Wardogs: A New Contender in the Milsim FPS Arena
Wardogs, the highly anticipated military simulation first-person shooter (FPS) from the creators of Battalion 1944, is set to enter early access on September 10. Recently, I had the opportunity to participate in a closed playtest, and after five hours of immersive gameplay, it’s clear why excitement is building around this title.
Designed exclusively for player-versus-player (PvP) action, Wardogs accommodates up to 100 players on expansive servers. The playtest featured a primary mode where three teams compete for control over a designated territory on a vast map. The objective is straightforward: the team with the most players in the contested area scores points. However, players can double their impact by occupying the “hot zone” within the circle, where the action intensifies. This format draws inspiration from the popular Arma 3 mod, Arma: King of the Hill.
What sets Wardogs apart is its innovative economic system. Players accumulate account-level currency through various actions—whether it’s securing kills, standing in capture zones, healing teammates, or transporting allies. This currency can then be spent on gear, creating a personal stake in survival. The game cleverly incorporates elements reminiscent of extraction shooters, allowing players to fill a virtual shopping cart with an array of weapons, armor, gadgets, and medical supplies, all while risking their hard-earned gear in the heat of battle.
This incentive structure is a refreshing departure from traditional XP rewards for teamwork, as seen in games like Battlefield. Wardogs not only encourages collaborative play but also taps into the thrill of strategizing loadouts typical of extraction shooters. Each life feels akin to a raid: players prepare, venture out, and aim to secure more resources than they expend. Fortunately, the game offers generous cash rewards, making it feasible to profit from gameplay without obsessively managing finances. During my playtest, I found success in 9 out of 10 matches simply by focusing on objectives, healing teammates, and securing the occasional kill. As I unlock more advanced gear, I anticipate a more nuanced approach to my loadout selections.
Outside of gameplay, Bulkhead, the studio behind Wardogs, is making all the right moves. Preorders are available for , with a notable encouragement for players to request refunds if they find the beta, which begins on August 21, unsatisfactory. The studio has also pledged to avoid monetization during the early access phase, ensuring that all cosmetic skins will be earned through gameplay rather than purchased, with the exception of a supporter pack. Moreover, Wardogs is designed as a PC-first FPS, with plans to support community servers, aligning with the desires of many in the gaming community.
With its early access launch on the horizon, Wardogs is poised to make a significant impact in the milsim FPS genre, appealing to both seasoned players and newcomers alike.
