Large-scale army battle
Squad is a paid tactical FPS action multiplayer shooter game. Developed and published by Offworld Industries, the game emphasizes teamwork and communication above all else. It features large-scale all-out battles with over 80 players in each lobby engaging in combat across many maps with realistic graphics and rich sound design.
Squad diverges from traditional FPS experiences by prioritizing strategic planning and coordinated action. It draws inspiration from both arcade shooters and military simulations, resulting in a unique blend of fast-paced action and tactical depth. Like many FPS games, you can go solo or team up with other players in a battle.
Tactics over firepower
Squad is based on modern-day warfare FPS titles like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege. The game’s main foundation is teamwork, communication, and action gameplay. It connects the action of arcade shooters and the strategy of military simulation. The combined arms combat system provides realistic scenarios. This gives a more authentic combat experience, as you have to depend on coordination rather than going guns ablaze by themselves.
You have to depend on Allied Intel for the next action. It’s the prime responsibility of the Squad Leaders to command every soldier in the game. If you are a Squad Leader, you are given map tools for strategic placement of infantries, structures, and paths. You also have to issue tactics and efficient plans and, at the same time, maintain squad cohesion and coordination to succeed in every match.
The Squad Leaders can also build bases and defenses for adapting to various scenarios. You can place down machine guns, AT guns, cannons, turrets, and missile systems to take down larger threats. It also has fortification structures like HESCO bastions, razor wires, and sandbags. The other main feature is the built-in voice-over IP or VoIP system for communication. You don’t have to open third-party communication apps to talk with everyone online.
A highly competitive FPS game
It can host 40-versus-40-player matches. You can expect locations scaled from real life, as well as massive live firefights. You can join teams based on real-life squads such as the British Army, US Army, Russian Ground Forces, Irregular Militia, and Insurgents. Each squad has unique arsenals for variety. Anyone can ride vehicles like tanks, convoy trucks, and trucks with mounted guns. Lastly, all squads have unique dialogues and commands.
The game is impressive from its familiar controls and interface to all the multiplayer elements. However, there is some minor room for improvements to be suggested. First, the heavy system requirements mean lower-spec hardware can’t run this game smoothly. Second, it can experience massive frame drops and heavy lags during times when a lot is going on at the same time. Lastly, queuing can take a long time in some instances.
WPMC arrives in the Hired Guns update
The Hired Guns update adds a new faction to Squad: Western Private Military Contractors (WPMC). This is an unconventional group taking a different approach from standard armies. They are equipped with fewer infantry-fighting vehicles but compensate with speed and strong firepower. Their versatility allows them to be deployed across all maps and biomes.
WPMC introduces three exclusive vehicles. The CPV Armored Car resembles a standard SUV but is reinforced for protection without sacrificing speed. The Loach Helicopter includes a Close Air Support (CAS) variant, marking Squad’s first official CAS aircraft outside of mods. The M1117 Armored Car features a mine-resistant hull for enhanced battlefield defense.
WPMC is structured into three specialized units. The Murk Water Air Wing focuses on aerial support, primarily using the CAS Loach helicopter. The Manticore Security Task Force combines infantry with armored vehicles to secure key locations. Meanwhile, the Overwatch 6 Patrol Group relies on rapid infantry movement to capture objectives efficiently.
Beyond the new faction, this update improves the After-Action Report, offering detailed performance insights. It highlights areas for improvement, tracks overall team performance, and helps players refine their strategies. It also officially integrates the popular Squidbots mod, enhancing server seeding for a smoother gameplay experience.
Communication is key to victory
Squad is a demanding but rewarding tactical FPS that prioritizes teamwork and communication. Its focus on realistic combat, combined arms warfare, and large-scale battles provides a unique and immersive experience. However, high system requirements and occasional performance issues may deter some players. Despite these minor drawbacks, Squad offers a compelling experience with familiar controls and tried and tested tropes, all for those who enjoy challenging and deeply tactical multiplayer shooters.
