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Squad

A hardcore team game that's fun when you work together, despite some unfriendly systems.
Squad Game Cover
82%Game Brain Score
gameplay, graphics
optimization, monetization
83% User Score Based on 85,298 reviews
Critic Score 80%Based on 2 reviews

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Squad Game Cover

About

Squad is a single player and multiplayer tactical shooter game with a warfare theme. It was developed by Offworld and was released on October 17, 2018. It received mostly positive reviews from critics and positive reviews from players.

Squad is a large scale combined arms multiplayer first-person shooter emphasizing combat realism through communication, team play, emphasizing strong squad cohesion mechanics as well as larger-scale coordination, tactics, and planning. It features 20 large open maps, vehicle-based combined arms gameplay, and player-constructed bases to create a heart-thumping, visceral gaming experience with split…

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Squad screenshot
Squad screenshot
Squad screenshot
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Squad screenshot
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Squad screenshot
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83%
Audience ScoreBased on 85,298 reviews
gameplay1.7k positive mentions
optimization743 negative mentions
  • The game offers a unique and immersive tactical experience with realistic combat mechanics and large-scale maps that foster teamwork and cooperation.
  • The graphics are stunning, showcasing detailed environments and impressive visuals, particularly after the transition to Unreal Engine 5.
  • The community is vibrant and humorous, providing a lively atmosphere that enhances the gameplay experience with memorable interactions.
  • The game suffers from significant performance issues, including stuttering and crashes, particularly after the transition to Unreal Engine 5, making it unplayable for many users.
  • Recent updates have polarized the community, with many players criticizing the new movement and shooting mechanics for feeling clunky and unresponsive.
  • The monetization strategy, including microtransactions for cosmetic items, has drawn criticism from players who feel it contradicts earlier promises and may degrade the game's original vision.
  • gameplay
    5,561 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of Squad has become a contentious topic among players, particularly following the recent "Infantry Combat Overhaul" (ICO) update, which has introduced significant changes to movement and shooting mechanics. While some players appreciate the emphasis on teamwork and tactical gameplay, many criticize the new mechanics for making gunplay feel clunky and unresponsive, leading to a frustrating experience that detracts from the game's original appeal. Overall, the gameplay is described as immersive and strategic, but the recent updates have polarized the community, with a notable divide between those who embrace the changes and those who long for the previous mechanics.

    • “Every match feels dynamic and immersive, thanks to its realistic combat mechanics, large-scale maps, and emphasis on coordination.”
    • “It is the gold standard for tactical military simulation that masterfully balances realism with engaging gameplay.”
    • “The gameplay is incredibly immersive, with realistic combat mechanics, vast maps, and a high level of attention to detail in both movement and gunplay.”
    • “Was my favorite mil-sim by a long shot, but coming back to it now and experiencing the new movement mechanics, I no longer feel like I can recommend it to anyone.”
    • “The game is broken, and players are forced to fight against flawed mechanics just to get a win.”
    • “The new update makes the gameplay really stale.”
  • graphics
    2,524 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many players praising the stunning visuals and immersive environments, particularly after the transition to Unreal Engine 5. However, numerous users have reported significant performance issues, including low frame rates and graphical glitches, especially on lower-end hardware. Overall, while the graphics can be impressive, the optimization remains a critical concern, impacting gameplay for many users.

    • “The graphics are stunning, especially the attention to detail in the environments and vehicles.”
    • “The visuals are gorgeous, assuming you survive long enough to look at them.”
    • “The graphics are beautiful and the performance improved a lot over time.”
    • “The ue5 update genuinely ruined the game for me; my PC could handle the game before, but now I have barely any frames and massive lag even on low graphic settings.”
    • “The graphics look like shit; it ran well on my 3060 on pretty high graphics before, but now the game barely exceeds 30 fps while in a match, and textures look far worse than before.”
    • “The graphics are terrible; it is difficult for new players, instructions are missing, and the community is sometimes quite rude.”
  • optimization
    2,503 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The optimization of the game has been a significant point of contention among players, with many reporting severe performance issues, particularly after the transition to Unreal Engine 5. Users have expressed frustration over frequent stuttering, frame drops, and the inability to run the game smoothly even on high-end hardware. Despite some players noting improvements in performance with recent updates, the overall consensus is that the game remains poorly optimized, making it unplayable for those with lower-end systems and diminishing the experience for many.

    • “Don't let the bad reviews turn you away, I'm running this on a potato and now just barely above the minimum since the UE5 update and my performance improved considerably.”
    • “The core experience is so powerful and unique that it's worth weathering the temporary storm of performance problems.”
    • “Optimization is pretty bad for low-end PCs, but overall it runs alright for the most part.”
    • “Fact is that this game is poorly optimized, but just because it has so many elements to it.”
    • “The recent migration to Unreal Engine 5 has been a turbulent one, introducing significant performance issues for a large part of the player base.”
  • monetization
    735 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization aspect of the game has drawn significant criticism from players, particularly following the introduction of microtransactions for emotes and cosmetic items, which contradicts earlier promises of no paid content. Many users express frustration over performance issues, such as frame drops when aiming down sights (ADS), which they feel detracts from the gameplay experience. Overall, the community is concerned that the shift towards monetization, especially under new management linked to Tencent, may lead to further degradation of the game's original vision and quality.

    • “Developers have stated that they will not paywall any actual content such as factions or kits behind any microtransactions.”
    • “Despite the review bombing, Squad is a great game that has provided free updates since forever and the monetization they have added is incredibly uninvasive and definitely a reasonable way to keep monetizing the game.”
    • “For now, the upcoming microtransactions won't affect your ability to play the game whatsoever and will only be for emotes that are purely cosmetic.”
    • “The publisher/developer Offworld Industries (OWI) has betrayed their player base and are willing to turn this game into a cash grab.”
    • “They dramatically slowed down ads in this new update, added an insane amount of suppression, and your run speed has been slowed.”
    • “Despite many issues being addressed, the game still suffers from game balance issues, like MGs hipfire/standing ads being overpowered.”
  • humor
    709 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is a standout feature, with players frequently highlighting the hilarious interactions and banter that occur during gameplay. Many reviews emphasize the chaotic yet friendly nature of the community, where funny moments often arise from both intentional antics and unexpected glitches. Overall, the game is described as a blend of serious military simulation and lighthearted fun, making it an enjoyable experience, especially when played with friends.

    • “The community is great and hilarious! You'll find interesting and funny people, tactical trolling, and many other things.”
    • “This game is hilarious and has a great community. You'll have some hilarious moments, intense firefights, and holy shit the sound design is second to none.”
    • “The vocal voice feature can lead to some very funny interactions between you and random people and some very coordinated gameplay.”
    • “Best to play with friends; otherwise, it's not funny or worth buying.”
    • “You're not funny!”
    • “What the heck, now nobody can run this game. Was this all a joke? Was this supposed to be funny? Hilarious goofs? Enough with the UE5 nonsense.”
  • stability
    602 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The stability of the game has been a significant point of contention among players, with many describing it as a "buggy mess" following the transition to Unreal Engine 5. Users report frequent crashes, long load times, and various glitches that severely impact gameplay, making it nearly unplayable for some. While a few players have experienced improved performance, the overwhelming consensus is that the game remains riddled with issues that detract from the overall experience, leading to frustration and disappointment.

    • “The recent switch to UE5 is a win in my opinion; it runs great.”
    • “Runs smooth and not buggy at all.”
    • “Graphics are good, the game is stable and virtually bug-free for the most part.”
    • “The game is very buggy and lags at times on a high-end system, audio system also suddenly cuts out which forces you to restart the game and simply ruins your entire operation.”
    • “Game is a buggy mess; the developers have taken a beloved game and changed the fundamental design while not addressing the numerous glitches and bugs that have existed for years.”
    • “The ue5 engine has always been a mess and pushing to move this already buggy and poorly optimized game was a poor decision from the start.”
  • story
    588 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The reviews indicate that the game lacks a traditional narrative, focusing instead on player-driven stories that emerge from cooperative gameplay and mission objectives. While some players appreciate the immersive experience and the camaraderie built through teamwork, many express a desire for a more structured storyline or single-player missions. Overall, the game's emphasis is on tactical gameplay and player interactions rather than a defined plot.

    • “Every match is a story written in blood and grit.”
    • “This is one of the best communities for team play that's out there right now, and I guarantee you'll walk away with at least one extremely memorable story about your time playing.”
    • “Each game is a new story; war isn't pretty at all, but when playing this game, it makes everything bright.”
    • “There’s no narrative to follow here, and it’s not a game that tries to deliver a story.”
    • “This game lacks culture, story, grit, and depth.”
    • “The gameplay is equally disappointing, with repetitive and uninteresting missions that lack any real sense of purpose or direction.”
  • music
    285 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music aspect of the game is characterized by a chaotic blend of player-generated soundtracks and a diverse range of in-game audio experiences. Players frequently use voice chat to blast various genres, from phonk and rap to nostalgic war anthems, creating a lively and often humorous atmosphere, though it can also lead to disruptive mic spam and toxic behavior. While the official soundtrack is praised for its quality and emotional depth, the community's penchant for playing loud, often inappropriate music adds a unique, albeit chaotic, layer to the gameplay experience.

    • “The music is catchy and memorable; I'll often find myself humming certain tunes from it, and the gameplay is incredibly laid back and enjoyable.”
    • “The soundtrack and sound design are also really good, making the game feel immersive and engaging.”
    • “Sitting in the logistics truck or heli on our way to the frontlines with 10+ randoms, blasting music, and talking about random topics is the best part of any match.”
    • “You either deliver freedom with the western forces or listen to some random 40-year-old Middle Eastern guy play bass-boosted Arabic music while absolutely screaming at the same time he's firing RPGs and machine gunning as insurgents.”
    • “You'll spend more time dealing with mic spam involving loud music and racial slurs.”
    • “The main menu music volume can't be adjusted and is awful on the ears.”
  • grinding
    254 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The reviews indicate that grinding in the game is a significant point of contention, with many players finding it tedious and frustrating. While some appreciate the lack of traditional grinding mechanics like leveling up or unlocking cosmetics, others feel that the gameplay loop can become monotonous and overly complex, leading to a frustrating experience, especially for new players. Overall, the game is seen as a mix of enjoyable tactical gameplay and tedious mechanics that can detract from the overall experience.

    • “You aren't grinding a battle pass, unlocking characters, skis, weapons, maps, grinding levels for god knows what reason, getting gear, or doing dailies.”
    • “There is no progression system (so no grinding), there are also no weapon skins or player cosmetics, no third person (sorry for all the Arma players).”
    • “Good set of classes/roles to choose from and the game has no grinding system, which in my opinion is a pro in my book.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “The content you can unlock by grinding often feels like it only exists to drag you into interfaces that advertise the paid content for you.”
    • “The gameplay can be tedious with brief or prolonged moments of action between the long stretches of waiting or moving from one location to another.”
  • atmosphere
    164 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere in the game is widely praised for its immersive and realistic qualities, enhanced by exceptional sound design and detailed environments that evoke a genuine sense of warfare. Players appreciate the community's collaborative spirit, which fosters a positive and mature atmosphere, although some note that the experience can vary based on team dynamics. Overall, the game's ability to create tension and engagement through its atmospheric elements is frequently highlighted as a standout feature.

    • “The echo of distant gunfire, the whine of a jet overhead, or the crunch of footsteps in a ruined building all contribute to a tense, hyper-immersive atmosphere.”
    • “The sound design further enhances the immersive experience, with gunfire, explosions, and communication creating a realistic and intense atmosphere.”
    • “The meticulously designed maps, realistic weapon mechanics, and lifelike visuals create an atmosphere that completely engulfs you.”
    • “Veterans are leaving, new players don’t stick around, and the atmosphere of truly large-scale battles is fading fast.”
    • “The atmosphere of this game can't be achieved with a brainrot Battlefield 2042 or a Call of Duty.”
    • “First impression, Squad is actually one of garbage since the feature itself doesn't comply with any needs regarding elements of combat complexity such as loadout customization; somehow it definitely trims a whole war atmosphere.”
  • replayability
    140 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game boasts exceptional replayability, attributed to its diverse factions, expansive maps, and community-created content, ensuring that no two matches are alike. Players appreciate the tactical depth and cooperative gameplay, which foster unique experiences and strategic challenges. Despite some criticisms regarding the lack of single-player modes, the game's ongoing updates and mod support contribute to its enduring appeal and replay value.

    • “Variety and replayability: multiple factions (US Army, Russian ground forces, insurgents, and more) with unique weapons and tactics, plus expansive maps ensure no two matches feel the same.”
    • “Community-created maps, factions, and game modes offer endless opportunities for fresh experiences, ensuring replayability well beyond the base content.”
    • “The game is unique, offering nearly infinite replay value due to the multitude of maps and varying layers along with factions, weapons, and armor loadouts.”
    • “Lack of singleplayer and coop: the absence of singleplayer severely limits the game's replay value without any hassle of toxic players.”
    • “But when the metaphorical dust settles and you're left with the core gameplay loop, I really think these changes do nothing but damage the replayability of the game.”
    • “Squad fundamentally hasn't changed in years, no new game modes or improvements to replayability, just flashy factions and a useless voting system where you get to play the same 3 factions and layers every time.”
  • emotional
    115 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of the game is a mixed bag, with players expressing a range of feelings from deep immersion and camaraderie to frustration and heartbreak over performance issues. Many reviewers highlight the game's ability to evoke genuine emotional responses, whether through intense combat experiences or the supportive community, while others lament the emotional toll of technical problems and toxic interactions. Overall, the game fosters a unique blend of heartfelt moments and emotional challenges, making it a memorable experience for many players.

    • “It made me feel less alone.”
    • “But the journeys I and my squad have been through, the hopeless situations in which we have prevailed, and the firefights we have won against the odds, honestly account for some of the most emotional experiences I have had in my 25 years as a PC gamer.”
    • “First time playing the game I watched my best friend get his brains blown out in front of my very eyes while I cried his name in agony.”
    • “You'll be emotionally invested.”
    • “The game tries to evoke emotions but falls flat.”
    • “I felt disconnected from the characters and their struggles.”
  • character development
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in the game is described as mediocre, with a standard narrative arc that includes initial camaraderie among characters. However, the overall experience is marred by technical issues, such as poor graphics and frequent freezing, which detracts from the immersion and engagement with the characters.

    • “Every game is a full story arc and every game begins with character development - optimistically riding out to war with your temporary best friends while someone on your truck is blasting classic rock through their mic and you're all trying to pretend that your idiot squad lead isn't about to get you slaughtered.”
    • “Character development is mid.”
    • “So yeah, pay an overpriced amount to play a game with unacceptable lighting/graphics and character design that has a very high chance of not being playable due to it freezing on the loading screen every damn time.”
    • “For the five minutes I was able to get it to work, I can say the lighting and character design is awful; it looks like they stole those trees from Farming Simulator 19.”
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80%Critics’ scoreBased on 2 critic reviews
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53h Median play time
398h Average play time
10-500h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 411 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Squad is a tactical shooter game with warfare theme.

Squad is available on PC, Windows, Cloud and NVIDIA GeForce NOW.

On average players spend around 398 hours playing Squad.

Squad was released on October 17, 2018.

Squad was developed by Offworld.

Squad has received mostly positive reviews from players and mostly positive reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its gameplay but disliked it for its optimization.

Squad is a single player game with multiplayer support.

Similar games include Hell Let Loose, Squad 44, Post Scriptum, Insurgency: Sandstorm, Rising Storm 2: Vietnam and others.