Battle royale is a type of multiplayer action game where the battle rages to the last team or even a single player standing. They typically take place on a large map, offering opportunities to gather resources and prepare for the final showdown. You'll find the most prominent examples of this genre in our selection.
Where did the name "battle royale" come from?
In 1999, Koushun Takami's novel "Battle Royale" was published. A year later, it was adapted into a film by Kinji Fukasaku. In these works, schoolchildren find themselves on a desert island and are forced to fight each other for their freedom. To survive, they must stay within a special safe zone, the location of which is constantly changing. Each participant is given a backpack containing all the necessary and random weapons.

Similar concepts later appeared in other films. A prime example is "The Hunger Games." Elements of battle royale can be found in the recent "Squid Game."
In 2017, multiplayer games with mechanics that closely mirrored Kinji Fukasaku's film began to gain popularity. In honor of his film, they became known as battle royale games.
Have you seen the movie Battle Royale?
Fortnite
- Release year: 2017 (Early Access), 2020 (Full version);
- Platforms: PC, PS4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android, Nintendo Switch 2;
- Co-op: Yes.
In the late 90s and early 2000s, Epic Games was associated with the Unreal series, and from 2006 to 2013, with the Gears of War. Another notable title is the underrated Bulletstorm, a joint development with People Can Fly, the creators of Painkiller. Since 2017, the company has been supporting Fortnite. This simple battle royale game with cartoonish graphics and building features has earned its creators over twenty billion dollars. Interest in the game is maintained through numerous collaborations with well-known brands.
PUBG: Battlegrounds
- Release year: 2017;
- Platforms: PC, PS4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, iOS, Android;
- Co-op: yes.
For many years, PUBG has been among the top 5 most popular games on Steam. Its concept is quite standard – battles take place on a small map with a safe zone. Moreover, this zone's location is constantly changing. Periodically, drops containing unique items are dropped onto the map, leading to intense battles. Whoever manages to claim them will gain a significant advantage over other players.
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Apex Legends
- Release year: 2019;
- Platforms: PC, PS4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android;
- Co-op: no.
When battle royale games gained popularity, many major publishers wanted to release their own games in the genre. For example, EA Games commissioned Respawn Entertainment, known for the Titanfall duology, to develop a similar project. Apex Legend features high-quality shooter mechanics, parkour, and a class-based system similar to team-based shooters.
Call of Duty: Warzone
- Release Year: 2020;
- Platforms: PC, PS4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android;
- Co-op: Yes.
As part of the Call of Duty series, we first saw a battle royale mode in Black Ops 4. This mode was later released as a standalone free-to-play game with the subtitle Warzone. Its distinctive feature is the ability to respawn within a single match after winning a separate mode or using special coupons.
Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout
- Release year: 2020;
- Platforms: PC, PS4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android;
- Co-op: no.
Battle royale games aren't always shooters. For example, Fall Guys is a collection of minigames, including obstacle courses, collecting items, playing soccer with a giant ball, and much more. The best competitors advance to the next round, while the rest are eliminated. This continues until there is one winner.
Naraka: Bladepoint
- Release Year: 2020;
- Platforms: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series, iOS, Android;
- Co-op: Yes.
A third-person fantasy action in which players battle each other in close and ranged combat. More than a dozen characters with unique abilities are available to choose from. If a teammate dies, there's an option to revive them. To do this, it's important to arrive in time to help. You can also complete side quests during battles. Otherwise, it's a classic battle royale experience.
Supervive
- Release year: 2025;
- Platforms: PC;
- Co-op: No.
A colorful action game with a choice of character classes and special bonuses that allow you to create your own unique build. Supervive features an isometric camera, similar to the Diablo series.
Tetris 99
- Release Year: 2019;
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch;
- Co-op: No.
This game offers a Tetris competition in a battle royale format. You'll need to clear the board of cubes in a timely manner while simultaneously causing trouble for your opponents. But beware, they'll also be playing tricks on you. The mechanics of Tetris 99 are simple, but they can keep you hooked for hours.
Vampire: The Masquerade — Bloodhunt
- Release year: 2022;
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5;
- Co-op: no.
Bloodhunt is especially worth a look for fans of "The Masquerade" and vampire themes. The game takes place in Prague, where a war between clans has broken out. In combat, you'll use melee and firearms, as well as unique vampire abilities. You'll also be encouraged to drink the blood of random passersby to gain strength. Although the game has been discontinued, you can still try it out today.
Super Animal Royale
- Release year: 2021;
- Platforms: PC, PS4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch;
- Co-op: no.
Another battle royale with an isometric camera. Its appearance is vaguely reminiscent of the animated series "South Park." You play as animals trapped in an abandoned safari park. To survive in Super Animal Royale, you'll need to use fangs and claws, as well as various firearms. There are also unconventional ways to kill enemies, such as using a giant hamster ball.
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Your favorite battle royale
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