Move Over Helldivers, I Have A New Favorite Three-Player PvE Extraction Shooter
Behaviour Interactive, the studio behind Dead by Daylight, is releasing Exterminauts, a three-player cooperative PvE extraction shooter that marks a significant departure from the studio’s multiplayer horror identity.
The game casts players as blue-collar workers tasked with completing objectives on an alien planet before extracting via zipline. Unlike similar titles such as Helldivers 2, Exterminauts emphasizes chaotic, brighter aesthetics alongside more frenetic gameplay. The core mechanic centers on extraction—players must clear objectives and escape within time constraints while managing threats from extraterrestrial creatures and hostile environments.
A distinctive feature is the friendly fire system, which creates additional complexity beyond dealing with alien opposition. Players must coordinate carefully to avoid eliminating teammates while managing the aggressive creature encounters. The gameplay loop involves punching in for work, completing extraction objectives, and getting out alive—a structure that mirrors conventional labor rather than military or heroic narratives.
Gameplay demonstrations at Gamescom highlighted zipline mechanics as a key extraction element, though details remain limited from available press coverage. The visual design distinguishes itself from the grittier presentation of competitors, opting for a brighter color palette that enhances readability during chaotic three-player sequences.
Behaviour Interactive’s venture into extraction shooters demonstrates the genre’s continued appeal to major studios. The title positions itself as an alternative for players seeking three-player cooperative extraction gameplay with distinct visual identity and emphasis on accessible, if chaotic, cooperative mechanics.