I’ve spent dozens of hours in Squad, Offworld’s ambitious tactical FPS, and I’m still learning something new each match. Squad positions itself between arcade thrill and military realism, and in many ways it succeeds: 100-player battles, authentic teamwork, base building and combined arms engagements offer a depth few shooters attempt. Yet its strengths can also become stumbling blocks, depending on your patience and the squad you join.
Overall Impressions
From the moment you drop into a dusty FOB or push toward a distant objective, Squad stands out with its scale and level of coordination. Unlike quick-match shooters, every move here relies on voice-chat and commands. I’ve felt the rush of a perfectly timed mortar strike and the frustration when a squad leader zones out. Compared to games like Insurgency: Sandstorm or Arma 3, Squad finds a smoother balance: not as punishingly complex as Arma, but much deeper than most arena shooters. Its “true teamwork or bust” philosophy can be magical, but if you land in a squad without communication, matches can feel aimless.
Gameplay Mechanics
Teamwork thrives through dynamic roles, from rifleman to medic to squad leader, each offering distinct gameplay styles and responsibilities. The thrill of leading a 12-man push while providing life-saving support under fire is unmatched. Voice commands and map tools elevate coordination, with squad leaders planning attacks and marking targets for precise execution. For tactical enthusiasts, base building adds depth—constructing FOBs, setting rally points, and laying mines creates strategic opportunities rarely found elsewhere.
The steep learning curve can be tough for newcomers. Harsh comments like “don’t play if you can’t lead” hurt the game’s cooperative potential. Developer tools encourage teamwork, but toxicity still exists. Performance problems also affect the experience. After a recent update, a 3050 Ti dropped from over 90 FPS to 50–60. The visuals remain strong, but frame rate drops break immersion. These issues are still awaiting a full fix.
Story and Characters
Squad lacks a scripted single-player story; its narrative emerges from player-driven encounters. You become part of a living battlefield story—rescuing downed teammates, coordinating armored assaults, or holding a hilltop bunker against waves of opponents. There’s no cast of named characters, but the voices on your comms, the radio chatter and the way squads form bonds in the heat of battle create an organic drama that’s surprisingly memorable. The world-building comes through varied map designs—jungles, deserts, urban ruins—each with its own tactical flavor.
Visuals and Graphics
Visually, Squad hits a realistic tone. Bullet-riddled walls, smoke plumes from burning wrecks and dynamic lighting at dawn or dusk heighten immersion. The combined arms feel substantial when you see an M2 Bradley rolling up next to your dismounted squad. Some textures can look flat at a distance, and draw-in occasionally snaps vehicles into view, but these are minor quibbles in most matches. The art direction leans toward true-to-life military gear, which suits the game’s identity.
Sound and Music
Sound design is one of Squad’s strongest assets. Suppressed rifles have that muted “pff” sound, mortar craters register with distant booms, and vehicle engines rumble through your headset. Voice-over lines for orders and warnings are clear and urgent. There’s no sweeping musical score; instead, ambient noises—wind whipping through trees, heavy gear clanking—set the atmosphere. This choice keeps you focused on the battlefield rather than dramatic tunes.
Difficulty and Replayability
Squad is challenging. You must rely on teammates, follow SL orders and learn to use tools like mortars or UAVs. For newcomers, the learning curve is steep but rewarding. One player review noted that after 14 hours as a medic, they felt the role’s weight and intensity—“real, intense and meaningful.” That captures the essence of replay value: every class, map and match is a fresh puzzle of terrain, enemy tactics and team dynamics. However, if you prefer solo run-and-gun play, Squad will test your patience. The community’s mixed reputation can be a barrier, but dedicated servers and beginner-friendly clans help bridge that gap.
Behind the Scenes Trivia
Offworld Industries began as a small mod team for Battlefield 2. Their passion project, Squad, launched in Early Access in 2015 and officially released in September 2020. The developers are committed to ongoing updates—recent roadmap notes tease new factions, vehicle classes and quality-of-life enhancements. The team also supports a robust modding community, offering SDK tools that let players craft custom maps and game modes.
Final Thoughts
My time in Squad has been one of the most genuine military shooter experiences I’ve had. It rewards patience, clear communication and strategic thinking. Some may be put off by the initial grind or occasional server performance hiccups, but those who stick with it will find one of the most true-to-life combat sims in modern gaming.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Squad shines as a deep, team-focused arena where every voice and every decision matters. With ongoing developer support and an evolving community, it’s a tactical FPS that continues to refine its craft—just be ready to earn your place on the battlefield.
