PvPvE Games: Explaining Capcom's New Exoprimal!

PvPvE Games: Explaining Capcom's New Exoprimal!
Filip Galekovic

By: Filip Galekovic

April 4, 2023

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PvPvE games add an extra layer of complexity with players not only competing against one another but also facing computer-controlled elements. Exoprimal is an incredible example of an awesomely fun new PvPvE game you'll want to get your hands on! But first, let us explain what this survival game is all about. .

For a long while, it felt like the AAA section of the gaming industry had hyper-streamlined itself to the point where it couldn't surprise anyone. High-profile multiplayer blockbusters, intense FPS titles, and atmospheric third-person adventures were the bees' knees for a bit there, but that did end up leading us into a situation where explaining Exoprimal is a necessity, too.

You see, Exoprimal is an all-new online PvPvE third-person action game from Capcom! The team behind Monster HunterResident Evil, and a wide variety of other awesome titles. Just a little while ago, we celebrated Capcom's release of the long-awaited remake of Resident Evil 4. Of course, it was a hoot! Now that it's come and gone and we know it's a must-play, though, it's time to turn our sights onto Capcom's next big thing: Exoprimal.

READ MORE: Resident Evil 4 is Awesome on PC!

PvPvE Games: Exoprimal


To start with the basics, Exoprimal isn't entirely unique, it's worth pointing out. That's not a bad thing, mind, as it gives us better insight into what Capcom may be trying to accomplish! As we previously established, this is a PvE game with big PvP elements, making it a comprehensive PvPvE endeavor that's somewhat similar to Destiny 2's Gambit multiplayer mode.

Obvious comparisons can also be drawn to Anthem (EA rest its soul), too, but the most pertinent of them all is the parallel with Digital Extremes' Warframe, we think. Over the years, Warframe has become a bit of a niche institution, and it was only a matter of time before a big AAA company tried its hand at something similar. Exoprimal, with its mecha-wearing heroes that gun down hordes of magical dinosaurs, fits the bill rather well.

Pre-order Exoprimal via 2Game and get a sweet early bird discount!

Explaining Exoprimal

While some may disagree, the editorial team here at 2Game thinks it's good that some games aren't an open book. Not long ago, we took some time to present the hard facts about Arkane Studios' Redfall, too, as it's gotten misunderstood as time and marketing cycles have come and gone.

Exoprimal is, in comparison, far more bombastic than a nuanced stealth shooter could ever hope to be. Look, we won't dawdle: this is a game about gunning down hundreds upon hundreds upon hundreds of dinosaurs in a given match, while other hunters are online trying to do the same thing. That's the core of it, and the most important bit you need to know. Everything else comes in service of this one gameplay loop. And hey, who are we to complain?

The tricky part comes from Exoprimal's implementation of PvP. Here, you compete against other players in an opposing team until the final third of the match, where all players all pitted against one another to see who comes out on top. The open beta was fun, going against other players online, but we'll need to see how the PvP portion of the combat system pans out in the long run.

Exosuits, Exoguns, Exosaurs, Exo-Everythings...

Explaining Exoprimal: Article Pic 1

Exosuits are awesome, there are no two ways of going about that. In fact, those who spent any amount of time in Bioware and EA's Anthem will recall just how phenomenally customizable each rig was, and how fun it was to fiddle around with its systems. Capcom is leaning into something similar with Exoprimal, too, as customization will be a big consideration here.

Featuring 10 unique Exosuits, each falling into one of the three combat archetypes (Assault, Tank, or Support), there's a big roster available by default. Each of these items will be tweakable along the way, however, opening up the path for unprecedented player expression.

And, since this is a multiplayer experience, customizations will matter a great deal. Hordes of evil dinosaurs wait for no man, but they may well slow down if you bedazzled them just right, eh?

Dino Survival is Exoprimal's Core Gameplay Mode

Though Capcom promises that there will be a narrative progression of some sort tied to Exoprimal, there's no campaign to speak of. Instead, everything is conveyed through the core Dino Survival game mode. Dino Survival is the special PvPvE feature we've been talking about, where the mysterious Leviathan AI keeps pitting Exofighters against one dinosaur outbreak after another. Each match the players jump into is, essentially, a war game where you have to kill as many dinosaurs as possible. Though Capcom's been slim on details as to what the Leviathan's goals may or may not be.

Whatever the case may be, it's important to drive home the fact that Exoprimal has no major single-player elements to speak of. Instead, it's a dedicated multiplayer experience with PvE game elements. Think of it as an always-online Monster Hunter on steroids. That's kinda what it is.

In any case, Dino Survival pits two teams of five players against one another. The majority of a given match consists of a race: teams need to kill as many dinosaurs as quickly as possible. The trick, however, is that these matches are randomized. Some objectives may have the two teams work together to take down a powerful raid boss. Others, however, may task them with sabotaging the other team. This keeps the flow of the match engaging and interesting, as you never really know what's coming up next.

Remind You of Dino Crisis?

Explaining Exoprimal: Article Pic 3

Does every time-traveling game with hyper-aggressive dinosaurs from Capcom remind you of Dino Crisis? All cheekiness aside, it's hard to imagine that Capcom didn't know what it was doing with Exoprimal. Focusing on a dedicated multiplayer experience is novel, however. Especially for Capcom.

Now, we don't know what the end goal is for Exoprimal. Capcom may be looking to establish a new live-service blockbuster, indeed. Alternatively, Exoprimal may be the company's way of kickstarting a new squad-based IP with dinosaurs in it. Or, heck, even the first step towards a full-fledged revival of the revered Dino Crisis itself. We don't know at this point!

What we do know, however, is what we outlined above. That this is a customization-heavy multiplayer PvPvE experience where you wear an awesome mech suit and gun down dinosaurs. That is what it all boils down to. Note that this is not a free-to-play game. In other words, it won't fall victim to the usual trappings of the F2P niche. Capcom, too, has a solid track record as of late, so we've got high hopes for this project! The early previews have been a good sign so far.

We've got plenty more coverage planned for Exoprimal in the coming weeks and months. The game is due to launch on July 14, 2023, so you're going to want to stay tuned!

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