Introduction: The Delta Force franchise has made its highly anticipated return with the release of the Delta Force Open Beta. However, it’s fair to say that the game is much different from the classic original, hardcore Delta Force that fans may remember. This new iteration blends modern tactical warfare with large-scale combat and an extraction mode designed for today’s gaming audience. After investing nearly 40 hours into the game, here’s my full review of Delta Force Open Beta, sharing my honest opinion about the good, the bad, and everything in between.
Game Overview:
For those new to Delta Force, this game is a free-to-play, multiplayer, tactical first-person shooter that feels like a mix of Battlefield 2042 game modes with Call of Duty-like gunplay. The game officially launched into Open Beta on PC, and it’s completely free to play. Mobile and console players will have to wait until early January for the game’s release on those platforms.
This open beta features new maps, a variety of weapons, exciting game modes, and impressive customization options. What’s even better is that your progress in the beta will carry over when the game launches into early access, so you won’t lose any hard-earned progress.
Game Modes and Features:
Upon its release, Delta Force offers two major game modes: Warfare (a large-scale, Battlefield-like mode) and Operation Extraction (a tactical extraction mode). In addition, the game will include a single-player campaign, Blackhawk Down, set to release with the full game in early 2025.
While many of the features we’ve seen in the Open Beta have been borrowed from other popular titles, it’s important to note that Delta Force is free-to-play, which makes these features even more impressive. The game feels surprisingly polished and stable compared to some AAA titles like Battlefield 2042. I have encountered no major performance issues or game-breaking bugs, which is always a plus.
Map Design and Gameplay:
One of Delta Force’s strongest points is its map design and layout. In Warfare mode, there are five maps available, two of which were tested during the closed beta—Ascended and Correct—as well as three new maps: Threshold, Trench Line, and Shafted. Each map provides a variety of gameplay experiences based on the game mode you're playing, with options for infantry combat, sniping, or vehicle-based warfare. However, after playing for dozens of hours, the maps start to feel repetitive, and I believe the game could benefit from additional maps in the future.
Weapons and Customization:
Delta Force offers a wide selection of weapons, with each operator having access to dozens of options. Some weapons are shared across classes, allowing you to choose your preferred weapon loadout based on your playstyle. For example, the Recon class isn’t limited to sniper rifles—players can also use assault rifles, SMGs, shotguns, and even marksman rifles.
The gunplay is tight and responsive, with weapons featuring significant recoil compared to games like Call of Duty or Battlefield. As you progress, you can unlock attachments and further customize your loadouts, allowing for a unique experience. There are over 50 weapons available in the game, and unlocking attachments doesn’t feel like a grind—players can earn substantial XP by simply playing.
Weapon customization is one of Delta Force’s biggest draws, offering a lot of freedom in how you design your weapon builds. In addition, the game has a feature that allows you to share your weapon builds with other players via a code system, making it easy to import others’ setups into your loadout.
Operator Abilities:
While the weapons are well-balanced, some of the operators’ abilities feel overpowered. For example, the Healing Gun in the Medic class and Recon Arrows are frequently overused and spammed, leading to frustrating moments in gameplay. These abilities do have recharge times, but when there are multiple operators in the same class, the cooldowns become insignificant. It’s something that needs adjustment, and I hope the developers will address this in future updates.
Extraction Mode and Other Features:
In addition to Warfare, Delta Force introduces an Extraction Mode that differentiates the game from others in the genre. I’ve only spent limited time with this mode, but it features an extraction phase where players must complete objectives under time pressure. There’s a lot going on in this mode, and I hope to dive deeper into it in future content.
Monetization and Cosmetic Items:
As a free-to-play game, Delta Force has some monetization elements, such as weapon skins, cosmetic items, and a seasonal battle pass. However, there are no pay-to-win elements in the game. Players cannot purchase new weapons, gadgets, or attachments—those must be unlocked through gameplay.
There are two separate battle passes depending on which mode you play: Warfare or both Warfare and Extraction. The battle pass is priced at $9 for the combined pass, and players can earn both paid and free rewards as they progress. There’s also a marketplace where players can buy, sell, and trade weapon skins, all of which are cosmetic and don’t impact gameplay.
Performance:
In terms of performance, Delta Force runs smoothly, even on lower-end systems. During my playtime, I experienced no major FPS drops, crashes, or bugs. I’ve also seen that the game runs well on systems that meet the minimum requirements, which is encouraging. At the time of recording, the game has a steady player base of 100,000 people on Steam, which is a promising start.
However, the game currently uses a kernel-level anti-cheat system, which has raised some concerns in the community. While this is common in many modern games, including Valorant, it’s something worth keeping in mind.
Things That Need Improvement:
While Delta Force is off to a solid start, there are a few issues that need addressing:
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Server Selection: There’s no option to select servers, which can lead to frustrating ping issues. Sometimes I experience smooth gameplay with 40-60 ping, but at other times, I get over 250 ping, especially in Extraction mode.
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Bots in the Game: Although the developers have claimed there are no bots, it’s clear that there are bots filling up servers. They often exhibit unnatural behavior, such as continuously dying and spawning, which undermines the experience.
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Battle Pass XP Cap: The game features a weekly XP cap for the battle pass, which limits how much you can progress in a given week. While this isn’t a major issue, it does feel a bit restrictive, especially since the levels are easy to grind.
Final Thoughts: Should You Play Delta Force Open Beta?
Absolutely. If you’re a fan of first-person shooters and looking for a fresh Battlefield-like experience, Delta Force is worth checking out. The game is free-to-play, so there’s no harm in downloading and giving it a try. It offers a solid foundation for a tactical FPS, and with future updates, it has the potential to grow into something even bigger.
Conclusion:
That's my review of Delta Force Open Beta! I hope you found it helpful, and if you enjoyed the content, don't forget to like, subscribe, and stay tuned for more coverage on free-to-play games. Stay safe, and I’ll catch you in the next one!