Exterminauts: A New Co-op Shooter from Behaviour Interactive
While visually similar to Helldivers 2, the gameplay mechanics mirror Deep Rock Galactic's structure.
1Development and Studio Origins
Exterminauts is the latest co-op project from Behaviour Interactive, the studio behind Dead by Daylight. Although the development team is distinct from their horror title creators, they have been working on this shooter for several years. The game aims to carve out a unique identity despite inevitable comparisons to other popular titles.
2Corporate Narrative vs Democracy
Unlike games focused on intergalactic democracy, Exterminauts casts players as militarized, blue-collar pest control workers. The primary mission is to cleanse the planet of Tian, clearing the way for corporate interests to extract valuable resources. This thematic shift aligns the game more closely with the industrial tone of Deep Rock Galactic.
3Class Roles and Customization
Players select a sponsor class at the start, which provides passive bonuses and a unique power weapon. These classes can be further modified using firmware unlocked through gameplay. These upgrades offer small, stackable benefits like increased freeze damage or health regeneration, allowing for deeper character specialization as players progress through the game.
4Casual Gameplay and Mechanics
The current alpha build features accessible gunplay with minimal recoil and generous respawn mechanics. Friendly fire is largely absent, and ammunition is plentiful at points of interest. These design choices suggest a more casual experience compared to similar shooters, though the developers acknowledged that some gadgets, like automated turrets, are currently overpowered.
5Environmental and Enemy Design
Behaviour Interactive has moved away from standard bugs or robots, opting for unique plant-based monsters and flying squids. Notable enemies include six-legged carnivorous flytraps and spiky tulips that slow down players. While these creatures are visually creative, they currently lack the aggressive bite needed to provide a significant tactical challenge.
6Mission Structure and Pacing
Maps consist of straightforward canyons filled with corporate mining facilities. Objectives and side tasks are clearly marked, often involving micro-puzzles on computer screens to restore power. While these tasks mirror familiar co-op tropes, the lack of immediate danger from the fauna makes the current mission pacing feel somewhat slow and predictable.
7Live Service Model Plans
The studio plans to support the game with 12-week seasons and frequent updates. These content drops will introduce new weapons, gadgets, cosmetics, and firmware modifiers. While these items are intended to be unlocked through normal play, the developers will also offer options to purchase them early using real-world currency transactions.
8Future Potential and Challenges
The game possesses a solid foundation, yet the current demo lacks the high-stakes risk required for a compelling co-op experience. Future iterations will need to address the balance between difficulty and accessibility. Whether the game can successfully transition from its current rudimentary state into a polished shooter remains a key question.
Original article: PC Gamer — Exterminauts: A New Co-op Shooter from Behaviour Interactive