In recent years, Battle Royale games have climbed their way to mainstream popularity thanks to titles such as PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds and Fortnite. Since, developers have been jumping on the bandwagon in an attempt to create their own version of a last-man-standing multiplayer game. As a consequence, there are tonnes of new and upcoming Battle Royale games on the market.
Take Apex Legends, for instance: a free-to-play Battle Royale that blew up in February 2019. It’s less than a year old and already has over 50 million registered users worldwide. Which leads to the question: what are the best Battle Royale games to play in 2019?
#1 Best Overall: Apex Legends
Developer(s): Respawn Entertainment
Platform(s): PC, PS4 + Xbox One
Initial Release Date: 4 February 2019
Back in February, Respawn officially announced (and released) its free-to-play Battle Royale game, Apex Legends. Apex is a very polished team-based game set in the Titanfall universe—a game that focuses on mobility and fast communication. To keep things fresh, you can play as one of ten characters with unique abilities and skills, as seen in Overwatch.
Recently, a new character has been added to the game that I simply can’t get enough of. In its first week, Apex Legends reached over 25 million players, but why did the game blow up? Or, more specifically, what makes the game so superior?
Apex Legends Gameplay:
At its core, Apex Legends is a team-based game that requires a high amount of patience and good communication skills. Although, you won’t need to spend a fortune on a premium gaming headset to communicate with your teammates. Instead, Respawn’s phenomenal ping system allows you to communicate using a single tap of a button.
Want to tell your teammates where you’re heading? Maybe you want to tell them that an enemy is nearby? Simply point to that area and ping. This system meant that I could mute screaming teammates to focus on the game.
I refer to Apex as a team-based game since this Battle Royale only features Squads mode—a mode in which you work together in a three-man team. Recently, Respawn did add a limited-time Solo mode, though truthfully, Squads is preferable.
This is all thanks to the fantastic ping system and unique character abilities that makes working together a breeze. On the topic of unique characters, before the game starts, you have to choose from one of ten characters—three of which must be purchased via in-game currency.
Every single one of these characters in Apex Legends has its own unique personality and set of abilities, as seen in Overwatch. The characters are then separated into four different classes: Offensive, Defensive, Recon, and Support. So before you jump into the game, it’s best to take note of which character is best for your playstyle.
Much like the characters, every weapon in the game has a unique personality. Now, I agree that the weapons themselves aren’t exactly new since they follow a similar tier system to Fortnite, though the way they fire feels very fresh.
In terms of gameplay, Apex Legends is as you’d assume from a Battle Royale: you jump from a plane, land with (or without) your team and loot weapons and items before your opponents. When you land, you’ll be spending the first part of the game finding and upgrading loot.
Weapon attachments are especially important but don’t forget about armor and health. Before you land, you’ll notice a blue light beaming from the sky—this is where you’ll find high tier loot. But good luck landing there without an early death.
Apex Legends Graphics:
Apex Legends is a Battle Royale game that undoubtedly balances performance and quality very well. Initially, I was drawn in by the art style and bright colors used throughout the game. All of the characters, costumes, weapons, and environments have been uniquely designed in a quirky, cartoony way.
But when I realised how well it performed, I was extremely impressed. Additionally, you can tweak the anti-aliasing, ambient occlusion and texture filtering settings to your requirements. So you don’t even need a powerful GPU like the GTX 1060 to play this Battle Royale.
Apex Legends Overall Verdict:
If you enjoy a challenge, we can’t recommend Apex Legends enough. It’s a squad-based Battle Royale game that works well thanks to the phenomenal ping system and unique hero characters. For these exact reasons, we simply had to crown it as the best Battle Royale game for 2019. Given that Apex Legends is a free-to-play Battle Royale game, why not give it a try today? If it isn’t for you, we have plenty more Battle Royale games coming up.
#2 Best Map Variety: PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG)
Developer(s): Krafton, PUBG Corporation, Xbox Game Studios, Tencent Games
Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One, iOS + Android
Initial Release Date: 23 March 2017
Even though we didn’t crown PUBG as the best overall Battle Royale game, it certainly pioneered the last-one-alive genre. At first, PUBG was an obscure mod created by designer Brendan Greene (aka PlayerUnknown). Eventually, it turned into a mainstream game with millions of registered users.
Now, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds certainly didn’t invent the Battle Royale genre, but it definitely helped refine it. If you live under a rock and you’re unaware of how the game works, it starts in the same way as every other Battle Royale game. Let’s get into the specifics, shall we?
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds Gameplay:
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds begins like every good Battle Royale should: by shoving 100 players into a plane and forcing them to parachute onto an island. Your main goal in PUBG? To be the last man (or team) standing among 100 opponents. To do that, you’ll need to scavenge for weapons, armor and other supplies that will (hopefully) help you survive as you play.
The thing is, it isn’t so simple. As you progress through PUBG, a circle known as the White Zone, also known as the Safe Zone, will eventually shrink. As the circle is ever-shrinking, you and your team will have to keep moving and working together to stay alive. Working as a team is important in PUBG since—as long as you have decent teammates—it will increase your chances of survival.
Like Apex Legends, if you’re knocked down, you can be revived by a teammate so that you don’t have to leave the game immediately. This is something you can’t do playing Solos, so if you’re new to the game, we suggest playing Duos or Squads first.
If you don’t fancy walking around the large island, there are several vehicles used to get around quicker. We recommend using these vehicles to collect weapons and other gear—especially a backpack to hold all of your items.
As these items litter the towns and cities across the game, you should have no problem finding decent gear, either. On the subject of weapons, weapon handling in PUBG is simply brilliant. From aiming to moving and shooting, everything feels extremely fluid.
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds Graphics:
Compared to Fortnite’s cartoony art style, we’d describe PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds as a realistic military shooter. I admit that certain aspects of the game aren’t realistic, such as drinking an energy drink for health regeneration. But in terms of visuals, it’s brilliant.
As the graphics are fairly realistic, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds feels much more challenging as your patience is tested in every single match. At times, Fortnite definitely feels tense, but as it’s so unrealistic, it just doesn’t feel the same as PUBG.
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds Overall Verdict:
In terms of gameplay, PlayerUnkown’s Battleground isn’t original, but it certainly helped refine the Battle Royale genre. If you’re after a last-man-standing game with realistic graphics and smooth yet tense gameplay, we highly recommend PUBG.
But don’t blame us once you’re sat in your room at 3 am wondering what happened to your life—trust me, it’s addictive! Interested in knowing the difference between the two most popular Battle Royale games on the market? We think you’ll like our Fortnite vs PUBG comparison guide. And if you want to increase your chances of winning, check out our guide on how to get better at PUBG.
#3 Best Cross-Platform: Fortnite
Developer(s): Epic Games, People Can Fly
Platform(s): PC, Mac, PS4, Xbox One, Android, iOS + Nintendo Switch
Initial Release Date: 21 July 2017
Fortnite is a well-known Battle Royale game that certainly helped pioneer the last-man-standing genre. Today, two years after its release date, it remains as one of the most child-friendly Battle Royale games on the market. This is all thanks to the cartoon art style, playful skins and wacky dance moves used in the game.
As a result, it seems as though I can’t go out in public without seeing a child or two doing the floss. Now, although it’s slightly cringy, it’s also kind of sweet—at least, until my grandmother starts doing it.
Fortnite Gameplay:
Today, it seems as though Fortnite requires no introduction: you’ve either played it or watched someone else play it. Regardless, let’s start with the basics: Fortnite begins with 100 players on a Battle Bus that flies across a map.
After a few moments, you will have to jump out and land in your desired location. On the island, there are several unique cities full of vivid colors and randomly spawning loot—so choose where you land wisely. From the second you land, no matter if you’re playing Solo, Duos or Squads, you’ll have to quickly search for weapons, potions and building materials to survive.
Materials such as wood, stone, and steel are especially important considering building is a massive part of the game. In fact, the building mechanic is what makes Fortnite so unique. Since it’s so important, learning how to build fast is essential, but don’t feel bad if you suck at first.
To this day, I still suck at building intricate forts made from walls and stairs. If you’re new to the game, you may want to save aside our guide on how to play Fortnite on PC. This way, you won’t take an L the second you enter the battlefield.
Additionally, you may find our guide to the best keybinds for Fortnite helpful so that you can quickly place walls for protection. As the game progresses, the map will eventually begin to shrink and you’ll have nowhere to hide. At first, Fortnite is fairly difficult, which is why I tell people not to be fooled by its playful art style and wacky characters.
Especially when you’re at the end of a game, 1 v 1 against someone who’s been playing for days on end. My suggestion would be to not take Fortnite too seriously since, no matter how many times you lose, you’ll be back on the game in no time.
Fortnite Graphics:
Contrasting PUBG, Fortnite features a cartoon art style that’s playful, vibrant and generally charming. This non-realistic aesthetic appeals to a large audience, most of which are under the age of 18. Furthermore, the skins in Fortnite are very fun, while the emotes (dances) remind me of something from an old-school cartoon.
On top of that, the ever-changing map is flooded with forests, urban cities and other fun areas for you to explore. Sure, you could argue that Fortnite’s art style is basic, but there’s no denying that attractive to look at.
Fortnite Overall Verdict:
Fortnite is an addictive, cartoon-style Battle Royale game that appeals to a large audience of gamers. You’ll certainly have to get used to Fortnite’s building system used to protect you against your opponents. Nevertheless, Fortnite is a fun Battle Royale that uniquely blends shooting and building.
Owing to the cartoony art style, I never felt like I had to take the game seriously, either. Albeit, if you’re looking for something a little more realistic, we highly recommend the next game on our list.
#4 Best CoD: Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 | Blackout
Developer(s): Treyarch, Raven Software, n-Space
Platform(s): PC, PS4 + Xbox One
Initial Release Date: 12 October 2018 (Black Ops 4)
When Blackout was first announced, it was difficult to comprehend how Treyarch would turn a classic FPS game into a huge Battle Royale. Nonetheless, it works, and it works very well. As expected, everything about Blackout feels extremely smooth: from the moment you jump, glide and land on the ground.
Compared to PUBG and Fortnite, I’d say Call of Duty Black Ops 4: Blackout feels like a very polished Battle Royale game. But what else do we like so much about this Battle Royale title?
Call of Duty: Blackout Gameplay:
As to be expected, the basics of Blackout are textbook Battle Royale: 100 players fall onto a map and attempt to outlive their opponents. Unlike Apex Legends, Blackout features three different game modes: Solos, Duos and Quads (Squads).
No matter what game mode you choose, you must quickly search for weapons, attachments, body armor and health items. Once you’ve found an appropriate selection of items, run! If you’re a fan of the Call of Duty franchise, you won’t have to learn how to play Blackout, either.
It’s still the same, very accessible shooter that we all know and love. If you haven’t played a game in the series, don’t worry—you won’t have to learn to become an architect as you do in Fortnite. One thing this game does particularly well at is the variety of loot found in the map.
Everything you pick up in Blackout seems practical yet fun. I have to specifically mention the Grapple Gun used to zoom from one location to another with ease. To say it’s satisfying is an understatement. As a lover of the series, the map itself feels very familiar yet also very new. Treyarch has essentially taken multiplayer maps loved by fans and adjusted them for Battle Royale.
Nuketown and Turbine, in particular, stood out to me the most and they fit into Blackout perfectly. If you decide to explore the Asylum section of the world, as seen in Nazi Zombies, you will face zombies that want to eat your brains. It sounds very random, I know, but it works extremely well. For me, the zombies add another fun aspect to this Call of Duty Battle Royale game.
Call of Duty: Blackout Graphics:
When Black Ops 4 first came out, everyone took to Reddit to express how bad the game looks—especially for an AAA title. Though I agree with almost every user, if you don’t care about graphics, it can be overlooked. I say this considering gameplay is exceptional, the frame rate is consistent and everything feels generally smooth.
If you own a quality GTX 1080 gaming laptop, things may look better than they do on console. Still, I have to agree that lighting and textures in this Battle Royale look fairly washed out.
Call of Duty: Blackout Overall Verdict:
Black Ops 4: Blackout is a very polished and accessible Battle Royale game developed by Treyarch. As a fan of the series, everything about it feels nostalgic, yet brand-new at the same time. This is all thanks to the combination of old and new locations from previous Black Ops multiplayer maps. In terms of visuals, Blackout doesn’t look great, but since it plays so well, we’ll let that slide.
#5 Best Fantasy Themed: Realm Royale
Developer(s): Hi-Rez Studios, Heroic Leap Games
Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One + Nintendo Switch
Initial Release Date: 5 June 2018
The last game on our list is Realm Royale, a fantasy-themed Battle Royale game. At first glance, you could mistake Realm Royale for Fortnite. But in all honesty, I’d say Realm Royale is better. This is due to the fact that Realm Royale has features that Fortnite doesn’t have, such as class-based combat and abilities. If you like Fortnite but you can’t build to save your life, we think you’ll prefer this Battle Royale title. Here’s why:
Realm Royale Gameplay:
By this point, you’re probably tired of hearing how almost every Battle Royale game starts with 100 players who jump, land and rush for gear used to survive. Eventually, a ring will shrink and you’ll be face-to-face with your opponents—you get the point. The thing is, this Battle Royale switches things up with a cartoony fantasy theme. Furthermore, Realm Royale boasts a class system used to keep things fresh.
When you join a match, the first thing you’ll have to do is choose from one of five classes: Warrior, Engineer, Hunter, Assassin, and Mage. As you’d expect, each class has its strengths, weaknesses, spells, abilities and unique weapons. Every one of these classes has two slots for equipping four class abilities that you can find as you play.
One of the best classes is the Warrior class since it enables you to perform a Heroic Leap that allows you to cover large distances. You may even prefer the Assassin class that enables you to teleport over a short distance. In all honesty, every class is fun, so we suggest playing around with all of them to see which one you prefer.
This system makes the Realm Royale a very entertaining Battle Royale game, albeit, you definitely have to think on your feet. Every one of your opponents will have a different set of abilities, such as how Hunters can leap backward and move with speed.
So you’ll have to learn how to fight against each individual class. This may take a while since you’ll have to understand what each class does, but it certainly doesn’t take as long as learning to build in Fortnite. Overall, Realm Royale is a very fun and playful last-man-alive game that we simply can’t get enough of.
Realm Royale Graphics:
When it comes to graphics, Realm Royale is admittedly very similar to Fortnite: they are both cartoony Battle Royale games that boast vivid colors and wacky characters. Nevertheless, I have to say that Realm Royale is a very visually pleasing game owing to the diverse range of characters available to play.
Each and every hero is bright, quirky and just simply charming. In terms of the map, it’s also comparable to Fortnite in a sense that they are both very basic. Still, Realm Royale looks absolutely superb which is why we had to feature it on our list.
Realm Royale Overall Verdict:
If you’re bored with Fortnite and you prefer a class-based character system, Realm Royale is a fantastic option. It’s a free-to-play Battle Royale that is playful, quirky and generally just fun to play. Some may call Realm Royale a Fortnite copy, and although they look very similar, Realm Royale boasts unique features that Fortnite doesn’t have.
What’s more, if you own a Nintendo Switch, you can play Realm Royale on-the-go. If you’re in need of a tablet but you don’t know what to look for, why not take a look at our guide to the best gaming tablets in 2019?
Conclusion
Although Battle Royale games follow the same basic formula, we’ve managed to find some of the best Battle Royale games on the market. If you don’t enjoy last-man-standing games, we’re sorry to say that they are here to stay, at least for now.
Truthfully, with additions such as Apex Legends, we aren’t complaining about that fact, either. If you think we missed out a Battle Royale game from our list, feel free to let us know in the comments below! Additionally, if you’re looking for something a little more challenging, we think you’ll enjoy our guide to the best first-person shooters of all time.