Multiplayer games thrive on their community and gameplay, but in 2025, can Squad 44 still stand its ground? After spending some time with this WWII-inspired tactical shooter, my experience left me with mixed feelings. Here’s a breakdown of my first impressions to help you decide if this game is worth your time.
Sound Design: Immersive and Impressive
One area where Squad 44 shines is its sound design. From the metallic clink of reloading to the echo of artillery fire, the game creates an authentic auditory experience. It’s one of the most immersive aspects, pulling you into the battlefield with realistic audio cues that enhance gameplay. If sound alone made a game great, Squad 44 would be a strong contender.
Gameplay: Best With Friends
While the game promises engaging tactical squad-based gameplay, the reality falls short—especially for solo players. Most lobbies I joined were nearly empty, leaving the sprawling maps feeling desolate and lifeless. It’s clear that Squad 44 is best enjoyed with a dedicated group of friends. Without them, the gameplay lacks the dynamic teamwork that could otherwise make it shine.
Performance: Painfully Slow Loading Times
On my setup, with the game installed on an HDD, loading times were excruciatingly long. It felt like waiting an eternity to get into a match, only to find the experience lacking in other areas. While switching to an SSD might help, in 2025, games need to be optimized for faster, smoother performance, and Squad 44 simply doesn’t meet those expectations.
Controls: Frustrating for Gamepad Players
If you’re considering playing with a controller, think again. The gamepad controls felt stiff and clunky, making firefights a frustrating experience. It’s clear Squad 44 was designed with mouse and keyboard users in mind. Console-style players may want to avoid this one entirely.
Community: A Dead and Empty Battlefield
The biggest issue with Squad 44 is its lack of players. Multiplayer games rely on active communities to stay engaging, but Squad 44 feels eerily abandoned in 2024. Without a bustling player base, even the best-designed maps and mechanics can’t save the experience.
Verdict: Not Recommended for New Players
So, is Squad 44 worth playing in 2025? For new players, the answer is a resounding no. While the sound design is excellent and the potential for tactical gameplay exists, the empty lobbies, poor optimization, and lackluster controls make it hard to recommend. Unless you’re playing with friends or feeling nostalgic, there are far better multiplayer shooters to explore.
Have you had a different experience with Squad 44? Share your thoughts in the comments below. And if you’re looking for more reviews and first impressions, stay tuned to Cypher’s Pit Gaming for all the latest updates. Until next time, Ahoy Maloy!
