How Extraction Works in the Demo
Finishing the job does not immediately get your crew off the planet. For GRAVHOUNDS how to extract, the important sequence is to complete the mission objective, activate launch preparation at a Collector terminal, survive the final attack, and return to the ship when COSMO calls you back. Keep your defenses working through that last stretch; completing the collection target is not the same as being safely home.
The available narrated demo footage shows that sequence in both the introductory job and a resource-collection mission. Other jobs have their own objectives before departure becomes available, so follow the current mission instructions rather than expecting every planet to use the same collection target.
Finish the Objective and Start Launch Preparation
Check that the mission has actually registered its primary objective as complete. In the extended GRAVHOUNDS demo footage, COSMO announces that the collection cycle and primary objectives are finished before offering launch preparation.
Once departure is available:
- Return to a Collector terminal.
- Use its launch-preparation interaction.
- Listen for COSMO to confirm that preparation has begun.
- Get ready to defend instead of assuming the mission is over.
The tutorial narration specifically directs the player to a terminal. It does not establish a universal keyboard shortcut for extraction, so use the interaction displayed by your current control setup.
Hold the Final Wave Without Losing the Collector
Starting launch prep brings another defensive phase. The footage describes a warmup and safety-check period while enemies attack, followed by a final countdown. Those spoken estimates are not a reliable fixed timer for every mission.
Use the transition to check nearby turrets and repair damaged ones with the mining laser. That repair function is directly explained in the tutorial. If a turret is ready for an available promotion, improving it can help you maintain pressure while the Collector prepares to leave.
Player experience in Gohjoe's narrated solo run illustrates why this matters: the final attack is more demanding than the earlier resource-gathering waves. Treat that as a reason to prepare your defensive position, rather than proof that every planet has an identical last wave.
In co-op, coordinate your return. Continuing a distant mining trip while everyone else is preparing to board creates an avoidable travel problem during the busiest part of the mission.
Return When COSMO Calls for Boarding
When COSMO announces that launch is approaching, head back to the Collector or ship and board. The narrated footage follows the return call with final-countdown dialogue and successful departure. Do not keep farming simply because a reward pod or another resource is nearby.
Pipelines are useful for the trip back as well as for resource transport. The developer's official gameplay explanation describes fast pipeline grinding with unlimited boost while riding the line. A connected operation gives you a practical route back when it is time to leave.
These steps describe the demo material available before the planned November 2, 2026 Early Access release. They do not establish what happens to every item or teammate left behind, so avoid building a strategy around an assumed recovery guarantee.
Extraction FAQ
Does completing the objective automatically end the mission?
Not in the documented demo sequence. Objective completion unlocks launch preparation, which is followed by a defense phase and a return-to-ship call.
Where do I start launch preparation?
The tutorial directs you to one of the Collector's terminals. Follow the terminal interaction and COSMO's confirmation that preparation has started.
How long does extraction take?
The narration mentions a preparation period, but the available sources do not establish one exact duration for every mission. Watch the current mission prompts and listen for boarding instructions.
Should I collect one more resource after the boarding call?
The safer choice is to return. The game's escalating-danger loop makes extra gathering a risk, and the boarding call means departure is already approaching.