Exodus Won’t Let You Bang the Octopus
Exodus, an upcoming narrative RPG from developer Archetype Entertainment, will allow players to romance party members, but there’s one companion that’s off-limits: Salt the octopus. The game’s narrative director confirmed to Polygon that players won’t be able to pursue a romantic relationship with Salt, despite the character becoming a fan favorite.
Salt gained popularity following its appearance in Exodus’ release date trailer, which premiered during Gamescom 2026’s Opening Night Live showcase. In the trailer, Salt is revealed to be an Awakened—a creature from Old Earth whose consciousness has been heightened through genetic manipulation and technological advancement.
The limitation on romancing Salt appears to stem from the character’s biology. As an octopus, Salt cannot survive for extended periods outside of water, creating a fundamental incompatibility with the type of relationship system Exodus offers to players with other companions.
Salt’s exclusion from the romance system reflects Archetype Entertainment’s deliberate approach to which party members can be romance options. The confirmation suggests that while the studio actively encourages romantic relationships as a core part of Exodus’ narrative experience, the game accounts for character-specific limitations and logical constraints within its world.