Exterminauts looks like another Helldivers 2, but it's really the Deep Rock Galactic sickos who should take notice

Exterminauts, a new co-op game from Dead by Daylight studio Behavior Interactive, bears a striking resemblance to Helldivers 2 in its exterior design and gameplay elements, such as the working class soldiers, hostile wildlife, and colorful, pulpy planets. However, the developers emphasize that their game predates Helldivers 2 by several years and emphasizes a different tone, focusing on militarized pest control rather than serving intergalactic democracy.

The game shares similarities with Deep Rock Galactic and Mycopunk, featuring deep rock-like milestones, class roles, and mission types. Loadouts start with a choice of a sponsor class that grants passive bonuses and unique power weapons, and players can also utilize gadgets like ammo boxes, med packs, and automated turrets that can handle hordes with ease.

During the demo, the focus was on the lower difficulties, but Exterminauts felt more casual than comparable games. Guns were easy to control, friendly fire was minimal or absent, ammo was readily available, and respawns were generous. Maps consisted of straightforward canyons with corporate mining facilities, and objectives were clearly marked on the map, along with side tasks.

The developers have expressed that the game's creative creatures, such as giant carnivorous flytraps and spiky flying tulips, have more bark than bite. Rising the difficulty may unveil the depth of its classes, which can be further customized through firmware unlocked through play. These firmware modifiers are expected to be introduced in large and frequent updates, including 12-week seasons and a continuous drip feed of sponsorship packages offering new weapons, gadgets, cosmetics, and firmware modifiers.

The idea is to make these unlocks easily achievable through normal play, although they can also be purchased with real money.

The demo felt rudimentary and sometimes boring due to a lack of energy, with players craving a sense of risk or struggle that provides moment-to-moment stakes. Despite these issues, Exterminauts exhibits good foundations, and the developers are optimistic about refining the game to provide a more challenging and engaging experience upon its completion.