Off The Grid (OTG), an innovative blend of the battle royale and extraction shooter genres, has officially launched in Early Access on PC (Epic Games Store), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X. This release invites players to experience their groundbreaking new mode called Extraction Royale. Notably, the Xbox version is reserved for members of the Xbox Insider Program, a community of early adopters who provide feedback on games being developed.
Introduction to Extraction Royale
The core of Off The Grid is its Extraction Royale (XR) mode, which combines fast-paced player-versus-player (PvP) combat with strategic extraction elements. Unlike traditional battle royales where victory hinges on survival, Extraction Royale tasks players with not only defeating opponents but also securing valuable in-game resources known as Hexes. These Hexes can be extracted during the match, giving players a significant advantage through rare, high-value loot.
At launch, the game supports Trios (three-player teams) with a global server infrastructure designed to ensure smooth gameplay across regions. Additional modes, including Solo and Duo queues, are planned for upcoming updates. The unpredictable nature of Teardrop Island’s battlefield requires players to make quick decisions, balancing combat with the strategic collection and extraction of resources.
Customization and Real-Time Modifications
One of the standout features of Off The Grid is its extensive real-time customization options. During a match, players can upgrade their characters with CyberLimbs, cybernetic enhancements that provide a range of combat advantages. Whether increasing firepower with weaponized arms or enhancing mobility with upgraded legs, these customizations allow players to adapt their strategy on the fly. The flexibility in character modification encourages dynamic gameplay, where players can respond to evolving match conditions.
Additionally, Off The Grid offers a wide array of weapons and tactical abilities, with hundreds of possible combinations. Players can modify their arsenal to suit different combat styles, whether they prefer long-range engagements, close-quarters combat, or setting strategic traps. Tactical abilities can be swapped mid-match, offering further customization and adding another layer of strategy to each encounter.
Player-Owned Economy and Web 3.0 Integration
A distinctive feature of Off The Grid is its partially player-owned economy, enabled through blockchain technology. Players can own, trade, and manage in-game assets such as weapons, cosmetics, crates, and even cryptocurrency outside of the game environment. These transactions are secured and recorded via smart contracts on the Avalanche blockchain’s GUNZ subnet, ensuring verifiable ownership of digital assets.
The game’s in-game economy is driven by its cryptocurrency, $GUN, which serves as the primary medium of exchange for non-fungible token (NFT) assets within the game and across other GUNZ-supported titles. In addition to purchasing and trading assets, players can earn $GUN as a reward for in-game performance, further incentivizing engagement with the player-owned economy.
The Cyberpunk World of Teardrop Island
Off The Grid takes place on Teardrop Island, a cyberpunk setting rife with corporate greed and cutthroat competition. Once a thriving island, Teardrop has become a dangerous battleground where players fight not only for survival but for domination. The island’s dilapidated cities, abandoned resorts, and hidden corporate facilities serve as the backdrop for the game’s intense combat scenarios.
The island’s fractured history gradually unfolds as players progress, uncovering the dark consequences of corporate power. In Off The Grid, survival alone is not enough—players are encouraged to dominate the battlefield by leveraging the island’s geography, resources, and their own tactical acumen.
Early Access: Shaping the Future of Off The Grid
The Early Access launch marks a critical stage in the development of Off The Grid. While the core gameplay is complete, this is only the beginning. Developers will be introducing new locations, weapons, and game modes over time, with regular updates planned. Player feedback during this Early Access phase will be vital in shaping the game’s future development.
As an Early Access player, individuals are encouraged to contribute to the game’s evolution by providing insights on what works, what needs improvement, and what additional features they would like to see. This collaborative development approach ensures that Off The Grid grows in response to its community, making players a crucial part of the game’s ongoing development.
Source:
Off The Grid Blog: https://gameoffthegrid.com/early-access/