Deal | Arma meets Battlefield: Challenging tactical shooter free to play on Steam for a limited time
Squad, developed by Offworld Industries, launched in September 2020 after nearly five years in Early Access. The game centers on large-scale multiplayer battles where teams of 50 players face off across more than 20 maps. Featuring seven factions, authentic weapon models and striking presentation, it is regarded as one of the most comprehensive military simulations available.
The gameplay places a strong emphasis on teamwork and communication. Players can use multiple radio channels via the in-game VoIP system to stay connected within their squads. Equally crucial are well-organized supply lines and the construction of forward operating bases. One player takes on the role of commander, overseeing overall coordination. Unlike many shooters, Squad avoids XP grinds and reward systems, focusing entirely on tactical gameplay. In addition to classic infantry roles such as machine gunners and medics, players have access to a wide range of vehicles, including off-road trucks, heavy tanks and transport helicopters.
German gaming magazine 4Players praised Squad primarily for its strategic depth and authenticity. A wide selection of maps and multiple factions ensures varied battles with plenty of tactical options. However, the steep learning curve drew criticism. Short tutorials and the lack of single-player modes can quickly frustrate newcomers. In addition, the heavy reliance on communication means that players unwilling to coordinate closely with their team – or those who prefer a solo approach – are likely to struggle with Squad.
In the end, 4Players awarded Squad a solid 8.5 out of 10. On Metacritic, the tactical shooter holds a user score of 7.6, although no official Metascore is listed. The Steam community echoes this sentiment, with 82% of more than 218,000 reviews being positive.
Free to play until September 15
Squad usually costs around $49 on Steam, but it can be played for free until September 15. After that, it will be available at a 60% discount until September 18, bringing the price down to just under $20. According to SteamDB, the game was even discounted by 70% during the Steam Wargames Fest in April, so waiting for a bigger discount could be worthwhile. On the Steam Deck, Squad is rated as "Playable" (available on Amazon for $455).
Disclaimer: Notebookcheck is not responsible for price changes carried out by retailers. The discounted price or deal mentioned in this item was available at the time of writing and may be subject to time restrictions and/or limited unit availability.
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