As a gaming industry fixture since 2017, “Fortnite” remains an enduring phenomenon nearly a decade after its initial launch. The game popularized the battle royale genre, literally dropping players into a steadily shrinking environment until one person is left standing. Keeping players coming back for more are regular guest characters and battle pass unlockables along with plenty of limited time features and modes to mix things up. Simply put, years later, “Fortnite” is still worth playing and still knows how to provide players with a good time amidst its changes.
While “Fortnite” may be among the most well-known battle royale games, it certainly isn’t the only one around. From other shooter titles to gameplay that ventures into platforming and hack-and-slash, there is a battle royale experience for everyone. Some of these titles are also played from a third-person perspective while others take a more immersive shift to first-person shooter territory. Here are the five best battle royale games that aren’t “Fortnite” that fans should try next.
PUBG: Battlegrounds
Launched the same year as “Fortnite,” “PUBG: Battlegrounds” offered a much more grounded alternative to Epic Games’ deliberately more cartoonish experience. Developed and published by Krafton, the game also has players drop into a shrinking battleground, either working alone or as part of a small squad. Players have the option to alternate between first and third-person perspectives as they recover weapons and fight to be the last standing. The gameplay is fast and furious, though more tactically methodical than many of its genre counterparts with its relatively realistic environments.
For nearly a decade, “PUBG: Battlegrounds” has been a steady presence in the battle royale scene. The game brings a fast-paced intensity to its combat, yet a feeling of accessibility that doesn’t discourage newer players. The stronger emphasis on survival and resource-gathering as opposed to over-the-top combat goes a long way in helping the game distinguish itself further from its contemporaries. A rollicking good time that’s been continually refined for years, “PUBG: Battlegrounds” continues to endure because of its fun-fueled staying power.
Apex Legends
Electronic Arts has been bringing a hero shooter flair to the battle royale space since 2019 with “Apex Legends.” Set in the same universe as “Titanfall,” the game lets players choose from a group of characters, known as Legends, each with their own unique abilities. The battle mode allows for three-person or two-person teams going head-to-head in first-person shooter combat until only one team is left standing. The game has been steadily supported with new content since its launch, including additional Legends and limited time game modes for players to check out.
Seven years after its launch, “Apex Legends” is still worth playing and still getting new updates to keep players invested. But the real strength to the game compared to its contemporaries is its hero shooter elements, with its growing roster of Legends each adding fresh elements to the experience. These personalities elevate the combat and its standout sci-fi gunplay in comparison to something like “Fortnite.” Impressively maintaining its level of quality at a time when other live-service games are struggling, “Apex Legends” remains a lot of fun to play.
Call of Duty: Warzone
After Activision released its 2019 remake of “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare,” it launched the standalone battle royale multiplayer title accompanying it, “Call of Duty: Warzone,” the following year. Players are dropped into a shrinking map, starting with only a basic pistol and two armor plates as they fight to be the last player standing. Players can acquire other weapons and gear scattered across the map while custom loadouts are dropped after a certain amount of time has elapsed.
For a franchise as well-known and long-running as “Call of Duty,” its shift to battle royale multiplayer has been surprisingly effective. The mix of tactical action and weapons with the chaos of a shrinking map free-for-all has clicked with gamers since the launch of “Warzone.” Interestingly, “Call of Duty: Warzone” could’ve been even crazier, with more than 150 players initially planned for each match. But even with its more reasonable scope, “Warzone” is as lovingly chaotic as “Call of Duty” gets and we’re certainly here for it.
Fall Guys
Not all battle royale titles have to revolve around first or third-person shooter gameplay as “Fall Guys” has proven. Launched in 2020, the game has players control a corpulent creature as they race through obstacle-filled levels and endure other challenge modes. While primarily within the realm of 3D platforming, other gameplay modes include light puzzle-solving, all while trying to stay alive the longest. Players can set up their own lobbies to play with friends, including now offering cross-play functionality, or take on random challengers to be crowned the king of a set of randomly selected minigame challenges. Like “Fortnite,” “Fall Guys” routinely offers themed costumes for players to acquire, often linked to partnerships with outside companies and properties.
“Fall Guys” takes minigame sensibilities of “Mario Party” and expands them to 32-player competitive gauntlets, awarding points in between ridiculously fun and chaotic challenges. But the Epic Games title cuts out all of the chuff, removing stuff like board games to players right into the action with little delay. Like “Fortnite,” “Fall Guys” rapidly pares down the amount of playable characters across each round while emphasizing the free-for-all nature of battle royale action. The best platforming battle royale experience currently on the market, “Fall Guys” is the ultimate fast-paced party game.
Naraka: Bladepoint
One of the most innovative takes on the battle royale genre is the game “Naraka: Bladepoint,” released in 2021. Rather than the usual shooter gameplay, the combat in the NetEase Games title revolves around hack-and-slash and martial arts mechanics. The game also revolves around shrinking maps while giving players the option between fighting solo or in small teams of up to three people. Like “Apex Legends,” players have the option to choose from a roster of characters, each with their own unique techniques and abilities.
“Naraka: Bladepoint” breathes new life into the battle royale genre with its distinct and refreshing combat mechanics. NetEase has supported the game for years after its launch, adding at least three new playable characters a year in addition to seasonal bonuses and battle passes. The game’s combat system feels more strategic than either other title on this list, keeping even veteran players on their toes. A battle royale game that deserves far more attention, “Naraka: Bladepoint” rethinks what’s possible for the genre.
