Today, we’re pumped to reveal one of the biggest evolutions to the Firewall franchise by sharing new details on Firewall Ultra’s player versus environment (PvE) game mode: Exfil (short for Exfiltration). This brand-new PvE game mode aims to challenge players in a group across every map that is available in-game to offer an unprecedented level of variety and excitement to the Firewall experience.
In this blog, we’re going to break down the new Exfil mode and why we’re so excited for everyone to check it out when Firewall Ultra launches exclusively for PlayStation VR2 on August 24.
If you missed our gameplay trailer and edition details, you can check that out here (including info on what’s included with the Digital Deluxe Edition) or head over to PlayStation Blog’s hands-on report to learn more about how the game plays.
The Firewall franchise is well-known in VR for its pulse-pounding gameplay without respawns, intense firefights across an assortment of maps, and deep customization and progression. All those pillars are carried into the new PvE Exfil mode but this time with a focus on challenging AI enemies.
What is the Exfil mode?
In Exfil, you and up to three other players will set out on missions to secure data on three laptops—which is a big change from the single laptop format in our PvP mode, Contracts. You can read more about our PvP mode here. We’ve designed each map to accommodate both PvE and PvP game modes so you’re always uncovering new pathways through levels and finding great flanking spots to take out enemies.
When you first load into a mission in Exfil, you’ll hack into one of two available access points to reveal the laptop locations and then make your plan of attack. Will you try to split up to cover more ground as a squad, or will you stick together to cover each other’s backs? Do you plan to sneak through corridors and try to remain undetected for as long as possible, or will you roll up guns blazing to wage war? The choice is yours since every level in Exfil is like a miniature playground with a wide assortment of options and possible scenarios.
Once the laptops are revealed, they will appear at spawn points from a dynamic set of locations so when you replay levels it’s not repetitive. You’ll need to be careful in this mode though, because the AI patrols are deadly.
At the start of a mission the enemy units won’t know your location, so they’ll simply be preoccupied patrolling around the map. Once you initiate a hack and start firefights, that’s when things get more intense. Reinforcements equipped with various weapons will dynamically converge on your position from around the map in unique ways to keep you on your toes.
AI enemies also have an assortment of gadgets at their disposal, similar to players, with the ability to throw out grenades, lay traps, breach rooms by kicking down doors, and even deploy C4 charges. These aren’t your run of the mill AI bots that just run into the line of fire blindly—they take cover, flank you, and react to your moves intelligently.
If you manage to hack all three laptops and secure the intel, this is when things escalate. You and your squad must make it to the Exfil zone and hunker down to survive until your evacuation completes. This is the hardest part of the match as enemies converge on your location and give you everything they’ve got. For players that manage to make it out alive, they’ll be rewarded with in-game currency (crypto) and hopefully they’ll have completed a few Black Road Dealer assignments as well—more on that later.
Firewall Ultra is designed as the kind of game you can keep coming back to again and again over time on your PS VR2 and consistently find something fresh and new to do and see. As a live service title, that means constant updates with new content such as maps, weapons, and contractors, as well as redesigns for locations like the shooting range and safehouse lobby environment. We want this to feel like a living, breathing world that evolves over time. Just like the world of Firewall Ultra is five years into the future from the previous Firewall title (Firewall Zero Hour), as time goes on, Firewall Ultra itself will also see changes.
The wait is almost over since Firewall Ultra launches exclusively for PS VR2 on August 24, 2023 at $39.99 (USD) for the Standard Edition and $59.99 (USD) for the Digital Deluxe Edition. Pre-orders are live now so you can be ready to dive into the all-new PvE Exfil mode to put your skills to the test or squad up for 4v4 PvP matches.
PlayStation 5 and PlayStation VR2 required to play. PS VR2 is not for use by children under age 12. Internet connection & PS Plus membership required for online play. PS Plus is subject to a recurring subscription fee taken automatically until cancellation. Full terms: play.st/psplus-usageterms.
