In Archetype Entertainment's upcoming sci-fi RPG, Exodus, players will be able to pursue romantic relationships with several of their party members. However, one notable exception will be Salt, a genetically enhanced octopus companion.

Salt has garnered significant attention following her appearance in the game's release date trailer. She is an Awakened, a being whose consciousness has been amplified through advanced technology and genetic engineering. To navigate the galaxy, Salt inhabits a specialized mech suit, as she cannot survive long outside of aquatic environments.

Despite being one of six combat companions available to the player, Salt is off-limits for romance. Narrative director Drew Karpyshyn stated in an interview with Polygon that Salt finds humans unappealing, noting her perceived aversion to their physiology. "Salt just thinks humans are gross," Karpyshyn said. "It’s, like, ‘They have four legs? That’s weird. That’s not enough legs. Yeah, no, not enough.’"

Beyond Salt, players can pursue relationships with "many" of the other companions. The game features a diverse cast, including Tom Vargas, an interstellar explorer; Elise Charroux, a mercenary from the past; Phaedra Nath, an archaeologist who utilizes drones; Suliman, a wealthy Traveler; and Emrys, a post-human Celestial. These characters inhabit a world set 40,000 years in the future.

Karpyshyn emphasized that Exodus's romances are not gender-locked, a departure from some previous narrative RPGs where romantic options were restricted based on the player character's gender. In Exodus, players must actively build affinity with companions through dialogue choices and actions throughout the game. The game incorporates a morality system, tracking actions that lean towards kindness (Paladin rating) or more self-serving behavior (Immortal rating), which influences companion relationships.

"You’re not gonna accidentally get into a romance," Karpyshyn explained. "Unless you’re trying." Players will also face consequences for their romantic pursuits, with the possibility of permanently closing off other relationship options. The developers aim for these relationships to feel authentic, presenting players with difficult choices and emotionally resonant moments.

Exodus is scheduled for release on April 7, 2027, for PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X/S.