Exoborn is an upcoming tactical open-world extraction shooter developed by Sharkmob, and was hands-on playable at Gamescom 2025.
The game sets itself apart in the genre with its extreme dynamic weather, fast-paced movement mechanics, and deeply customizable Exo-Rigs that shape both combat style and moment-to-moment tactics.
Setting and Gameplay Overview
Exoborn is set in a post-apocalyptic United States devastated by catastrophic natural disasters, forcing survivors to compete for scarce resources while facing hostile factions and unpredictable weather. Players form squads of three to venture into high-risk zones, complete missions, scavenge for loot, and attempt extraction before being eliminated by enemies or the environment. The core gameplay loop revolves around the risk-versus-reward dynamic: staying longer on the map increases loot quality but also danger, and failing to extract means losing all collected gear.
Unique Features
- Dynamic Weather: Sudden storms, tornadoes, and hazardous weather play a direct role, altering visibility, movement, and combat. Adapting to and even exploiting these natural events can turn the tide during firefights or escape attempts.
- Exo-Rigs: Advanced suits allow for unique abilities such as super-jumps, gliding, invisibility, or defensive enhancements. These are deeply customizable, letting players adapt rigs and loadouts to their preferred playstyle.
- High Mobility and Verticality: Movement is fast and fluid thanks to grappling hooks, powerful jumps, and gliders. Maps are designed vertically, making positioning and vertical tactics a crucial part of gameplay
- PvPvE Experience: Besides AI enemies, players must contend with rival squads also seeking loot and extraction, requiring both teamwork and tactical decision-making.
- Forces of Nature: Fight through elemental chaos in a world that constantly changes the conditions
- Exo-Rigs unlock powerful abilities and flowing movement through the broken world. Also, when chosen wisely, allowing harnessing of the raw powers of nature to the player’s advantage
- Verticality is key in a world twisted upside down, allowing for all new exploration and combat experiences
- Scavenging, trading and customization allow players to truly survive their own way, unlocking new gear and equipment as they progress through the world of Exoborne
- Public events and missions raise the stakes and opportunities, allowing players to choose their own challenge
- Extraction gameplay intensifies the thrill and reaches a peak at the end of the players’ session – risk it all or wait for a better opportunity – the choice is up to you
- Thrilling evolving story builds the stage for future content updates and mysteries in the world to discover
Visuals and Atmosphere
Exoborn uses its near-future, storm-ravaged environments and impressive weather effects for a tense, immersive experience. The unpredictability of both human opponents and environmental hazards ensures matches remain exciting and unique.
Sharkmob the developer behind Exoborn
The developer behind Exoborn is Sharkmob, a Swedish studio founded in 2017 with headquarters in Malmö and an additional office in London. Sharkmob is known for its focus on multiplayer experiences and high production values, previously releasing the battle royale game Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodhunt. The team consists of both industry veterans and fresh talent, dedicated to creating innovative AAA games using Unreal Engine 5 and advanced tech like motion capture and photogrammetry.
Sharkmob cultivates a creative and collaborative work environment, aiming to push the boundaries of multiplayer gameplay and immersive world-building. With Exoborn, the studio leverages its expertise to deliver a striking new take on tactical shooters, blending dynamic environments with deep customization and teamwork.
Final Impressions from Gamescom 2025
Demo impressions highlighted the game’s intense combat, kinetic movement, and the dramatic influence of weather on every match. The combination of risk-reward extraction, dynamic maps, and team-based tactics positions Exoborn as an innovative title within the extraction shooter genre, with the demo leaving players eager for more.
Release:
Exoborne does not have a confirmed release date, so nothing we can really say. But Playtest is right ahead within the next weeks. It is expected to launch in late 2025 or early 2026 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S
