Unleash Your Inner Tenno: Top Warframe Alternatives for Sci-Fi Shooter Fans
Warframe situates players as members of the Tenno race, newly awoken after years of cryo-sleep into a solar system at war. Reborn into a corrupt era, the Tenno are sought by the oppressive Grineer Empire for annihilation. Warframe armor is the key to overthrowing the Grineer by providing players with unique offensive and defensive powers to explore, upgrade and master during purpose-driven radical raids. While Warframe offers a unique blend of fast-paced combat and deep customization, many players seek out a compelling Warframe alternative for various reasons, from genre preferences to different gameplay styles.
Top Warframe Alternatives
If you're looking to branch out from the Tenno universe but still crave thrilling sci-fi action, class-based combat, or intense multiplayer experiences, you're in luck. We've compiled a list of excellent alternatives that offer similar excitement with their own unique twists.
Team Fortress 2
Team Fortress 2 (TF2) is a direct spiritual predecessor to Warframe in its class-based approach to multiplayer combat. As one of the most popular online action games of all time, TF2 offers a highly polished and engaging First Person Shooter (FPS) experience. Available as a Freemium title on Mac, Windows, Linux, and Steam, it provides diverse classes with unique abilities, much like Warframe's distinct frames, making it an excellent Warframe alternative for players who enjoy strategic team-based warfare.
Unreal Tournament
Unreal Tournament, part of the legendary Unreal series by Epic Games, offers pure, unadulterated arena First Person Shooter (FPS) action. While not directly a sci-fi MMO like Warframe, its focus on fast-paced, skill-based multiplayer combat and diverse weapon sets will appeal to players who appreciate Warframe's intense gunplay. Available for Free and Open Source on Mac, Windows, and Linux, it's a fantastic option for those seeking a classic, competitive FPS experience.
Urban Terror
Urban Terror originated as a realism-based "total conversion" mod for Quake III Arena and is now a free, stand-alone game built on the ioquake3 engine. Offering intense First Person Shooter (FPS) gameplay, Urban Terror provides a multiplayer experience with a focus on tactical combat, which can be a refreshing Warframe alternative for those who enjoy precise shooting and team coordination. It's available for Free on Mac, Windows, and Linux.
Thief
While a stealth series rather than a direct First Person Shooter (FPS), Thief offers a unique blend of first-person exploration and strategic gameplay that might appeal to Warframe players looking for a change of pace. Taking on the role of Garrett, a master thief in a steampunk world, players must utilize cunning and environmental awareness, reminiscent of Warframe's more tactical missions. It's a Commercial title available on Windows, Linux, Playstation, and Xbox, offering a rich single-player campaign and atmospheric environments.
Destiny 2
Destiny 2 is perhaps the most direct Warframe alternative on this list, offering a similar looter-shooter experience with a rich sci-fi narrative and extensive player customization. Players can experience a cinematic story campaign, cooperative gameplay, and intense competitive multiplayer. Available as a Freemium title on Windows, Steam, Playstation, Xbox, and Stadia, it features an open world and allows for player-made loadouts, much like Warframe's modular approach to gear.
Team Fortress Classic
The original Team Fortress Classic is a foundational First Person Shooter (FPS) that heavily influenced the genre's class-based combat. Featuring over nine distinct character classes, it offers a deep multiplayer experience focusing on team strategy and specialized roles, echoing the diverse Warframe armor abilities. This Commercial title, available on Windows and Linux, is a solid Warframe alternative for players seeking a nostalgic yet competitive team-based shooter.
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon
The Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon series offers a more tactical military First Person Shooter (FPS) experience compared to Warframe's sci-fi fantasy. If you appreciate the strategic elements of Warframe's missions and enjoy cooperative multiplayer, Ghost Recon provides intense combat scenarios and a focus on realism. This Commercial title is available on Mac and Windows, offering both single-player and multiplayer modes.
Soldier Front 2
Soldier Front 2 is a modern First Person Shooter (FPS) that emphasizes intense combat across various warzones. While lacking Warframe's unique sci-fi powers, it delivers on fast-paced gunplay and a focus on player skill. Available as a Freemium title on Windows and Steam, it's a solid Warframe alternative for players primarily interested in the shooting mechanics and competitive online play.
Gotham City Impostors
Gotham City Impostors offers a unique take on the First Person Shooter (FPS) genre with a quirky 6 vs 6 multiplayer experience. While a departure from Warframe's serious tone, its emphasis on customization and distinct character abilities might appeal to players who enjoy Warframe's diverse Warframes. Available as a Freemium title on Windows and Web, it’s a fun and unconventional Warframe alternative.
Blitz Brigade
Blitz Brigade is an ultimate FPS showdown available on mobile and Windows RT, offering a class-based, free-to-play multiplayer experience. Its focus on distinct classes with different weapons and roles provides a casual yet engaging alternative to Warframe's combat system. As a Freemium title on Android, iPhone, Windows RT, Android Tablet, Windows Phone, and iPad, it's a great Warframe alternative for on-the-go gaming.
Whether you're looking for another vast sci-fi universe to explore, a tactical team-based shooter, or just a different flavor of First Person Shooter action, there's a Warframe alternative out there for you. Explore these options and find the perfect fit for your next gaming adventure!