Gravhounds, a new third-person co-op shooter with tower-defense and extraction elements, has launched into early access on PC and consoles. Developed by Octopus Panic, a team comprising veterans from franchises like Halo and Battlefield, the game offers a blend of mechanics reminiscent of Helldivers 2 and Deep Rock Galactic, with an emphasis on physics-based gameplay and distinct playable characters.
The game challenges players to drop onto alien worlds, gather resources, and survive waves of enemies before escaping. Unlike its influences, Gravhounds keeps the action localized to a defensible mining facility and its immediate surroundings, which can be fortified with turrets. The developer recommends playing in co-op, as solo play currently struggles with balance and mission depth, leaving players overwhelmed when managing base defense and resource gathering simultaneously.
One of the most immediate and engaging aspects of Gravhounds is its roster of five playable "doggo heroes," each with unique strengths, weaknesses, and special abilities. The reviewer found the character selection process to be surprisingly time-consuming, not due to tactical considerations, but because of the dogs' appealing designs and backstories. Characters include Dozer, a tank-focused English Bulldog; Selene, an all-rounder Weimaraner; Luna, a cheerful Samoyed with a "zoomies" speed boost ability; Zane, a Dobermann with a tough exterior; and Finn, a Shiba Inu with high mobility.
While the game is still in its early stages, with balancing and mission depth needing refinement, the core shooting mechanics are described as fun and reliable. The game also features an extensive skill tree and upgradeable weapons. Gravhounds is available now on PC and Xbox Series X|S, including via Game Pass. The game is positioned as one to watch, with the potential for significant improvement as it progresses through early access.