I played on PC, mostly solo.
First, this is an extraction shooter but it borrows mechanics from other games too. For example, bolt from STALKER to discharge anomalies? It's here. There’s also a shrinking zone at the end of matches and it's a great way to push players toward the center when time runs out. QoL features you'd expect (but often miss) in this genre are present: simplified healing, improved inventory interaction, easier to navigate UI, and an interactive map.
Players familiar with Hunt: Showdown, Arena Breakout Infinite, or Escape from Tarkov will feel more at home than genre newcomers. But one thing: if you’re used to PvE being a minor threat in those games: forget that.
Monsters in Active Matter are fast, dangerous, and powerful. You can’t just rush through blindly. Before entering a building occupied by enemies, think twice. The early maps are small and densely packed with threats. I quickly learned to use the environment strategically. If an enemy squad is near a Flowermen nest, my gunfire not only kills 1-2 squad members but also might trigger the monsters, sending them charging at whoever’s closest. Using the surroundings to create chaos for enemies and often getting caught in it yourself is part of the core gameplay loop.
But players aren’t defenseless. The arsenal is solid. Shotguns and flamethrowers are your best friends against fast, aggressive monsters. Rifles, SMGs, pistols: the usual setup. They are customizable (sights, suppressors, stocks).
There’s also melee weapons, from basic knives to tactical spears (must have). Surprisingly, many common loot items like screwdrivers, wrenches, or large flashlights (which also can be used as flashlights!) can be used as weapons, which was a pleasant surprise.
Currently, there are no different ammo types for the same caliber, but I think they’re in the works. It doesn’t ruin the game, but fans of extraction shooters usually love ammo variety.
I played with friends a few times and it’s a unique experience, different from other games in the genre. With a team, PvE feels less intimidating, so you can focus more on player encounters. Due to map design (many buildings have wall-walking anomalies), firefights become dynamic and vertical. And here’s something I rarely see in shooters: zero campers. No one hiding in bushes waiting passively. No one locking down in corners during fights. Maybe it’s because the game just launched, or because monster pressure forces action but I love it. No camping.
The economy, usually a pain point in this genre is well-balanced. Players who lose gear can easily earn back basic equipment. Recycling loot “enriched” by active matter is a quick way to make cash. Crafting recipes unlock over time, costing only one resource: your time.
There’s also a dedicated PvP mode with pre-loaded loadouts, perfect for pure gunplay or practicing aim.
Other cool features: robot dogs that carry loot, fpv-drones that can drop grenades, portals connecting map areas, and rare items that turn you into a monster hunting players.
But there are downsides:
– PvE difficulty, especially in solo play. Until you adapt, monsters may feel overwhelming. Bring 6-8 mags instead of 2-3, you won’t always have time to reload under pressure.
– Customization depth: not as deep as EFT or AB:I. Weapon modding options are still limited.
– No ammo variety yet: no fmj or ap or hollowpoint rounds. But likely coming.
– Early Access stage: bugs exist, though devs fix them quickly. I had a visual glitch (pink texture on shoulder during camera turns), but it was patched soon after.
– Currently the game is not on steam. You can play Active Matter only if you buy it from their site.
Might’ve missed something, but overall, Active Matter feels like a solid, promising evolution of the extraction shooter genre.
And about microtransactions: there are none. Maybe cosmetic weapon skins will come far in the future? I am alright with spear skin for example, but no pay2win bs.
The classic “pouch container” frustration? It’s solved, now it is a consumable.. Use one per life, pick size, or dont even take it.
TL;DR: First impressions of Active Matter are positive. A strong foundation with huge potential for the genre.