Launching a live service game in today’s competitive landscape presents unique challenges, particularly within the crowded first-person shooter and military simulation genres. Standing out amidst a sea of options requires not only innovation but also a compelling hook to engage players. Unfortunately, Exfil debuted to ‘mixed’ reviews on Steam at the end of 2024 and has struggled to regain traction since its initial release.
Recent Developments
Despite a lukewarm reception, Exfil is making a concerted effort to win back its audience with a significant free trial and a comprehensive update that aims to transform the gaming experience. Following a free weekend in early 2025 that attracted a surge of players, the game has since seen a decline, with peak concurrent players dropping to double digits in recent months, as reported by SteamDB. Factors contributing to this downturn may include a lack of polish and the use of generative AI for in-game elements such as radio messages, icons, and sound effects.
In a bold move, the developers at Tiny Leviathan have announced a generous free trial period running from Monday, December 22, to Wednesday, December 31. This extended trial period replaces the traditional free weekend, allowing players a full week to explore the game. Accompanying this initiative is a substantial update designed to revitalize the gameplay experience.
The update is so extensive that players are encouraged to delete their previous settings before diving back in. According to the patch notes on Steam, Exfil now features:
- Two new maps: Stone Dragon and Malverde Cartel
- Eleven new weapons
- Nine new attachments
- Eight new gadgets
- Enhanced mechanics typical of FPS games, such as weapon mounting, breath control for shot steadiness, and flinching upon being hit
- Reworked ballistics and improved audio and visual effects for weapons
The standout addition is the ability to call in helicopter support, which promises to add a new layer of strategy to gameplay. Additionally, enhancements to enemy AI in PvPvE modes are expected to significantly enrich the player experience. AI adversaries are now equipped with grenades and exhibit smarter pathing and improved logic, fostering a more immersive combat environment.
Furthermore, the update introduces several accessibility features, including a field of view (FOV) slider and colorblind modes, ensuring a more inclusive gaming experience for all players.
Exfil is available for free on Steam until December 31, and it is currently offered at a 30% discount until January 5, bringing the price down to .99 / £11.72 for those who enjoy their experience. Players should note that Exfil remains in early access, which means it may not yet be fully polished. However, there’s no better time to explore a game that is actively evolving and experimenting with new ideas than while it’s free.
