Call of Duty has long dominated the FPS scene with its fast-paced action, cinematic campaigns, and ever-evolving multiplayer experience. But whether you're burned out from the yearly releases or just curious to try something new, there's a whole world of games like Call of Duty that offer tight shooting mechanics, competitive multiplayer, and immersive combat experiences.
In this article, we’re breaking down five of the best Call of Duty alternatives that every FPS fan should try. From grounded military sims to explosive arena shooters, these titles each bring something unique while scratching that same COD-style itch.
1. Insurgency: Sandstorm
If you're looking for a more grounded, tactical take on modern combat, Insurgency: Sandstorm is a fantastic pick. Developed by New World Interactive, this game focuses on realism, immersive gunplay, and team-based objectives. You won’t find flashy killstreaks or arcade-style gameplay here. Instead, you’ll experience weighty weapons, minimal HUD, and quick time-to-kill mechanics that keep the intensity high.
Why It’s Like Call of Duty
- Fast-paced gunfights
- Objective-based multiplayer modes
- Variety of classes and loadout customization
Unlike Call of Duty, however, Insurgency: Sandstorm demands communication and coordination, making it a favorite for players who want a serious, more methodical experience without straying too far from familiar shooter dynamics.
2. Rainbow Six Siege
Rainbow Six Siege is one of the most popular tactical shooters in recent years. While its slower pace might initially feel different from COD, it offers intense, high-stakes action that rewards strategic thinking and teamwork. Matches are built around attacking or defending objectives in destructible environments, which adds an incredible layer of depth and unpredictability.
Why It’s Like Call of Duty
- Close-quarters combat
- Intense multiplayer competition
- Operator-based loadouts (similar to Specialists in some COD entries)
Siege has grown immensely since its launch, with a vast roster of operators, frequent updates, and a thriving esports scene. For players looking to blend twitch shooting with tactical planning, Rainbow Six Siege is a worthy contender.
3. Medal of Honor: Warfighter
Though it didn’t receive as much acclaim as its predecessors, Medal of Honor: Warfighter remains an underrated gem for fans of Call of Duty-style gameplay. Built using the Frostbite engine, it delivers visually impressive missions, explosive set pieces, and a storyline grounded in real-world military operations.
Why It’s Like Call of Duty
- Military-themed campaign with cinematic presentation
- Familiar gunplay and movement
- Class-based multiplayer
For fans of the older Modern Warfare campaigns, Medal of Honor: Warfighter scratches a similar itch with its gritty storytelling and immersive missions. It may not have the polish of recent COD entries, but it's still a solid experience for FPS fans seeking narrative-driven content.
4. The Finals
The Finals is a fresh, fast-paced arena shooter that blends traditional FPS gameplay with chaotic destruction and objective-based mayhem. Developed by Embark Studios (founded by ex-DICE developers), this free-to-play title features team-based combat in fully destructible environments, allowing players to blow up walls, floors, and ceilings to gain the upper hand.
Why It’s Like Call of Duty
- Competitive 3v3v3 team-based multiplayer
- Fast movement and shooting mechanics
- Loadout customization and gadgets
While it leans more into creativity and chaos than realism, The Finals maintains the adrenaline-pumping tempo that Call of Duty fans love. With its dynamic maps and vertical gameplay, it’s one of the most exciting new shooters on the scene.
5. Shatterline
If you’re a fan of Call of Duty's multiplayer and Zombies mode, Shatterline might be your next obsession. This free-to-play FPS blends classic arena shooting with PvE elements, including a robust co-op mode where players face off against mutant enemies and AI-controlled bosses.
Shatterline’s PvP modes (like TDM and Conquest-style objectives) will feel instantly familiar to COD veterans. Combine that with slick movement, a diverse operator system, and futuristic weaponry, and you’ve got a perfect hybrid of Call of Duty and hero shooter mechanics. Plus, it’s consistently updated with new content and is optimized well even on mid-tier PCs.
Why It Feels Like COD:
- Fast-paced, operator-based PvP combat
- Co-op PvE modes similar to Zombies
- Wide weapon selection and progression system
Final Thoughts
There’s no denying that Call of Duty remains a juggernaut in the FPS world, but these five games like Call of Duty prove that there’s a wide range of high-quality shooters offering just as much action, strategy, and excitement. Whether you’re looking for realism, hero mechanics, or pure multiplayer chaos, each of these titles brings something special to the table. So if you’re ready to shake things up, dive into these Call of Duty alternatives and discover what the rest of the FPS genre has to offer.
