The biggest multiplayer shooters of the moment share a lot in common. In 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.

This re-review of Outriders highlights some interesting insights about its innovative approach to the loot-shooter genre. It’s fascinating to see how it paved the way for newer titles in the multiplayer space. Looking forward to seeing how these trends continue to evolve!