Insurgency Sandstorm blends Battlefield and Counter-Strike 2, and this underplayed FPS is 72% off right now

As a sucker for the best FPS games, Counter-Strike 2 and Battlefield certainly scratch different itches. The former is all about team strategy across competitive matches, broken into rounds that can sometimes feel breakneck (especially as I'm typically getting slaughtered by high ranks), and Battlefield leans more towards being an arcade shooter. Insurgency: Sandstorm, however, nails the best parts of both worlds, and right now, it's at 72% off at Fanatical.

While 2014's Insurgency delivered a ruthless and far more unforgiving experience - one I vividly remember prompting my 14-year-old 'Self' to rip his hair out (pun intended) - Insurgency: Sandstorm is just slightly more casual-friendly. Don't get me wrong, it's far more brutal than Call of Duty or Battlefield, but it sits on par with the likes of Counter-Strike 2 in terms of difficulty. Of course, it's all about learning maps, which guns you prefer, and getting used to an all-new experience that you're likely not used to, but that's where the magic of playing for hours in a single evening comes from.

The gunplay is some of the best in the genre, with bullets landing with a satisfying crunch, and the TTK is lightning-fast, offering a dose of realism. Of course, that means you are extremely vulnerable to a barrage of enemy shots, but that's what makes Insurgency: Sandstorm even more blood-pumping. One peek around the wrong corner, and you could be waiting for a respawn.

Compared to its 2014 predecessor, which was built on Valve's Source engine, Sandstorm has the visual polish and the tighter, more modern gameplay that a sequel should deliver. Some may compare the two experiences, and that's understandable, but personally, I see them as two distinct games, and that doesn't make either of them better or worse. Sandstorm certainly bridges the gap for those wanting something that requires more skill than Battlefield, but it's not as keyboard-breaking as competitive titles like Rainbow Six: Siege.

With excellent maps like the quicker-paced Power Plant as well as the tight hallways of Ministry, Insurgency: Sandstorm will test your FPS skills, and you can grab it for just $8.39 / £6.99 at Fanatical. That's a massive 72% discount, and as someone keen to see more players online, I'd suggest grabbing your squad and each grabbing a copy. Let me win if you see me, though - I'm not very good and, after all, I did introduce you to the game, so you owe me one.

So, if you're looking for a tighter, more refined experience that doesn't require the twitchiness of a CS2 or the skills of a Valorant player, Insurgency: Sandstorm may be what you're looking for.