Exoborne Is an Extraction Shooter With a Twist(er)

Exoborne: A High-Octane Extraction Shooter Preview

Get in, grab the loot, and escape. That's the core gameplay loop of Exoborne, an upcoming extraction shooter that elevates the genre with powerful Exo-Rigs, dynamic weather effects, and grappling hooks. After a 4-5 hour preview, Exoborne shows strong potential, though some concerns remain.

The Exo-Rigs are central to Exoborne's identity. Three distinct Rigs are currently available: the Kodiak (shield, powerful ground slam), the Viper (health regeneration on kills, strong melee), and the Kerstrel (enhanced mobility, hover). Each Rig can be customized with unique modules, enhancing their abilities. While the three Rigs offer diverse playstyles – I particularly enjoyed the Kodiak's devastating ground slam after a grappling hook swing – the limited selection feels restrictive, and future Rig additions are currently unconfirmed by developer Shark Mob.

The shooting mechanics are satisfyingly weighty, melee attacks pack a punch, and the grappling hook adds a dynamic traversal element, significantly improving map navigation. Unpredictable weather events, including tornadoes (boosting aerial mobility) and heavy rain (rendering parachutes ineffective), add another layer of strategic depth. Fire tornadoes offer a risky but potentially rewarding traversal option.

Risk vs. Reward: A Core Mechanic

Risk and reward are central to Exoborne's design. A 20-minute timer triggers a location broadcast to all players, initiating a 10-minute extraction window. Extracting earlier yields less loot, but staying longer increases the potential rewards, including valuable loot scattered across the map, on enemies, and—most lucratively—from other players.

Artifacts, high-value loot boxes requiring keys, are marked on the map, often leading to player-versus-player (PvP) encounters. Heavily guarded high-value loot zones further incentivize risk-taking.

Even after being downed, players aren't immediately eliminated. Self-revives and teammate revives offer a chance for comeback, although these are time-sensitive and vulnerable to enemy attacks.

Concerns: Squad Play and Late-Game Content

Two key concerns emerged from the preview. First, Exoborne strongly favors squad play. While solo and random squad options exist, the experience is significantly enhanced with a coordinated team. This is a common issue in squad-based extraction shooters, especially considering Exoborne's non-free-to-play model.

Second, the late-game remains unclear. While PvP encounters were enjoyable, the frequency felt insufficient to sustain engagement solely through PvP. Further details on late-game content are needed.

Exoborne's PC playtest (February 12-17) will offer a more comprehensive look at the game's potential. The core mechanics are exciting, but the lack of late-game details and the emphasis on squad play raise questions about its long-term appeal.