Exoborne Is an Extraction Shooter With a Twist(er)

Exoborne: A High-Octane Extraction Shooter Preview

Exoborne, an upcoming extraction shooter, refines the genre's core tenets – infiltrate, loot, and escape – by introducing powerful Exo-Rigs, dynamic weather effects, and grappling hooks. After a recent 4-5 hour preview, Exoborne shows considerable promise, though some aspects require further refinement.

The Exo-Rigs are central to Exoborne's identity. Three distinct rigs are currently available: the Kodiak (focused on defense and area-of-effect damage), the Viper (emphasizing aggressive combat and health regeneration), and the Kerstrel (prioritizing mobility and aerial maneuvers). Each rig boasts unique modules, offering customization options. While the current selection feels limited, the potential for future rig additions is exciting.

Gameplay is satisfying, with weighty weaponry, impactful melee combat, and the grappling hook adding a thrilling dimension to traversal. Dynamic weather events, including tornadoes and rain, significantly impact mobility, creating unpredictable challenges. Fire tornadoes offer risky yet rewarding shortcuts, adding to the game's thrilling risk/reward dynamic.

Risk vs. Reward Mechanics

Exoborne's design hinges on a compelling risk/reward system. A 20-minute timer triggers a location broadcast to all players, initiating a 10-minute extraction window. Remaining longer yields greater loot, found throughout the environment and from eliminating both AI and player opponents. High-value loot areas, heavily guarded by AI, offer significant rewards for those brave enough to risk it. Artifacts, valuable loot boxes requiring keys, add another layer of strategic competition.

The game encourages teamwork; even downed players aren't immediately eliminated, offering self-revives and teammate revives as last-resort options.

Areas for Improvement

Two key concerns emerged from the preview. Firstly, Exoborne strongly favors coordinated squads. While solo play is possible, the experience is significantly enhanced with a dedicated team. This is a common challenge for squad-based extraction shooters, especially considering the game's non-free-to-play model.

Secondly, the late-game remains undefined. While PvP encounters were enjoyable, the extended periods between them need addressing to ensure sustained engagement.

Exoborne's PC playtest (February 12-17) will be crucial in shaping its final form. The core gameplay is promising, but addressing the concerns regarding team reliance and late-game content will determine its ultimate success.