America's Army: Proving Grounds

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America's Army: Proving Grounds is a single player and multiplayer tactical shooter game with a warfare theme. It was developed by U.S. Army and was released on August 1, 2013. It received mostly positive reviews from players.

"America's Army: Proving Grounds" is a free-to-play first-person shooter that simulates the training of a U.S. Army Infantryman. Players can complete combat maneuvers in a fabricated MOUT environment and participate in team-based missions with weapon and character customization. The game features two game modes, four objective types, and a mission editor on Steam Workshop for enhanced gameplay. Teamwork and strategy are vital to success in this realistic military experience.

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77%

Audience ScoreBased on 6,487 reviews

gameplay196 positive mentions

stability54 negative mentions

America's Army: Proving Grounds offers a unique blend of tactical gameplay and teamwork, making it a standout in the FPS genre.
The game is completely free-to-play with no pay-to-win elements, allowing all players equal access to weapons and equipment.
The community is generally welcoming and supportive, fostering a positive environment for both new and experienced players.

The steep learning curve can be challenging for new players, making it difficult to adapt to the gameplay mechanics.
Many players report issues with the PunkBuster anti-cheat system, leading to frequent kicks from servers for no apparent reason.
The game has a dwindling player base, resulting in limited server options and often frustrating matchmaking experiences.

gameplay
496 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
55%
5%
The gameplay in "America's Army: Proving Grounds" is characterized by a blend of tactical realism and accessible mechanics, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience that emphasizes teamwork and strategy over run-and-gun tactics. Players appreciate the well-designed maps, realistic weapon mechanics, and the need for effective communication, although some criticize the game's slower pace and occasional glitches. Overall, while the gameplay is engaging and immersive, it may not appeal to those seeking a more fast-paced or casual shooter experience.
- “From the moment you step into the immersive world of Proving Grounds, you’re greeted with gameplay that is as challenging as it is rewarding.”
- “The realistic environments, weapons, and tactical gameplay make every match feel meaningful, and the sense of accomplishment when you successfully lead your team to victory is deeply satisfying.”
- “The gameplay is smooth, and tactical.”
- “The gameplay from when I played was boring and repetitive and filled with tryhards using whatever was the most well-concealed impossible to see positions or headglitch spots to kill you. This is basically Insurgency: Sandstorm but with less of everything. The description makes it seem like a teamplay thing when it's literally just team deathmatch where everyone is running around shooting at each other; there's no tactics to be seen.”
- “The gameplay is disappointingly mediocre. It combines competitive gameplay with some major teamwork components, but the overall experience lacks depth and excitement.”
- “The gameplay mechanics have changed quite a bit, but the community is always the same. However, hardcore mode doesn't solve the inherent flaws in gameplay, such as the bad shooting and lack of teamwork.”
graphics
340 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
49%
41%
10%
The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many players noting that while they are functional and occasionally impressive for a free-to-play title, they often feel dated compared to modern high-budget shooters. Some users appreciate the visuals for their ability to create an immersive atmosphere, while others criticize them for lag and poor optimization, leading to a less enjoyable experience. Overall, the consensus suggests that while the graphics are decent, they do not stand out in a competitive market filled with visually superior alternatives.
- “The graphics engine could be updated a bit, but a new game might as well be released.”
- “The game runs on the Unreal Engine 3 and features top-notch graphics: highly detailed environments and high-quality physics.”
- “The graphics are great, without really affecting your computer, and animations are great!”
- “The game is certainly one of the more realistic ones I've seen, not in graphics or anything aesthetic like that, but in gameplay.”
- “Game play is laggy and there isn't really an excuse for it as the graphics are poor and the maps are very small.”
- “From the unrealistic gun shots to the poor visuals and leaving with the horrible hallway echo, this game will now die leaving only die-hard fans to keep it up.”
story
93 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
8%
84%
8%
The game's story aspect is largely criticized for its lack of depth and narrative, with many players noting that it primarily focuses on multiplayer modes and mission-based gameplay rather than a cohesive storyline. While some enjoy the teamwork and strategic elements of the missions, others express disappointment over the absence of a compelling single-player campaign or engaging lore, making the experience feel repetitive and disconnected. Overall, players seeking a rich narrative will likely be disappointed, as the game emphasizes tactical gameplay over storytelling.
- “The characters are really what makes the story believable.”
- “The story is also very emotionally compelling with each horse that is born into the world.”
- “What I really loved about AA were special maps; every map had its story.”
- “This game is something like CS:GO and the plot doesn't matter here, but the devs added it.”
- “I can't say anything about the plot because I watched only one promo video.”
- “No offline play/story/campaign, horrid training system (basically just run and jump, no live fire vs bots or anything), and horrid matchmaking system; new players vs pros doesn't promote learning, it promotes quitting and not returning.”
stability
57 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
5%
95%
The game's stability has been widely criticized, with numerous users reporting significant bugs, glitches, and crashes that hinder gameplay. While some players acknowledge minor issues and express enjoyment of the game, many feel that the overall experience is marred by instability, particularly in its current beta state. Frequent updates have addressed some problems, but a substantial number of players still find the game unplayable due to its persistent technical issues.
- “Not totally bug free, but so far a fairly solid experience... reminiscent of my times in the original AA back a decade ago, and the small-combat-team tactics from back then.”
- “Well, it's a good game; it looks great, runs great, and the gameplay is simple.”
- “(Edit: I bought a new PC; it runs great on the 960 4GB at 2K with everything maxed out!)”
- “Game is horribly buggy; trying to jump or climb is just praying to the gods and hoping it works. The controls are sluggish and unresponsive, and you often get stuck on random objects strewn across the floor, from logs to pebbles. Anything can block your path and lock you out of jumping, and if you hit the wrong area, you can get caught in an inescapable square of pebbles.”
- “Very buggy and unstable; I received 30+ error messages even before I could start playing.”
- “The game is cool and all, but it crashes, glitches out, and while it is fun, there is too much to fix.”
monetization
55 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
11%
33%
56%
The game features a unique monetization model as it is completely free to play with no microtransactions or pay-to-win elements, which many players appreciate. However, users frequently mention the presence of numerous U.S. Army recruitment ads during loading screens, which can detract from the overall experience. While some players find the ads acceptable given the game's free nature, others express frustration over the frequency and quality of these advertisements.
- “It's a fun, free game without any microtransactions or some other nonsense.”
- “The best part about proving ground is that the game is completely free and has no microtransactions.”
- “A real free-to-play title - no microtransactions whatsoever.”
- “You make your character, join a game, then watch about 5 minutes of ads about the U.S. Army, join the game, watch how others play, quit the game, then uninstall it.”
- “This game is just a terrible advertisement for the U.S. Army.”
- “In the loading screens, you'll get pestered with silly advertisement videos for the Army with emotional music.”
optimization
54 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
28%
37%
35%
The optimization of the game has received largely negative feedback, with many players reporting poor performance, stuttering, and lag, even on higher-end systems. While some users noted that the game runs smoothly on lower-end PCs, the overall consensus is that significant improvements are needed to enhance gameplay experience and reduce performance issues. Despite its enjoyable mechanics and graphics, the game's optimization shortcomings detract from its potential.
- “The game runs smoothly for the most part on my lower-end PC (i.e., stock PC from 2017) and the gunplay is enjoyable enough to keep me playing it.”
- “Graphics are great and pretty well optimized.”
- “Great game, real free-to-play, tactical, optimized (Unreal Engine), better than many AAA and pay-to-win games.”
- “Extremely poorly optimized; it literally eats every bit of juice in your hardware for basically nothing.”
- “Seems highly unoptimized; everything is ridiculously laggy and clunky.”
- “The game is really unoptimized in my opinion, and even if I have like 80 fps in the game, it still gives you a feel of lagginess.”
humor
30 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is widely praised, with players highlighting the hilarious moments that arise from unexpected situations and the comedic interactions within the community. Many find the game enjoyable and relaxing, often laughing at both in-game antics and the quirky personalities of fellow players. However, some reviews express mixed feelings, noting that while the humor can be entertaining, it may not always align with tactical gameplay.
- “I couldn't stop laughing at the hilarious moments when plans went hilariously wrong.”
- “Very good game, very funny with friends!”
- “The community is hilarious and great with people that have names like 'Allahu Snackbar' or 'Osama Bin Liftin'.”
grinding
12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
75%
Players express that grinding in the game is extensive, often requiring significant time investment to level up and unlock skins and scopes. While some appreciate the streamlined approach that reduces tedious tasks from previous iterations, others find the grinding process to be monotonous and time-consuming, impacting overall enjoyment. The absence of microtransactions is noted, but the need for serious grinding remains a common point of frustration.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “There is a lot of grinding you have to do to level up and complete weapon challenges.”
- “No microtransactions but requires serious grinding to unlock skins and scopes.”
music
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
29%
28%
43%
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some praising the sound effects and the presence of live guitar performances that enhance the experience. However, many players criticize the overall music quality as forgettable and lacking in depth, with complaints about the absence of background music during gameplay and the distracting emotional advertisements during loading screens. Overall, the music aspect is seen as inconsistent, with some appreciating its potential while others find it lacking.
- “It has great sound effects and music.”
- “I was once in a server with a guy playing guitar trying to make songs, which made my day.”
- “In the loading screens, you'll get pestered with silly advertisement videos for the army with emotional music.”
- “Awful aesthetics, bad gameplay, forgettable music, etc. It tries to copy Call of Duty in every way possible but fails epically.”
- “It doesn’t have any background music mixed with the essential sounds on the field, which always gives me headaches... it’s slower and more realistic than most any game I’ve ever played.”
atmosphere
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
60%
The game's atmosphere is effectively crafted, with a well-designed hospital setting that enhances the intensity of close-quarters firefights, despite not featuring cutting-edge graphics. Players appreciate the mature community and the immersive, war-like environment that contributes to the overall experience.
- “The inner hospital creates an exciting atmosphere for hostage rescue, with a cleverly built internal structure that makes for intense firefights in very close quarters!”
- “The game has a player base more mature than other FPS games and provides a good atmosphere.”
- “While it may not boast the cutting-edge graphics of some other titles, the visual presentation is more than adequate to create the intended atmosphere.”
- “Inner hospital is an exciting atmosphere of hostage rescue (as one game mode) with cleverly built internal structure of the hospital which makes for intense firefights sometimes in very close quarters!”
- “The war-like atmosphere, weapon damage, aiming difficulty, etc.”
emotional
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game is praised for its emotional depth, featuring a compelling story that resonates with players, particularly through the experiences of each horse born in the game. While the community is described as wholesome, some users note a decline in this aspect over time. Additionally, the loading screens include emotional advertisements that add to the overall sentiment.
- “The story is also very emotionally compelling with each horse that is born into the world.”
- “This community is so wholesome, it's great.”
- “Very good game and wholesome people!”
replayability
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
Users note that while America's Army 2 is a solid and enjoyable game that remains memorable, its replayability is considered lower compared to other modern FPS titles like Call of Duty and Battlefield. Overall, it offers a unique experience but lacks the same level of replay value.
- “I started playing America's Army 2 in my teens, and the AA series will likely always remain in my top 5 of games that are solid and replayable.”
- “+Replayability”
- “It puts a nice spin on modern FPS games, but doesn't have the replay value of Call of Duty or Battlefield.”
- “However, replay value is low.”

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18h Median play time

77h Average play time

4-100h Spent by most gamers

*Based on 16 analyzed playthroughs

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America's Army: Proving Grounds is a tactical shooter game with warfare theme.

America's Army: Proving Grounds is available on PC, PlayStation 4, Windows and PlayStation.

On average players spend around 77 hours playing America's Army: Proving Grounds.

America's Army: Proving Grounds was released on August 1, 2013.

America's Army: Proving Grounds was developed by U.S. Army.

America's Army: Proving Grounds has received mostly positive reviews from players. Most players liked this game for its gameplay but disliked it for its story.

America's Army: Proving Grounds is a single player game with multiplayer support.

Similar games include America's Army 3, Delta Force, Warface GO: FPS shooting games, Critical Ops: Multiplayer FPS, WARMODE and others.

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