Extraction shooter Hawked is launching in to Early Access on PC at the end of the month following a successful PC and PlayStation open beta back in August.
Andy Duthie, executive producer for Hawked explained why the game will be going in to Early Access:
‘With Hawked we want to have an open and interactive development process that puts community feedback in a central position. After the positive feedback and excellent results of our Open Beta, we feel that Early Access is an important stepping stone in our road towards launch. We want to keep building towards making Hawked  the most fun and approachable extraction-shooter on the market as we make our way to a full release, and having our players be part of this journey is making it an absolute joy”
Early Access players can join the ‘Renegade Rally’ campaign and win prizes including a a lifetime supply of premium in-game currency. All players will get a free 7-day GRAIL+ premium account along with other rewards they pick up. Here’s more about the game:
“On a faraway island, reptilian invaders known only as Disciples search for relics of terrible power. Commence the ultimate treasure hunt as a Renegade — squad up and fight fire with fire by stealing, extracting, and escaping with the Disciples’ Artifacts! Work smarter, not harder! Solve puzzles, dodge deadly traps, find Glyphs to unlock the Treasury, and hone your treasure-hunting skills to score the best loot.”
Customize Renegades
HAWKED offers deep character customization. With a huge suite of apparel pieces, hairstyles and colors to visually customize their characters, players can mix-and-match Artifacts, gear, and boosters to create their ultimate treasure hunter and attune their gameplay to their preferred style.
Gear UpÂ
Artifacts can be equipped once found on the island. They offer passive bonuses such as the ability to turn into a bush when crouching or offering a sixth sense for nearby enemies. HAWKED currently has 21 types of Artifacts. Players can combine three at the same time, and all Artifacts can be found and upgraded in multiple levels of rarity.
Players can use them along with 14 types of gears such as boomerangs, deployable covers, a scouting falcon, and more, offering a wide range of customization options and gameplay styles. Gears and Artifacts are upgraded using currency gathered from selling and/or dismantling treasure on the Riftwake, the game’s social space. From sneaky assassins, to team focussed support, in HAWKED players can take their ideal Renegade onto the island.
A Dynamic Island
Players must explore X-Isle, a recently discovered treasure trove filled with loot. However, the nefarious, scaly Disciples have also laid claim to the island, and will not give up their conquest so easily. X-Isle is an enormous dynamic map, with each session challenging players to compete on different parts of the island. Its treasures and Artifacts are hidden in boobytrapped temples and ruins throughout.
Players will also need to bring their wits to bear by solving puzzles to open doors and unlock important treasure troves. Matches will feature dynamic events such as an enormous Disciple carrying a treasure-filled howdah on its back. This boss must be defeated to secure its Artifacts. Over time, X-Isle will evolve through updates, limited-time events, and seasonal launches.
Disclaimer: Jim – one fifth of TSA’s ownership group – is also part of the PR team working on Hawked. We note this in the interest of transparency, but assure you that he no longer holds editorial control in the day-to-day running of TSA.
Source: Press release / YouTube
