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 immediately craving "one more run," Exoborne shows strong potential within the extraction shooter genre.
The Exo-Rigs are central to Exoborne's identity. Three currently exist: the Kodiak (shield during sprints, devastating ground slam), the Viper (health regeneration on kills, powerful melee), and the Kerstrel (enhanced mobility, jumping and hovering). Each Rig features unique upgrade modules, further customizing playstyles. The Kodiak's grappling hook and ground slam proved particularly satisfying, but all Rigs offered enjoyable gameplay. The limited number of Rigs (only three) feels restrictive, leaving room for future expansion, though the developers remained tight-lipped on future plans.
Gunplay is excellent. Weapons have satisfying recoil, melee attacks pack a punch, and the grappling hook offers efficient map traversal. Random weather events add a layer of unpredictability. Tornadoes boost aerial mobility, while rain renders parachutes ineffective. Fire tornadoes offer another traversal option, but proximity is perilous.
Risk vs. Reward: A Core Mechanic
Risk and reward underpin Exoborne's design. A 20-minute timer initiates upon entry; reaching zero broadcasts your location, triggering a 10-minute extraction window or instant elimination. Early extraction yields less loot; prolonged stays increase rewards found throughout the environment (ground, containers, enemy corpses). The ultimate prize? Eliminating other players and seizing their loot.
Artifacts—high-value loot boxes requiring keys for access—are another significant reward, but successful extraction is crucial to claiming their contents. Artifact locations are visible to all players, fostering intense player-versus-player (PvP) encounters. Similarly, high-value loot zones 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 downed teammates can be resurrected by surviving squadmates—though this is time-consuming and risky.
Concerns and Future Outlook
Two key concerns emerged from the preview. Firstly, Exoborne strongly favors close-knit squads. While solo play and random matchmaking are options, they are less than ideal. This is a common issue in squad-based tactical shooters, exacerbated by the game's non-free-to-play model.
Secondly, the late-game remains unclear. While PvP encounters were enjoyable, the downtime between them needs addressing to ensure sustained engagement. The developers hinted at a focus on PvP comparisons, but specifics remain absent.
Exoborne's PC playtest (February 12-17) will offer further insight into its long-term appeal.
