The Game Awards 2024 winners: a review of the best games of the past year

It’s easy to get lost among the many free online shooters. In this article, we’ll discuss which projects stand out from the rest.

Dive into the TOP-3 best free online shooters

Let’s consider several of the best projects that deserve attention. Each has interesting features.

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive – a timeless classic

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO) is a legend among free online shooters that needs no introduction. Valve continues to actively support and update the game, which makes it even more interesting for new players and veterans.

CS: GO runs on the Source engine, which ensures stable operation even on weaker PCs, and allows you to enjoy dynamic gameplay at any settings. Inferno and Dust II maps (and others) have incredible detail and are real symbols of the gaming industry. Each of them is carefully designed for tactical maneuvers – many shooting points, narrow corridors and open spaces add variety to gaming sessions.

A huge arsenal of weapons in CS: GO includes more than 30 types of small arms – from the legendary AK-47 to the famous AWP. Each has its own accuracy, rollback and damage, which forces users to carefully choose what to go into battle with. The economic system adds a strategic component – successful rounds allow you to buy better weapons and equipment.

Apex Legends – an innovative approach to the battle royale genre

Apex Legends surprised the world when Respawn Entertainment suddenly released the game in 2019, without giving any announcements in advance. New free online shooters rarely create so much noise.

Apex Legends is a unique set of characters called Legends, each of whom has their own abilities. For example, Lifeline can use the D.O.C. medical drone. to heal allies, and Pathfinder uses a hook to quickly move around the map.

Team dynamics are the main feature of the concept. Participants must constantly interact with each other: coordinate attacks, cover allies, use the ping system to mark targets. This is especially important when one team is trying to get the upper hand over the other in the final stages of the match, where every shot and every action matters.

Warframe is a shooter with a deep RPG component

In Warframe, the player controls a ninja in a futuristic universe. The project is a real gift for those looking for free online first-person shooters with the addition of various pumping mechanics.

Various “warframes” are available here – special exosuits. Warframe has more than 50 of them, such as Rhino, which can withstand strong attacks, and Loki, a master of stealth and deception. Each warframe has its own abilities that can be improved with modules, such as Vitality to increase health or Streamline to reduce energy costs for abilities.

Free online shooters for weak PCs: games that won’t let you down

Below are the best projects that are great for users with less powerful hardware. Several options can offer interesting and rich gameplay, while not requiring high resources from the computer.

Team Fortress 2 – Old, but Still Going Strong

Team Fortress 2 (TF2) remains one of the most popular free online shooters for weak PCs. Valve, the creators of the project, have been supporting it for over a decade, adding cosmetic items and making major updates.

TF2 is ideal for weak machines thanks to the Source engine and a variety of graphic settings. There are nine classes, each of which offers unique abilities and a role in the team. For example, the Soldier uses a rocket launcher, which allows you to deliver powerful blows, and the Medic can heal allies and make the team more resilient.

The concept lives thanks to its active community. Numerous user modifications, such as new maps or game modes, create unique gameplay opportunities. Annual events, such as Scream Fortress, add elements of horror and humor to the game, keeping the participants interested.

Paladins — an alternative to Overwatch that does not require many resources

Paladins from Hi-Rez Studios offers users a free shooter that is very similar to Overwatch, but with lower system requirements.

Paladins features over 40 heroes, such as Viktor, who uses a machine gun to deal damage at long range, and Inarra, who has defensive and crowd control abilities. Each character has three unique abilities and an ultimate attack, which allows you to choose tactics based on your preferences and playstyle.

Despite the bright and rich graphics, Paladins is optimized for weak machines. The Unreal Engine 3 engine allows you to achieve excellent visual quality even on minimum settings. The Serpent Beach and Brightmarsh maps are full of hidden paths and ambush points.

Crossfire — a choice for fans of the classics

Crossfire is an online shooter that is very reminiscent of early versions of Counter-Strike. Smilegate Entertainment has managed to create a project that combines classic gameplay with unique modes.

The concept is famous for its ease. The developers used the LithTech engine, which allows you to play even on the most modest systems. Maps like Black Widow and Mexico are familiar to users with their classic design and many strategic points.

Crossfire features more than 100 types of weapons, from pistols to sniper rifles. Players can customize them with skins, as well as use various accessories, such as scopes and silencers.

Conclusion

These free online shooters demonstrate that truly high-quality gameplay can be accessible to absolutely everyone. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Apex Legends, Warframe, Team Fortress 2, Paladins and Crossfire – each project offers something special. Do you want to experience the tension of an eSports match or explore space as a futuristic ninja? The games will give you unforgettable moments!

In 2024, the gaming world is full of diversity, and many find it difficult to decide what to play. Below, we have collected the best games for PC and smartphones that have already become favorites and deserve attention.

What to play on PC in 2024

Let’s consider new and already beloved projects in the most popular genres. We are sure that you will find something interesting for yourself and your friends.

RPG and fantasy worlds

For fans who like to get lost in fantasy universes, you should pay attention to the three most anticipated RPGs of 2024-2025: Baldur’s Gate 3, Starfield, and Avowed. The projects offer an incredible level of detail, an exciting plot, and unique mechanics that turn every minute of gameplay into a real adventure:

1. Baldur’s Gate 3. Immersion in a complex world, where every decision you make affects the further development of the plot. Open locations, developed characters, and moral dilemmas make this RPG a real hit of 2024. Features include character customization, an extensive storyline, and multiplayer elements. The graphics are developed on the Divinity 4.0 engine, every pixel of the world is detailed for complete immersion.
2. Starfield. A space RPG from Bethesda, where players can explore space, discover new planets, and meet unusual civilizations. Starfield surprises with its possibilities, endless missions, and deep lore. Locations include more than a hundred planets to explore, each with its own unique biomes and secrets. Convenient HUD shows the main parameters of the ship and crew.
3. Avowed. A magical RPG from Obsidian, immersing you in the world of Eora. Avowed brings dynamic battles, spells, and a powerful magic system, thanks to which every fight becomes an exciting challenge. An extensive arsenal of magic, interactive locations, and a plot closely connected with previous Obsidian games.

Strategies: Conquering Virtual Worlds

Strategy games in 2024 promise to capture the hearts of fans of tactics and planning. Among the best are Age of Empires IV, Total War: Pharaoh, and Frostpunk 2. They offer a variety of settings and depth, be it historical battles or post-apocalyptic survival. What to play in 2024? Try them:

1. Age of Empires IV. The return of the legendary strategy with historical accuracy and exciting battles. Age of Empires IV takes you to the Middle Ages, providing the opportunity to develop your civilization, participate in battles, and conduct economic policy. Mechanics include realistic settlement development, powerful upgrades, and exciting missions to capture territories.
2. Total War: Pharaoh. Political intrigue, grandiose battles, and the historical atmosphere of Ancient Egypt. Players will be able to manage armies, and negotiate and build dynasties. Features include dynamic seasons, pharaoh management, and Egyptian civilization simulation.
3. Frostpunk 2. A world after an ice disaster, where the player must make difficult decisions to survive. Resource management, complex moral dilemmas, and the fight for life make Frostpunk 2 one of the most emotionally charged strategies of the year. Goals include maintaining the city’s temperature, preserving the unity of society, and developing technology.

Shooters: Adrenaline-pumping adventures

What to play in 2024 if you like shooting? Shooters continue to be popular, providing exciting battles, colorful characters, and dynamic modes. Top projects:

1. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. Offers a continuation of the cult series with new modes, an exciting storyline, and high-quality graphics. Modern Warfare 3 adds more realistic destruction, making every shootout more exciting. Modes include campaigns, multiplayer, and special operations.
2. Apex Legends. A multiplayer shooter with a focus on team battles and unique characters. Apex Legends continues to delight users with new characters and balanced gameplay. Each character has a unique ability, and teamwork is crucial.
3. Battlefield 2042. Battles on a huge scale, exciting locations, and innovations such as dynamic weather conditions. Battlefield 2042 surprises with the mass and speed of battles. An arsenal of modern weapons, advanced graphic effects, and destruction of locations.

The best smartphone games in 2024

We will tell you about online and offline projects that deserve your attention.

Online games for smartphones: join global battles

What to play on your smartphone in 2024? There are many interesting games, including hits that millions of people around the world enjoy. Particularly noteworthy are:

1. Genshin Impact. Open world, with beautiful locations, and a variety of missions. Genshin Impact on mobile devices is practically no different from the version for PC and consoles, which makes it one of the most convenient.
2. PUBG Mobile. A battle royale familiar to millions of players, but now with improved graphics and new locations. PUBG Mobile in 2024 offers new maps and improved battle modes.
3. Call of Duty Mobile. Multiplayer with dynamic battles and a variety of modes, including a battle royale. Call of Duty Mobile continues to amaze with the quality and speed of gameplay.

Offline Games for Smartphones 2024: Enjoy the Game Without the Internet

For those who like to be offline, offline games offer a variety of options that allow you to enjoy a session anytime and anywhere. What to play in 2024 without an internet connection? Here are some great options:

1. Monument Valley 2. Stunning puzzles that impress with their visual style. The project offers immersion in atmospheric levels where you need to use logic and intuition.
2. Stardew Valley. A farming simulator that allows you to manage a farm, build relationships with other characters, and run a household. Stardew Valley gives a feeling of calm and harmony.
3. Alto’s Odyssey. Captivating visuals, simple but addictive controls, and a relaxing atmosphere. Alto’s Odyssey is perfect for those who want to relax.
4. Simulators for a smartphone: when reality is in your pocket

Simulators have reached a new level of realism. What to play in 2024 to feel like a real farmer or pilot? Several cool options:

1. The Sims Mobile. Managing the lives of characters, developing relationships, and building houses – The Sims Mobile remains one of the most popular options among simulators.
2. Farming Simulator 20. A detailed farming simulation with the ability to grow various crops and control equipment. Ideal for those who want to feel like a real farmer.
3. Flight Simulator. Realistic flight control and the ability to travel around the world. Flight Simulator offers immersion in the world of aviation like never before.

Conclusion

We hope that the review helped you decide what to play in 2024. The choice of projects is huge, but each of those mentioned today deserves attention. Try different options to create your personal top.