Square Enix's Forgotten Loot-Shooter Was Years Ahead of Its Time

Some of the most-discussed multiplayer shooter of 2026 share a lot in common. In both Arc Raiders and Marathon, you and up to two other players venture from a safe hub into hostile areas, shoot a bunch of enemies, grab a bunch of loot, and return back to safety. These games are built around a loop meant to draw players back repeatedly, and have become bona fide hits as a result. But these shooters owe a great debt to one maligned 2021 loot-shooter: Outriders.