ARC Raiders Meets Starfield In Ambitious New 2026 Launch, Play For Free

The extraction shooter is the hottest new genre to surface on the gaming scene.

For years, Escape From Tarkov led the charge, but it’s ARC Raiders that has recently widened the appeal of the genre, I’d say.

While its AI voice acting did draw some controversy at launch, the game has gone from strength to strength, racking up an impressive playerbase.

ARC Raiders isn’t going anywhere soon, with plenty of new content on the way; its ‘Flashpoint’ update will arrive later this month.

Still, there are other games challenging it for a slice of the extraction pie.

Star Wrath Launches This Year, With Closed Beta Applications Open Now

Developed by Targem Games, Star Wrath is one of those games. It’s an extraction shooter, much like ARC Raiders, albeit set in a world akin to that which you’ll find in Starfield.

“In Star Wrath, players build and customise their own modular spacecraft, head out on high-risk raids, battle in PvE and PvP encounters, and fight to escape with whatever loot they can carry,” reads the synopsis.

“Every expedition is a gamble: hide in the deadly nebulae, ambush unsuspecting rivals, and survive intense dogfights powered by realistic physics and an advanced damage system.

“Every part of the ship — from outer hulls to internal modules — can be destroyed, affecting performance and survivability in real time.”

With custom ship building, an “advanced destruction model”, and what the devs call “dynamic nebula warfare”, Star Wrath definitely does enough to put its own spin on the genre.

The game is due to launch on PC via Steam in 2026, but you can actually sample the game now for free.

If you hop on over to the Star Wrath website, you can apply to be included in the game’s ongoing closed beta tests.

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Of course, there’s no guarantee that you’ll most definitely be accepted, but I doubt your chances are too slim.

If you aren’t selected and are desperate to dive into Star Wrath, you can guarantee a beta spot, although that won’t be free.

There are several early access packs available for purchase which guarantee beta testing access whilst also providing players with unique ship blueprints, weapons, and more.

The Scout Pack is the cheapest of the bunch, setting you back £12.99.

Alternatively, you can opt for the Tank Pack at £21.99, the Sniper Pack at £17.99, or the Star Explorer Pack at £17.99.

There’s no consensus from players yet but gamers online seem impressed by the game’s trailer.

“Looks neat,” wrote one viewer, while another added, “Starfield vibes.”

It’s a promising start. Let’s hope Star Wrath is as engaging as it appears.