One of the more surprising titles set to release this summer is Capcom’sExoprimal, the PvPvE co-op shooter featuring heroes in mech suits attempting to thwart an interdimensional invasion of dinosaurs. Initial impressions of the title have been strong regarding the PvE-side of things, and Capcom recently announced that players will have the ability to completely skip the final PvP-focused phase of each mission when the game launches in July. As what can now be played as a purely PvE co-op experience and is confirmed as a day-one Game Pass title,Exoprimalhas a chance to shine on Microsoft’s service where Arkane Studios’Redfallfell short of players' expectations.
Live-service co-op titles tend to be a perfect fit for the Game Pass service and many had hoped thatRedfallwas going to be a satisfying entry into the genre and a reason to re-up their Game Pass subscription. After what can only be described as a disappointing launch amid a myriad of technical issues and a game lacking direction,Redfallstumbled out of the gate and has a long road ahead of it as a live-service title. In contrast,Exoprimalexhibits Capcom’s trademark flairfor unique action experiences and the recent open beta left players with the impression that fighting dinosaurs in mech suits is just as fun as it sounds.
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Exoprimal’s Fast-Paced Action Sets it Apart From Other Co-op Titles on Xbox Game Pass
Microsoft’sXbox Game Pass continues to validate itselfas one of the best deals in gaming. Perhaps the biggest draw to the service is its securing of quality titles at launch as well as a varied and robust library of games across dozens of genres and franchises. While Game Pass has been home to quite a few excellent co-op shooters, most of them are first-person and not centered around the co-op experience, withBack 4 BloodandRedfallbeing two notable exceptions.Exoprimal’s use of a third-person perspective immediately sets it apart from other co-op shooters in the Game Pass library, but its frantic and frenetic combat do as well.
Capcom has established a willingness to partner with Microsoft in bringing titles to Game Pass, including having the Xbox port ofMonster Hunter Riserelease on the service. TheMonster Hunterfranchise is one of the more popular co-op action titles in Capcom’s stable, butExoprimallooks to offer something much faster-pacedthan what players might experience inMonster Hunter RiseorSunbreak.For players looking to hop into fast-paced co-op action on Game Pass,Exoprimaljust may be the next killer app.
Co-op PvE Dino-hunting in Exoprimal Seems Like a Perfect Fit for Game Pass
Games centered around cooperative play are a great fit for Game Pass thanks to the low-cost barrier to entry when compared with buying a new release at retail. As one of the first AAA exclusives for the Xbox following Microsoft’s acquisition of Bethesda, many players had hoped thatRedfallwould be the next big co-op live-service title. With theplayer counts forRedfallcontinuing to declineand the title’s long road to redemption now in front of it,Exoprimaloffers what appears to be a worthwhile alternative.
Exoprimalserves as a reminder of what Game Pass is great for – trying out new titles from unknown publishers or left-field experiments from established studios that might not normally be in a player’s preferred genre. As soon asExoprimalwas revealed, many fans lamented the fact of its existence whenCapcom could have made aDino Crisisremake. However, as a unique spin on the co-op shooter formula and an attempt at a live-service game from the seasoned Capcom,Exoprimalcould find a dedicated audience thanks to launching on Microsoft’s monthly subscription service.
Exoprimalreleases June 23, 2025 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
