie & Unique Single‑Player Extraction Shooter
Looking for something a bit different? HOLE is an indie single‑player extraction shooter that stands out with its quirky concept and focused gameplay loop. You enter levels from a floating device and collect currency to upgrade your sewer base.
Highlights
Unique progression system via base upgrades
Simple but thoughtful mechanics
Subtle horror vibes amid extraction gameplay
A great bite‑sized alternative to larger extraction games
This one’s a gem if you want extraction thrills without the complexity of massive MMO‑style games.
4. Hunt: Showdown – Best for PvP + PvE Hybrid Thrills
For players who thrive on tension and atmosphere, Hunt: Showdown is a standout choice. Set in monster‑infested environments, you’ll track bounties, fight both AI foes and other players, and risk losing everything at every turn. Its early 20th century setting is also very unique with interesting weapons like revolvers and repeaters. Even bows and melee weapons are quite viable in this game, and there are a lot of scary zombie like enemies and demonic monsters to fight.
What Makes It Special
Gritty, atmospheric western setting
Audio cues matter — every sound counts
Permanent death for hunters adds weight to decisions
Unique and strategic loadout and tools system, your hunter levels up until they are killed, giving each life more weight
5. Escape From Tarkov – The Hardcore King
No extraction shooter list is complete without Escape From Tarkov. Widely regarded as the definitive extraction shooter, it pushes realism and complexity to the max with deep weapon customization, survival systems, and unpredictable raids.
Why It’s Legendary
Massive variety of weapons and mods
Complex survival mechanics and inventory management
No tutorials — you learn by doing
Highly rewarding progress loops
Be warned: this one has a steep curve, but if you enjoy a challenge — no game does it quite like Tarkov.
6. ZERO Sievert – Best Top‑Down Extraction Twist
Not all extraction shooters have to be first‑person! ZERO Sievert brings the genre into a top‑down perspective with pixel art charm. It’s tough and strategic, incorporating hunger, sleep, and day/night cycles to influence how raids go down. It’s got anomalies and mutants and an amazing STALKER kind of setting and feel, definitely unique.
Standout Features
Six maps with unique challenges
Survival systems like eating, drinking, and sleeping
Radiated areas and bandit threats
A fresh, challenging take
New enemies like mutants
It’s a great option if you want something different from the usual FPS format.
7. Arena Breakout Infinite – Best for Beginners
Why It’s Good for New Players:
Arena Breakout Infinite offers a seamless learning curve, traditional FPS gameplay, and a strong player base. It’s sort of a carbon copy of Escape From Tarkov, though it is different in the specifics. The maps are unique and so are other elements of the game, though it does feel a lot like Tarkov and also has a modern setting. Still, if you want more of Tarkov in a different package give Arena Breakout Infinite a try.
Features That Help Beginners
Fantastic tutorial mission
Beginner-only map access early on
Fast-paced gunplay and movement
Quick kits to gear up easily
Free-to-play and low barrier to entry
Which One Should YOU Play?
Here’s a quick guide to match your style:
🎮 New to extraction shooters? ARC Raiders
🤝 Prefer PvE teamwork? Incursion Red River
🌟 Want something unique? HOLE
🔫 Love high tension and PvP? Hunt: Showdown
🧠 Ready for a challenge? Escape From Tarkov
🎨 Like different gameplay formats and a STALKER atmosphere? ZERO Sievert
🚀 Excited for the latest? ARC Raiders
Whether you want something casual to jump into or a deep, unforgiving challenge, the extraction shooter genre has something for everyone. Grab your load‑out, head into the raid, and don’t forget — the real victory is extraction.
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