Battle Royales have become extremely popular over the years, beginning their incredible snowball after the release of Player Unknown’s Battlegrounds. Since then, so many different games and even genres have tried to adopt the “last man standing” formula, to different degrees of success.
So many creative ideas have come to life, from magic to building, to beloved children’s games, by now players have battled each other in almost every way imaginable. Whether players prefer the classic tactical shooters or want to experience something new, there is undeniably something out there for everyone. After all, who doesn’t want to be the ultimate survivor?
8 Ring of Elysium
Innovative movement and transportation
- Metacritic User Score: 7.4
- Steam All Reviews: Mostly Positive (100,701)
Ring of Elysium took everything great from PUBG and added many great ideas on top of that. The fairly complicated and gritty weapon system is still present, along with large maps and an inclination towards some realism.
The game’s unique twist comes in the form of transportation, or rather the myriad of ways that players can move around the map. All kinds of Extreme Sports variations are present in the game, from mountain bikes and snowboards to kiting and mountain climbing. Players have no shortage of possible ways to cross the large maps and do it in style. On top of that, the helicopter rescue ending to games brings a whole new level of suspense.
7 Spellbreak
Spells and Magic instead of Guns and Bullets
Spellbreak
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One
- Released
- September 3, 2020
- Developer(s)
- Proletariat
- Publisher(s)
- Proletariat
- Genre(s)
- Battle Royale
- ESRB
- T For Teen due to Violence
- Metascore: 79
- Metacritic User Score: 8.1
Spellbreak took the by-then familiar formula, and put its own spin on it. Instead of typical cities, players get a fantasy landscape, full of castles and villages. Instead of pistols and rifles, players get magical gauntlets that allow them to wield different elements.
The magic is done extremely well in the game, and there are tons of combinations for players to experiment with, looking for their specific playstyle. From rapid-fire, to sniper-like arrows, players will quickly find that there are many forms in which magic can come. And the absolute mayhem that unfolds between players is extremely picturesque to behold.
6 Totally Accurate Battlegrounds
A whimsical approach to tactical simulators.
Totally Accurate Battlegrounds
- Platform(s)
- PC
- Released
- June 5, 2018
- Genre(s)
- FPS, Battle Royale
- Number of Players
- 60
- Metacritic User Score: 6.6
- Steam All Reviews: Very Positive (82,081)
In this offbeat take on the popular genre, players find themselves in a hilariously exaggerated world filled with floppy characters and unpredictable physics. Whether players are battling in a dinosaur costume or flinging frying pans at opponents, TABG injects pure chaos into every match.
The game’s unconventional approach, coupled with its comical visuals and quirky mechanics, creates an environment where unexpected moments and laughter are the norm. Compared to the usually realistic and tactical Battle Royales, the game doesn’t take itself too seriously and lets players of all skill levels have a great time.
5 Fortnite
Building, armor and demolishing.
Fortnite
- Platform(s)
- PC, iOS, Mobile, Xbox One, Android, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Switch
- Released
- July 25, 2017
- Genre(s)
- Survival, Battle Royale
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Metascore: 78
- Metacritic User Score: 4.2
By now there are very few people even outside the gaming scene who haven’t heard of Fortnite. The game skyrocketed in popularity during the rise of the battle royale genre, and its unique mechanics are a big reason why. From building to armor systems, to powerups and almost complete destructibility of buildings, the game had quite a lot to offer.
Building, in particular, is something this gaming scene has not seen before, and players all over the world took very well to the innovation. In fact, by now certain players have mastered the mix of combat and building to incredible heights, creating covers and skyscrapers in the middle of a heated shootout.
4 Tetris 99
Bringing classical games to the genre.
Tetris 99
- Platform(s)
- Switch
- Released
- February 13, 2019
- Genre(s)
- Puzzle
- Metascore: 83
- Metacritic User Score: 8.1
It is fair to say that nobody was expecting the great Tetris to join the Battle Royale craze, and yet there it is. Millions of players jumping in to prove that they are the greatest player that can survive among a hundred contestants and come out on top even under pressure.
The beloved block-stacking game is as fun as it always was, the core gameplay unchanged. However, certain PvP elements have been introduced, such as sending gray blocks to other players, hindering their ability to create perfect lines. Overall, it is an unexpected, but extremely fun way to pass the time.
3 Battlerite Royale
The first MOBA to embrace Battle Royales.
- Metascrore: 85
- Metacritic User Score: 7.3
Battlerite has always strived to bring forth a change to the familiar MOBA scene, but not many people were expecting them to take things this far. The intuitive controls and the unique character mechanics fit rather well into the “one winner takes it all” format, and many players were enjoying a dramatic change of pace in the genre.
The game has been on quite the decline lately, but the innovations they brought are nothing to sneeze about, and loyal fans are hoping for a grand comeback of the game.
2 Fall Guys
The Battle Royale Gameshow
Fall Guys
- Platform(s)
- PS5, PS4, Switch, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC
- Released
- August 4, 2020
- Genre(s)
- Battle Royale, Platformer, Action
- Metascore: 81
- Metacritic User Score: 6.9
Fall Guys put quite the twist on the Battle Royale formula, by breaking down the game into several mini-games, pitting players against each other in various obstacle courses, team games, and other inventive shenanigans. The game has been largely inspired by similar game shows, and really brings to life the spirit of such classics as Takeshi’s Castle.
Interestingly enough, despite there being only one winner, the game allows up to 4 players to queue up as a team, although most maps allow little to no room for assistance from each other. In fact, if someone were to deliberately try and sabotage their friends, the opportunities present themselves aplenty.
1 Apex Legends
Unique Characters and Abilities
Apex Legends
- Platform(s)
- PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC, iOS, Android, Switch
- Released
- February 4, 2019
- Genre(s)
- Battle Royale, First-Person Shooter
- Metascore
- 89
- Metascore: 89
- Metacritic User Score: 6.9
Apex Legends took the best elements from several shooters and made a fantastic Battle Royale that is still extremely popular. The colorful cast of characters allows for a great variety of playstyles, accommodating players of all skill levels and preferences.
From stealth, to control, to aggressive and mobile characters, the cast has something for everyone, and the developers continue to bring in fresh characters regularly. Ultimately, it is one of the best all-around Battle Royale games on the market, and it is not at all difficult to see why.
