Exterminauts Isn't Just a Helldivers Clone—Here's How It Stands Out

Ever watch a trailer and think, "Wait, is that Helldivers 2?" If you caught a glimpse of Exterminauts during Gamescom, you might've done a double-take. Both are co-op PvE shooters with big guns and even bigger bugs. But the folks at Behaviour Interactive are quick to point out that their game is more than just a Helldivers wannabe.

Creative director Vincent Regimbart chatted with GameSpot at Gamescom and didn't shy away from the elephant in the room. He acknowledged the similarities, but he also laid out some key differences that set Exterminauts apart. And it all starts with the vibe.

"Our game is not war: It's work," Regimbart said. "It's a workplace that fights back. So there's a thematic difference that we don't want it kind of, to be too heavy on the player--to make it feel like everything is ominous and dire. You're just here to do your 9-5 and get back out."

That's a refreshing take. Instead of saving the galaxy from total annihilation, you're just punching in for a shift at an extermination company that happens to involve alien critters. It's less 'epic space opera' and more 'office comedy with guns.' That lighter tone could be just what the genre needs.

But it's not just about the mood. Regimbart also revealed that the team felt they could improve on some of Helldivers' mechanics, especially the progression system. "There are mods to your weapons, there are passives, there are a lot of upgrades, and there are a lot of different paths that you can take with a particular build. So we're putting a lot more emphasis on that."

So if you're a player who loves tinkering with loadouts and crafting the perfect build, Exterminauts might have your name written all over it. The deeper customization could give it an edge over its intergalactic rival.

Of course, we've only seen a snippet of what Exterminauts has to offer. For a deeper dive, you can check out our full Gamescom preview, and we've also got the scoop on how its season pass is respecting dedicated players. The game is slated for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC in 2027.

So, will you be picking this up when it drops? Or are you sticking with Helldivers? Let us know in the comments!