Halloween DealsAmazon USHalloween week deals: useful picks before month-endAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsClean PCRecommendedOne scan can reveal what keeps slowing WindowsLook for cleanup and repair opportunities.Run ScanHalloween DealsAmazon USOctober picks are moving - compare before checkoutAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
VGSOURCES
Get listed

ARC RaidersPATCH 2026.10.17

ARC Raiders vs. Hunt: Showdown 1896: Which Extraction Shooter Fits You?

By VGSources Team 9 min read

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Choose ARC Raiders if you want a science-fiction scavenging adventure on a dangerous future Earth, with solo play or teams of two or three. Choose Hunt: Showdown 1896 if you want first-person competitive bounty hunting wrapped in supernatural horror. Neither game is established by the available official material as universally better, easier, or more rewarding. The right choice depends on the setting, viewpoint, party size and kind of tension you want from a match.

This comparison sticks to what the developers and platform holders currently document, then turns those differences into practical buying decisions. It does not assign unverified prices, performance results, progression details or loss rules to either game.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The short answer

If you prefer… Start with… Why
A futuristic Earth, machine threats and scavenging ARC Raiders Its official description centers on a multiplayer extraction adventure against mechanized ARC threats and hostile raiders.
Supernatural horror and a direct bounty objective Hunt: Showdown 1896 Crytek presents it as competitive, first-person bounty hunting in a horror match format.
Solo play or a party of two or three ARC Raiders PlayStation’s official page explicitly lists solo play and teams of two or three.
A current-generation console or PC comparison Either, subject to store checks Both have official PC and current-generation console listings, but Hunt’s current store and cross-play details should be checked for your region.

Think of the decision as a choice between two types of pressure. ARC Raiders frames danger as a race to gather what you need while machines and other raiders make the future Earth unsafe. Hunt: Showdown 1896 frames danger around a competitive hunt in a supernatural-horror world. The games can appeal to the same extraction-shooter audience, but they promise different fantasies.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

What ARC Raiders is offering

A sci-fi scavenging premise

ARC Raiders’ official site describes a multiplayer extraction adventure on a lethal future Earth. Mechanized ARC threats dominate the setting, while hostile raiders can also threaten a run. That combination gives the game two distinct sources of uncertainty: the world itself is dangerous, and other human players may contest the same opportunity.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
Gaoye Blue Light Blocking Glasses | Anti UV Ray, For Computers & Gaming, Square Frame, Eyewear for Men and Women
  • BLUE LIGHT BLOCKING GLASSES: Our blue light glasses for women boast UV400 protection, blocking harmful blue rays from computer screens. With these bluelight glasses women, you can enjoy gaming, reading, or watching TV with no worries of eye strain.
  • EYE RELIEF: Our blue light glasses are engineered to reduce blurry vision or strain caused by prolonged screen time. These womens blue light glasses aid in better sleep by preventing blue light from disrupting your natural sleep cycle, helping you fall asleep faster and enjoy a more restful night's sleep, making them the perfect christmas present.
  • COMFORTABLE: Crafted from durable material, our trendy blue light glasses for woman or blue light glasses men ensure long-lasting comfort. The high-transmittance lenses accessories, gamer gifts for men, help keep your eyes relaxed. Perfect stocking stuffers, gifts for gamers men, christmas gifts for men, halloween costumes.
  • LIGHTWEIGHT: These clear blue light glasses feature a lightweight frame, meaning they’ll stay comfy for long-term wear. Perfect as blue blockers glasses for women or mens blue light glasses, these non-prescription fake glasses for men can be worn throughout the day. The blue light blocking glasses women feature polycarbonate HD lenses, which are anti-reflective and restore true color.
  • WORRY-FREE PURCHASE: If you experience any issues, our support team is ready to assist you quickly. These are the perfect costume glasses for cosplay dressing up.

The important distinction is tone. This is not presented as historical combat or occult investigation. The premise is future-facing and built around scavenging in a landscape shaped by machines. If the appeal of an extraction game is imagining how people survive among hostile technology, ARC Raiders is the more direct match for that fantasy.

Flexible party sizes

On its official PlayStation page, ARC Raiders is described as playable solo or in teams of two or three. That makes party size a concrete selection criterion rather than an assumption. A solo player can approach it without needing a permanent squad, while a small group can plan around a duo or trio.

The page establishes those available groupings; it does not, by itself, establish how solo matchmaking, team balance, voice communication or difficulty scaling work. Treat the party-size information as a way to identify your preferred social format, not as proof that one queue is easier or fairer.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Where it is listed

The official ARC Raiders site lists Steam, the Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and GeForce NOW. It also says cross-platform social play spans PlayStation, Xbox and PC. “Social play” is the wording supplied by the official site, so confirm the exact matchmaking and account features shown in your regional store before purchasing.

What Hunt: Showdown 1896 is offering

First-person bounty hunting in horror

Crytek’s Hunt: Showdown 1896 reveal and its launch announcement position the game as first-person bounty hunting in a supernatural-horror match format. That wording matters: the central fantasy is not simply surviving a hostile map, but pursuing a bounty inside a horror setting while competing with other hunters.

If you want the atmosphere of a dark supernatural world and the clarity of a named objective, Hunt’s official framing is the closer fit. It also tells you what perspective to expect: first person. The supplied official descriptions do not establish a third-person option, so players who strongly prefer a different camera should verify the current game settings and store information before buying.

Rank #2
Windex Gaming Cleaning Wipes, Pre-Moistened Wipes to Instantly Clean all Gaming Gear and Electronics, Resealable Packaging for a Freshness Lock, 25 count (Pack of 1)
  • WINDEX GAMING WIPES: effortlessly clean all your gaming gear and gaming electronics in one easy step with our new Windex Gaming Wipes
  • AMMONIA FREE: our ammonia-free formula is safe to use on all of your favorite gaming equipment like consoles, headsets, controllers, screens, keyboards, and more
  • PRE-MOISTENED WIPES: each wipe instantly removes dust, dirt, and stubborn smudges and fingerprints leaving a streak-free shine
  • ANTI-STATIC: great for cleaning and wiping down your gaming gear and electronics leaving behind no visible residue
  • COMPACT RESEALABLE PACKAGE: store your pack of Windex Gaming Wipes anywhere in your home for whenever a quick and easy wipedown is needed

A different kind of extraction fantasy

The title places Hunt alongside extraction shooters, but Crytek’s own language emphasizes bounty hunting and a horror match. That is a useful way to separate it from ARC Raiders without inventing mechanics. ARC’s pitch starts with scavenging amid machines; Hunt’s starts with a bounty hunt in supernatural danger.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Official pages cited here do not specify exact progression systems, match lengths, weapon handling, solo balance, death penalties or the precise rules for securing and leaving with a bounty. Those details can strongly affect whether a game suits you, so do not infer them from the setting alone.

Launch platforms

Crytek’s launch announcement identified PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. It does not, in the material cited here, provide a current cross-play matrix or every storefront link. Check the live store page for your platform and region for present-day support, edition information and network requirements.

ARC Raiders and Hunt: Showdown 1896 compared

Decision axis ARC Raiders Hunt: Showdown 1896
Core setting Lethal future Earth Supernatural-horror world
Primary threat described officially Mechanized ARC threats, plus hostile raiders Competitive bounty hunting under horror conditions
Official format language Multiplayer extraction adventure First-person bounty-hunting game in a horror match format
Perspective stated in supplied official material Not stated in the cited descriptions First person
Party information Solo or teams of two or three, according to PlayStation Not stated in the cited launch and reveal pages
Officially listed platforms Steam, Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and GeForce NOW PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S in Crytek’s launch announcement
Cross-platform information Official site describes cross-platform social play across PlayStation, Xbox and PC Current cross-play specifics are not stated in the cited material; verify before purchase
Current official activity noted in 2026 Homepage listing included an October 13–20 PvE matchmaking-toggle test and October updates Crytek announced a June 2026 event and Update 2.8

This table is a decision aid, not a complete mechanical review. The official material does not establish comparative evidence for performance, matchmaking quality, weapon feel, progression, match duration, solo difficulty or death-and-loot rules.

Which setting creates the tension you want?

Choose ARC Raiders for machine-made danger

ARC Raiders is the better thematic fit when your mental picture is a ruined or transformed future, valuable scavenged materials and enormous mechanized threats. The possibility of hostile raiders adds human unpredictability to the machine threat. You are choosing a science-fiction survival premise first, then an extraction format around it.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
  • You prefer futuristic technology to supernatural folklore.
  • You want the official premise to include both environmental machines and rival raiders.
  • You expect to alternate between solo sessions and small groups of two or three.

Choose Hunt for supernatural pursuit

Hunt: Showdown 1896 is the better thematic fit when the fantasy of tracking a bounty through a frightening world matters more than futuristic scavenging. Its first-person presentation and competitive bounty-hunting description point toward a more focused hunter-versus-hunter identity.

Rank #3
Sale
LISEN Cell Phone Stand Phone Holder for Desk, Office Decor Gadgets for Men | Office Gifts for Women, iPhone Stand, Gadgets for Men, Office Decor, Gaming Desk Accessories for Samsung Fold 8, Switch, iPad
  • Ergonomic & Adjustable Design: Fight "text neck" and improve your posture. Designed for comfort, it offers an adjustable height (7.1in-8.5in) (1.4in adjustable range) and angle (5°-85°) Please note: cell phone stand is only 9 inches tall—the length of a standard pencil
  • Without blocking subtitles Perfect for office desk Tiktok Face Time Zoom video—this is the ultimate kitchen desk essential for phones! Perfect viewing experience while reducing neck back strain, A must-have for gamers streamers desk, and anyone who values both style and support!
  • Sleek & Stable Design fits Otterbox Case: Say goodbye to bent cables, tangles, and tip-overs! LISEN’s stylish adjustable desk phone holder features a built-in charging hole and smart cable management, keeping your phone secure and your workspace clutter-free cool gadgets for men
  • ANTI-SLIP DESIGN free hands: The under 10.00 items easy gadgets back and the bottom of this kitchen essentials for women are fully covered by anti-skid silicone, which LISEN stand up desk decor can provide maximum protection device from any scratches and slides
  • Your Perfect Viewing Companion:If your product arrives damaged or breaks within 365 days, reach out to LISEN for a quick and hassle-free solution. Struggling with assembly, like tightening the screw? We’ve got your back! Your experience matters to us. (Product including: phone Holder stand*1, screw*1, hexagon screwdriver*1, specification*1)
  • You want horror to shape the entire match atmosphere.
  • You prefer a named bounty objective as the organizing idea.
  • You specifically want a first-person game, as Crytek states in its official description.

How group size should affect your choice

If you mostly play alone

ARC Raiders has an explicit solo listing, so it is the safer choice when solo access is non-negotiable. That statement does not prove solo balance or queue population; it only confirms that solo play is part of the published offering.

For Hunt, the supplied launch and reveal pages do not state the complete solo-party structure. A solo-focused buyer should inspect the current in-game and store descriptions before committing.

If you have a regular small squad

ARC Raiders’ official team sizes of two or three map directly to a duo or trio friend group. Confirm whether everyone is on a supported platform and whether the cross-platform social features meet your intended setup.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Hunt’s cited material does not provide a comparable party-size statement. If your group requires a particular squad configuration, verify that detail from the current official listing rather than assuming the two games use the same structure.

If your group changes every session

Use the documented information as a starting filter, then check live matchmaking and account requirements. ARC Raiders explicitly advertises cross-platform social play across PC, PlayStation and Xbox, while Hunt’s current cross-play behavior is not established by the cited announcement.

Platform and availability checklist

  1. Identify your hardware. ARC Raiders’ official listing includes Steam, Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and GeForce NOW. Hunt’s launch announcement names PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
  2. Check the store for your country. Regional pricing, taxes, editions and availability are not established here and can change.
  3. Confirm the generation. The cited console references are PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S; do not assume support for older consoles from those listings.
  4. Verify social features. ARC’s site describes cross-platform social play across PlayStation, Xbox and PC. For Hunt, check the current platform page for cross-play, account linking and party restrictions.
  5. Recheck live-service notices. Event schedules, matchmaking tests and update availability can change after the dates listed below.

What changed or was active in 2026?

ARC Raiders’ October test window

The official ARC Raiders homepage listed an October 13–20, 2026 test of a PvE matchmaking toggle, along with October updates. A test window is temporary, so it should not be treated as a permanent mode or a guarantee that the same setting will be available when you play.

Rank #4
Ledagic IC+RGBW USB Powered Led Light Bar with App & Remote Control, 2 Pack
  • Easy Installation: Our gaming lights have been designed to enhance your entertainment experience. Simply position the led light bar next to your TV or game console to create a game room environment with ease. They come with USB power and a 60 inch cord for direct mounting and mobility
  • Audio Syncing & Extensive Mode: The built-in high-sensitivity music sensor allows you to sync the TV led lights to your favorite music. Lights react and move to the beat of music, film and game audio, creating an incredible immersive sound and light experience – and all without the need for an additional hub. You can choose from 64+ patterns, including strobe, illusion, jump, energy, gradient, running, chasing, fluttering mode etc. Each mode can be applied to different scenes
  • 64+ Chasing IC+RGB & W Effect: The independent control design of IC+RGB and white all-in-one multifunctional rgbw led bar lights monitor backlight allows you to easily switch the led lights for desk between IC+RGB and white to enjoy a variety of lighting effects, you can choose white lighting mode with high brightness for better illumination when working, etc. Choose IC+RGB lighting mode when you need to create an entertaining atmosphere for the light show, 16 million colours of Color changing rgb light bar let you dance to the beat and create a dynamic party atmosphere
  • Dynamic and Dimmable Lights: 1%-full brightness free brightness adjustment gives you the flexibility to adjust dimmable led light bar for room decorations or a variety of occasions
  • USB Powered: USB light bars for room can be powered by powernank, usb charger, TV, Monitor, laptop PC mainframe, making behind TV led lighting bar easy to install in any location.TV led lights are powered by the TV usb interface / PC mainframe, can be turned on/off synchronously with TV / PC

Hunt: Showdown 1896’s 2026 activity

Crytek’s Road to Hell announcement covered Update 2.8, while the supplied official activity notes identify a June 2026 event. Events and updates are time-sensitive; consult Crytek’s current news and store pages for the live status rather than relying on an old event date.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Why freshness matters to this comparison

Both games are being presented with active official updates in 2026. That is useful evidence that their live-service information can move, but it is not evidence of player counts, technical quality or long-term support. Treat every dated test, event and patch reference as a snapshot.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Questions the official material does not answer

A careful purchase decision also requires knowing what is not established by the cited pages. No supported comparison is available here for:

  • Current regional price, discounts, physical editions or subscription access.
  • Exact progression, inventory and character systems.
  • What happens to gear, currency or a bounty after death or disconnection.
  • Typical match duration or extraction timing.
  • Weapon selection, recoil, damage modeling or controller feel.
  • Solo-versus-team balance, matchmaking population or queue times.
  • Performance targets, resolution modes, accessibility options or PC specifications.
  • Hunt’s current cross-play and party rules beyond its named launch platforms.

Those are not minor omissions if one of them is your deciding factor. Find the current platform listing, support documentation or patch notes for that specific question instead of treating genre conventions as proof.

A practical decision path

Step 1: Pick the fantasy before the feature list

Say which sentence sounds more appealing: “I want to scavenge a lethal future Earth while machines and raiders threaten the run,” or “I want to hunt a bounty in a supernatural-horror match from a first-person view.” The first points to ARC Raiders; the second points to Hunt.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Step 2: Match your normal party

If you need documented solo access or a duo/trio structure, ARC Raiders has the clearer published information. If you need a particular Hunt team setup, confirm it from a current source before buying.

Best Value
Sale
HUANUO FlowLift™ Dual Monitor Stand, Fully Adjustable Gaming Monitor Desk Mount for 13–32″ Computer Screens, Full Motion VESA 75x75/100x100 with C-Clamp & Grommet Base, Each Arm Holds 4.4 to 19.8 lbs
  • Compatible with Wide Screens - To ensure compatibility with the dual monitor mount, your each monitor must meet three conditions at the same time: First, computer screens size range: 13 to 32 inches. Second, screen weight range: 4.4 to 19.8 lbs. Third, the back of the monitor screen must have VESA mounting holes with a pitch of 75x75mm or 100x100mm.
  • Regarding the compatibility with desks - Your desk must meet three conditions at the same time: First, desk material: Only wooden desks are recommended, plastic or glass desks cannot be used. Second, desk thickness range: 0.59" - 3.54". Third, the bottom of the desk should not have any cross beams or panels, as this will interfere with installation. We recommend carefully checking that your desk and monitors meets all above conditions before purchasing.
  • Dual C-Clamp Hold - Worried your dual monitors might wobble or slip? Our upgraded base uses a larger platform plus a dual C-clamp structure to lock the dual monitor arm firmly to your desk. Each arm safely keeps your screens steady while you type, click and game—no shaking, no sliding, just a clean and secure setup you can trust every day. It also provides Grommet Mounting installation choice, both options ensure stable and secure fixation for your 0.59" - 3.54" desk.
  • Full-Motion Adjustment For Comfortable View - Pull the screen closer when you’re deep in a spreadsheet, push it back to watch videos, or rotate to portrait for coding — moving everything smoothly with just one hand. The monitor stand offers +85°/-50° tilt, ±90° swivel and 360° rotation. Raise your monitor up to 15.75″ to support a healthy sitting posture. Whether you’re working from home, gaming through the night, or switching between video calls and documents, getting the screens to your natural line of sight helps relieve neck, shoulder and back strain so you can stay focused longer with less fatigue.
  • Keep Your Desk Organized: By lifting both screens off the desktop, this dual monitor stand opens up valuable space for your keyboard, notebook, docking station or a simple, clutter-free work area. Built-in cable management guides wires along the arms, keeping cords out of sight and out of the way. Enjoy a tidy, modern workstation that looks as good as it feels to use.

Step 3: Match your platform and friends

Use ARC’s listed PC, console and GeForce NOW options plus its stated cross-platform social play as a starting point. For Hunt, verify that every friend is on a supported PC or current-generation console and check the current cross-play terms.

Step 4: Separate verified facts from desired features

Write down any must-have such as solo queue, a specific camera perspective, a certain console or cross-platform parties. Buy only after the relevant official page confirms it. Neither setting description can substitute for a technical or rules specification.

Step 5: Recheck dates immediately before purchase

ARC’s October 13–20, 2026 matchmaking test and Hunt’s 2026 event and Update 2.8 are dated examples, not promises of future availability. Check the latest official homepage, news post and regional store page on the day you decide.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Bottom line: which one fits you?

ARC Raiders is the clearer recommendation for a player who wants sci-fi scavenging, mechanized threats, explicit solo access and documented two- or three-player teams. Its official platform page also gives the strongest cross-platform social-play signal of the two.

Hunt: Showdown 1896 is the clearer recommendation for a player who wants first-person competitive bounty hunting in a supernatural-horror setting. Choose it for that specific atmosphere and objective, not because the available evidence proves it is easier, more balanced or better value.

If both premises appeal to you, let your practical constraints decide: party size and cross-platform needs favor the information currently documented for ARC Raiders; a firm preference for first-person horror bounty hunting favors Hunt. Check live platform details and pricing for your region before purchasing either game.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

ARC RaidersExtraction ShootersGame comparisonHunt: Showdown 1896multiplayer games

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.