Introduction
In today's gaming landscape, many of the most popular games, such as PUBG, Valorant, Fortnite, Counter-Strike 2, and Apex Legends, are free-to-play. However, if you're using a low-end PC or laptop in 2025, running these games might be impossible. Fortunately, there’s an FPS game that works perfectly on low-end hardware—Combat Masters.
If you're a regular viewer of my channel, you may already be familiar with Combat Masters and could even be playing it right now. But with all the new updates, content, and features, is this game still worth your time in 2025? Let's dive in.
What is Combat Masters?
Combat Masters is a fast-paced, multiplayer first-person shooter (FPS) designed to provide a Call of Duty-like experience without the premium price tag. The best part? You don’t need a powerful PC to play it!
The game is completely free-to-play on Steam, as well as Android and iOS, making it accessible to a broad audience. However, this discussion will primarily focus on the PC version.
Why is Combat Masters a Great Free-to-Play Game?
There are three key reasons why Combat Masters stands out in the free-to-play FPS genre:
- Completely Free-to-Play – No pay-to-win elements; anyone can download and enjoy the game without spending money.
- Optimized for Low-End PCs – The game runs smoothly even on outdated hardware, requiring just a Core 2 Duo CPU and 4GB RAM.
- Small Download Size – Despite offering multiple game modes and features, the game is less than 2GB, making it quick to download even with a slow internet connection.
Player Base in 2025
Back in 2024, Combat Masters had around 3,000 daily concurrent players. In 2025, that number remains steady at approximately 2,600+ players, proving that the game has maintained a dedicated player base.
Gameplay Experience
Fast-Paced Action
Combat Masters delivers a high-energy, chaotic FPS experience. The matches are short, intense, and fun, making it an easy game to pick up and play.
Gunplay & Movement
- Pros:
- Smooth movement with sliding, diving, sprinting, and bunny hopping for fluid gameplay.
- Fast-paced mechanics make it more exciting than Call of Duty at times.
- Cons:
- Gunplay feels average compared to other FPS titles.
- Artificial visual recoil can make aiming harder.
Game Modes & Features
One of Combat Masters’ biggest strengths is the variety of game modes:
Multiplayer Game Modes
- Classic FPS Modes: Team Deathmatch, Kill Confirmed, Capture the Flag, Search & Destroy.
- Unique Modes: Arms Race, Combat Master Fight Yard, and Demon Slayer.
Battle Royale Mode
Combat Masters features a Warzone-style Battle Royale mode, but with some limitations:
✅ Fast-paced 10-minute matches with up to 40 players.
❌ Limited to only one map at a time (currently a Halloween Castle map).
❌ No vehicles, no voice chat, and no duo/squad mode, which is disappointing.
Operations & Progression System
The Operations feature allows players to complete missions and challenges to earn Combat Points. These points unlock cosmetic rewards like weapon skins, banners, and player cards.
- The weapon customization and progression system are nearly identical to Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2019.
- Players can level up weapons, unlock attachments, and earn camo skins.
Monetization & Microtransactions
Like most free-to-play games, Combat Masters includes microtransactions, but they are purely cosmetic. Players can also complete daily and weekly missions or grind the Battle Pass for rewards.
Offline Mode – A Rare Feature
A unique feature of Combat Masters is that it can be played entirely offline. Even though you’ll be playing against bots, you can still:
✅ Earn XP
✅ Unlock weapons and attachments
✅ Progress through the Battle Pass
This makes the game a great option for players without a stable internet connection or those using portable devices like the Steam Deck.
Criticism & Weak Points
Despite its strengths, Combat Masters has faced criticism:
- Lack of originality – Many players feel it’s just a low-end Call of Duty clone.
- Bots in multiplayer – Lower-level players may mostly face AI opponents instead of real players.
- Missing features – No duo/squad mode, voice chat, or friend party system for Battle Royale.
However, the developers continue to push updates, so there’s hope for improvements in 2025.
Final Verdict: Should You Play Combat Masters in 2025?
✅ YES, if:
- You have a low-end PC or laptop and need an FPS that runs smoothly.
- You’re new to FPS games and want an easy-to-learn shooter.
- You want a fun, free-to-play game with a small download size.
❌ NO, if:
- You have a high-end gaming PC and prefer more competitive shooters.
- You want an original, innovative FPS experience.
- You dislike bots in multiplayer.
Overall, Combat Masters is a solid free-to-play shooter in 2025. If you’re looking for a fast-paced arcade FPS that runs on any PC, it’s definitely worth a try!