GoKawiilWardogs
Developer: Bulkhead
Publisher: Team17
Platform: Steam early access (Windows). Coming to PS5 and Xbox Series X/S in 2028
Price: $40 during early access
There's a new tactical first-person shooter on the scene. Wardogs is off to a flying start after selling more than a million copies and soaring up the concurrent user chart on Steam, peaking at 340,171 players on its first day.
Rather than taking the well-worn battle royale or extraction shooter paths, Bulkhead opted for a "king of the hill" approach. Each match can feature 100 players, who are split into three squads. The teams battle for control of a 2km-square area that can pop up anywhere on whichever of the three maps they're playing on. The more players your side has in a control zone, the more points you earn. The first team to 100 points wins.
Wardogs features local voice chat (so you can talk to enemies as well as teammates), along with base building and destruction. The most interesting aspect to me is the economic system. Each time you spawn into a match, you'll spend cash on your loadout. You'll earn more by controlling the zone, transporting allies there, reviving downed teammates, taking out enemies and so on. Your remaining cash carries over to the next match, so if you splurge on a vehicle to help your team win while you're low on funds, you might have to start your next game with basic equipment.
Valheim
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