GIRLS' FRONTLINE 2: EXILIUM
Action
Adventure
RPG
Strategy
Free To Play
Single-player
In-App Purchases

Hello Commanders, Please board the Elmo and set off into the breaking dawn.

Developers: SUNBORN Information Co., Ltd.
Publishers: Darkwinter Software Limited
Release Date: Feb 10, 2025
Price (USD): Free
Current Players: 2k

Links:  Steam Store  SteamDB

Mixed(65%)
3D models
strategic gameplay
F2P friendly
character designs
stunning graphics
ELMO dorm
soundtrack
voice acting
narrative progression
skin gacha
repetitive gameplay
gacha system
monetization
story updates
The game’s visual appeal and unique tactical gameplay are key positives, often overshadowed by its highly monetized gacha systems and the predatory new skin gacha mechanism. While some players stay for the character interactions and intriguing art, others find the gameplay routinely predictable and limited in challenge or innovation. Issues with narrative availability and significant paywalls dominate negative sentiment. Although there is appreciation for the game’s foundation, many criticize the developers’ shift towards aggressive monetization, particularly around skins.

Positive Points

  • The game features stunning 3D models and great graphics, with aesthetically pleasing designs for characters and environments.
  • The gameplay is reminiscent of X-COM, providing a strategic, turn-based experience, though simplified compared to traditional strategy games.
  • Players appreciate the free-to-play (F2P) friendliness relative to other gacha games, citing generous ways to earn in-game currency for character and weapon pulls.
  • Many players find the character designs appealing, with a diverse cast that adds flavor to the game.
  • Negative Points

  • The introduction of a skin gacha system that can cost up to $200 for a single skin is widely criticized as greedy and predatory.
  • Many players find the game repetitive and monotonous, especially in end-game content where strategic depth is lacking.
  • The gacha system is perceived as highly monetary-driven, requiring players to spend extensively to obtain necessary duplicates for characters and weapons.
  • There's a significant delay in major story updates, with reliance on limited-time events for narrative progression, leaving new players at a disadvantage.
  • Mixed Points

  • While the game has an engaging ELMO 3D model dorm system for fans of character interactions and fan service, it has become another avenue for monetization.
  • The soundtrack and voice acting receive praise but are also noted for sometimes feeling lackluster or disconnected from the narrative.
  • Common Themes

  • A significant point of contention is the game's monetization approach, which includes character and weapon gacha systems similar to other popular gacha games, alongside new gacha mechanics for cosmetics.
  • Players often mention the strong art and design elements, with character models being a major draw for continued engagement in the game.
  • Despite the strategic gameplay with potential depth, the actual implementation often leaves much to be desired as players exploit overpowered characters to trivialize content.
  • Updated 11/28/2025, 12:01:23 AM UTC