Get ready for a blockbuster weekend in the world of military first-person shooters! Two highly anticipated titles are kicking off their beta phases, offering players a chance to dive into intense combat experiences. While one is a familiar powerhouse, the other is a fresh face making waves.
Two Titans Clash: Call of Duty vs. Wardogs
On one side, we have Call of Duty, predictably dominating the charts and drawing massive attention. But on the other, there’s Wardogs, a new contender from a smaller studio that has already garnered over a million wishlists on Steam. This unexpected rivalry is making headlines, especially considering Wardogs’ impressive organic growth throughout 2026 through word-of-mouth from closed playtests.
I had the opportunity to test an alpha build of Wardogs a few weeks ago, and I can honestly say that it’s a unique experience. The beta details are as follows:
- Dates: August 21st (17:00 UTC) to August 24th (02:00 UTC)
- Access: Requires pre-order for guaranteed access; Steam playtest requests are open.
- Refundable: Players can request a refund if they’re not satisfied with the beta.
Call of Duty, on the other hand, is delivering what fans expect: refined gameplay and stunning visuals. This iteration from Infinity Ward marks their first release since 2022, and it’s clear that the core Call of Duty experience has been meticulously crafted. The beta includes a campaign mission, offering a taste of the narrative-driven action to come.
Wardogs: Bridging the Gap Between Milsim and Mainstream
Wardogs aims for a level of realism that sets it apart, but with concessions to accessibility. Time-to-kill is tight, headshots are devastating, and reloading can involve manually loading individual bullets into magazines. The maps are vast, kilometer-wide regions requiring dedicated player pilots to transport troops to the front lines. However, Wardogs also incorporates elements designed to appeal to players accustomed to more arcade-style shooters, such as a killcam.
Developer Bulkhead is consciously building an “on-ramp” for players who enjoy mainstream shooters or battle royales, encouraging them to explore the more complex world of military simulations. If you’ve enjoyed games like Battlefield, Wardogs might not feel like a massive leap in terms of complexity.
The Choice is Yours: Which Beta Will You Dive Into?
I’m planning to try both betas this weekend, but if I could only choose one, it would be Wardogs. The pre-order costs $40, but the developers are encouraging players to request a refund if they don’t enjoy the beta experience. Unfortunately, due to overwhelming turnout (over 87,000 players as of this writing), Bulkhead is currently grappling with significant server issues. While I wait for Wardogs servers to stabilize, I might level up my M4 in Call of Duty.
Whether you’re a seasoned veteran of military shooters or a newcomer looking for a challenge, this weekend offers something for everyone. The choice is yours: will you join the familiar intensity of Call of Duty, or venture into the unique world of Wardogs?
Source: PC Gamer
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