Girls' Frontline 2: Exilium Celebrates First Anniversary with Famitsu Feature

Girls' Frontline 2: Exilium has reached a major milestone. The post-apocalyptic tactical RPG from SUNBORN celebrated its first anniversary this month, and Weekly Famitsu marked the occasion with a comprehensive 14-page feature in Issue #1928.

A Year of Global Operations

The sequel to the popular mobile game Girls' Frontline launched globally on December 3-5, 2024, with two million players joining on day one. The game expanded to Steam on February 10, 2025, bringing its unique blend of XCOM-style tactical combat and anime aesthetics to PC players worldwide.

Players take on the role of a commander turned bounty hunter, leading squads of Tactical Dolls through contaminated zones in a world devastated by conflict.

Unlike its predecessor's chibi-style presentation, Exilium features fully-realized 3D character models and environments. The shift to a more grounded visual style hasn't dampened the series' signature appeal - detailed character designs and deep customization options remain front and center.

Famitsu's Anniversary Coverage

The January 1, 2026 issue of Weekly Famitsu dedicates significant coverage to the anniversary celebration. The feature includes:

• Complete character gallery showcasing all 38 playable T-Dolls
• Developer Q&A discussing the game's first year and future direction
• Event preview for the anniversary event "Misaligned Anchor" (錯位投錨)
• B3 poster as a bonus insert

The magazine cover features key characters in the game's signature post-apocalyptic setting, highlighting the visual upgrade that distinguishes Exilium from its mobile predecessor.

Tactical Depth Meets Gacha

At its core, Girls' Frontline 2 plays like a streamlined XCOM. Grid-based battlefields demand careful positioning, with cover mechanics and elevation playing crucial roles in combat outcomes. Each T-Doll brings unique abilities to the field, encouraging varied squad compositions.

The game balances its tactical ambitions with gacha mechanics typical of free-to-play titles. New T-Dolls are acquired through summoning, while the Covenant system allows players to build relationships with their favorites, unlocking exclusive voice lines and story content.

Mixed Reception, Dedicated Community

Steam reviews paint a nuanced picture. While overall reception sits at "Mixed" with roughly 51% positive reviews, recent feedback trends more favorably at 76% positive. Common praise points to the satisfying combat system and character designs, while criticism often targets monetization and content pacing.

The game supports ten languages including English, Japanese, and Chinese, reflecting its global ambitions. Regular updates have added new T-Dolls, story chapters, and events throughout the first year.

What's Next

With the anniversary event now live, SUNBORN appears committed to expanding the Exilium experience. The Famitsu developer interview hints at ambitious plans for year two, though specific details remain under wraps.

For tactical RPG fans who haven't yet deployed, Girls' Frontline 2: Exilium is available as a free download on Steam and mobile platforms. The anniversary celebration offers newcomers bonus rewards for joining the fight.