Archetype Entertainment, the studio founded by former BioWare veterans, has lifted the curtain once more on EXODUS, their ambitious new sci-fi RPG that channels the storytelling spirit of Mass Effect while pushing into bolder, more philosophical territory. A fresh Founders Q&A video has been released, alongside a wave of new screenshots and the announcement that the game is now open for wishlisting across all major platforms: Steam, Epic Games Store, PlayStation, and Xbox.
In the new Q&A, Studio Co-Founder and General Manager Chad Robertson joined Game Director Chris King to share fascinating insights into the creative DNA of EXODUS. 
They openly acknowledged the project’s deep roots in Mass Effect’s signature elements – branching narratives, strong emotional choices, and long-term continuity – but also highlighted newer inspirations that shape EXODUS into something distinct. Guerrilla’s Horizon series informed the elemental combat mechanics, while Metroid Prime inspired exploration, environmental puzzle-solving, and the pervasive sense of isolation that comes with venturing into the unknown reaches of space.
The developers are embracing a design philosophy that feels refreshingly logical: space travelers can’t carry entire arsenals, so their tools must serve multiple functions. Enter the Recycler – a hybrid weapon and salvaging tool that embodies this Swiss Army knife approach. It can turn scavenged scraps into ammunition and morph into new configurations, enabling players to adapt on the fly without bogging down the experience with endless resource juggling.
Combat, meanwhile, won’t force players into one mold. Archetype is crafting EXODUS around player agency, giving freedom to stealth through missions, strike with brute force, or talk their way out of danger. Some companions are stealth-oriented, while others specialize in more direct or diplomatic roles, and the customizable Aegis suits enhance those playstyles even further. The early enemies – rogue human factions and the enigmatic Celestial Constructs – serve as warm-ups for the more mysterious threats that await once players earn their spaceship and take to the stars. Chief among these dangers is the Rot, a malevolent corruption that infects both technology and nature, emerging as one of the game’s central antagonistic forces.
Side quests won’t be mere distractions. Archetype insists that every optional mission will contribute to the player’s understanding of the universe, deepen relationships with companions, and deliver meaningful progression. The protagonist, Jun Aslan, embodies the archetype of a humble origin story: an ordinary person thrust into extraordinary circumstances. Over time, Jun’s role expands, revealing their growing importance to humanity’s survival. The story is anchored around the pursuit of Ancient Remnants – powerful, mysterious artifacts that promise salvation but also tempt with moral peril. Each decision about their use will shape the outcome of Jun’s journey and, by extension, the fate of entire worlds.
The developers emphasized moral complexity as a cornerstone of EXODUS. Every choice carries emotional weight and long-term consequences. The team wants players to wrestle with their conscience, not just pick from dialogue options. As Robertson put it, “We want you to feel the burden of leadership, the cost of progress, and the loneliness of command.”
It’s been nearly a year since EXODUS first stunned audiences with its debut gameplay trailer at The Game Awards 2024, and anticipation has only grown. The studio promises further updates before the end of this year – and with whispers that it might reappear at The Game Awards once again, fans are already watching the stars, waiting for humanity’s next great sci-fi odyssey to unfold.