Top Call of Duty Alternatives: Your Next FPS Obsession Awaits

For years, Call of Duty has dominated the first-person shooter (FPS) genre, captivating millions with its intense campaigns and thrilling multiplayer modes. As a series primarily focused on World War II and modern warfare, it has set a high bar for action-packed combat. However, even the most loyal fans sometimes seek fresh experiences, different gameplay mechanics, or simply a new challenge. If you're looking to explore beyond the familiar battlegrounds of Call of Duty, you're in luck! There's a vibrant world of exciting alternatives waiting to be discovered.

Best Call of Duty Alternatives

Whether you're after a tactical team-based experience, a chaotic arena shooter, or something entirely unique, these top Call of Duty alternatives offer diverse gameplay, engaging narratives, and competitive multiplayer environments.

Unreal Tournament

Unreal Tournament, part of the Unreal series by Epic Games, offers a fast-paced, arena-style FPS experience that stands out from Call of Duty's more realistic approach. It's a great Call of Duty alternative for players who enjoy competitive multiplayer and chaotic deathmatches. Available across Free, Open Source, Mac, Windows, and Linux platforms, Unreal Tournament focuses heavily on its multiplayer component, but also offers offline modes for solo practice.

Counter-Strike

Counter-Strike is a legendary fast-paced, multiplayer FPS game series where teams combat for objectives as terrorists or counter-terrorists. As a strong Call of Duty alternative, it emphasizes tactical team play, precise shooting, and objective-based gameplay over individual heroics. Available as a Freemium title on Mac, Windows, Linux, Steam, Playstation, and Xbox, Counter-Strike provides a highly competitive and enduring shooting experience that often works offline as well.

Battlefield

The Battlefield series is a prime Call of Duty alternative known for its expansive maps, vehicular combat, and massive multiplayer battles. Starting on Microsoft Windows and OS X with Battlefield 1942, it offers a different scale of warfare compared to Call of Duty's more confined engagements. This commercial title is available on Mac, Windows, iPhone, iPad, Origin, Playstation, and Xbox, and excels in providing a grander multiplayer shooting experience.

Cube 2: Sauerbraten

Cube 2: Sauerbraten is a free and open-source multiplayer/singleplayer first-person shooter that acts as a major redesign of the Cube FPS. It's an excellent Call of Duty alternative for those seeking a highly customizable, fast-motion shooter with a focus on level editing and creative gameplay. Available on Free, Open Source, Mac, Windows, Linux, and BSD platforms, it offers a portable and engaging shooting experience.

AssaultCube

AssaultCube is another free, multiplayer, first-person shooter game, built on the CUBE engine. It offers fast, arcade gameplay in realistic environments, making it a compelling Call of Duty alternative, especially for players looking for a lightweight yet engaging FPS. Available on Free, Mac, Windows, Linux, and PortableApps.com, it supports both multiplayer and single-player modes and is highly portable.

Halo

The Halo series is a renowned science fiction, first-person shooter video game franchise centered on an interstellar war. It's a fantastic Call of Duty alternative for players interested in a rich sci-fi narrative, iconic characters, and a strong blend of single-player and multiplayer combat. As a commercial title, Halo is available on Mac, Windows, Steam, and Xbox, offering both local and online multiplayer experiences.

Wolfenstein

Wolfenstein is a classic series of video games centered around fighting back against the Nazi regime. While its themes of historical conflict might resonate with older Call of Duty titles, Wolfenstein offers a unique blend of action combat, FPS mechanics, and a strong single-player narrative. As a commercial title (with some free-to-play components like Enemy Territory), primarily on Windows, it provides a distinctive, action-packed multiplayer and single-player FPS experience.

Squad Game

Squad is a 50 vs 50 multiplayer first-person shooter that aims to capture combat realism through communication and teamplay. It offers a much more tactical and immersive experience than Call of Duty, emphasizing teamwork and strategic objectives. As a commercial title available on Windows and Steam, Squad is an excellent Call of Duty alternative for players who prioritize authentic combat and cooperative multiplayer gaming.

Blacklight Retribution

Blacklight Retribution is a fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping free-to-play first-person shooter (FPS) set in a futuristic urban warzone. This game is a solid Call of Duty alternative for those seeking a sci-fi twist on competitive multiplayer action without the upfront cost. Available for free on Playstation, Blacklight Retribution delivers intense gaming and multiplayer skirmishes.

Escape From Tarkov

Escape From Tarkov is a hardcore and realistic online first-person action RPG/Simulator with MMO features and a story-driven walkthrough. It provides a vastly different experience than Call of Duty, focusing on survival, looting, and high-stakes encounters. As a commercial title on Windows, it's a compelling Call of Duty alternative for players looking for a challenging, open-world, and immersive multiplayer shooting experience with elements of RPG and survival.

With such a rich array of first-person shooter games available, finding a fantastic Call of Duty alternative has never been easier. Whether you prioritize competitive multiplayer, a strong single-player campaign, or a unique gameplay twist, there’s an FPS out there that's perfect for your next gaming session. Explore these options and discover your next favorite shooter!