Overwatch 2 has just launched, though not without its fair share of problems, so you may be on the lookout for other games like Overwatch instead. After all, the Overwatch 2 servers were struggling under the weight of as DDoS attack a day after launch...
Blizzard’s hero shooter boasts a colorful cast of playable characters, each with their own unique abilities and skillsets. Are you a fan of staying back and supporting your teammates? There are several Overwatch heroes for you. Do you prefer running and gunning into the fray? Overwatch has you covered.
But if you're looking to go beyond the world of Overwatch and play some more hero shooters or games that share similarities to Blizzard's blockbuster (whether they're objective-focused or rely heavily on teamwork), then we've got a list for you. Read on and check out the top ten games like Overwatch.
1. Team Fortress 2
Developer: Valve
Platforms: PC, Mac
In many ways, Team Fortress 2 is Overwatch’s big sister. Released in 2007 (nine years before Tracer first zipped onto our screens), fans have been quick to point out the similarities. Both are team-based shooters where coordination and positional strategy are key to beating the enemy. TF2’s Scout bears a passing resemblance to Tracer, while Overwatch’s Hanzo is strikingly similar to Scout. Jeff Kaplan, the head honcho and game director over at Blizzard, has said on record that TF2 is “one of my favorite games of all time”. It’s also got a few more customization options than Overwatch, player-edited maps, and totally free-to-play gameplay. At the end of the day, Team Fortress 2 is worth checking out just to see how it inspired one of today’s most popular shooters.
2. Knockout City
Developer: Velan Studios
Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, PC
Knockout City is a team-based shooter that uses dodgeballs instead of weapons - so while you may scoff at its inclusion on this list, trust us, it fits. You'll need to work fast and work together to eliminate enemy players, and you can fully customize your characters once you get past a certain level so that you stand-out on the dodgeball court. At times, Knockout City feels like Splatoon with its heavy-hitting soundtrack and bold graphics. It's a great game to jump in and enjoy some light-hearted matches without getting too deep into competitiveness.
3. Brink
Developer: Splash Damage
Platforms: Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS3, PS4, PC
Brink launched back in 2011, and it’s clear in retrospect that it was way ahead of its time. It brought class-based, high-mobility shooters to the market when Overwatch was still a twinkle in Jeff Kaplan’s eye. With servers that can support 16 players, Brink has four character classes to choose from (Soldier, Medic, Engineer, and Operative) that each possess their own unique set of skills to go all Liam Neeson on the enemy. Here in 2019, Brink’s fairly long in the tooth - but now it’s free to play on Steam, you’re not risking much by giving it a try.
4. Apex Legends
Developer: Respawn
Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC, Nintendo Switch
When Overwatch and PUBG love each other very much, they have a special cuddle, and after one such embrace, Apex Legends was born. Respawn’s shooter is a free-to-play phenomenon that combines the Battle Royale mode du jour with team-based class mechanics. Trios of players battle it out across a sprawling map based on Titanfall 2 to remain the last ones standing. Bloodhound, Mirage, Pathfinder, and their pals are as unique and interesting as any of Overwatch’s fighters, and balance here is key. Just like you need a Mercy or Zenyatta to ensure victory, so too will Lifeline be a vital part of any team. If you’ve not yet tried a Battle Royale, Apex Legends is an excellent place to start.
5. Paladins
Developer: Hi-Rez Studios
Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC, Nintendo Switch
Since its launch, Paladins has deflected accusations that it copied Overwatch. For starters, it draws far more inspiration from MOBAs than Overwatch does, which steers more in the direction of objective-based shooters. There are heavy similarities between the two games’ heroes, sure, but Paladins’ concept art existed way before the public ever knew about Overwatch. Whether or not Hi-Rez Studios copied Blizzard’s homework, there’s a lot here to like. Character customization through a 'card' system provides opportunities to be creative across much larger maps. Fights feel more tactical, with Paladin characters generally doing lower damage with higher mobility. This results in edge-of-your-seat confrontations that last minutes, instead of Pharah’s rockets nuking you in two strikes.
6. Valorant
Developer: Riot Games
Platforms: PC
As close to Overwatch as you can get without a lawsuit, Valorant is a free-to-play FPS hero shooter from Riot Games that dropped in 2020. Choose from one of a collection of Agents, each of which has a unique set of skills and abilities. Unlike Overwatch, however, you can upgrade your weapons within every match using an in-game economic system that doles out money based on how you did in the previous round. Valorant is a ton of fun, and definitely worth checking out if you have a gaming PC.
7. Block N Load
Developer: Jagex
Platforms: PC
Block N Load is a mash-up of Minecraftian block building and class-based competitive FPS-ing. Here you can use your experience with Overwatch’s team composition to balance your player abilities and ensure a strong mix of offense and defense. Each stylish character has biting one-liners, just like the barbs traded between the likes of Junkrat and Reaper. The key difference lies at the beginning of each match: in Block N Load, both teams spend five minutes at the start building their base to protect a Generator Cube. Lose the cube, and your team loses the match - a bit like Overwatch’s Control Points.
8. Warframe
Developer: Digital Extremes
Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC, Nintendo Switch
Warframe is serious multiplied by the power of Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk. Its lore is deep, chronicling an eternal war that’s torn apart the world. You play a Tenno soldier, fighting to bring peace across maps that are far darker and grittier than the cartoonish colors of, say, Junkertown. This free-to-play shooter offers a fair bit more than other games like Overwatch with an open world and complex story missions alongside multiplayer. But the skills you’ve sharpened in Overwatch working as a team to complete objectives will be vital in Warframe’s PVP modes. The community here is incredibly friendly, keeping up-to-date wikis of the best strategies and even giving genuinely helpful advice in the global chat. Warframe is a great jump for those who want something a little grittier, but still fun.
9. Splatoon 3
Developer: Nintendo
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
While this may seem like a bit of a stretch at first, Splatoon 3 is like Knockout City with paint guns instead of dodgeballs. The team-based PvP matches task you with working together to mark your territory with bright, bold paint splatters, and there's a PvE mode that doubles down on the teamwork. It's a lot like Overwatch in that regard: the are multiple different game modes that require fast reflexes and teamwork, all set on vibrant maps featuring tons of audio queues and bumping beats. While it's only available on Nintendo Switch, Splatoon 3 is a great option if you're looking to game on the go with something that feels similiar to Overwatch.
10. Destiny 2
Developer: Bungie
Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC
Destiny 2 is probably the furthest from games like Overwatch on this list but is worth checking out for those that love cooperative play. Destiny’s rich universe is filled with PVE opportunities, but it’s the PVP Crucible where you can start putting your Overwatch skills to good use. Here, communication is key to stealing objectives, taking out enemies, and ensuring you have a good mix of Destiny’s three classes: Warlocks, Hunters, and Titans. This trio of flavors isn’t quite as rich as Overwatch but comes with sets of subclasses that allow for a touch of customization. If you’re looking for another game to get lost in with a pal, you won’t go far wrong with Destiny 2.
Check out our best games like Halo.
