Active Matter Review (Xbox Series X|S)

Extraction shooters have become increasingly common over the last few years, but Active Matter attempts to stand out from the crowd by blending hardcore military combat with supernatural anomalies, cosmic horror, and a fractured multiverse setting. Developed by Matter Team and published by Gaijin Entertainment, the game drops players into a dangerous cycle of raids where death is inevitable, loot is precious, and reality itself can't be trusted.

At first glance, Active Matter looks like another attempt to challenge genre heavyweights such as Escape from Tarkov, but it quickly establishes its own identity through its bizarre sci-fi world and constant feeling of unease. The result is an experience that can be both thrilling and frustrating, depending on your tolerance for high-stakes multiplayer games.

The premise revolves around an operative trapped in a time loop, repeatedly returning from death to venture into quantum-unstable zones in search of the mysterious substance known as Active Matter. These regions are filled with valuable resources, hostile creatures, dangerous anomalies, and rival players all battling for survival and profit.

Rather than relying on extensive storytelling, the narrative is delivered through its setting and atmosphere. There's a constant sense that reality is breaking apart. Strange creatures roam abandoned locations, gravity bends in unexpected directions, and objects from alternate timelines appear where they don't belong. It's an intriguing backdrop that gives every deployment a feeling of tension and unpredictability.

The biggest strength of Active Matter is its gameplay loop. You enter a raid, gather resources, complete objectives, avoid dangers, and hopefully extract before disaster strikes. Every successful extraction feels meaningful because failure can be costly.

Combat leans toward realism, with weapons inspired by modern military hardware and firefights that reward patience, positioning, and situational awareness. Charging headfirst into battle is usually a quick ticket back to the respawn screen. The game encourages slower, more methodical play where every bullet fired and every risk taken has consequences.

What elevates the experience beyond familiar extraction-shooter territory are the anomalies scattered throughout each map. Gravitational distortions, bizarre environmental hazards, and SCP-inspired phenomena transform the battlefield into something far more unpredictable than a standard military shooter. One moment you're carefully looting a building, and the next you're dealing with a reality-bending threat that completely changes the encounter.

The mix of PvE enemies and human opponents also works well. AI monsters provide constant pressure, ensuring raids never feel empty, while the possibility of running into another squad creates tension throughout every match. Outside of raids, players expand their syndicate base, improve equipment, upgrade their arsenal, and prepare for future excursions. The progression systems provide a steady stream of goals that make successful extractions feel worthwhile.

There's a satisfying sense of growth as your resources accumulate and your options expand. New gear, improved loadouts, and better preparation gradually increase your chances of surviving harsher environments. Hardcore shooter veterans will appreciate the long-term investment, though new players may find the learning curve intimidating.

Active Matter isn't necessarily trying to compete with the most visually extravagant AAA releases, but it excels in atmosphere. The quantum-instability concept allows the developers to create environments that feel genuinely unsettling. Strange lighting, broken landscapes, and supernatural phenomena create a unique visual identity that helps separate the game from more grounded military shooters.

The audio design deserves praise as well. Every distant gunshot raises your pulse, while the eerie environmental effects help maintain a constant feeling of uncertainty. The atmosphere frequently succeeds in making you feel vulnerable, which is exactly what a game like this needs.

While Active Matter excels at building tension and rewarding careful play, it can be a difficult game to recommend universally. The hardcore nature of the experience means newcomers may struggle with its steep learning curve and unforgiving penalties. Losing valuable loot after a difficult raid can be demoralising, particularly during the early hours.

The slower pace may also disappoint players expecting a fast-moving arcade shooter. Patience, planning, and risk management are core parts of the experience, and those who prefer instant action may find the process tedious. However, for players seeking a more methodical and immersive multiplayer shooter, these same qualities become some of the game's greatest strengths.

Pros

• Unique blend of military realism and cosmic horror

• Tense, rewarding extraction gameplay

• Excellent atmosphere and environmental design

• Meaningful progression systems

• Strong sense of risk versus reward

Cons

• Steep learning curve for newcomers

• Punishing deaths can be frustrating

• Slower pace won't suit every player

• Best enjoyed with a dedicated group of friends

Active Matter successfully carves out its own space within the crowded extraction-shooter genre by combining realistic gunplay with bizarre supernatural concepts and a fascinating multiverse setting. The tense raids, rewarding progression, and unpredictable anomalies create memorable moments that few competitors can replicate. It's undoubtedly a niche experience, and its unforgiving design won't appeal to everyone, but those willing to embrace its challenging systems will discover one of the more distinctive online shooters available on Xbox.

XPN Rating: 4 out of 5 (GOLD)

Active Matter is out now!