Delta Force: Hawk Ops – open beta for "better Battlefield 2024" arrives in a few days

Hawk Ops is the ninth entry in the Delta Force series, which first launched in 1998. This tactical first-person shooter is set to enter global open beta on PC starting December 5, 2024. Developed by Team Jade, a division of TiMi Studio Group, known for hits like Call of Duty: Mobile, Honor of Kings and Arena of Valor, the game has sparked high expectations among fans. Although Hawk Ops will eventually be free-to-play, players can already add it to their Steam wish lists.

Delta Force: Hawk Ops spans two distinct eras: 1993 and 2035. In 1993, players take on the role of an elite Delta Force officer, engaging in military operations during Somalia’s civil war - a storyline inspired by Delta Force: Black Hawk Down (2003). Fast-forward to 2035 and players join the G.T.I., a unit formed by former Delta operators, tasked with uncovering the illegal activities of the Haavk Corporation in Ahsarah. While the missions of 1993 rely on traditional weaponry, those in 2035 introduce advanced technology, including drones and cutting-edge gear, adding a futuristic twist to the gameplay.

Hawk Ops offers large-scale battles involving infantry and vehicles, drawing clear comparisons to the Battlefield series. In an interview with VideoGamer, Ricky Liao, Design Director at Team Jade, explained that the game isn’t meant to compete with Battlefield or Call of Duty.

"We don’t see other shooters as our competitors, especially CoD [...] So, our ultimate goal is to create a game that’s fun and fresh that also challenges the players’ tactical mind."

Initial player experience mostly positive

Some players got an early taste of Delta Force: Hawk Ops during the alpha phase in August and a playtest in October, with feedback on Reddit being largely positive. Many compare the game to Battlefield 2042, often favoring Delta Force. The co-op PvE mode and the diverse selection of maps have been especially well-received. However, there’s notable frustration with bots disguised as players, some of which exhibit unnatural behavior and near-inhuman reactions. The developers will hopefully address these issues before the open beta begins.