Top 5 Games Like ARC Raiders: Best Extraction & Sci-Fi Alternatives

The extraction shooter genre is defined by tension, teamwork, and high-stakes survival. ARC Raiders exemplifies this with its mix of retro-futuristic combat and challenging encounters against mechanized foes. Yet, for those wanting to experience similar thrills, several other games deliver the genre’s core elements in distinctive ways. We have curated a comprehensive analysis of the five best alternatives to ARC Raiders. These titles have been selected not merely for surface-level similarities but for their ability to replicate the tension, atmospheric immersion, and cooperative depth found in Embark’s shooter. Whether you crave the adrenaline of looting under fire or the camaraderie of squad-based sci-fi combat, these games represent the pinnacle of the genre.

1. Hunt: Showdown 1896 – The Apex of Atmospheric PvPvE Tension

Hunt: Showdown 1896 exemplifies the apex of atmospheric tension in the extraction subgenre, standing apart from ARC Raiders by shifting the focus to intense PvPvE combat set in an alternate-history 19th century. Developed by Crytek, this title is widely regarded as the gold standard for atmospheric sound design and high-stakes gameplay.

The Mechanics of Fear and Reward

In Hunt: Showdown 1896, the core loop mirrors the extraction intensity of ARC Raiders but amplifies the horror elements. Teams must track horrifying supernatural bounties across varied maps—from the swamplands of Louisiana to the mountains of Colorado—banish the targets, and extract with the tokens.

• Auditory Warfare: Unlike most shooters, sound is a weapon in Hunt. Every footstep, broken twig, or startled flock of birds can reveal a player's position. This necessitates a tactical stealth approach similar to evading ARC drones.
• The Era of Iron: The weaponry consists of bolt-action rifles, revolvers, and rudimentary shotguns. The slow rate of fire places a premium on accuracy and positioning, ensuring that every engagement feels significant and deliberate.
• Corruption and Atmosphere: The visual fidelity of the CryEngine creates a breathtakingly grim world. For players who appreciate the desolate beauty of ARC Raiders, the haunting environments of Hunt offer a darker, yet equally immersive, parallel.

2. Helldivers 2 – The Ultimate Third-Person Sci-Fi Spectacle

For those who are drawn to ARC Raiders primarily for its third-person perspective, cooperative squad mechanics, and overwhelming sci-fi enemies, Helldivers 2 is the essential alternative. While it is strictly a mission-based shooter rather than an extraction game, it captures the chaotic energy of fighting robotic legions better than almost any other title on the market.

Galactic Warfare and Squad Synergy

Helldivers 2 focuses on the satire-drenched defense of "Super Earth," dropping players into hostile environments to complete objectives against insectoid Terminids or the terrifying Automaton collective.

• The Automaton Threat: Fighting the Automatons in Helldivers 2 feels strikingly similar to combat against ARC machines. Players must utilize cover, heavy weaponry, and coordinated strikes to dismantle hulking tanks and relentless infantry bots.
• Stratagems as Power Multipliers: Much like the gadgets and tools in ARC Raiders, Helldivers 2 utilizes "Stratagems"—orbital strikes, weapon drops, and defensive turrets. Mastering these tools is crucial for survival and offers a deep layer of tactical planning.
• Immersive Physics: The game features a robust physics engine where explosions send characters flying and limb damage affects movement. This visceral feedback loop ensures that combat remains dynamic and unpredictable.

3. Delta Force – The Modern Evolution of Tactical Extraction

The resurgence of the Delta Force franchise has introduced a formidable contender in the extraction shooter space. With its "Hawk Ops" game mode, developer TiMi Studio Group has created a free-to-play experience that rivals premium titles in terms of polish and depth of gunplay.

Accessible Mil-Sim Depth

Delta Force bridges the gap between arcade shooters and hardcore military simulators. It offers the tactical depth required by veterans of the genre while remaining accessible to newcomers who might find ARC Raiders daunting.

• Operator Classes: Similar to the distinct roles found in hero-shooters, Delta Force features operators with unique tactical abilities—ranging from healing darts to sonic recon arrows. This allows for diverse squad compositions that can adapt to any combat scenario.
• Havoc Warfare: Beyond the extraction mode, the game features large-scale battles that involve vehicles and destructible environments. This variety ensures that players have multiple ways to engage with the game’s high-fidelity military assets.
• Gunsmithing Excellence: The weapon customization system is extensive, allowing players to modify every aspect of their firearms to suit specific engagement distances, a feature that loot-hungry players will find deeply satisfying.

4. Witchfire – A Dark Fantasy Roguelite Shooter

Witchfire, developed by The Astronauts, offers a unique twist on the genre by blending extraction mechanics with fast-paced, magic-infused combat. It stands as a testament to how the genre can be adapted for a single-player focus without losing the tension of risk and reward.

Spellcasting and Ballistics

Set in a grimdark world where witches wage war against the Vatican, players assume the role of a "Preyer." The gameplay loop involves venturing into witch-controlled territories to hunt diverse horrors and extract with "Witchfire," the currency used for progression.

• The Calamity System: As players survive longer and gather more loot, the Witch becomes aware of their presence, triggering "Calamities"—dynamic events that alter the battlefield and increase difficulty. This mimics the escalating threat levels seen in ARC Raiders.
• Elemental Synergy: Combat relies on combining standard firearms with elemental spells (fire, ice, lightning, decay). Chaining these effects creates devastating combos, rewarding aggressive and creative playstyles.
• Visual Storytelling: The game utilizes photogrammetry to create stunningly realistic environments that feel ancient and foreboding, appealing to players who value high-end graphical fidelity.

5. Escape from Tarkov – The Hardcore Blueprint

It is impossible to discuss the extraction shooter genre without acknowledging the titan that defined it: Escape from Tarkov. For players who feel that ARC Raiders could be even more punishing and complex, Tarkov offers the ultimate simulation of survival combat.

Uncompromising Realism

Escape from Tarkov is not merely a game; it is a simulation of ballistics, health systems, and economic management. It strips away the sci-fi elements for a grounded, modern military setting that is ruthless in its execution.

• The Stash Economy: The "Tetris-style" inventory management and the persistent hideout upgrade system provide a deeply addictive meta-game. Every item looted has value, whether for trading, crafting, or direct combat utility.
• Complex Health Mechanics: Unlike the standard health bars in other shooters, Tarkov tracks damage to individual limbs, hydration, energy, and blood loss. A broken leg changes the entire flow of a raid, forcing players to adapt instantly.
• The Intensity of Uncertainty: With no HUD markers for enemies and minimal hand-holding, the immersion is absolute. The adrenaline rush of a successful extraction in Tarkov is unmatched, providing the highest highs for players willing to endure the lowest lows.

Conclusion

While ARC Raiders continues to captivate players with its distinct retro-future style and engaging cooperative mechanics, the landscape of extraction shooters and tactical games is vast and rich with quality. For those seeking the ultimate test of nerve and patience, Hunt: Showdown 1896 and Escape from Tarkov offer unrivaled immersion. For players who prefer the spectacle of chaotic battles against artificial intelligence, Helldivers 2 provides a cinematic experience that parallels the intensity of fighting ARC machines. Meanwhile, Delta Force and Witchfire offer fresh takes on the genre, blending accessibility and fantasy, respectively.