**Exoborne: The Future of Extraction Shooters Competing for Recognition Today**
In the bustling and fiercely competitive landscape of multiplayer shooters, a fresh challenger emerges: *Exoborne*. Crafted by Sharkmob, the creators of *Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodhunt*, *Exoborne* seeks to establish its distinct presence in the growing extraction shooter genre. Through an ambitious fusion of dynamic gameplay, narrative-driven environments, and intense PvP combat, the game holds the potential to become a remarkable entry. Nevertheless, *Exoborne* currently grapples with the significant task of validating its place in a genre largely ruled by titans such as *Escape from Tarkov* and *Hunt: Showdown*.
We had the chance to tour Sharkmob’s studio in Malmö, Sweden, to gain an interactive preview of the game and delve deeper into its ambitions, mechanics, and possible challenges.
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### **A World on the Edge of Destruction**
Set against a backdrop of a near-future dystopian landscape, *Exoborne* portrays a realm devastated by climate disaster. Humanity’s final salvation, a mega-corporation known as Rebirth, had pledged hope through the establishment of colossal “Stratos” weather manipulation towers. However, these structures ultimately became instruments of mass destruction, worsening the environmental crisis instead of alleviating it.
The scarce survivors in this dystopian nightmare now face the dual threat of Rebirth’s forces and the unleashed wrath of nature. The game’s story unfolds in *Colton County*, a fictional area on the East Coast of the United States, where players assume the role of “Reborn” operatives—ex-Rebirth soldiers who have freed themselves from the corporation’s grasp. Armed with state-of-the-art Exo-Rig battle suits, these operatives struggle to thrive in a world that is both perilous and ever-changing.
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### **Beyond Just a Standard Campaign Shooter**
Although the concept may initially resemble that of a conventional single-player campaign, *Exoborne* diverges significantly. According to Sharkmob co-founder Martin Hultberg, the game is entirely centered around PvP, placing a substantial emphasis on team-driven extraction gameplay. Nevertheless, the developers also prioritize storytelling, which players can discover through interactions with diverse factions, mission briefings, and environmental cues.
The game’s narrative acts as more than mere scenery; it seamlessly integrates with the gameplay experience. Players can engage with both friendly and hostile factions, advancing the storyline and unlocking fresh missions. This design intends to impart a level of depth and immersion that is frequently absent in purely competitive multiplayer titles.
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### **Core Gameplay: High Risks Yield High Rewards**
At its core, *Exoborne* embodies the essence of an extraction shooter. Players, organized into squads of three, are deployed onto expansive maps where they must gather loot, combat foes, and navigate environmental dangers. The ultimate aim is to extract successfully with as much valuable loot as possible.
The risk-reward balance is pivotal to the gameplay. The more perilous the mission, the greater the loot; however, it also presents a heightened risk of failure. In *Exoborne*, death carries significant consequences; failing a mission results in the loss of all gear and loot accumulated, making every choice a well-calculated risk.
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### **Exo-Rigs: The Game-Changing Element**
A notable feature of *Exoborne* is its Exo-Rigs—sophisticated battle suits that provide players with unique abilities and gameplay styles. There are three primary types of rigs:
1. **Kestrel**: A nimble and agile suit perfect for players favoring speed over protection.
2. **Kodiak**: A robust armored suit tailored for absorbing damage at the cost of speed.
3. **Viper**: An aggressive powerhouse fitted with heavy weaponry.
Each rig includes built-in tools like grappling hooks, paragliders, and fall-damage mitigators, which enable fluid movement across the game’s landscapes. Players can further personalize their rigs with perks and upgrades, adapting them to particular missions or individual play styles. For instance, a rig capable of resisting lightning strikes might be crucial for operations occurring during storms.
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### **Evolving Environments and Weather Challenges**
One of the standout features of *Exoborne* is its dynamic weather system. The game’s maps are not fixed entities; they transform in real-time, affected by environmental threats such as tornadoes, firestorms, and toxic clouds. These natural calamities serve not only as visual engagements but significantly influence gameplay. An unexpected downpour may douse flames while simultaneously dampening sounds, complicating the detection of enemy actions. Likewise, a fire tornado can sweep the play area, compelling players to swiftly adapt their strategies.
This element of unpredictability infuses an additional level of tension and tactical consideration, as players must continually refine their strategies in response to the evolving environment. It’s a feature that distinguishes *Exoborne* from other titles in the genre.