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Games Like Warframe: Top 3 Action Shooter Alternatives

Warframe, with its gripping gameplay, robust cooperative system, and complex world-building, has won the hearts of many gamers across the globe. If you’re seeking other games that echo the spirit of Warframe, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll walk you through three games like Warframe, exploring their unique features, advantages, and potential drawbacks.

1. Destiny 2

Destiny 2 logo
Photo: Official site

Developed by Bungie, Destiny 2 is an online multiplayer first-person shooter that thrives on a shared-world environment with role-playing elements, echoing many elements of Warframe’s design. Destiny 2 is set in a distant future where humanity’s last safe city has fallen to an overwhelming invasion force. As a Guardian, a super-soldier with the ability to wield a power known as Light, you are tasked with stopping the various alien groups that threaten humanity and reclaiming what was lost during the fall of the city.

There are several gameplay elements that make Destiny 2 a thrilling experience. With three different classes (Hunter, Titan, Warlock), each with their own unique abilities and sub-classes, the game allows a level of customization akin to Warframe’s vast array of Warframes. PvE activities, such as Strikes (three-player missions with a boss fight at the end), Raids (six-player missions with intricate mechanics), and Nightfalls (harder versions of Strikes with unique rewards), offer varied challenges.

In terms of PvP, Destiny 2 boasts a dedicated competitive mode known as the Crucible, where teams of Guardians can test their skills and weaponry against each other. A wide array of weapons and gear, coupled with a consistent stream of updates and expansions, ensures the game remains fresh for players.

However, Destiny 2 has a notable learning curve, with its systems and mechanics being quite complex for newcomers. Its reliance on microtransactions for cosmetic items can be a turnoff for some players.

  • Pros: Destiny 2 is revered for its striking visuals, intricate world design, and diverse class system. Its gunplay is often regarded as one of the best in the genre. The game also boasts a vast arsenal of weapons, engaging multiplayer modes, and frequent content updates.
  • Cons: One of the main criticisms of Destiny 2 revolves around its steep learning curve for new players, making it somewhat inaccessible to beginners. Additionally, the game has faced backlash for its initial lack of content and reliance on microtransactions.

2. The Division 2

games like warframe division 2
Photo: Official site

The Division 2, developed by Massive Entertainment, is a third-person tactical shooter game set in a post-apocalyptic Washington D.C. As a member of the Division, an autonomous group of civilian agents, players are tasked with restoring order to the city and preventing the collapse of society.

One of the main draws of The Division 2 is its highly realistic and immersive world. The recreation of Washington D.C. is highly detailed, with landmarks and locations meticulously designed. The game features various PvE missions that require careful planning and execution, from the main story missions that progress the narrative, to the side quests that flesh out the world and its inhabitants.

A unique aspect of The Division 2 is the Dark Zone, a player-vs-player-vs-environment section of the game where players can find valuable loot but also risk losing it to other players. This zone combines the tension of PvP with the unpredictability of PvE, providing a unique challenge.

The Division 2 has been criticized for a perceived lack of variety in its mission structure, with many missions following similar patterns. The game’s story has also been viewed as weak and underdeveloped, which might be a significant factor for those seeking a strong narrative.

  • Pros: The Division 2 is lauded for its stunning graphics, deep customization options, and robust cooperative gameplay. The game’s environment is richly detailed and dynamic, with a day-night cycle and weather systems impacting gameplay.
  • Cons: Some players find the game’s mission structure to become repetitive over time. Additionally, the narrative is often criticized for its lack of depth, which might be off-putting for players seeking a story-driven experience.

3. Anthem

games like warframe anthem
Photo: Official site

Anthem, a creation of BioWare, is an online multiplayer action RPG where players take on the role of Freelancers, pilots of powerful exosuits known as Javelins. Anthem shares Warframe’s emphasis on cooperative play, with up to four players joining forces to take on missions and explore the world.

Anthem offers four types of Javelins – Ranger, Colossus, Interceptor, and Storm, each with unique abilities and playstyles, reminiscent of the diverse Warframes in Warframe. These Javelins can fly, swim, and run, allowing for three-dimensional battles that require strategic movement and positioning. The world of Anthem is a dangerous and unpredictable place, with various wildlife, enemy factions, and world events providing constant challenges.

One of Anthem’s strongest aspects is its graphics. The world is visually stunning, filled with detailed environments, dramatic weather effects, and impressive enemy designs. The flight mechanics of the Javelins also add a unique aspect to the gameplay not found in many other games.

However, Anthem has been critiqued for its lack of content at launch, with players feeling there wasn’t enough variety in the missions. The story was also considered underwhelming, lacking the depth and intricacy often found in other BioWare games.

  • Pros: Anthem shines with its innovative flight mechanics, high-quality graphics, and dynamic world design. The combat is fast-paced and intense, offering a variety of playstyles depending on the chosen Javelin class.
  • Cons: Despite its strengths, Anthem was widely criticized for its lack of content, underdeveloped story, and various technical issues. These setbacks have resulted in a smaller player base than expected.

Games Like Warframe: Conclusion

In the vast landscape of gaming, Warframe has left an indelible mark with its unique blend of cooperative gameplay, intricate character customization, and expansive game world. For those seeking similar experiences, several games provide captivating alternatives.

Destiny 2 offers an immersive shared-world experience, combining first-person shooting with RPG elements, while The Division 2 immerses players in a post-apocalyptic world filled with tactical shooter gameplay and open-world exploration. Anthem presents a visually stunning sci-fi universe with dynamic combat and the thrill of piloting powerful exosuits.

However, it’s important to note that these games are not exact replicas of Warframe. They have their own identities and gameplay elements that set them apart. While they share certain aspects like cooperative play, sci-fi settings, and character progression, each game offers its own unique flavor.

Ultimately, the choice of which game to explore depends on individual preferences and the specific aspects of Warframe that resonate most strongly. Whether it’s the fast-paced combat, the intricate customization options, or the sense of camaraderie in cooperative play, the games mentioned in this guide provide a range of alternatives for players looking to delve into similar experiences.