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The Battle Royale genre exploded with the launch of PUBG in 2018. Quickly after plenty of other BR games came out, with various degrees of success.
The classic Japanese movie, Battle Royale (2000), inspired the core gameplay of BR’s today. You have a large number of players that are thrown on a map. They must scavenge for guns and other resources while fighting tooth and nail to get first place. Various games have tried reinventing the genre, but the core focus of the gameplay is pretty much the same. Let’s look at some of the most popular battle royale games.
Ring of Elysium
Heavily inspired by PUBG, Ring of Elysium does try to add some exciting elements to the BR recipe. The main map is on a mountain, and the classic circle mechanic is a horrible snowstorm slowly encroaching on your position. What makes Ring of Elysium genuinely unique are the various transportation methods available. You have access to a wingsuit, snowboard and many more. Cars are also present, but just like in any other BR, using them will draw a lot of attention to your position.
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, GeForce Now
Release date: 2018
Price: Free to Play
Apex Legends
Following on the heels of both Titanfall games, Apex Legends will throw you into the shoes of a mercenary vying for success. Each character has their own abilities. Mixing and matching these abilities within your team is very important if you want to succeed. The gameplay is frantic and very fast-paced, so if you’re looking for a more tactical experience Apex is definitely not for you. If you love running and gunning though, Apex Legends could be an ideal option.
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch
Release date: 2019
Price: Free to Play
Naraka Bladepoint
Naraka Bladepoint might pique your interest if you’re a martial arts movie fan. The game throws you into a universe similar to movies like “Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon” where melee combat is king. Players have access to multiple types of melee weapons, each with their strengths and weaknesses. Ranged weapons are also present but their utility is somewhat limited due to how fast players can move. Characters have unique abilities that can be permanently upgraded through a simple levelling system. If you want fast-paced combat with a focus on melee, Naraka Bladepoint might be one of the best Battle Royale games for you.
Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Microsoft Windows
Release date: 2021
Price: 20$
Warzone 2
One of the top battle royale games out there, Warzone 2 might seem like more of the same, but there is plenty to like. Two maps are already present in the game which offer plenty of replayability. As far as guns go, you have the usual Call of Duty classics, including assault rifles, SMGs, shotguns, and sniper rifles. AI is also present in the game now in a limited capacity. Dealing with them is not an issue, but they can lead to exciting firefights when engaging other players. Don’t forget to check out our best Warzone 2 guns guide if you want to enhance your gameplay experience.
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Release date: 2022
Price: Free to Play
Vampire the Masquerade: Bloodhunt
The Vampire the Masquerade universe is a classic of the gaming world, and it’s nice to see new games coming out. Players get to choose from multiple types of vampires, each of them equipped with active and passive abilities. Then you will have to scavenge for guns while feeding on innocent civilians to upgrade your abilities. PvE is also present in the form of tactical squads that are set on hunting down any vampire they encounter. Gameplay is very fast since players are very mobile, jumping from rooftop to rooftop and climbing buildings with supernatural speed.
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Microsoft Windows, GeForce Now
Release date: 2021
Price: Free to Play
Fortnite
One of the best free battle royale games out there, Fortnite is enjoyed by millions of players on a daily basis. Gunplay is simple and fast, with a very arcadey feel. Another core gameplay mechanic is the ability to gather various types of resources and then use them to build bases. This can allow you to quickly create cover during combat or a safe place to heal when low on HP. DLC for the game is also extremely vast, with skins from every IP imaginable.
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch
Release date: 2017
Price: Free to Play
Super People 2
Very similar to PUBG, Super People 2 adds the spin of special abilities. Every class in the game has distinct passives as well as an active ability. If you’ve ever played a battle royale game and wanted to be able to jump over buildings or teleport behind your enemies, Super People allows you to do exactly that. The game also features a crafting system, allowing you to pick up resources across the map in order to craft better gear.
Platforms: Microsoft Windows
Release date: 2022
Price: Free to Play
PUBG
Even though it has lost players over the years, PUBG is still one of the most popular battle royale games out there. This makes sense since PUBG basically invented the battle royale genre. Gameplay is very tactical and slow-paced. Guns have realistic recoil, so there’s a big learning curve. The game features multiple maps, and developers are still working hard to bring even more content to the game. And with a very active competitive scene, PUBG definitely has plenty more to offer in the coming years. The newest attraction is the new Vikendi Reborn map.
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Release date: 2017
Price: Free to Play
Even though the FPS genre constantly shifts and adapts to the newest fad, battle royale games have become a mainstay. If you’ve grown somewhat bored with the current offering, plenty of upcoming battle royale games are on the horizon. Fans of the battle royale genre should also check out extraction shooters since they have plenty of similarities.
