The annual Call of Duty cycle is a familiar dance. You get a thrilling new release followed by months of honing your skills. But once the initial excitement fades, that familiar itch for a fresh battlefield starts calling.
This year, with Modern Warfare 3 falling short of expectations, the wait for Black Ops 6 feels rather long. Thankfully, fall’s arrival of Black Ops 6 is confirmed, and the excitement is palpable. Black Ops, with its rare exception of Black Ops 4, has never missed a beat, delivering a consistently polished and refined gameplay experience.
But what do you do when that craving for Black Ops-style multiplayer action hits, and Black Ops 6 remains tantalizingly out of reach? Several months separate us from launch. Revisiting previous Call of Duty titles might not satisfy that specific desire for a fast-paced, tactical shooter with a hint of futuristic flair. Traditional Call of Duty often focuses on modern warfare or World War 2 eras, leaving a gap for those seeking something a little different.
Fear not, soldier! The waitlist for Black Ops 6 doesn’t have to be a slog. Venture beyond the familiar Call of Duty territory and discover a world of fantastic shooters waiting to be explored. We’ve scoured the gaming landscape to identify the best titles that will keep you entertained, hone your skills, and bridge the gap until Black Ops 6 arrives. You might even discover a new favorite along the way!
Titanfall 2 – Call of Duty but with Mechs
Looking for that familiar Call of Duty feel with a hefty dose of innovation? Look no further than Titanfall 2, brought to you by Respawn Entertainment. It’s the studio founded by none other than the minds behind the original Call of Duty!
It is not a direct Black Ops successor. But Titanfall 2 captures the essence of what makes the series so compelling. It dials up the sci-fi elements a notch with the introduction of hulking, mechanized Titans.
But Titanfall 2 isn’t just about colossal robots. On-foot combat is a frenetic ballet of speed and agility. Master wall-running, grappling hooks, and jet boosts to navigate maps with unmatched fluidity. Every encounter is an adrenaline-fueled rush as you zip past enemies, unleashing a torrent of bullets.
For those who crave a more tactical experience, Titanfall 2 offers a light MOBA twist. AI-controlled bots strategically placed around the map allow players of all skill levels to contribute meaningfully. Don’t underestimate the campaign either. It might not mirror the typical Black Ops espionage narrative. But it’s a masterfully crafted thrill ride unlike anything you’ve experienced in an FPS before.
Where to buy – PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, Steam
Counter Strike 2 – Valve’s Modern Take on Multiplayer Shooter
Crave the intense competitive multiplayer of Black Ops, but want a deeper challenge? Counter-Strike 2 is the ultimate test of tactical prowess.
Think of Black Ops as your training wheels. In Counter-Strike 2, every move is deliberate. A single misstep, like a loud footstep, can spell defeat for your entire team.
Mastering recoil and bullet physics becomes crucial – gone are the days of laser-accurate weapons. But conquer these challenges, and the thrill of outsmarting and outplaying your opponent reaches unmatched heights.
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If the strategic depth and high stakes of competition fuel your fire, Counter-Strike 2 is the perfect training ground for Black Ops 6 mastery. Just be prepared to leave the arcade-style action behind and enter the realm of true tactical dominance.
Where to buy – Steam
Rainbow Six Siege – Tactical Shooter with More Strategic Depth Than Call of Duty
Love Black Ops for its character variety and strategic depth? Rainbow Six Siege offers the perfect blend.
This tactical shooter boasts the same intensity as Counter-Strike 2. But it has a crucial twist: unique Operators. Choose from dozens of specialists, each with specialized skills, weapons, and roles.
Rainbow Six Siege elevates the tactical experience with dynamic destruction. Need to reach a lower objective? Blast a hole in the floor! Enemies hiding behind a wall? Rain bullets down and potentially score a lucky wallbang headshot.
The learning curve is steep, but the journey is rewarding. From your first match to your hundredth, you’ll be chasing that exhilarating moment of pulling off a game-winning wallbang. If you crave strategic depth and the thrill of customization, Rainbow Six Siege is the perfect training ground for Black Ops 6 mastery.
Where to buy – Steam, PlayStation Store, Xbox Store
Battlefield 2042: Call of Duty but with Larger Maps and Vehicles
Black Ops is fantastic, but what if you crave large-scale warfare that dwarfs even the biggest Call of Duty matches? Look no further than Battlefield 2042.
This long-running franchise offers a distinct alternative, though it hasn’t quite reached Black Ops’ heights. While Battlefield 2042 had a rough launch, the developers have ironed out the wrinkles, making it a worthy contender.
Time-wise, 2042 aligns perfectly with Black Ops’ near-future aesthetic. Expect familiar weaponry with a touch of sci-fi flair for an exciting twist.
But the true difference lies in scale. Battlefield 2042 throws you into epic 128-player battles on modern consoles and PCs – an experience unmatched by Black Ops. These massive maps, coupled with well-placed objectives and squad-based gameplay, ensure you’ll always feel like you’re contributing to the fight. If you crave colossal battles and a different perspective on near-future warfare, Battlefield 2042 is the perfect warm-up for Black Ops 6.
