Extraction shooters have been very popular lately, mainly because they give developers a “focused” way of not only implementing a certain kind of world, but also easily creating a gameplay loop that, hopefully, will keep gamers engaged for some time. 314 Arts is readying their jump into the genre with the newly announced NIGHTRUNNER. The title won’t drop until next year. However, the Steam game does have a public playtest that you can sign up for on the Steam page. So, if you want to help with the development and see what the team has in store for you, this is the best chance to do that. That being said, if you want to learn more now, here’s a breakdown of the game and the announcement trailer:

“Take on dangerous jobs as a NightRunner in a brutal evolution of the horde survival genre. Choose between four different Runner Kits, each shaping how you fight, scavenge, and support your crew. Explore scavenging zones to gather resources and acquire powerful loot, fighting through a ruthless world where every run is a high-risk, high-reward battle for survival.

Upgrade your Runner-Tech with permanent unlocks to dominate runs and take on more challenging jobs, infiltrating a hostile world that combines intense high-stakes extraction gameplay, brutal dungeon runs, and tactical tower defense in one relentless experience.

Defend your wagon – your mobile base of operations – and keep the rails alive in the aftermath of an apocalyptic solar event. To keep the gear you find, your train must successfully reach its destination. Defend your train from deadly mutants, carry out repairs, and engage in missions where fierce co-op combat, strategic decision-making, and a blend of roguelite and persistent progression determine whether you escape with your loot – or lose everything.”

A key part of the game isn’t so much the features, but the modes that you’ll have access to, each of which pushes you in a different direction in the world:

• Train Jobs – The signature NightRunner experience. Choose your wagon, prepare your loadout, and fight through a
  relentless world with your team. Stop at scavenging areas to find powerful weapons, gather resources, and reinforce your
  train before pushing onward to extraction.
• Transition Jobs – Board a heavily armed ship and cross mutant-infested waters without the safety of reinforcements or
  scavenging stops. Survive the voyage to unlock higher-tier jobs, tougher challenges, and greater rewards.
• Dungeons – Venture into linear dungeon levels packed with deadly enemies, unique boss encounters, and NightRunner’s
  most valuable loot. Every expedition is a true test of teamwork and skill.
• Endless – Inspired by classic survival experiences, withstand increasingly overwhelming waves of enemies while adapting
  your strategy, upgrading your arsenal, and chasing the highest score.

Will you be the next runner on a mission? Sign up for the playtest and wishlist the game on Steam if you’re up for a new challenge!