An insanely popular multiplayer game that has both captured gamers’ hearts as well as garnered positive reviews from the media and critics alike, Overwatch is a game that can consume fans’ lives. Developed by Blizzard Entertainment, Overwatch combines first person shooting with team based cooperation in order to create an unforgettable and seemingly irreplaceable experience. Released on Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, Overwatch has been awarded a variety of prestiges, such as Game of The Year. Currently, millions of players band together and play Overwatch.
The premise of Overwatch is simple; heroes band together from a number of different backgrounds in order to protect the world. The choice of characters varies, from futuristic Genji to spunky Tracer, leaving players plenty of options. Above all, Overwatch has cultivated a community of dedicated fans and committed players. However, if Overwatch alone is not enough for you, and you crave other fun games similar to its crowd-pleasing style; look no further than here. Listed below are 6 games similar to Overwatch that can serve as a satisfying alternative.
Similar Games to Overwatch
1. Paladins
Join the third ESL Go4 Paladins on Thursday and win up to 400€ of prizes | Sign up here: https://t.co/Yc1pGgS23Y pic.twitter.com/ASBmLgdI37
— Paladins: The Game (@PaladinsGame) March 14, 2017
- System/Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Macintosh operating systems
- Publisher: Hi-Rez Studios
- Developer: Hi-Rez Studios
- Release Date: open beta on September 16th, 2016
A first person shooter game, Paladins’ objective appears to be quite similar to that of Overwatch. A five versus five style of play, the design is class based as well. The variety of game modes keeps players continuously engaged in the game, and is catered to players who enjoy battling in more open terrain. Paladins utilizes a card system that allows for a great deal of customization within the game as well.
The main similarities between Paladins and Overwatch is in the similar first person shooter perspectives and the use of character classes in order to encourage carefully selected teamwork. One of the most appealing features about Overwatch is the cooperative function. Success in a game does not depend solely on one player’s strength, but rather on the total combination of talent. However, the differences in map type and game style leave enough differences between the two games to offer separate and unique experiences.
2. Gigantic
It’s time to board the airship and #GoGigantic! Gigantic launches into Open Beta on 12/8 for Win10 and Xbox One.https://t.co/8EYa0ZnVtg pic.twitter.com/wfkDCqbtbB
— Go Gigantic (@GoGigantic) November 29, 2016
- System/Platform: Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
- Publisher: Perfect World Entertainment:
- Developer: Motiga
- Release Date: no official release date, beta release in 2016
Another hugely popular shooter-MOBA mixture, Gigantic is a unique game that offers in-depth upgrades and leveling up features. Additionally, similar to Overwatch, the character selection in Gigantic is varied, and allows players a high variety of aesthetic and role variety. The game design also shows some similarities, as both games possess a style that is more similar to cartoons, rather than strictly realistic. Therefore, even the appearance of the game will feel familiar to most fans of Overwatch.
While Overwatch focuses most specifically on first person shooting, Gigantic operates more like a traditional MOBA game. In Gigantic, the progression of a character’s skills and abilities are much more in depth than that of Overwatch. The type and variety of upgrading is more expansive and therefore gives the game a different feel. There are enough common features in Gigantic to keep Overwatch fans satisfied without feeling like they’re playing the exact same game.
3. Battleborn
- System/Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
- Publisher: 2K Games:
- Developer: Gearbox Software
- Release Date: May 3, 2016
Battleborn and Overwatch share a variety of similarities, despite being different games produced from different companies. Both Battleborn and Overwatch are cooperative shooter games, which utilize a first person shooter perspective, but require coordinated teamwork in order to be successful. Players can pick their character from over twenty choices each in both games, and each character possesses distinct features and skills. The overall importance, and the key to winning the game, is in teamwork, which both games highlight as their biggest feature.
A major difference between Battleborn and Overwatch is that in Battleborn there are single and multiplayer modes with more traditional MOBAs. Overwatch also has shorter matches and a different system of progression. Despite the few differences, fans of Overwatch can undoubtedly find traces of their favorite features of the game while playing Battleborn. However, the game ensures that the experience is not merely a complete copy of the original.
Any Games Like Overwatch / Any Games Like Overwatch ?
4. Warframe
Console Tenno! Sands of Inaros has arrived! New Warframe, Quest, Weapons and more: https://t.co/952AUsk7H0 pic.twitter.com/dXTWcriGr2
— WARFRAME (@PlayWarframe) April 7, 2016
- System/Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows:
- Publisher: Digital Extremes
- Developer: Digital Extremes
- Release Date: March 25, 2013
Warframe is a free to play third person shooter game in which players control Tennos, soldiers who are broken from a war that tore across their land, and remained dedicated to a duty to maintain peace. Marked by a gloomy and serious backstory and design, gamers can control the broken soldiers on their quest for stability in the world.
There are just enough differences between Warframe and Overwatch to offer an entirely new experience while still eating players with enough hints of familiarity to feel comfortable. The design style is not as cheerful as Overwatch, placing less emphasis on the pleasant and colorful form of the characters, and more on the darker side. However, despite the darker theme, the shooter style of fighting, as well as the teamwork and collaboration required through the different modes and levels, fans who adore Overwatch can certainly find common similarities in Warframe that they love and enjoy.
5. Team Fortress 2
- System/Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Macintosh operating systems, Linux
- Publisher: Valve Corporation, Electronic Arts, Buka Entertainment
- Developer: Valve Corporation
- Release Date: October 9, 2007
Similar to Overwatch, Team Fortress 2 is a classic example of a team based first person shooter game. However, Team Fortress 2 predates the recently popular Overwatch. In Team Fortress 2, players can choose from a large number of characters and coordinate attacks together. The game is free for people to play and has a wide fan base already, and relies heavily on positional strategy and strong teamwork. The game possesses a variety of different game modes, including capture the flag and king of the hill, for players to explore and enjoy. The combination of characters and classes is key to determining a team’s success.
Just like Overwatch, each character acts as a specific role in a team. Offensive or defensive functions depend on the player’s choice in person. Beyond that, many of the character’s designs are eerily similar to each other. Therefore, it is not only a player’s own ability, but also the unique combination and skills of the team. Making the switch from one game to the other might seem seamless. Team Fortress 2 was one of the original, genre-defining games whose design was based on a team-shooter style. Better yet, this game is entirely free to play and is available on Steam. It also offers regular events to keep the community engaged and interactive.
6. Monday Night Combat
- System/Platform: Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows
- Publisher: Valve Corporation, Uber Entertainment, Microsoft Studios
- Developer: Uber Entertainment
- Release Date: August 11, 2010
A strategic, multiplayer shooter style game, Monday Night Combat is a crowd-pleasing choice that rivals Overwatch in enjoyability. A player can pick from a variety of characters and focus on not only different forms of combat, but also work side by side with other players in real time. In the game, two teams battle against each other and defend their own teammates. A parody of sports (Monday Night Football, anybody?), the game’s objective is to demolish the other team’s base, known as the Moneyball, while simultaneously protecting your own. Paired with good graphics and an appealing character design, this game simply feels one of a kind.
While both Overwatch and Monday Night Combat are cooperative shooter games, Overwatch is a first person shooter game while Monday Night Combat is a third person shooter game. However, the class systems used in both games mirrors each other greatly. Each team needs to be composed of specially selected characters that fulfill different functions. Together, that unique combination can work together in order to ace hive the objective. Additionally, both games satisfy the need to play a shooter game that deviates from the Call of Duty monotony, offering more compelling modes of play than just the norm. While the games are not 100% alike, there are just enough similarities to embrace the familiar while still enjoying something new.
Final Thoughts
Overwatch is more than just a first player shooter multiplayer game. It is a pop culture craze with millions of dedicated fans that has cemented its place as a video game masterpiece. The Blizzard developed creation certainly seems like it exists in a league of its own, untouchable and irreplaceable. However, while an outstanding game, there are a variety of other games that share similar qualities with it. The 6 games described above are solid choices to compare to Overwatch; for those in love with the game but searching for even more just like it, these other games cannot be ignored. Are there other games just like Overwatch that didn’t make it on the list? Let us know in the comments below!