Exoborne Insights and Frequently Asked Questions from SGF 2025

Exploring Exoborne: A Unique Take on the Battle Royale Genre

Exoborne has captured the attention of battle royale enthusiasts with its innovative traversal mechanics, but I only recently had the chance to experience it firsthand during the Summer Game Fest 2025 Play Days. The intriguing premise of not only combating other players but also contending with adverse weather conditions promises to keep gameplay exciting and unpredictable.

First Impressions and Gameplay Mechanics

At the event, developers Sharkmob and Level Infinite guided us through an engaging three-player match following a brief onboarding session that introduced us to a mission storyline. Players had access to three different Exo-rigs, and my teammates opted for the agile Viper, while I chose the robust Kodiak. My focus during the match was primarily on sniping and using machine guns against AI foes, as our encounters with other players were short-lived; we chose to extract rather than engage in prolonged firefights.

The shooting mechanics in Exoborne feel conventional yet satisfying, with weapons delivering enough impact to enhance the experience without excessive recoil. This arcade-style gunplay works seamlessly within the faster-paced run-and-gun framework of the game, offering an enjoyable alternative to more serious extraction shooters.

Development Insights and Game Progression

Prior to my interview with Martin Holberg, co-founder and narrative director at Sharkmob, I spoke with one of the developers. Their commitment to refining the game based on feedback from closed beta tests was evident, especially concerning features like Exo-rig retention upon death and distinct progression paths for each rig. With an increasingly crowded market for extraction shooters, Sharkmob is clearly prioritizing beta feedback to ensure a strong launch later this year.

Game Overview

Can you give us a quick rundown on Exoborne?

Absolutely. Exoborne is a tactical extraction shooter where you embody an Exowarrior navigating a United States ravaged by apocalyptic natural forces. Players scavenge and engage in combat with the goal of achieving objectives and safely extracting from the session.

Extraction Mechanics

How does extraction work in your game?

Extraction occurs solely via extraction ships. Multiple extraction points exist on the map, but only a select few are active at any time. Weather conditions can influence which points are usable, adding a layer of strategy to player movements. Upon dropping in, players must quickly assess the active extraction zones to plan their actions accordingly.

Unique Gameplay Elements

Does extraction involve cooldowns for spawn points?

Yes, only one ship can be called at a time for each extraction point and a cooldown period is enforced after a successful extraction. This offers opportunities for ambushes, as players could confront those attempting to extract.

What about player interactions?

While we currently don’t have a dedicated emote system, it’s something the design team is exploring.

Setting and Environment

What about the game’s setting — where does it take place?

The game unfolds in Colton County, a fictional setting we created to provide a sandbox for gameplay. While we included some recognizable traffic signs, the location is not an accurate portrayal of any real area, aiming for a vague atmospheric connection to the southeastern USA.

How many Exo-rigs will be available at launch?

At launch, players can expect the three showcased rigs along with one additional rig intended for tutorials. Each rig will feature specialized modules that can be used to tailor the experience to individual playstyles.

Weapon Diversity

What kinds of weapons can players utilize in Exoborne?

Exoborne will offer a variety of weapon types, including sniper rifles, shotguns, and assault rifles. There are around six or seven distinct categories, each with multiple variants, and players can equip weapons irrespective of their chosen Exo-rig.

Map Design and Gameplay Dynamics

How large are the maps?

The largest map, Maynard, is expansive and allows players to traverse by vehicle. The medium-sized map, Agnesville, features urban terrain that encourages vertical gameplay. The smallest map, a sizable sinkhole, offers a more confined and intense experience.

How does density affect movement?

As players enter denser areas, the mobility provided by Exo-rigs is limited, shifting the gameplay into a more traditional tactical shooter format. However, some larger indoor spaces will still allow for strategic movement using grappling hooks.

Dynamic Weather and Gameplay Features

Are there dynamic weather conditions affecting gameplay?

Yes, while the map layouts remain static, the weather patterns introduce variability with each session. Players will face challenges from elements like tornadoes, which they can manipulate using specific items to change gameplay dynamics — for example, causing a tornado to become a firenado.

Will players receive a weather forecast before matches?

This is still under discussion, as we want players to be able to anticipate conditions without making it too predictable. Adjustments will likely enhance strategic planning.

Post-Launch Plans and Community Interaction

Will Exoborne feature a Battle Pass system?

Yes, a Battle Pass will be implemented, focusing on cosmetics and character customization options, enhancing the individuality of player avatars.

Can players expect mastery and progression systems?

We plan to incorporate a progression system tied to each Exo-rig, encouraging players to gain mastery over their chosen rigs while also maintaining the importance of team composition in gameplay.

How will communication work in Exoborne?

Players will communicate through a ping system and VoIP for team and proximity chats to enhance cooperative strategies and interactions.

Looking Ahead

When can players expect to access Exoborne?

We previously conducted a public test and are preparing for additional testing sessions, with a specific launch date to be announced shortly.

Final Thoughts

Sharkmob’s dedication to refining Exoborne based on player feedback signals their commitment to delivering a game that resonates with its community. The simple yet engaging mechanics paired with dynamic environment interactions promise a fresh experience for both battle royale and extraction shooter fans.

I encourage readers to provide their input during future playtests, as player feedback can significantly shape ongoing development.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tqnPjrA29k

Exoborne – Gameplay Walkthrough (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tqnPjrA29k)

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