If you’re on the hunt for games like Call of Duty, you’re in the right place. This list includes the best alternatives, ranging from other high-octane competitive shooters to thrilling battle royal experiences. Each game captures a piece of what makes Call of Duty engaging while offering its unique twist. Let’s dive in and explore these top picks.
Here we list 12 games that offer a diverse range of experiences similar to Call of Duty.
1. Apex Legends
Initial release date: 4 February 2019
Developers: Respawn Entertainment, Panic Button Games, Respawn
Mode: Multiplayer video game
Composer: Stephen Barton
Genres: First-person shooter, Battle royale game
Apex Legends came onto the scene unexpectedly in February 2019 and quickly challenged the giants of the free-to-play battle royale genre like Fortnite and PUBG. By the end of its first month, it had amassed over 50 million players. Even years later, it remains one of the most competitive multiplayer shooters.
In Apex Legends, players choose from a roster of unique characters, each with their abilities, and form teams to fight against others. The game rewards smart plays and team coordination. Unlike Call of Duty, where you often rely on individual skill and reflexes, Apex emphasizes the importance of working closely with your team, using each character’s abilities to complement one another. Whether you’re setting traps, healing teammates, or launching surprise attacks, Apex Legends challenges you in ways that Call of Duty does not.
2. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO)
Initial release date: 21 August 2012
Mode: Multiplayer video game
Composer: Mike Morasky
Genre: Tactical shooter
Designer: Jess Cliffe
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, often referred to as CS: GO, is a staple in the world of multiplayer shooters. Released by Valve, it’s a game that strips away all the frills found in more modern shooters, focusing purely on skill and strategy.
If you’re new to CS: GO, think of it as a simplified, more intense version of Call of Duty. There’s no running up walls or futuristic weapons—just straightforward combat where you need to outthink and outshoot your opponents. Matches are fast-paced and rely heavily on your ability to master the game’s mechanics through practice and repetition. It’s a game that has stood the test of time and remains a key player in the eSports scene due to its high skill ceiling and competitive nature.
3. Halo Infinite
Initial release date: 8 December 2021
Platforms: Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, GeForce Now, Xbox Cloud Gaming
Modes: Single-player video game, Multiplayer video game
Composers: Curtis Schweitzer, Alex Bhore
In Halo Infinite, players once again step into the boots of Master Chief to explore another ringed world. The game introduces new elements like a Smart AI companion and adds layers to its classic gameplay. Halo Infinite brings back the large-scale battles and epic storylines that Halo is known for, while also refining the gameplay mechanics to feel modern and responsive. For Call of Duty fans, Halo Infinite offers a similarly intense shooter experience with a stronger focus on narrative and exploration.
4. Metro Exodus
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, macOS
Developer: 4A Games
Initial release date: 14 February 2019
Mode: Single-player video game
Genres: First-person shooter, Nonlinear gameplay
The Metro series, based on the novels by Dmitry Glukhovsky, provides a different take on the shooter genre. Metro Exodus allows players to explore a post-apocalyptic world both underground and on the surface. Unlike Call of Duty, which focuses on multiplayer modes, Metro Exodus offers a rich single-player story with an emphasis on exploration and stealth.
In Metro Exodus, you navigate a world devastated by nuclear war, using your wits and limited resources to survive. The game’s focus on storytelling and atmosphere provides a deep, immersive experience that contrasts with the fast-paced, competitive nature of Call of Duty. It’s perfect for players looking to test their shooter skills in a more narrative-driven context.
5. Valorant
Initial release date: 2 June 2020
Genre: Tactical shooter
Mode: Multiplayer video game
Composer: Jesse Harlin
Developer: Riot Games
Valorant, developed by Riot Games, offers a unique twist on the competitive shooter genre. It’s a first-person hero shooter that mixes precise shooting mechanics with character-based abilities.
While Call of Duty focuses on gunplay and realistic military scenarios, Valorant introduces elements of fantasy and tactics that change from game to game. Each character, or “agent,” has distinct abilities that can turn the tide of battle. This makes Valorant feel fresh and dynamic, as strategies evolve with each match. Communication and team coordination are crucial in Valorant, similar to Apex Legends, making it a compelling alternative for Call of Duty players who enjoy tactical gameplay.
6. Insurgency: Sandstorm
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Initial release date: 12 December 2018
Developer: New World Interactive
Mode: Multiplayer video game
Genres: First-person shooter, Simulation Video Game
Designer: Michael Tsarouhas
Publisher: Focus Entertainment
Insurgency: Sandstorm is a tactical shooter that offers a more realistic and immersive experience compared to Call of Duty. Developed by New World Interactive, it features battles between Security forces and Insurgents, loosely based on real-world military groups.
The game emphasizes realism in its combat mechanics, with a focus on team play and strategic planning. There are various game modes, many of which are co-op, allowing players to work together against AI enemies or in competitive scenarios. Insurgency: Sandstorm stands out with its attention to detail in weapon handling and tactical gameplay, making it a great choice for those who appreciate the more grounded aspects of military shooters.
7. Battlefield Series
Developers: Electronic Arts, DICE, Visceral Games, NEOWIZ, Coldwood Interactive AB, Industrial Toys, Easy Studios
Designers: Visceral Games, Eric Holmes, Daniel Berlin, David Goldfarb, Ross Darvill, Nathalie Ek, Jamie Keen
Publishers: Electronic Arts, Aspyr, NEOWIZ, Aeria Games
First release: Battlefield 1942; September 10, 2002
Genre(s): First-person shooter
Latest release: Battlefield 2042; November 19, 2021
The Battlefield series has long been a competitor to the Call of Duty franchise. Known for its large-scale battles and destructible environments, Battlefield offers a different kind of military shooter experience.
Unlike Call of Duty, which often focuses on tight, close-quarters combat, Battlefield allows players to engage in expansive battles with vehicles and large maps. The series has explored various historical and futuristic settings, from World War I in Battlefield 1 to modern and near-future conflicts in other titles. Battlefield also includes a robust multiplayer mode and has experimented with battle royale elements, making it a versatile option for fans of Call of Duty looking for large-scale warfare.
8. Escape From Tarkov
Developer: Battlestate Games
Platform: Microsoft Windows
Modes: Multiplayer video game, Deathmatch
Genres: First-person shooter, Adventure game, Simulation Video Game, Action role-playing game
Publisher: Battlestate Games
The game is known for its high level of realism and complex mechanics, including detailed inventory management, realistic healing, and intense firefights. Escape from Tarkov challenges players to think strategically about every encounter and resource. This makes it a fantastic option for Call of Duty fans who enjoy the Modern Warfare series but are looking for a more intense and realistic shooter experience.
9. Spec Ops: The Line
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Linux, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, macOS
Initial release date: 26 June 2012
Developers: YAGER, Darkside Game Studios
Publishers: 2K Games, Missing Link Games
Mode: Multiplayer video game
Composer: Elia Cmiral
Spec Ops: The Line reboots the Spec Ops series with a compelling narrative and solid gameplay. Released in 2012, it offers both a campaign and online modes that provide a variety of experiences, including free-for-all and team deathmatch.
The game’s story-driven campaign explores moral dilemmas and the psychological effects of war, setting it apart from other shooters that focus purely on action. For Call of Duty fans, Spec Ops: The Line provides a similar shooter experience with a deeper narrative, making it an intriguing option for those interested in more than just multiplayer combat.
10. Overwatch 2
Initial release date: 4 October 2022
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, GeForce Now, Xbox Series X and Series S
Mode: Multiplayer video game
Genres: First-person shooter, Free-to-play
Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
While Call of Duty focuses on realism and military themes, Overwatch 2 brings a more colorful and fantastical approach to the shooter genre. The game’s focus on character abilities and team composition adds layers of strategy and depth, making it a fun and engaging alternative for Call of Duty players looking for something different in their shooter experience.
11. Titanfall 2
Initial release date: 28 October 2016
Genres: First-person shooter, Platform game, Adventure game
Developer: Respawn Entertainment
Mode: Multiplayer video game
Composer: Stephen Barton
Designers: Mackey McCandlish, Todd Alderman
Titanfall 2, developed by Respawn Entertainment, builds on the foundation of its predecessor with a cleverly written single-player campaign and refined multiplayer mechanics. The game combines traditional firefights with the ability to pilot giant mechs, adding a unique twist to the gameplay.
In Titanfall 2, players must balance the raw power of mech combat with the agility of fighting on foot. This creates dynamic strategies and a fresh experience that stands out from more conventional shooters like Call of Duty. The game’s fast-paced action and innovative mechanics make it one of the best FPS games of the last generation.
12. PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG)
Initial release date: 23 March 2017
Developers: PUBG Corporation, KRAFTON, Lightspeed & Quantum, Tencent Mobile International Limited
Mode: Multiplayer video game
Composer: Tom Salta
Genres: Battle royale game, Shooter Video Game, Massively multiplayer online game, Action-adventure game
PUBG offers a more realistic and tactical approach to battle royale gameplay compared to Call of Duty: Warzone. The game’s focus on survival, strategy, and gunplay makes it a must-try for Call of Duty fans who enjoy the thrill of battle royale but want a more grounded experience.
Conclusion
These 12 games offer a diverse range of experiences similar to Call of Duty. Whether you’re looking for intense multiplayer battles, narrative-driven single-player campaigns, or strategic tactical gameplay, there’s something on this list for you. Each game provides a unique take on the shooter genre, allowing you to explore different aspects of what makes Call of Duty enjoyable while also discovering new and exciting gameplay elements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What makes a game similar to Call of Duty?
Ans: A game similar to Call of Duty typically involves first-person shooting mechanics, competitive multiplayer modes, and sometimes a military or combat theme. The fast-paced action and focus on gunplay are key elements.
Q2: Are these games available on all platforms?
Ans: Most of the games listed are available on multiple platforms, including PC, Xbox, and PlayStation. However, some, like Escape from Tarkov, are exclusive to PC.
Q3: Can I play these games solo?
Ans: Many of these games offer both single-player and multiplayer modes. For example, Metro Exodus and Spec Ops: The Line have strong single-player campaigns, while games like Apex Legends and Valorant are designed primarily for multiplayer.
Q4: Which game is best for fans of battle royale?
Ans: PUBG and Apex Legends are excellent choices for fans of the battle royale genre. Apex is known for its character-based gameplay and team dynamics, while PUBG offers a more realistic and tactical approach.
Q5: Are any of these games free to play?
Ans: Yes, games like Apex Legends, Valorant, and CS: GO are free to play, though they may offer in-game purchases for cosmetic items or additional content.
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