Delta Force (PC) review: A solid free-to-play tactical shooter trying to find its identity

Released late last year on 5 December, the latest revival of the Delta Force series attempts to blend multiple genres of modern first-person shooter genre bringing players large-scale PvP battles, extractions shooter elements, and the promise of a campaign mode. 

As a free-to-play title, the concept is undeniably compelling, with developer TiMi Studios aiming to strike a balance between the large-scale battles of Battlefield and the fast-paced action combat of Call of Duty. The game promises a unique blend of PvP combat, extraction shooter mechanics, and an engaging upcoming campaign mode. After several weeks of playing, here are my thoughts on whether it lives up to the hype.

The TL;DR version:



Delta Force seeks to find a middle ground between iconic military shooters like Battlefield and Call of Duty, offering a mix of intense team-based combat and strategic PvE gameplay. However, this ambitious endeavour comes with its share of strengths and shortcomings.



Note: Delta Force is free-to-play and is available on Steam and Garena.

Wait, there are characters in this game?

In Delta Force, players can choose from a roster of named operatives, each with unique abilities – think of it as a nod to hero shooters. This system lets you tailor your playstyle by selecting an operative that suits your strategy, whether that’s equipping a sniper class with close-quarters weapons to take on more versatile roles, or specialising in other unique traits that complement your team’s tactics. While this offers a layer of depth, it also introduces a significant shift from the series' traditional focus on military realism.

That said, the flexible loadout system is a redeeming feature, allowing players to mix and match certain weapon classes with an operative, offering an added layer of customisation. For those heavy into weapon customisation (like myself), I am glad to report that the game has a deep and wonderful weapon customisation page. Anything and everything from the simple skin on your gun to calibrating the Zoom and pupil distance on your optics can be achieved. This is great for those who would like to try out a variety of operator loadout builds, which also inject some fun into the game. Thankfully, for those who are not interested in customising their weapons, there are also recommended builds that they can follow.

Warfare Mode: Large-scale chaos with strategic potential

Moving onto the actual game, you’ll quickly be greeted with three different game modes upon launching the game. The first of the three, Warfare Mode is where most players might find themselves playing the game in. This 64-player mode resembles the vast battles of Battlefield with a sprinkle of Call of Duty’s scorestreak mechanics. With unending bullets (and rockets) flying past you throughout the sprawling maps, players can be placed in modes like Attack and Defend or King of the Hill where players are in a continuous streak of capturing or defending points in various sectors. 

The endless barrage of fire, combined with a variety of vehicles – from tanks to helicopters – adds layers of strategy and excitement. It rewards skilled players who can land their shots while remaining accessible to newcomers. However, the experience isn't without its flaws. The expansive maps, while visually impressive, often feature excessively long sightlines that can disrupt the pacing of objective capture. Snipers tend to dominate these wide-open areas, leaving little room for close-quarters or mid-range combat unless you're playing on tighter maps like Shafted or Cracked.

In general, the sprawling map design encourages strategic movement to avoid constant sniper fire, but it can be frustrating for players who prefer the fast-paced, high-intensity action found in more confined environments. For example, on maps like Threshold, capturing the central point in high-level games becomes nearly impossible due to the overpowering presence of vehicles. While tools like the Javelin or Stinger rockets are available to counter these threats, the ability to repair vehicle health after taking a hit often leaves players feeling helpless. The sheer firepower from tanks and attack vehicles makes capturing key points a struggle, especially when you’re already being overwhelmed from all sides.

Operations Mode: A familiar yet accessible extraction shooter

The Operations Mode shifts gears, offering a PvE extraction shooter experience reminiscent of Escape from Tarkov. Players form squads, infiltrate AI-populated zones, gather loot, and extract before encountering overwhelming resistance. Simple right? Unlike its more hardcore counterparts, Delta Force simplifies the formula, making objectives visible and reducing the need for boring map memorisation.

This accessibility is both a strength and a weakness. On one hand, it lowers the barrier for entry, appealing to players who might find extraction games like Tarkov intimidating. On the other hand, it sacrifices depth, leaving seasoned players yearning for more challenge and unpredictability. Then there’s also the fact that upgrading the Black Site, your home base, also requires time and effort, as it hinges on RNG-based loot and a lengthy grind. While these systems can be rewarding for dedicated players, I sometimes felt like these were chores rather than anything else. 

A mixed approach to shooting mechanics

The gunplay in Delta Force feels like a mixed bag of emotions with the game incorporating a blend of realism and arcade mechanics. Bullet trajectories demand precision, with players required to lead their shots over long distances and time their shots in conjunction with their breath. While this nod to realism may appeal to simulation enthusiasts, it feels disjointed when paired with the game’s fast-paced objectives. The slow bullet velocity, coupled with the need to dash back to contested points after death, often results in frustrating deaths that feel more like punishment than a learning opportunity.

The addition of operatives with unique abilities attempts to offset these frustrations. Characters like Luna, equipped with Detection Arrows to reveal enemies, and Stinger, a medic with a healing needle gun, add versatility. Yet, the clash between grounded mechanics and fantastical abilities creates a jarring inconsistency. The result is a game that struggles to fully embrace either end of the spectrum.

Visuals and map design: Beautiful yet inconsistent

Delta Force impresses visually, with detailed environments that draw you in. Maps like Ascension, featuring a dramatic beachhead assault and satellite facility, showcase the game’s artistic ambition. The wide landscapes and dynamic weather effects add to the atmosphere, making each battle feel intense and immersive.

However, the map design sometimes lets the game down. While the wide-open spaces look great, they can make navigation feel slow and cumbersome, with poorly placed cover that hinders engagement. Long sightlines give snipers an unfair advantage, leaving little room for close-quarters combat and frustrating players who enjoy fast-paced action.

In contrast, Operations Mode offers smaller, more focused maps that encourage tighter, more strategic combat. Locations like The Dam feature clever layouts with hidden loot and layered objectives that reward exploration. These maps are a highlight, offering a more engaging experience. However, the game’s larger maps often feel predictable and lack the same excitement, as they lean too heavily on long, drawn-out objectives rather than offering more dynamic, varied combat.

Is the game worth downloading? 

All in all, Delta Force succeeds in offering a free-to-play tactical shooter that appeals to both fans of large-scale PvP and extraction-based shooters. Sure, it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it does provide a solid experience for those looking to dive into massive 64-plyer battles or take on some PvE extraction missions. The game’s realistic shooting mechanics, deep loadout customisation, and varied combat operatives provide plenty of variety and keep the gameplay engaging. However, the vehicle-heavy meta and some map design choices hold it back from truly standing out. Still, for a free-to-play title, Delta Force is a solid choice for tactical shooter enthusiasts, offering a satisfying experience that, while not a genre-defining classic, certainly deserves a spot in the tactical shooter landscape.

For now, the game is still in its early stages and plenty of content is underway including the Black Hawk Down campaign which is a reimagining of the 2001 Ridley Scott film and the original 2003 game. Slated for release sometime in January, perhaps the campaign could provide a much-needed story to tie together the game’s many elements.

If you’re keen on trying out the game for yourself, you can find it on Steam and Garena respectively. 

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