Exoborne: A High-Octane Extraction Shooter Preview

Get in, grab the loot, and get out – the core tenets of any extraction shooter, and Exoborne is no exception. However, Exoborne elevates the 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 immediately craving "one more run," Exoborne shows significant potential within the extraction shooter genre.

The Exo-Rigs are central to Exoborne's identity. Currently, three rigs exist: the Kodiak (shield during sprints, devastating ground slam), the Viper (health regeneration on kills, powerful melee), and the Kerstrel (enhanced mobility, jump height, temporary hover). Each rig boasts unique modules for further customization. The Kodiak's grappling hook and ground slam proved particularly satisfying, but all rigs offered enjoyable gameplay. The limited selection (three rigs) feels restrictive, leaving room for future expansions, though developer Shark Mob remained tight-lipped on future plans.

Gunplay is excellent. Weapons possess a weighty feel, melee attacks are impactful, and the grappling hook facilitates swift map traversal, surpassing standard movement. Random weather events introduce dynamic challenges and opportunities. Tornadoes enhance aerial mobility, while rain renders parachutes ineffective. Fire tornadoes offer further traversal options but pose a lethal threat if approached too closely. This all contributes to a compelling post-apocalyptic atmosphere.

Risk vs. Reward: The Core Gameplay Loop

Risk and reward underpin Exoborne's design. A 20-minute timer initiates upon deployment, broadcasting your location after expiration. A 10-minute extraction window follows; failure results in immediate elimination. Early extraction is possible (with sufficient funds), but longer stays yield greater rewards. Loot is abundant – scattered across the environment, within containers, and on fallen enemies. However, the most valuable loot comes from eliminating other players, allowing you to claim their possessions.

Artifacts represent significant rewards – loot boxes requiring keys for access. Their locations are publicly visible, frequently leading to player conflict. Highly valuable loot areas are heavily guarded by powerful AI, demanding calculated risk-taking.

Even after being downed, players aren't immediately eliminated. Self-revives are available (before bleeding out), and teammates can revive fallen comrades (provided they reach the body). This revival mechanic, while time-consuming and vulnerable to enemy interruption, offers a crucial lifeline.

Two key concerns emerged from the preview. Firstly, Exoborne strongly favors close-knit teams. Solo play and random squads are viable but less optimal. This inherent limitation, exacerbated by the game's paid model, might deter casual players lacking established teams.

Secondly, the late-game remains unclear. Game Director Petter Mannefelt indicated a focus on PvP and player comparison, but the preview lacked sufficient late-game content to assess its long-term appeal. Further clarification is needed.

Exoborne's PC playtest (February 12-17) will offer further insight into its overall potential.