Games Like Overwatch You Definitely Need To Try
Since "Overwatch" launched in 2016, players have loved the hero-based tactical FPS. Though the developers weren't sure it would be a hit, the game breathed new life into the shooter genre and made gamers hungry for more. While it has received numerous updates and new characters since its release, "Overwatch" has been rather content-lite as Blizzard works toward finishing the potentially series-changing "Overwatch 2." Unfortunately for fans, it might be a while until the sequel finally releases, so if you are looking for something to play in the meantime, there are a number of games that scratch that itch in similar ways.
While there are more multiplayer titles on the market than one person could even count, let alone play, several have strong fan bases and fit a particular mold. From gritty military shooters to over the top sci-fi battle royales, here are some games that fans of "Overwatch" should consider checking out.
Valorant
"Valorant" is a fast-paced tactical shooter from Riot, the team behind "League of Legends." While "Valorant" has been directly compared to Valve's "Counter-Strike: Global Offensive," it also shares plenty of similarities with "Overwatch" that fans will probably enjoy.
In PC Gamer's review of "Valorant" (which gave the game an impressive 90/100), reviewer Morgan Park wrote, "It has the same upbeat vibe of 'Overwatch' that helps every loss feel a little more friendly." Park remarked that the color characters and silly voice lines gave the game a more cheery tone. Park went on to say that the shooting sits comfortably between the styles of "Overwatch" and "CS:GO," offering a skill-based shooter that isn't as twitch-heavy as "CS:GO."
In Polygon's review, Austen Goslin observed, "While games like 'Overwatch' often feel like hero-based competitive games that happen to feature guns, 'Valorant' is the opposite; a competitive shooter that happens to feature characters with tactical abilities." While this offers a solid distinction between the two games, it also makes it clear that "Valorant" and "Overwatch" are essentially two sides of the same coin, and will likely appeal to the same crowds.
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege
While "Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege" hit the scene a year before "Overwatch" released, the game has steadily released new operators and content ever since, aging like a fine wine. "Rainbow Six Siege" is a character-based FPS game like "Overwatch," but the former game was designed to be a very tactically-minded round-based shooter. The game features no respawns, so it might feel a little more like "CS: GO" than "Overwatch;" even so, the games still share similarities.
In Polygon's updated review from 2019, the reviewer compares the regular character releases of the two games. "Unlike Blizzard's vague hints about new 'Overwatch' heroes that eventually become announcements, a new 'Siege' season feels more like the scheduled return of your favorite TV show."
Of course, "Rainbow Six Siege" has to have a more regular release pattern for characters, since the game charges for new characters in its Battle Passes, whereas new "Overwatch" characters are free. The most unique aspect of the game is the asymmetrical gameplay, featuring two separate sets of characters for offensive and defense. This differs greatly from "Overwatch," which allows for any character to be picked at any time.
Apex Legends
"Apex Legends" is a hero-based battle royale from Respawn Entertainment, the developer best known for making the "Titanfall" games, of which "Apex Legends" is a spin-off. The game features a huge roster of characters, with each player picking a unique Legend from the selection available. Each Legend has unique abilities and lore, similar to "Overwatch" Heroes.
In the GameSpot review of "Apex Legends," Phil Hornshaw compares the two, writing that "Apex Legends" changes the battle royale genre by incorporating the hero selection from "Overwatch." Players are presented with a selection of Legends, with new ones getting added to the game on a regular basis.
Similar to "Rainbow Six Siege," "Apex Legends" puts less emphasis on the character abilities, making fast-paced gunplay the real star of the show. In IGN's 2021 "Apex Legends" review, Stella Chung wrote, "'Apex' relies on your personal skill more than the specific moves of your Legend, particularly when compared to a hero shooter like 'Overwatch' where abilities really matter while building a good team composition with restrictive roles to be filled."
Paladins
"Paladins" is a free-to-play hero-based tactical shooter, and probably bears more similarities to "Overwatch" than anything else on this list. The game is developed by Hi-Rez, the developer behind "Smite" and most recently "Rogue Company."
MMO Games' review of "Paladins" read, "the game has garnered some negativity due to its similarities with Overwatch, and though people mostly focus on what the two have in common, simply dubbing Paladins as a free-to-play rip-off of Blizzard's colossal shooter does it some injustice." The review went on to point out that the game has enough differences from "Overwatch" to be more than just a clone, and that the game's combination of FPS gameplay and MOBA trappings make for a unique experience.
The game features objective-based game modes and a selection of characters, each with their own unique abilities. "Paladins" takes things a step further, allowing players to use augmentations to make each character their own.
In IGN's review of "Paladins" Michael Koczwara wrote, "Whether it's the wonderfully imagined characters, the in-depth card and item customization systems, or the inoffensive free-to-play model, there are plenty of options that make Paladins a worthy competitor for Overwatch." Koczwara went on to say that the game's loadout options and in-match item shop give each round a unique flair.