Counter-Strike 2 captured the hearts of numerous players worldwide, but its appeal doesn’t end there. Sometimes, even after the most extraordinary matchmaking battles, you might need a break from it, and that’s where other FPS games similar to CS2 come to the rescue. In this article, CS.MONEY Blog lists five games like Counter-Strike on PC or mobile!
Even if you want to try games like CS in 2024, remember: CS2 skins are best bought on CS.MONEY. We have low prices, a huge selection and a handy navigation and filter system!
VALORANT
- Developer: Riot Games
- Release Date: June 2020
Let’s start with a game that draws heavily from Counter-Strike, and its developers don’t hide it. In VALORANT, the gameplay closely resembles Counter-Strike: 5v5 battles, same objectives (plant a bomb that’s called a ‘spike’), and even weapons are quite similar. Although it all happens in a fictional fantasy universe.
What sets VALORANT apart from Counter-Strike is primarily its visual aspect. VALORANT is more vibrant and less realistic. Also, VALORANT has agents, each with a set of unique abilities which adds complexity to the game. Many abilities, however, resemble the old good smokes and flashes. And it has a somewhat extraordinary skin/cosmetics system: each collection is available for a limited time (so basically Riot are using FOMO to the max) and obtained skins cannot be transferred to another account (no trades at all). In this regard, Counter-Strike works way more user-friendly, as you can quickly buy any skin you like. Surely, thrid-party websites like us, CS.MONEY Market, are more convenient and has cheaper options. Moreover, you can instantly sell your old skins and withdraw cash to your bank account with us! Unfortunately, this is not available to VALORANT players.
Rainbow Six: Siege
- Developer: Ubisoft
- Release Date: Dec 2015
Another game that is often mentioned as a Counter-Strike rival is Rainbow Six: Siege. While there is some truth to it, the overall spirit of the game is significantly different.
How is Rainbow Six: Siege similar to CS2? It’s a team-based tactical FPS set in a modern environment. The weapons are realistic, and rounds revolve around two objectives, where one side must plant a defuser (yes, here, the roles of attack and defence are somewhat reversed).
How does Rainbow Six: Siege differ from CS2? It features multi-level maps where floors, walls, and ceilings can be shot through, significantly impacting tactics. The rounds are longer and competitive matches are up to seven won rounds. Rainbow Six: Siege may feel more intense because you simply can’t arcade and be successful there. Serious, thoughtful gameplay leads to victory.
Warface
- Developer: Crytek Kiev
- Release Date: October 2013
Another team-based tactical shooter set in a realistic modern setting. Tournaments are held for Warface, but the esports scene is not even remotely close to Counter-Strike, Rainbow Six: Siege, and VALORANT.
Each player in the team has a class influencing gameplay, though not dominantly. The game somewhat resembles the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare series (given the game is over 10 years old). The gameplay here is quick and fun. The game’s downside includes its age, as both CS2 and other games in this list are more modern and relevant.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Series
- Developer: Infinity Ward, Sledgehammer Games
- Release Date: September 2022
Speaking of games that blend Counter-Strike and Call of Duty, it would be a crime not to mention the latter, especially the entire Modern Warfare series. In the late 2000s, when CS 1.6 already couldn’t satisfy everyone, CS:S wasn’t in favour, and CS:GO wasn’t announced, many players engaged in “Search and Destroy” mode first in Call of Duty 4 and then in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.
“Search and Destroy” mode brings CoD as close as possible to CS, but even without it you can get a lot of fun from the game. You can play both the latest version of the game (Modern Warfare 2), as well as old or remakes—the servers are alive and full of people. And finally, Danger Zone fans can find their game as well in Call Of Duty: Warzone, a local Battle Royale.
Standoff 2
- Developer: Axiebolt
- Release Date: April 2017
Finally, let’s not forget about mobile gaming. Do you guys not have phones? Standoff 2 heavily mimics Counter-Strike, featuring weapons, maps, and even skins. It’s easy to guess where the developers draw their inspiration from.
It could be a good option for those not ready to play other tactical shooters on PC but willing to indulge in some smartphone gaming on the go. Ultimately, games don’t mutually exclude each other.
Competition always improves quality, and game developers successfully exchange successful ideas with each other. So, instead of hating on other games in the same genre, it’s better to support your favorites!
