Exoborne: A High-Octane Extraction Shooter Preview

Get in, grab the loot, and escape. This core principle defines extraction shooters, and Exoborne is no exception. However, Exoborne elevates the genre 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 to make a splash.

The Exo-Rigs are central to Exoborne's identity. Currently, three are available: the Kodiak (shield during sprints, devastating ground slam), the Viper (health regeneration on kills, powerful melee), and the Kerstrel (enhanced mobility, jumping, and temporary hover). These archetypes are further customizable with unique modules.

Personally, the Kodiak's ground slam, combined with the grappling hook's Spider-Man-esque traversal, proved incredibly satisfying. While other suits offered enjoyable gameplay, the limited selection (three suits currently) feels restrictive, leaving room for future expansion. Developer Shark Mob declined to comment on future Exo-Rig plans.

The shooting mechanics feel excellent. Weapons have satisfying recoil, melee attacks pack a punch, and the grappling hook's gliding traversal surpasses traditional movement. Weather significantly impacts gameplay; tornadoes boost aerial mobility, while rain renders parachutes ineffective. Fire tornadoes offer another traversal option, but proximity is perilous.

Risk vs. Reward: The Core Gameplay Loop

Risk and reward underpin Exoborne's design. A 20-minute timer begins upon entry, broadcasting your location after it expires. You then have 10 minutes to extract or face elimination. Extraction is possible earlier, but the longer you stay, the greater the potential loot. Loot is scattered throughout the environment, on enemies, and even from other players.

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, often leading to player-versus-player (PvP) encounters. Heavily defended areas offer the best loot but demand considerable risk.

This high-stakes environment fosters teamwork. Even after being downed, players aren't immediately eliminated. Self-revives and teammate revives offer a fighting chance, though these require time and present vulnerability.

Two key concerns emerged from the preview. Firstly, Exoborne strongly favors playing with a coordinated team. While solo play and random squads are possible, they aren't ideal, particularly given the game's non-free-to-play status. This might deter casual players.

Secondly, the late-game remains unclear. While Game Director Petter Mannefelt mentioned a focus on PvP, the preview lacked sufficient late-game content to assess its long-term appeal.

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