Humanity has lost Earth, the cities are in ruins, and the few people still alive have spent years hiding underground. Now somebody has decided it’s time to fight back. The plan involves sending three enormous combat mechs to the surface, each controlled by the digitized personality of a fallen soldier. Waiting for them is an army of alien creatures that can learn from their mistakes and change tactics. It’s a fairly ambitious rescue mission for a squad of three, especially when the enemy already controls the entire planet.
Exodus Core is a turn-based tactical roguelite from Osis Studio launching into Steam Early Access today. Set on a devastated future Earth, it puts you in command of Project EXODUS, humanity’s attempt to reclaim the surface from an alien force known as the Swarm. You’ll lead three specialized mechs into battle, customize their weapons and armor, and face enemies that adapt to your decisions. With a nine-mission campaign, a base to develop, and permanent upgrades to unlock, there’s quite a bit riding on your ability to keep three very expensive machines in one piece.
Three Mechs Against an Entire Alien Army
Every battle in Exodus Core takes place on a tactical grid, where you’ll need to position your mechs and choose their attacks carefully. The Swarm has the advantage in numbers, so charging straight toward the nearest enemy isn’t necessarily going to end well.
Your squad consists of three mechs with different combat roles. Heavy assault units can take the fight directly to the enemy, while mobile artillery platforms offer ways to attack from a distance. You’ll need to consider how these machines support one another, especially when several enemies are approaching from different directions.
Both melee and ranged attacks are available, giving you options when deciding how to handle each encounter. A powerful attack might eliminate an immediate threat, but moving into the wrong position could leave one of your machines exposed when the enemy takes its turn.
The Swarm Has Been Doing Its Homework
The creatures occupying Earth aren’t simply waiting around to be destroyed. According to the developer, the Swarm analyzes your actions and adapts its tactics, meaning you’ll need to reconsider your approach as encounters develop.
The Early Access campaign features seven enemy types, alongside a final boss called the alpha OPHIRAX. Each new threat gives you another reason to think about how your squad is equipped and whether your current strategy is working. You could build a team designed to deal heavy damage at close range, only to encounter enemies that make approaching them a dangerous idea. Alternatively, relying too heavily on ranged attacks might create problems when the Swarm closes the distance.
With enemies capable of changing their behavior, repeatedly using the same tactics may not be enough to carry you through the campaign.
Humanity’s Last Hope Could Use Some Better Equipment
Between missions, you’ll return to your base to repair damaged mechs, improve equipment, and prepare for the next deployment. There are 14 weapons, six hulls, and nine backpacks available in the initial Early Access version, providing different ways to modify your machines. You can reinforce armor, change weapons, and adjust your squad to handle the threats waiting ahead.
The base also includes a Data Center containing approximately 30 protocols that can be unlocked as you progress. Defeat doesn’t erase everything you’ve achieved. Although your squad suffers a setback when a mission fails, pilot experience and unlocked protocols carry over, giving future attempts a better chance of success.
Nine Missions to Reclaim a Planet
The Early Access version includes nine missions spread across four sectors, taking players from their first deployment through to the final confrontation with OPHIRAX.
Osis Studio expects Early Access to last around nine to twelve months, with plans to expand the campaign to approximately 35 missions. Future updates are also intended to introduce additional enemies, bosses, weapons, mech modules, and a campaign map where players can choose their route.
Exodus Core launches into Early Access today for Windows, with a free demo covering the beginning of the campaign. The developer has also disclosed that some character portraits, interface icons, music, and translations use generative AI, although the 3D models and sound effects do not.
For fans of challenging tactical games who enjoy customizing their units and learning from failed attempts, this could be an interesting battle to take on.