RIFTSTORM Launches into Early Access: Co-op Extraction Shooter in the Mythic Protocol Universe

After approximately five years of development, it's finally here: RIFTSTORM from Confiction Labs officially launches into Early Access on Steam. This co-op PvE extraction game is set in the so-called Mythic Protocol Universe and sends players into dangerous missions as "Weavers" against mythical threats. As is common with Early Access titles, further refinement of content and balance in the coming months will heavily depend on community feedback before a full 1.0 release might eventually follow.

What RIFTSTORM Offers at Early Access Launch

• Five playable Weaver characters: Rook, Starling, Hertz, Botsy, and Caracal, each with their own abilities and playstyles
• Around 30 starting weapons for various combat tactics
• Solo mode or co-op missions in a 3-person squad
• A progression system centered around "Periapts," which can be used to permanently improve gear and abilities
• Roguelite elements that make each run feel different

Why the Launch Timing is No Coincidence

Extraction shooters are currently experiencing a real heyday: from genre veterans to new indie productions, numerous titles are currently vying for the same target audience that enjoys risky co-op missions with real loss potential. The fact that Confiction Labs took five years for RIFTSTORM suggests that this wasn't just meant to be a quick trend-chaser, but an independent setting with mythological ties. From our perspective, the combination of fixed characters with individual abilities and the Periapt progression system is particularly interesting – it sometimes resembles hero shooter mechanics, coupled with the thrill of classic extraction titles. Whether the gameplay holds up remains to be seen in Early Access, as refinement of balance and content scope is, from experience, crucial for long-term success in this genre. Precisely because the extraction genre is now catered to by both large and small studios, RIFTSTORM will likely need to distinguish itself primarily through its character system and mythology setting to build a lasting player base.

Source: PR Hound, Games Press

Are you eager to dive into the Riftstorm as a Weaver? Tell us in the comments which character interests you the most!