Counter-Strike is the undisputed king of the competitive shooting scene. Not only is it the most played, but it’s also one of the most followed games out there. It rules the shooter world and is a favorite among bookmakers – CSGO betting is incredibly popular. But what other games could give Counter-Strike a run for its money? If you’re looking to broaden your gaming horizons, here are a few titles you should definitely check out.
Valorant
Valorant is Riot Games’ entry into the tactical shooter arena. It’s an F2P game that combines precise gunplay with unique character abilities. All this for a highly dynamic gameplay experience. Each match is a 5v5 shootout where strategy, team composition, and skill are crucial.
If you’ve ever played Counter-Strike and thought, “This could use a bit of magic,” Valorant is your game. Imagine the intense gunfights in CS but with fireballs, magic walls, and the resurrecting of teammates. Valorant’s gun mechanics are very similar to CS, so if you’re a sharpshooter in CS, you’ll feel right at home. The added layer of abilities makes each match unpredictable and exciting.
Crossfire
Crossfire is a free-to-play first-person shooter developed by Smilegate Entertainment. It’s hugely popular in Asia, boasting millions of players. The game features a variety of modes, from classic team deathmatch to unique modes like Zombie Mode and Ghost Mode.
Think of Crossfire as Counter-Strike’s energetic cousin. It has the same core mechanics of team-based shooting and objective-based gameplay.
However, Crossfire amps it up with more game modes and a faster pace. The graphics might not be as polished as CS, but the sheer variety of content and the massive player base make it a worthy contender.
ALARA Prime
ALARA Prime is a tactical first-person shooter that emphasizes realism and team coordination. Developed by Fall Damage, it’s designed to be a hardcore shooter experience, focusing on strategic gameplay and high stakes.
The game takes the strategic elements of Counter-Strike and dials them up to eleven. If you enjoy the tactical side of CS, you’ll appreciate the attention to detail and realism in ALARA Prime. Every decision matters, and teamwork is essential. It’s less about running and gunning and more about planning and precision.
AssaultCube
AssaultCube is a free, open-source first-person shooter based on the Cube engine. It’s lightweight and can run on virtually any computer. Despite its simple graphics, it offers a solid shooting experience with a focus on fast-paced gameplay.
The game is like the indie band you discover before they hit the big time. It has the basic structure of Counter-Strike – team-based matches, tactical shooting – but in a more stripped-down form. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a quick, straightforward shooter that doesn’t require a high-end PC. Plus, it’s open-source, so the community continuously contributes new maps and mods.
BattleBit Remastered
BattleBit Remastered is a large-scale multiplayer shooter with voxel graphics. It’s all about massive battles, with up to 254 players in a single match. The game focuses on large, destructible environments and a wide range of vehicles and weapons.
This game is what you’d get if Counter-Strike and Battlefield had a blocky baby. It retains the tactical, team-based gameplay of CS but on a much larger scale. If you enjoy CS but crave larger maps and more players, BattleBit is a fantastic choice. The voxel graphics might take some getting used to, but the gameplay depth is well worth it.
Your Next Move
So, you’re a Counter-Strike veteran looking to spice things up? These games offer fresh takes on the tactical shooter genre, each bringing something unique to the table. Whether you’re drawn to magic, blocky graphics, or an epic scale, there’s something here for every shooter fan.