Move Over Helldivers: My New Favorite Three-Player PvE Extraction Shooter

Summary

Exterminauts is the latest game from Behaviour Interactive, but it's a far cry from Dead by Daylight. Instead of horror, this is a three-player PvE extraction shooter where you and two friends play as "blue collar workers" tasked with punching in, clearing up, and getting out. During a hands-on session at Gamescom, I was immediately drawn to its unique blend of mundane job aesthetics with sci-fi alien combat. The game focuses on coordinated teamwork, with simple objectives that evolve from wiping out alien creatures to collecting resources under pressure. This departure from the studio's signature asymmetric horror shows a willingness to experiment with new genres. For fans of cooperative shooters like Helldivers, Exterminauts offers a faster-paced, humorous three-person squad experience. It could shake up the extraction shooter scene by injecting a more accessible and comedic tone. The game's announcement also reflects a broader industry trend where established studios seek to diversify their portfolios. With its refreshing premise and solid hands-on impression, Exterminauts stands out as a promising new entry worth watching in the evolving shooter landscape.