While the extraction shooter genre continues to face scrutiny over declining player counts, one veteran title is quietly holding its ground better than its newer competitors. Escape from Tarkov is currently outperforming both ARC Raiders and Marathon on Steam in terms of player retention, even as the community debates the long-term health of the genre.
Recent discussions have focused heavily on the sharp drops seen in the two most recent big-budget extraction shooters. However, a closer look at the numbers shows that the “father of the genre” is actually losing players at a slower rate than its rivals, suggesting stronger staying power for Battlestate Games’ long-running title.
Here is how the three games stack up on Steam (as of mid-April 2026):
Escape from Tarkov
All-time peak: 47,800 (at Steam launch in November 2025)
Current players: ~15,262
24-hour peak: 16,541
Decline from 24-hour peak: -65.3%
ARC Raiders
All-time peak: 481,966
Current players: ~44,419
24-hour peak: 90,138
Decline from 24-hour peak: -81.2%
Marathon
All-time peak: 88,337
Current players: ~8,948
24-hour peak: 24,563
Decline from 24-hour peak: -72.2%
While Tarkov’s absolute numbers are lower than ARC Raiders’, its percentage decline is noticeably gentler. This suggests better long-term retention, especially considering the game has been available on Steam for far less time than its competitors have been on the market.
Several factors appear to be helping Escape from Tarkov maintain a more stable player base:
- Constant Content Pipeline: Battlestate Games has kept the game feeling fresh with regular events like the current Casus Belli limited-time event, new maps on the horizon (including the teased Icebreaker), and the upcoming first major DLC, Scav Life.
- Dedicated Community: Despite years of controversy, balance complaints, and technical issues, Tarkov retains a hardcore audience that values its punishing difficulty and high-stakes gameplay loop.
- No Major Alternatives: Many players who enjoy the ultra-realistic extraction formula still see Tarkov as the benchmark. Newer titles have struggled to fully replicate its tension and depth.
By contrast, ARC Raiders has faced criticism over slower content delivery (the upcoming Riven Tides update will be the first new map in five months) and polarizing changes such as the 1v3 matchmaking experiment. Several high-profile content creators have already stepped away from the game.
Marathon launched to mixed reviews and has struggled with complexity, unique mechanics that didn’t fully resonate, and a steep drop-off after its initial peak. Losing over 72% of its 24-hour player count in just a month is a concerning sign for Bungie’s live-service ambitions.
Player counts are only one metric, and Steam numbers do not tell the full story for console or proprietary launchers. However, in a genre where consistent population is critical for matchmaking and long-term engagement, the data is hard to ignore.
Tarkov’s ability to weather storms from wipe cycles and balance controversies to accusations of pay-to-win and technical woes or cheaters has proven its resilience. The game’s upcoming content, including new maps and the Scav Life DLC, should help maintain interest through the rest of 2026.
Whether this trend continues will depend on how quickly ARC Raiders and Marathon can deliver meaningful updates and regain player trust. For now, the original extraction shooter is still the king of retention, even if its absolute numbers are more modest.
The extraction shooter genre is still young in its mainstream phase. Tarkov has shown it can survive drama and controversy. The question now is whether the newer entrants can do the same, or if the pioneer will continue to outlast them.