Apex Legends has been captivating Battle Royale fans for over five years now since releasing back in February of 2019. The long-standing first-person shooter appeals to those looking for fast-paced action-heavy competitive multiplayer, with large-scale battles that see squads of players dropping into expansive maps and battling against one another until only one team remains. With a variety of different characters, each with their own abilities, Apex Legends is a great free-to-play option for those who are craving a Battle Royale game and want to test their skills against other players to see if they can survive until the very end.
But Apex Legends isn’t the only shooter out there that players can jump into if they’re craving this style of gameplay. Here’s a look at some other releases with a similar vibe.
PUBG: Battlegrounds, also known as PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, was released in 2017 and is considered by many to be the grandfather of traditional Battle Royale games. Hitting online store shelves before even Fortnite, PUBG: Battlegrounds offers the same “drop in and survive” Battle Royale gameplay that should appeal to fans of Apex Legends. Players will skydive onto an expansive map, quickly collecting loot and arming themselves for a battle against other players to reign supreme as the last person or squad standing.
Unlike Apex Legends, players won’t pick from a variety of characters and there are no specialized abilities. Instead, players will look for rare weapons, armor, and other items to help give them an edge against other players. There are even vehicles that players can hop into to help them navigate the large maps and escape the deadly Blue Zone that slowly closes inward on a particular area in match.
Those who are looking for something that’s a little more team-based should check out Team Fortress 2. This hero shooter is similar to Apex Legends in that it offers players a chance to play as different characters that come packed with their own unique abilities. Rather than dropping onto a large map and surviving in a Battle Royale scenario, players will instead join teams and take the fight to one another, in a Red versus Blue situation spread across multiple game modes. The “definitive” experience for some sees players attack or defend a payload as it travels the length of a map, either attempting to impede its progress for a certain period of time or push it toward an end goal depending on what team they’re on.
Team Fortress 2 is a fantastic game for those looking to get into the hero-shooter genre and doesn’t take itself too seriously. It still maintains a solid community even to this day and there is tons of user-created content for players to play through via custom game modes.
Destiny 2 is a great option for players that enjoy the gunplay and character abilities found in Apex Legends but are looking for something with more than just a PvP element. Although PvP is present and appreciated in Destiny 2, it also features an immersive and expansive storyline, as well as tons of PvE content that can be enjoyed solo or with other players cooperatively. There are Strike Missions to battle through, bosses to conquer, and even open-world sections where players can explore maps and take down event-based content.
The gameplay in Destiny 2 is immensely satisfying, with a wide array of guns that feel powerful. The supreme gunplay makes it a must-play for those who are looking for a great free-to-play shooter option on Xbox. With three main classes to choose from, and a variety of exciting sub-classes to unlock, there is a ton of content available in Destiny 2 to keep players engaged and busy. Those who are still itching to jump into some competitive multiplayer will find an array of modes to sink their teeth into.
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege
WHERE TO PLAY
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege is a team-based tactical shooter, which is set in indoor environments. The gameplay is based on a symmetrical confrontation between Attackers and Defenders. Both teams have five operators and the games are timed. Highly strategic gameplay requires teamwork and as a first-person shooter, aiming well is important. The game is ever-changing with each season bringing new content, additional operators and abilities, events, weapons, maps, and an evolving meta-game.
Similar to Team Fortress 2, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege sees teams of players battling against one another in competitive matches. Although Rainbow Six Siege is more of a “tactical shooter,” it still features an array of characters that come complete with their own unique abilities, making it similar to Apex Legends and their ever-expanding roster. The gunplay is just as satisfying as other releases but Rainbow Six Siege sets itself apart from its competition by offering a more tactical approach to PvP, with players able to down their opponents in only a few well-placed shots. Players will also gain access to a variety of tools that they can use to help attack or defend depending on the game mode.
Although the main focus of Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege is PvP, there is a small PvE mode that players can hop into for a change of pace.
Considered one of the greatest Battle Royale games of all time, Fortnite has been a powerhouse in the genre since its release back in 2017. Although it originally started as a survival title in which players would build structures and defend against enemies in a PvE-style setting, it really took off once it entered the Battle Royale space. Although there are no specialized character abilities like in Apex Legends, Fortnite helps to set itself apart from the rest of the competition by offering up an array of unique items, weapons, and lootable skills that show up with each new season.
With tons of character skins to unlock, Fortnite has a supreme amount of customization. It’s one of the best free-to-play games available for shooter fans and a great option for those looking for something in the Battle Royale niche.
