WARDOGS
Preview

Right now, in Early Access, WARDOGS is sitting with tens of thousands of overwhelmingly positive reviews thanks to its unique combination of large-scale maps like Arma, destructible environments in the vein of classic Battlefield, and a risk/reward economy similar to Counter-Strike and Tarkov. The result? One of the best, most refreshing, and most team-oriented tactical shooters to emerge in recent years.

The Economy: Rewards Logisticians as Much as Shooters

WARDOGS’ success hinges on its cash-based progression system. Each match drops 100 players, divided between three competing factions, and plops them into a sprawling battlefield environment that spans several kilometers in order to contest randomized 2x2km Control Zones in an innovative twist on "King of the Hill".

Everyone wants a tank

As opposed to locking gear behind rigid classes, each player begins each match with a base wallet of $10,000. Everything from primary guns and ghillie suits to rocket launchers and artillery vehicles to supply trucks and attack helicopters is purchased using cash that carries over from match to match.

Importantly, WARDOGS doesn’t reward kills alone; there are a ton of ways to earn huge cash rewards through vital team contributions:

• Transportation: Drive supply trucks and transport helicopters to forward bases
• Medic Skills: Revive downed squadmates to keep pushes alive
• Reconnaissance: Tag enemy armor and discover enemy FOBs
• Objective Controlling: Hold onto the intense “Hot Zone” within the central Control Zone

This economy creates a unique dynamic. Spending thousands of dollars on a tiered sniper rifle or armored vehicle can win you the match, but losing it will sting. At the same time, a logistics specialist can make millions without firing a single shot!

Combined Arms, Construction, and Dynamic Environments

Player-driven action in WARDOGS is enhanced by spatial voice chat that encourages natural cooperation between teammates (as well as hilariously antagonistic interactions with enemies).

Each match revolves around balancing offense and defense. Players looking for a more rapid-fire experience can attack the central "Hot Zone" and earn extra cash from it, while other players can secure secondary points, place mortar batteries, or construct elaborate Forward Operating Bases with repair stations and anti-air turrets.

Environmental interaction in WARDOGS is just as impressive, with walls and apartments falling apart due to rocket fire and tank shells, eliminating enemy cover instantly. Even vehicles can be hijacked by sneaky infantry if left running unoccupied!

Early Access Flaws and Balance Tweaks Needed

While the game’s core loop is extremely solid, WARDOGS still shows the flaws of an Early Access title:

• Downed Player Loot and Toxic Griefing: Currently, if a downed player is revived, their teammate(s) can loot them and take their expensive equipment. This has caused some players to leave teammates with only their fists, and no way to lock their gear transfer.
• Spam Mortars and Anti-Air: In some matches, late-game balance issues may lead to endless mortar shelling and AA lockouts, making life hell for infantry rushes and aircraft.
• Optimization Issues: While most systems can handle WARDOGS on native settings, some heavy urban battles with lots of buildings collapsing, smoke, and burning cars may cause some framerate dips.

Verdict

WARDOGS is a good example of what makes large-scale multiplayer games special. With its emphasis on persistent economics, player freedom, and teamwork, BULKHEAD has created an FPS that boasts incredible replay value.

You will need a lot of this

There are rough edges here and there, and balance tweaking is definitely needed for downed players, but the foundation of WARDOGS is extremely solid.