Exoborne Is an Extraction Shooter With a Twist(er)

Exoborne: A High-Octane Extraction Shooter Preview

Get in, grab the loot, and get out – the core principle of any extraction shooter, and Exoborne is no exception. However, Exoborne elevates this formula with powerful Exo-Rigs boosting strength and mobility, dynamic weather effects, and the ever-popular grappling hook. After a 4-5 hour preview, while not craving an immediate replay, Exoborne shows significant potential within the extraction shooter genre.

The Exo-Rigs are central to Exoborne's unique identity. Three distinct rigs are currently available: the Kodiak (shield during sprints, devastating ground slam), the Viper (health regeneration on kills, powerful melee), and the Kerstrel (enhanced mobility, jump height, and temporary hover). Each rig features unique upgrade modules, further customizing their abilities. The Kodiak's grappling hook and ground slam proved particularly satisfying, but all rigs offered enjoyable gameplay. While the limited selection of three rigs feels restrictive, developer Shark Mob remained tight-lipped about future additions.

Gunplay is satisfying, with weighty recoil and impactful melee attacks. The grappling hook adds a dynamic element to traversal, surpassing standard movement. Random weather events introduce strategic challenges. Tornadoes boost aerial mobility, while rain renders parachutes ineffective. Fire tornadoes offer another traversal option, but proximity is perilous.

Risk and Reward

Risk versus reward permeates Exoborne's design. A 20-minute timer initiates upon entry, broadcasting your location after expiration. A 10-minute extraction window follows, or immediate elimination. Early extraction is possible, but longer stays yield greater rewards. Loot is plentiful, found on the ground, in containers, and on enemies, with other players representing the ultimate prize.

" alt="Play Button" />

Artifacts are high-value loot boxes requiring keys for access, and their contents are only secured upon successful extraction. Artifact locations are visible to all players, potentially leading to player conflict. Heavily guarded high-value areas challenge players seeking the best loot.

This risk/reward system fosters intense gameplay and emphasizes squad communication. Downed players aren't immediately eliminated; self-revives and teammate revives offer a fighting chance, though risky.

Two key concerns emerged from the preview. Exoborne strongly favors coordinated squads; solo or random-team play is less than ideal. This is a common issue in squad-based extraction shooters, exacerbated by the game's paid model. The lack of clarity regarding late-game content is another concern. While PvP encounters were fun, the downtime between them was substantial. Game Director Petter Mannefelt stated that late-game details would focus on PvP comparisons, but further specifics are needed.

Exoborne's PC playtest (February 12-17) will provide further insight into its development and address these concerns.