Summary
As far as free-to-play multiplayer games go,Fortniteis definitely one of the best around, and it has been since its launch all the way back in 2017. For almost six years now,Fortnitehas managed to not only retain its initial playerbase but continue to build upon it, becoming more and more popular with every Season. Thanks to a consistent stream of updates, exciting pop-culture crossovers, and constant balancing patches,Fortniteremains one of the best multiplayer gamesout right now, but some fans are still longing for something new.
While Epic Games has continued to bring heaps of new content toFortniteover the years, including new game modes, it’s still largely the same game it was all the way back in 2017, offering fans a refined, free battle royale experience. While this core gameplay hook is enough to keep many fans playing, it’s starting to wear thin for some. That’s where games likeHawkedget their chance to shine. A PvPvE multiplayer shooter,Hawkedtakes the general aesthetic and vibes ofFortniteand gives them an interesting spin, and any fans currently a bit bored withFortnite’s usual battle royale mode should definitely check outHawked’s upcoming beta.
RELATED:Why Fortnite’s Futurama Skins May Put Players at a Disadvantage
Why Fortnite Fans Need to Check Out Hawked’s Beta
For those unaware,Hawkedis an upcoming free-to-play online multiplayer game that takesFortnite’s cartoony aesthetic and gives it a PvPvE extraction shooter gameplay overhaul. The extraction shooter genre is gradually becoming more and more popular, withEscape from TarkovandThe Divisionreally kicking off the trend a few years ago, andCall of Duty: Warzone’s DMZ modebringing it to the masses more recently. Though it doesn’t quite have the same fervent and immediate fanbase as the battle royale genre, the extraction shooter is certainly seeing some of the same levels of popularity, andHawkedseems like a great first entry point for newcomers.
Just by watching its most recent trailer, it’s clear thatHawkedistaking some heavy inspiration fromFortnite, especially when it comes to the overall art style. Cartoon-y character models, bright colors, and an island setting are all present inHawked.Hawked’s moment-to-moment gameplay also looks quite similar toFortnite’s, with players dropping onto an island and facing off against each other using simplistic third-person shooting mechanics.
However,Hawkedis offering plenty of its own unique features as well, making ita must-try forFortnitefans. Though its third-person shooting mechanics look similar toFortnite’s,Hawkedlets players dodge roll, and the general pace of combat seems to be a little faster. And whileHawkeddoes put players against one another, the general gameplay loop puts more of an emphasis on adventuring, solving puzzles, taking down AI, finding treasure, and extracting the loot.Hawkedwill also let players customize their character, which has both cosmetic and practical effects, with the player being able to tweak their character’s skin and loadout.
Though it might be a little too early to judge,Hawkeddoes seem like the perfect blend ofFortniteand something new, giving fans the samecartoon-y, family-friendly stylethat they’re used to, but in a brand-new gameplay setting. To make things even better, players can giveHawkeda go for themselves very soon, with the game’s open beta launching on August 3, and running until August 17. To join, all players need to do is head to Steam, request access to the open beta, and preload the game ready to get stuck in on August 3.
Fortniteis available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and mobile devices.
MORE:The Best Free-To-Play Games On The Xbox Series X/S & Xbox One (June 2023)
