In the ever-evolving landscape of video games, the extraction shooter genre has carved out a unique niche, captivating players with its blend of intense action, strategic gameplay, and the thrilling rush of securing loot under pressure. As we venture into 2024, the genre continues to expand, offering a variety of experiences that cater to different tastes and playstyles. From the depths of alien-infested mines to the eerie bayous haunted by supernatural creatures, here's a look at the best extraction shooters you should be playing right now: HELLDIVERS 2, Hunt: Showdown, Zero Sievert, Quasimorph, Marauders, and Deep Rock Galactic.
1. HELLDIVERS 2
HELLDIVERS 2 elevates the cooperative twin-stick shooter formula to new heights, building on the success of its predecessor with enhanced mechanics, more diverse enemy types, and sprawling, dynamically generated levels. Set in a satirical dystopian future, players join the elite HELLDIVERS unit, tasked with defending Super Earth from a variety of alien threats. The game emphasizes teamwork and precision, requiring players to carefully coordinate their actions to survive against overwhelming odds. With a vast arsenal of weapons and vehicles at your disposal, and the ever-present threat of friendly fire, every mission is a high-stakes operation that tests your skills and strategic thinking.
2. Hunt: Showdown
Hunt: Showdown combines elements of survival horror, first-person shooters, and match-based PvP games, creating a tension-filled experience that's unlike anything else. Players are bounty hunters in the late 19th century, tasked with tracking and eliminating nightmarish creatures in the Louisiana bayous. What sets Hunt apart is its high-risk, high-reward gameplay: not only must you contend with other players aiming to claim the bounty for themselves, but you also need to extract safely to keep your loot and upgrades. Crytek's CryEngine powers the game's stunning visuals and immersive sound design, heightening the sense of dread and suspense with every step through its beautifully haunting landscapes.
3. Zero Sievert
Zero Sievert is a post-apocalyptic extraction shooter that stands out for its top-down perspective and roguelike elements. In the wake of a catastrophic event, players must navigate the wastelands, scavenge for resources, and engage in tense shootouts with bandits and mutants alike. The game's emphasis on survival is palpable, with a need to manage ammunition, health, and radiation levels carefully. Cabaret Games has crafted a compelling world filled with hidden secrets and dynamically generated missions, ensuring that no two expeditions are ever the same. The blend of exploration, survival, and combat makes Zero Sievert a must-play for fans of the genre seeking a different perspective.
4. Quasimorph
Quasimorph merges classic turn-based roguelike RPGs with an extraction twist in a future where space is privatized. Failure means losing everything, while survival lets you keep your loot. Players lead a Private Military Company, navigating a universe controlled by corporations, exploring for technologies, and battling a mysterious illness, Quasimorphosis, threatening life itself. Utilize cloning to send expendable clones into danger, leveling the playing field against ruthless mercenaries and demonic threats. This game challenges players with strategic depth, moral dilemmas, and a narrative that delves into the dark corners of human expansion into space, where every decision impacts survival.
5. Marauders
Marauders takes the extraction shooter formula to the stars, offering intense space-themed combat in a gritty, alternate-history 1990s universe. Players take on the role of space pirates, raiding derelict ships and stations for loot while battling other players and AI-controlled enemies. Small Impact Games has meticulously crafted a hardcore experience, with a focus on realistic space physics, customizable ships, and a deep crafting system. The thrill of space combat, combined with the risk of losing everything to a well-placed ambush, makes Marauders an adrenaline-fueled adventure that's both challenging and rewarding.
6. Deep Rock Galactic
Deep Rock Galactic blends cooperative gameplay, exploration, and extraction shooter mechanics with a unique sci-fi setting. Players control a team of dwarven space miners, exploring hazardous, procedurally generated cave systems on alien planets to extract valuable resources. Developed by Ghost Ship Games, this title stands out for its focus on teamwork, with each dwarf class offering unique abilities that complement each other. Whether you're drilling through rock, setting up defenses, or fending off hordes of alien creatures, the game's emphasis on cooperation and procedurally generated environments ensures a fresh and exciting experience with every mission.
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