Sharkmob is venturing into new territory with Exoborne, an open-world tactical extraction shooter that blends high-stakes player-versus-player encounters with unpredictable forces of nature. At first glance it sits alongside a growing number of extraction-style shooters, but its storm-battered world, exo-rig customization, and strong narrative backdrop suggest something that could stand apart from the pack.
What we know
Exoborne takes place in Colton County, a once-thriving region now ravaged by natural disasters and human conflict. The collapse of society followed a failed promise of salvation by a group called Rebirth, which sparked a rebellion led by Tar and unleashed nature’s fury on what remained of the world. Against this backdrop, players step into high-risk missions where scavenging for resources, surviving hostile factions, and contending with other players all come into play.
The game is built around exo-rigs, customizable suits that grant abilities suited for both combat and survival. These rigs can be tailored with mods and upgrades, allowing players to adapt to their own playstyle while finding ways to synergize with the ever-changing weather. Tornadoes, lightning strikes, and sudden storms reshape encounters on the fly, meaning no two sessions play out in quite the same way. While the premise draws from familiar extraction shooter elements, the addition of environmental hazards and tactical exo-rig builds promises something distinct. The game is coming to PC, with console releases expected as well.
What we saw
At Gamescom, we had the chance to sit down with Sharkmob and go hands-on with a live build of Exoborne. After a quick introduction to the controls, we dove into a mission that highlighted the interplay between the exo-rigs and the extreme weather effects, with the dev team on hand to walk us through some of the mechanics.
What we thought
The first impression Exoborne leaves is visual. The dynamic weather system isn’t just a gimmick – it dominates the screen and constantly demands attention. Skies shift from clear to storm-laden within minutes, and watching a tornado rip through the map while you scramble for cover feels as thrilling as it is intimidating. It also creates short, intense mission cycles where the environment forces you to stay sharp and adapt.
Gameplay feels like a blend of survival strategy and fast-paced firefights. Scavenging for resources and extracting safely provides the tension, while the exo-rigs make combat more flexible than in a standard tactical shooter. Each rig’s abilities lend themselves to different approaches, whether that’s maneuverability, durability, or tactical support, and learning how to best combine them with environmental hazards is where the game seems to shine. That said, it’s clear the experience is designed with team play in mind, and it remains to be seen how well it will scale for those who prefer to play solo or in duos.
Controls in the demo were responsive and intuitive, making it easy to get into the action despite the game’s layered systems. Gunplay has a satisfying weight to it, with weapons that felt distinct without being overwhelming during the short session. The challenge will be whether Sharkmob can sustain that balance across longer playtimes, keeping encounters both rewarding and unpredictable as players invest more hours.
Finally, it’s worth noting how much the premise contributes to the game’s appeal. Extraction shooters can often blend together, but Exoborne’s backdrop of betrayal, rebellion, and survival against Mother Nature gives it a unique identity. Thematically it pulls players in before a single shot is fired, which could make it attractive to those who wouldn’t normally gravitate toward this genre. If Sharkmob can deliver on that promise and ensure the gameplay loop remains varied, Exoborne could end up being more than just another entry in the extraction space.
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