The competitive gaming genre is a bit different from others. It sits in its own bubble and has a different space within the gaming world. On the other hand, you have other games where the goal is to have fun, do shenanigans with your friends, and just have a casual gaming session. Then, there is the competitive gaming genre, which is the opposite of all that. A genre that feeds on the human desire to win and be the best. Here you don’t play casually; you play to win and improve.

But the competitive genre is too hard to break into for new games. This genre has been ruled by games for decades. Games like CS2, Call of Duty, LoL, and Dota 2 have been the top competitive games for years. So, here are some games that deserve the spotlight a bit more.

5. Splitgate 2

Splitgate 2 is a sequel to the very well-received arena shooter Splitgate. It’s a very artistic blend of Halo-like shooting and the mechanics of Portal. It’s an arena shooter where you can create portals and travel with them. The portals add a new depth to the entire arena shooter experience. One instant you are at spawn, and the other you are contesting the objective.

The portals allow for creative strategies like using a Portal as a window to shoot an opponent from behind. Overall, the game fails to get the love it deserves. Sure, it’s far from perfect and still needs maturing to be a complete game, but it’s sure is fun to play Splitgate 2.

4. Fragpunk

Fragpunk is the flamboyant cousin of VALORANT. The core idea is the same as a tactical shooter with heroes and abilities. However, what makes it different is the COD-style gunplay and VALORANT-style movement.

Then, there are the cards. Before every round, you can spend credit cards that can give you advantages. Things that make enemies' heads bigger, extra health, the ability to slide, and much more.

If VALORANT feels too tactical and slow for you, but other shooters feel faster-paced than you need to try Fragpunk.

Related: Fragpunk: Best Settings Overview

3. Battlefield REDSEC

Now, Battlefield 6 is quite popular. So, calling it underrated doesn’t make sense. But Battlefield REDSEC is a newer release. It’s Battlefield’s take on the Battle Royale genre. The gameplay, the chaos, the gunplay, the destruction, everything is the same as Battlefield 6. But you are thrown into a Battle Royale world.

Now, the mode itself is as generic as it gets. It’s the same “100 people on an island, last to survive wins” that we are familiar with. But, with Battlefield 6’s excellent gameplay and graphics, it really gives the entire genre a breath of fresh air

2. 2XKO

2XKO is Riot Games' attempt to take on the 2D fighting genre. They have already managed to dominate the tactical/hero shooter space with VALORANT, but now they are trying to take on another big genre. Surprisingly, it’s working quite well.

The game is still new and needs time to mature, but it’s one of the most polished fighting games out there. They have somehow managed to create a very robust netcode. Fighting games struggle with ping and internet issues, but 2XKO has managed to completely fix that.

Not to mention, the fighting feels fun. The art style is vibrant, and the character list is all Riot Games' iconic characters like Jinx. Even if you don’t play fighting games, definitely give this one a try.

1. The Finals

The Finals is a shooter like no other. In a genre where most games feel the same, Embark Studios has managed to create a game that is unique. It’s a breath of fresh air for competitive shooters, but it doesn’t get the love it deserves.

The key aspect of the Finals is the destructible environment. Everything you see on the map can be thrown, destroyed, or broken through. This adds another layer of strategy to the game. The objective is the above floor? No problem, just chuck a C4 and bring it all down.

Then, there are the maps and the objectives. The Finals pit 3 or 4 teams against each other, instead of the usual two teams. This also creates an aspect of a Battle Royale. The objective is to collect a cash box, take it to a Deposit box, start a Deposit, and protect it from being stolen until the cash deposits.

Now, there are many ways to approach it. You can hunt for the Cash box yourself, or set a trap by the Deposit box.

Then there is the movement, gunplay, and the weapons in the game. The movement feels fluid but not too fast-paced, the gunplay is rapid and realistic, and the weapons have variety. You can fight with a Pistol, a Rifle, throwing knives, a Minigun, a sword, two swords, a Sledgehammer, and the list goes on. There are three types of characters: Light, Medium, and Heavy. But their abilities are not set in stone; you build a Loadout for them. So, every Light/Medium/Heavy is different.

Overall, it is one of the most underrated shooters there are, and once you play it, you’ll know what I am talking about.

Conclusion

Games like CS2, VALORANT, and LoL will always dominate the competitive genre because they are that good. However, the games I just talked about are trying to innovate and bring something new to the table. Instead of mindlessly repeating the hero shooter formula they are trying to use it and create something new. If you ever get bored of the big competitive titles do give these games a try.