Archetype Entertainment has finally put a release date on its sci-fi action RPG EXODUS. The game will launch worldwide on April 7, 2027, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Steam and the Epic Games Store. The announcement came during Gamescom Opening Night Live, where the studio also showed a new cinematic gameplay trailer. The trailer puts the spotlight on Salt, an Awakened octopus who works as a mercenary and bounty hunter. She joins protagonist Jun during the journey and, unsurprisingly, brings some interesting combat abilities to the party.

As described and showcased by the developer, Salt operates a specialized combat mech and focuses on long-range attacks, evasive movement and ink-like smokescreens that can confuse and disorient enemies. She is essentially the game's sniper and support-by-distraction character, although the trailer suggests there is more to her relationship with Jun than simply covering her from a distance. Salt isn't the only companion joining Jun. Emrys, a member of the mysterious Deva species, will also take part in the action.

The Deva are described as a Celestial species made up of multiple consciousnesses, and Emrys brings a more traditional support role to the battlefield. Emrys can launch Remnant Orbs that drain and weaken enemies, with the stolen energy then being transferred back to Jun as protection. EXODUS has been in development for several years and is being built as a story-driven sci-fi RPG with a large universe to explore. Archetype Entertainment, founded by veterans from studios behind games such as Mass Effect and Baldur's Gate, is clearly betting on companions and narrative choices as much as the shooting. There is still a fairly long wait ahead, but at least we now have a firm date set for April 7, 2027.