Active Matter Release: New Extraction Shooter Is Available Now

By Kilian Binder New Game Releases
15 September 2026 no comments

Today, September 15, 2026, Active Matter officially launched. The game is now available on Steam, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. Developed by Team Matter, an internal studio under publisher Gaijin Entertainment—best known for War Thunder—the Standard Edition is priced at €29.99. Following an initial Early Access phase on the Gaijin Store, the title is now making its debut on Steam and consoles. But what exactly is Active Matter? Here is everything you need to know.

What Is Active Matter?

Active Matter is a hardcore PvPvE extraction shooter. The game delivers a blend of realistic weapon handling, extraction mechanics, atmospheric horror, science fiction, and SCP-inspired anomalies. You step into the shoes of an operative caught in a time loop: following every demise, your character returns to face the anomaly once more.

Prior to each raid, you select your loadout, modify your weaponry, and prepare the resources and equipment you intend to carry into the zone. Once deployed, you scavenge for valuable loot, harvest Active Matter, and complete contracts to secure mission rewards.

Within the time loop lurk lethal monsters and reality-warping anomalies. These environmental distortions can defy standard physics, allowing you to walk on walls or navigate impossible geometry. Encounters with rival operators are equally unpredictable, as hostile intent is never certain until weapons are drawn. To secure your hard-earned spoils, reaching an extraction point alive is mandatory—otherwise, all collected gear is lost.

Active Matter alters space and time, producing physically anomalous sectors alongside grotesque mutants, altered human hostiles, and bizarre phenomena. In contrast to these paranormal threats, the firearm arsenal is modeled strictly on authentic modern military hardware.

Operational theaters include the Soviet-themed Dalniy Island, an African quarantine sector, and a devastated North American metropolitan center. While the foundational loop shares clear mechanical DNA with titles like Escape from Tarkov or Arena Breakout, Active Matter distinguishes itself through its pervasive SCP-inspired sci-fi elements.

What Active Matter Offers at Launch

Just prior to the official launch, the substantial “250 Shades of Liberty” content update went live, introducing a brand-new North American theater: Downtown. This urban battlefield features shattered avenues, towering skyscrapers, vehicle blockades, and fortified roadblocks, populated by hostile rogue police and SWAT contingents.

Existing maps have received considerable expansions as well. The African zone now features an airfield raid complete with hardened military hangars and grounded aircraft trapped inside a gravitational anomaly. The armory has also expanded with modern platforms including the SCAR-H, M14, DP-12, and MAC-11, complemented by specialized utility items such as kamikaze drones, thermal reconnaissance drones, and newly driveable vehicles.

The inventory and rig management systems have undergone a comprehensive redesign, while item crafting and replication mechanics have seen substantial balance overhauls. The update also delivers new anomalous entities to confront, backed by multiple rounds of performance and graphical optimizations finalized ahead of launch.

Crossplay, No Wipe, and Steam Launch

Cross-platform matchmaking is active from day one, allowing players to choose between three matchmaking pools: platform-exclusive, Xbox and PlayStation combined, or unified PC and console lobbies. PC players are never forced into cross-platform matchmaking involuntarily, preserving player choice.

Departing from standard genre conventions, Active Matter did not deploy a global progress wipe for this launch. Progression gathered during the Gaijin Store Early Access period remains fully intact, providing veteran players an initial gear advantage. Those who previously purchased the title via the Gaijin Launcher can claim the Steam edition at no additional cost, retaining their profile progress upon linking accounts.

Alongside the Standard Edition, expanded game editions are available, featuring bonus in-game currency, weaponry, advanced gear, stash upgrades, and unique cosmetic items. The development team has confirmed that a structured post-launch roadmap will continue to bring new content updates to the game.

Can Active Matter Stand Out in a Crowded Market?

Active Matter arrives within an intensely contested extraction shooter landscape. It aims to carve out its identity by merging realistic ballistics and tactical extraction mechanics with supernatural anomalies, horrific entities, and warped spacetime physics. The launch window faces direct competition, coming shortly after the debut of Wardogs, which currently commands significant shooter audience attention.

Active Matter launches with a robust foundation of content, notably expanded right before its retail debut. Crossplay support across PC and consoles alongside the preservation of veteran player progress make jumping into the Steam version seamless. The decisive factor moving forward will be whether Active Matter can maintain strong player retention through consistent, meaningful content delivery.

Kilian Binder

Hey, I’m Kilian, but online you’ll probably know me as “Tux1243.” I've been part of the team for almost two years now, always trying to keep you in the loop with the latest and coolest gaming news. I also have a huge passion for doing deep dives and detailed analyses of entire game series and franchises. I love getting to the bottom of things and exploring the little details and backstories that make game worlds so fascinating.

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