I Don't Get The Appeal Of Extraction Shooters, And Why They're So Popular

Extraction shooters are games where players enter a map to gather loot or complete objectives and must then successfully escape to keep their rewards. If they die before extracting, the player loses everything they brought or collected. Typically, these games combine PvP and PvE elements, as well as encourage strategy and emphasize gear management. Players are constantly making decisions quickly, weighing the risks versus the rewards.

I don’t get the appeal. Why would I want to take the chance of losing everything each and every time I play a game? I spent valuable time acquiring those items in the first place. And if the opposite happens — getting a massive haul of loot — that must mean some other poor schmuck player loses.

I understand the excitement of looting and upgrading gear, then going back into the fray with better loadouts. And I comprehend how cool it must feel for your strategic thinking and tactical teamwork to lead to success, especially due to the unpredictability of the encounters you face each round (as per the nature of the extraction shooter).

It’s just not for me. These games attract hardcore gamers who enjoy the challenge. But in the same way, I wouldn’t even bother trying World of Warcraft Classic Hardcore or Old School RuneScape Hardcore Ironman, I unfortunately won’t give Escape From Tarkov or Dark and Darker a chance. The same goes for the upcoming Marathon, even though I love Halo.

If I am going to spend my free time playing a round-based multiplayer game, it’s because I have limited time to play and I want to have fun in short bursts. That’s why titles like Marvel Rivals and Fortnite are so popular, right? It blows my mind that extraction shooters are such a hit. Because that short gaming session I wanted could mean hours of progress lost, when I just wanted to kick back and relax after a hard day’s work.