METAL EDEN, the sci-fi FPS from Reikon Games, is a kinetic, high-stakes shooter that blends the traversal mechanics of Titanfall with the combat intensity of Doom. At its heart lies a unique mechanic that defines its gameplay loop: the Core-Ripping system. This mechanic allows players, as Hyper Unit ASKA, to extract cores from enemies to regain health or weaponize them against others. While visually spectacular and conceptually bold, Core-Ripping introduces a complex risk-reward dynamic that affects pacing, difficulty, and player strategy. This article explores the Core-Ripping system in depth—its design, implications, and the challenges it presents across METAL EDEN’s campaign.

1. Origins of the Core-Ripping Mechanic

The Core-Ripping system is introduced early in METAL EDEN as a way to heal ASKA during combat. Unlike traditional health pickups or regenerative shields, ASKA must physically rip out the neural cores of enemies to restore vitality.

This mechanic is rooted in the game’s lore: corrupted androids and biomechanical husks contain remnants of human consciousness. ASKA, herself a synthetic entity, uses these cores to sustain her own systems. It’s a brutal, thematic choice that reinforces the game’s dystopian tone.

Design Intentions

• Encourage aggressive combat
• Replace passive healing with active engagement
• Tie narrative and gameplay together

2. Core-Ripping as a Health Economy

In METAL EDEN, health is not a static resource—it’s a currency earned through risk. Players must expose themselves to danger to extract cores, often requiring close-range positioning or breaking enemy armor first.

This creates tension. Players must decide whether to finish enemies from afar or risk closing the gap for a core rip. The system rewards boldness but punishes recklessness, especially in wave-based arenas where enemies swarm from all directions.

Health Recovery Methods

• Core-Ripping (primary method)
• Occasional health vials (rare)
• Environmental pickups (limited use)

3. Enemy Design and Core Accessibility

Not all enemies in METAL EDEN are created equal. Some can be ripped immediately, while others require armor to be broken or specific conditions to be met. Mechanical enemies, for example, are immune until their plating is destroyed.

This adds complexity to combat. Players must learn which enemies are viable for core extraction and which require alternate tactics. The game’s enemy variety—from Seekers to Gjall-like floaters—forces constant adaptation.

Core-Rip Eligible Enemies

• Humanoid husks
• Light-armored drones
• Mid-tier corrupted units

Non-Eligible Enemies

• Heavy mechs
• Shielded Engineers
• Boss-class entities

4. Timing and Vulnerability During Core-Ripping

One of the most debated aspects of the Core-Ripping system is its animation lock. When ASKA initiates a rip, she enters a brief but vulnerable state. During this time, she cannot shoot, dodge, or cancel the action.

This creates a high-risk moment. If timed poorly, players can be interrupted or killed mid-rip. While the animation is short, in METAL EDEN’s fast-paced combat, even a second of immobility can be fatal.

Combat Risks

• Interrupted by enemy fire
• Exposed to AoE attacks
• Vulnerable to flanking

5. Integration with Weapon Upgrades

Core-Ripping isn’t just about health—it’s tied to progression. Each weapon in ASKA’s arsenal has two upgrade paths, unlocked by killing enemies and spending Dust, the game’s currency. However, some upgrades require a number of core rips with that weapon.

This incentivizes players to use specific weapons in tandem with core extraction. It adds depth but also forces repetition, as players may feel compelled to farm core rips to unlock upgrades rather than experiment freely.

Upgrade Requirements

• Kill count with weapon
• Core-Rip count with weapon
• Dust expenditure

6. Combat Flow and Arena Design

METAL EDEN’s combat arenas are designed around movement and momentum. Players zipline between zones, fight waves of enemies, and repeat. Core-Ripping affects this flow—pausing the action momentarily and shifting focus from offense to recovery.

In smaller arenas, this works well. But in larger, multi-wave encounters, the need to rip cores can disrupt pacing. Players may find themselves backtracking or breaking rhythm to chase down rip opportunities.

Arena Challenges

• Maintaining momentum
• Balancing offense and recovery
• Navigating enemy density

7. Core-Ripping vs. Traditional Healing Systems

Compared to other FPS titles, METAL EDEN’s healing system is unconventional. Games like DOOM offer health pickups and glory kills, while others use regenerative shields. Core-Ripping is more demanding—it requires precision, timing, and situational awareness.

This makes METAL EDEN feel more punishing. Casual players may struggle with the lack of passive healing, while veterans appreciate the skill ceiling. It’s a divisive design choice that defines the game’s identity.

Comparative Systems

• DOOM: Glory kills for health
• Titanfall: Passive regen
• METAL EDEN: Core-Ripping only

8. Visual Feedback and Clarity

Core-Ripping is visually intense—flashing lights, particle effects, and dramatic camera shifts. While this adds flair, it can also obscure combat clarity. Players may lose sight of enemies or environmental hazards during the animation.

Some players have requested UI tweaks or visual filters to reduce clutter. Others argue that the spectacle is part of the appeal. Either way, clarity during core rips is a recurring concern, especially in high-difficulty modes.

Visual Issues

• Screen clutter during animation
• Loss of enemy visibility
• Difficulty tracking threats

9. Accessibility and Difficulty Scaling

For players with slower reaction times or motor limitations, Core-Ripping can be a barrier. The mechanic demands fast reflexes and precise timing, which may not be accessible to all.

Reikon Games has acknowledged this in community forums, with plans to introduce difficulty modifiers and animation cancel options. These changes could make METAL EDEN more inclusive without compromising its core identity.

Accessibility Suggestions

• Optional auto-rip feature
• Animation cancel toggle
• Difficulty-based rip timing

10. Future Potential and Community Feedback

Despite its challenges, Core-Ripping is a bold mechanic that sets METAL EDEN apart. Community feedback has been mixed—some praise its intensity, others critique its rigidity. The developers have responded with patch notes and planned updates.

There’s potential for evolution. Core-Ripping could be expanded with combo systems, enemy-specific effects, or tactical variants. As METAL EDEN grows, this mechanic may become even more refined and central to its gameplay philosophy.

Community Ideas

• Rip-based combos
• Tactical rip variants (e.g., stun, AoE)
• Integration with story progression

Conclusion Core-Ripping in METAL EDEN is more than a flashy gimmick—it’s a foundational mechanic that shapes combat, pacing, and progression. Its risk-reward structure demands skill and strategy, offering a visceral experience that few shooters replicate. While it introduces challenges in accessibility and flow, it also opens doors for innovation. As Reikon Games continues to refine METAL EDEN, Core-Ripping stands as both its most daring feature and its greatest opportunity for growth