We’re in a lull between Battlefield games right now. While EA has confirmed that the next Battlefield is in active development, a release window remains elusive. It’s also been a couple of years since the release of Battlefield 2042, a game that received mixed reactions despite Digital Trends’ enjoyment of it. If you’re seeking another first-person shooter with similar large-scale action to fill the void until the next Battlefield arrives, keep an eye on Delta Force: Hawk Ops.
Delta Force: Hawk Ops is Team Jade and TiMi’s revival of the classic tactical shooter series from NovaLogic. This modern reinterpretation of the franchise is a fascinating blend of contemporary near-future shooter elements. It incorporates the intense shooting mechanics of previous Delta Force games, multiplayer modes inspired by Battlefield and Escape from Tarkov, and operators possessing special abilities reminiscent of XDefiant. While it doesn’t stand out as particularly unique in any one of these aspects, it delivers a thoroughly enjoyable experience as we eagerly anticipate Battlefield’s return.
The Delta Force beta features two modes: Havoc Warfare and Hazard Operations. For Battlefield enthusiasts, Havoc Warfare is the mode you’ll want to explore. This 32v32 mode pits one team against another in a battle for control of enemy sectors. The attackers strive to capture these sectors, while the defenders fight to repel the invaders and deplete their forces. It’s a tried and true multiplayer shooter mode for a reason. Just like its counterparts with similar modes, Havoc Warfare captures the exhilarating intensity of charging into enemy territory alongside numerous fellow soldiers. It’s undeniably chaotic, but strategic gameplay and teamwork are paramount to success. Players are grouped into squads of four, each capable of reviving and respawning on one another. During my time on the attacking side, I consistently waited as long as possible for a teammate to heal me, minimizing unnecessary loss of lives. Delta Force’s maps may not be as destructible as those found in Battlefield, but they are well-designed nonetheless, boasting multiple pathways and chokepoints where fierce shootouts can erupt.
While Delta Force leans more toward a traditional military shooter than a hero shooter, it does incorporate Operators with special abilities. My personal favorite thus far is D-wolf, who can traverse the vast maps with speed thanks to his motorized exoskeleton and unleash significant damage with his Triple Blaster grenade launcher. My most enjoyable experiences with Delta Force were during Havoc Warfare matches. It feels like the game’s most compelling mode and has the potential to be highly appealing if released well before the next Battlefield iteration.
Delta Force also seeks to attract players who revel in hardcore extraction shooters such as Escape from Tarkov. This aim is achieved through its PvPvE Hazard Operations mode. In Hazard Operations, teams of three are deployed onto large maps, where they must explore, complete missions, and gather valuable loot. If players perish before successfully extracting from the map, they lose all the loot they’ve collected. It’s a high-risk, high-reward mode that delivers a far more intimate and nerve-wracking experience than Havoc Warfare, particularly when encountering another player squad. Personally, I tend to favor extraction shooters that eliminate PvP entirely, like Helldivers 2, so this mode hasn’t quite clicked with me yet. However, if you’ve felt frustrated by the recent aggressive monetization changes implemented in Escape from Tarkov, Delta Force presents a compelling alternative.
That’s precisely what Delta Force is shaping up to be. While I don’t believe it will revolutionize the genre in any significant way, it does offer a well-crafted substitute for games like Battlefield and Escape from Tarkov. The Delta Force: Hawk Ops PC alpha is slated to run throughout the remainder of August. You can gain access by requesting it on Steam or acquiring a code through Twitch Drops. Upon its eventual release, the game will be free to play across PC, console, and mobile platforms with cross-play functionality.
