Exoborne Blends Extraction Tension with Tactical Weather and Rig Strategy
Sharkmob’s upcoming extraction shooter Exoborne promises high-octane firefights, dynamic weather chaos, and tactical progression in a post-apocalyptic America.
A fast-paced extraction shooter with environmental twists
At Summer Game Fest 2025, Exoborne offered hands-on gameplay that showcased its unique blend of dynamic weather systems, vertical traversal, and extraction-based combat. Unlike typical tactical shooters, Exoborne introduces tornadoes, firenados, and toxic clouds into the battlefield, creating both chaos and opportunity.
- Players compete not only against others but also against shifting environmental threats.
- Each match has multiple extraction zones, but only a few are active at a time, influenced by weather conditions and cooldown timers.
- Rebirth trace timers mark players after extended play, pressuring them to extract or risk exposure to all opponents.
Exorig classes and customization
Players choose from several Exorig classes, including Viper, Kodiak, and a third unnamed rig:
- Each rig offers a different playstyle, from agile grappling to heavy firepower.
- Customization modules can alter movement speed, resistance types, and even grant special abilities like cloaking, airstrikes, or minefields.
Progression is tied to each Exorig:
- Players can unlock abilities and upgrades through use.
- A shared and bespoke module system lets players personalize rigs to suit their combat preferences.
Gear risk and match incentives
Exoborne embraces the high-risk/high-reward ethos of the extraction genre:
- Upon death, players lose weapons, armor, and mods, though Exorigs and vanity items are retained.
- There is no insurance system yet, but developers are considering options based on community feedback.
The game currently includes:
- 6–7 weapon types, including sniper rifles, SMGs, LMGs, and pistols.
- Three map sizes, ranging from dense urban areas like Agnesville to open terrain in Maynard, each influencing movement strategy.
Tactical communication and social systems
Exoborne supports ping systems, team VoIP, and proximity chat. While there’s no mechanical alliance feature, players can form on-the-fly truces—though rarely observed.
Developers are evaluating:
- Weather forecasting features to help players better plan loadouts.
- Emote systems to enhance player interaction and potential non-verbal cooperation.
Post-launch plans and design philosophy
Sharkmob is designing Exoborne as a premium title, not free-to-play, aiming for a highly customizable gameplay experience through:
- A Battle Pass system rich with cosmetics and outfit variants.
- Facial and Exorig skins, offering a layered vanity system.
- Ongoing live service support guided by community feedback and data from beta tests.
While melee combat is limited to a single attack per rig, more melee options may be considered post-launch, depending on player interest.
Closing remarks and release outlook
Exoborne is headed to PC first, with console support to follow. More public tests are planned before its full launch later this year. Sharkmob emphasizes a player-driven development approach, encouraging feedback and participation.
