Plague Keepers: Co-op Extraction Shooter Revealed by X1 Games

Ever wondered what it'd be like to squad up with friends in a world where a deadly disease has turned everything upside down, and the fog is your worst enemy? X1 Games just announced Plague Keepers, a new co-op PvE extraction shooter that's all about surviving in a disease-ravaged world. But here's the twist: the monsters aren't the only thing you'll need to worry about.

If you're familiar with X1 Games, you might know them for their psychological cosmic horror game, Emotionless: The Last Ticket. That was a very different beast, so it's interesting to see the studio pivoting to something more action-oriented. Plague Keepers is still shrouded in mystery, but we do know it's an extraction shooter, which means you'll be diving into dangerous zones, grabbing loot, and trying to make it out alive. The co-op PvE angle suggests you'll be teaming up with other players to take on AI-controlled threats rather than fighting each other.

The setting is a world ravaged by disease, so expect a grim atmosphere. And the fog? It changes everything. We don't have all the details yet, but it sounds like the fog will play a major role in how you approach each run, maybe obscuring vision, hiding enemies, or altering the environment in unpredictable ways. Surviving the monsters is only part of the problem, which hints that the disease itself or other environmental hazards will keep you on your toes.

Extraction shooters have become incredibly popular lately, with games like Escape from Tarkov and Hunt: Showdown leading the charge. Plague Keepers seems to be carving its own niche by focusing on PvE co-op and a unique fog mechanic. If you're a fan of tense, team-based shooters where every decision counts, this could be one to watch.

Unfortunately, that's about all we know for now. X1 Games hasn't shared a release date, platforms, or gameplay footage yet. But given the studio's background in horror, we can probably expect a creepy, atmospheric experience. The shift from psychological horror to extraction shooter is a big leap, but it's not unheard of—studios often like to stretch their creative muscles.

We'll be keeping an eye out for more details on Plague Keepers as they emerge. In the meantime, what do you think? Are you excited to see X1 Games try their hand at a co-op extraction shooter? Or are you hoping they'll return to their horror roots? Let us know in the comments!