Discover the Best Xonotic Alternatives for Fast-Paced FPS Action
Xonotic is a fantastic free (GPL) and open-source first-person shooter known for its fast-paced, arena-style gameplay, community-driven development, and availability on Windows, OS X, and Linux. It’s a direct successor to Nexuiz, aiming to be the premier open-source FPS. However, if you’re looking for a change of pace, different features, or simply more options in the arena shooter genre, exploring a Xonotic alternative is a great idea. There are many excellent titles that offer similar high-octane action and competitive play.
Top Xonotic Alternatives
Whether you're seeking another open-source gem, a commercial powerhouse, or something with a unique twist, these alternatives to Xonotic offer thrilling FPS experiences for every player.
Unreal Tournament
Unreal Tournament is a classic series of first-person shooter games developed by Epic Games. Like Xonotic, it offers intense arena shooter gameplay with a strong focus on multiplayer. Available for Free, Open Source, Mac, Windows, and Linux, it's a direct competitor in the fast-paced FPS space, featuring robust multiplayer modes and offline play.
Doom
The Doom series is a legendary first-person shooter franchise known for its sci-fi horror theme and intense combat. While primarily commercial, Doom offers a single-player experience with a strong first-person view, alongside multiplayer modes on platforms like Windows, Steam, Nintendo Switch Online, Xbox, and Stadia. It shares Xonotic's fast-paced shooting but with a distinct dark atmosphere.
Quake
Quake, developed by id Software, is another seminal first-person shooter series that laid much of the groundwork for the arena shooter genre. Available commercially on Mac, Windows, Linux, and Steam, it offers a sci-fi setting and gameplay reminiscent of Xonotic's core mechanics, focusing on frantic, skill-based combat.
Warsow
Warsow is a completely free and open-source first-person shooter for Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X, set in a unique futuristic cartoonish world. It's an excellent Xonotic alternative for players who appreciate agility and speed, offering incredibly fast-paced gameplay that emphasizes movement and precision, much like Xonotic.
Overwatch
Overwatch is a popular commercial team-based first-person shooter from Blizzard Entertainment, available on Windows, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Battle.net App, and Xbox. While Xonotic is an arena shooter, Overwatch offers a hero-based twist with unique abilities and integrated chat for team coordination, appealing to those who enjoy competitive multiplayer FPS action with character diversity.
Cube 2: Sauerbraten
Cube 2: Sauerbraten is a free and open-source multiplayer/single-player first-person shooter, a major redesign of the original Cube FPS. Available on Mac, Windows, Linux, and BSD, it's a strong Xonotic alternative due to its fast motion, portability, and focus on both solo and multiplayer shooting, offering a similar community-driven feel.
Red Eclipse
Red Eclipse is another excellent free and open-source first-person arena shooter, built as a total conversion of Cube Engine 2. It offers balanced gameplay with features like multi-team CTF and both multiplayer and single-player modes. Compatible with Mac, Windows, Linux, and BSD, Red Eclipse provides a fun and dynamic FPS experience akin to Xonotic.
AssaultCube
AssaultCube is a free, multiplayer, first-person shooter game based on the CUBE engine. It features realistic environments coupled with fast, arcade gameplay, making it a compelling Xonotic alternative. Available on Mac, Windows, Linux, and PortableApps.com, it offers both multiplayer and single-player modes, perfect for on-the-go gaming.
OpenArena
OpenArena is a community-produced deathmatch FPS that leverages GPL idTech3 technology. As a free and open-source game available on Mac, Windows, and Linux, it's a direct spiritual successor to Quake III Arena and a highly relevant Xonotic alternative, offering a variety of game types including Free For All and Capture The Flag.
Halo
The Halo series is a renowned science fiction first-person shooter video game franchise centered on an interstellar war. While commercial, Halo offers both single-player campaigns and robust multiplayer modes on Mac, Windows, Steam, and Xbox. Its sci-fi setting and intense shooting mechanics make it a compelling choice for those seeking a highly polished FPS experience beyond Xonotic.
With such a diverse range of first-person shooter games available, finding the perfect Xonotic alternative is easier than ever. Whether you prioritize open-source freedom, commercial polish, specific gameplay features, or multi-platform availability, this list provides excellent starting points to discover your next favorite FPS.