Uncovering the Best Halo Alternatives for Your FPS Fix
For decades, the Halo franchise has captivated players with its epic interstellar wars, iconic characters like Master Chief, and thrilling first-person shooter gameplay. From its groundbreaking Xbox origins to its expansive PC presence with The Master Chief Collection, Halo has set a high bar. However, even the most devoted fans sometimes seek new challenges, different narratives, or a fresh take on the FPS genre. If you're looking to broaden your horizons beyond the Covenant and Spartans, you're in the right place. We've compiled a list of excellent Halo alternative games that offer similar adrenaline-pumping action and immersive worlds.
Top Halo Alternatives
While Halo offers a definitive sci-fi shooter experience with a rich campaign and extensive multiplayer, the gaming world is vast and full of fantastic FPS titles. Whether you crave intense arena combat, strategic team play, or compelling single-player narratives, there's a perfect alternative waiting for you.
Unreal Tournament
Unreal Tournament is a legendary series of first-person shooter games known for its fast-paced, arena-style multiplayer combat. As a strong Halo alternative, it offers intense, skill-based gameplay with a variety of weapons and game modes. Available on Free, Open Source, Mac, Windows, and Linux, it's a fantastic option for players who prioritize pure, unadulterated FPS action, especially in a multiplayer setting.
Xonotic
Xonotic stands out as a free and open-source (GPL) first-person shooter that delivers addictive arena shooter gameplay. Available across Windows, OS X, Linux, BSD, and PortableApps.com, it's a brilliant Halo alternative for those seeking a highly customizable and community-driven experience. Its features include FPS action, FLOSS, FOSS, Gaming, OpenGL support, portability, and real-time collaboration.
Counter-Strike
Counter-Strike is an iconic, fast-paced, multiplayer FPS game series where teams engage in objective-based combat as terrorists or counter-terrorists. While different in setting from Halo, its focus on tactical team play and precise shooting makes it a compelling Halo alternative for competitive players. It's available on Freemium, Mac, Windows, Linux, Steam, Playstation, and Xbox, featuring robust multiplayer and offline modes.
BioShock
BioShock offers a unique and unpredictable FPS experience that transcends typical run-and-gun corridors with its deep narrative and atmospheric world. While not a direct multiplayer competitor to Halo, its immersive single-player storytelling and innovative gameplay mechanics make it an excellent Halo alternative for those who appreciate rich lore and engaging solo campaigns. It's a commercial title available on Windows and Linux.
Battlefield
The Battlefield series is renowned for its large-scale multiplayer battles and vehicular combat, providing a different but equally thrilling FPS experience compared to Halo. Its massive multiplayer focus makes it a strong Halo alternative for players who enjoy grand-scale warfare. Available commercially on Mac, Windows, iPhone, iPad, Origin, Playstation, and Xbox, it excels in massive multiplayer and shooting features.
Cube 2: Sauerbraten
Cube 2: Sauerbraten is a free and open-source multiplayer/singleplayer first-person shooter, designed as a major redesign of the original Cube FPS. Its focus on fast-motion gameplay and ease of map editing makes it a unique and engaging Halo alternative, particularly for those who appreciate creative freedom. It's available on Free, Open Source, Mac, Windows, Linux, and BSD platforms.
Red Eclipse
Red Eclipse is a fun-filled, open-source first-person arena shooter built on Cube Engine 2. It offers balanced gameplay, multi-team CTF, and both multiplayer and single-player modes, making it a compelling Halo alternative for players looking for a dynamic and engaging free-to-play option. It's available on Free, Open Source, Mac, Windows, Linux, and BSD platforms, supporting OpenGL.
AssaultCube
AssaultCube is a free, multiplayer, first-person shooter based on the CUBE engine, known for its realistic environments and fast, arcade gameplay. This portable game is a great Halo alternative for those seeking a light, accessible, and exciting multiplayer FPS experience on Mac, Windows, Linux, and PortableApps.com, featuring both multiplayer and single-player modes.
OpenArena
OpenArena is a community-produced deathmatch FPS based on GPL idTech3 technology, offering a variety of game types including Free For All and Capture The Flag. As a free and open-source Halo alternative, it's perfect for players who enjoy classic arena-style combat without a price tag. It's available on Free, Open Source, Mac, Windows, and Linux platforms, and is free to play.
Call of Duty
Call of Duty is a prolific first-person and third-person shooter series renowned for its intense campaigns and highly popular multiplayer modes. While its settings often differ from Halo's sci-fi universe, its polished gameplay, constant new releases, and strong multiplayer community make it a top Halo alternative for fans of fast-paced shooting action. Available commercially on Mac, Windows, Steam, Playstation, Battle.net App, and Xbox, it offers extensive features including player-made loadouts and offline play.
Whether you're yearning for competitive multiplayer, a rich single-player story, or simply a fresh take on the FPS genre, these Halo alternative games offer a diverse range of experiences. Explore their unique features and find the perfect fit to satisfy your gaming cravings.