A new Mass Effect-like game is coming in 2027 called Exodus, and it just unveiled an Octopus companion. Unique sci-fi title Exodus brings together veteran developers from BioWare and will feature a new world in the far future after humanity has abandoned Earth in favor of the stars.
Gamers have been left waiting a long time for movement on a new Mass Effect game, with the last full-fledged new game arriving in 2017 with Mass Effect: Andromeda‘s release. A fifth main entry was teased way back in 2020 as being in development, but not much has been said or shown over the last several years, leaving fans worried. While the fate of the Mass Effect franchise in the wake of EA’s acquisition remains to be seen, Exodus may help to scratch the itch for those who are ready for more sci-fi space adventures.
Exodus Unveils New Octopus Companion
At Gamescom 2026, gamers got another look at Exodus via a trailer, which also highlighted a companion players will have in the game. That particular companion is Salt, a sentient octopus who can pilot a mech suit to accompany the player when they are fighting on the field. Unlike some takes on aquatic life evolving to become more humanoid, like Splatoon‘s Inklings and Octolings, Salt looks like a normal octopus, and appears to dwell in an aquarium tank when she’s not in battle. However, as an Awakened, Exodus‘ term for animal life that’s become sentient, Salt can communicate with her teammates, and has a particularly brusque attitude while doing so.
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In the new trailer, Salt and Jun Aslan, the main playable character of the game, have some conversations regarding their partnership and her identity. Salt is a bounty hunter, and has a strict attitude regarding only being there for the sake of payment. When Jun tries to socialize and learn more about her, he’s largely shut down, as Salt seems to be an all-business type of character. She can also be seen in action, piloting a mech suit that’s similar to some already seen in prior teasers, but has octopus customizations, like tentacle arms and a tank that she floats inside of while piloting it. She can use ink as smoke screens, and specializes in long-range sniping and evasion.
Exodus was initially revealed at the end of 2023 during The Game Awards, where it was revealed that Matthew McConaughey would be featured in the game as C.C. Orlev, a mentor of Jun’s. The game is being developed by Archetype Entertainment, and will be its first game release. The studio was founded by BioWare veterans like James Ohlen, who worked on classics like Neverwinter Nights, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, and the original Baldur’s Gate, though he has since stepped down due to burnout. Chad Robertson and Drew Karpyshyn, who worked on Star Wars: The Old Republic and Mass Effect respectively, are also on the team, while the director, Chris King, is known for working on Halo 4. Although the game has yet to release, it’s already seen its universe fleshed out by sci-fi author Peter F. Hamilton. Given the team members and their prior projects and accolades, many gamers have high hopes for Exodus.
It remains to be seen if Exodus can really fill the void that’s been left by a lack of new Mass Effect entries over the last decade or so. However, gamers won’t have to wait too much longer to see if it lives up to the hype, as Exodus now has a release date of April 7, 2027.
- Released
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April 7, 2027
- Developer(s)
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Archetype Entertainment
- Publisher(s)
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Wizards of the Coast
- Number of Players
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Single-player
- Steam Deck Compatibility
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Unknown
