Exoborne Is an Extraction Shooter With a Twist(er)

In the world of extraction shooters, the mantra is simple: get in, grab the loot, and get out. Exoborne, the upcoming title from developer Shark Mob, embraces this formula but elevates it with a thrilling twist. During a recent preview event, I spent around 4-5 hours diving into the game. While it didn't leave me craving "one more drop," Exoborne certainly has the potential to make waves in the extraction shooter genre.

The heart of Exoborne's unique identity lies in its Exo-Rigs, which are essentially super-powered suits that enhance your strength and mobility. There are three types of Exo-Rigs currently available: Kodiak, Viper, and Kestrel. The Kodiak offers a shield while sprinting and a devastating ground slam attack, perfect for those who love to make a dramatic entrance. The Viper rewards aggressive play with health regeneration upon downing enemies and a powerful melee attack, ideal for players who thrive in the thick of battle. Meanwhile, the Kestrel focuses on mobility, allowing for higher jumps and temporary hovering, catering to those who prefer a more agile approach. Each suit can be further customized with unique modules, enhancing their specific abilities and allowing for a tailored playstyle.

Personally, I relished the thrill of swinging in like Spider-Man with the grappling hook and unleashing the Kodiak's ground slam to wreak havoc on my surroundings. However, the other suits were equally enjoyable to experiment with. While the current selection of three suits might feel limiting, Shark Mob has yet to reveal plans for additional Exo-Rigs, leaving room for future expansion.

Exoborne's shooting mechanics are satisfyingly weighty, with guns that pack a punch and melee attacks that feel impactful. The grappling hook adds a dynamic element to navigation, allowing for swift glides across the map. The game's post-apocalyptic setting is further enhanced by wild weather effects, such as tornados that boost aerial mobility and rainfall that hampers parachutes. Even fire tornadoes add a dangerous yet exhilarating way to traverse the environment, though getting too close can be fatal.

Risk vs. Reward

Risk versus reward is the core principle driving Exoborne's design. Upon dropping into the game, a 20-minute timer starts, and once it hits zero, your location is broadcast to all players. You then have 10 minutes to extract or face a killswitch. You can choose to extract at any time before the timer runs out, but the longer you stay, the more loot you can accumulate. Loot is scattered throughout the map, in containers, on the ground, and on defeated AI enemies. However, the most valuable loot comes from other players, allowing you to claim their gear and collected items.

In addition to standard loot, artifacts represent the ultimate prize. These are essentially high-value loot boxes that require both the artifact itself and an artifact key to unlock. Their locations are visible to all players, often leading to intense confrontations. Similarly, high-value loot areas are heavily guarded by stronger AI mobs, challenging players to risk it all for the best rewards.

The game fosters a tense atmosphere, encouraging effective communication within your squad. Even if you're downed, you're not out of the fight. Self-revives allow you to get back up if you haven't bled out, and teammates can resurrect you as long as they reach your body in time. This mechanic adds a layer of strategy and teamwork, though it also means certain death if an enemy squad lingers nearby.

My demo experience highlighted two main concerns. First, Exoborne seems best enjoyed with a dedicated group of friends. While solo play and matchmaking with strangers are options, they're less ideal. This is a common challenge for squad-based tactical extraction shooters, especially since Exoborne isn't free-to-play, which might deter casual fans without a regular squad.

Second, the late-game content remains unclear. Game Director Petter Mannefelt mentioned that late-game will focus on PVP and player comparisons, but specifics were not disclosed. While PVP encounters were enjoyable, the downtime between them was too long to make me eager to return solely for that aspect.

Exoborne's development will be closely watched as it enters its playtest phase from February 12 to 17 on PC. With its unique Exo-Rigs and dynamic weather effects, it has the potential to carve out a significant niche in the extraction shooter genre.