Insurgency: Sandstorm

Game is AWESOME, just love it. Intense fighting, unique tactic game to game. Also not to mention great sound design and voicelines

Super fun. Love the mechanics. The AIs can be very challenging but the controls in this game are perfect for allowing me to properly apply maneuvers I learned from my time in the Army.

We were defending an objective
An artillery strike came onto the building we were defending
It continued pointlessly for a few minutes without killing anybody
I peeked out of a window and instantly got a bullet in my chest
10 suicide drones/ 10 suicide drones

i recommend this game but i wouldnt say that im exactly enjoying it. only reason i say that is that as a marine i disagree with how the bots are and i wish i could play online but i simply don't have good enough internet for that. i play offline and the A.I is just god awful. i wish the developers would take some time to rework their A.I and actually make it seem realistic. they need to be smart like watching doors and windows, not just running around till they find someone to shoot. the game puts me in a real combat scenario but i cant feel like im at war when the enemy just runs into my line of fire. its something i know is such a unrealistic thing and would take more hours then people probably want to spend on it considering they have a online mode but the offline really feels like they put enough time into so the bots could run but not enough for someone to enjoy it. its just hard to enjoy it and feel realistic. another thing is that their should be more bots, i would say a 8v8 vs a 4v10. i get the player has a good upperhand but the player needs to feel like oh shit were taking shots keep your head down, stay behind cover and wait till they can gain fire superiority instead of bots just standing wherever shooting at who they can. it just bothers me that im not feeling that real oh fuck lets hold this house and take out who we can and instead its just run to this building and shoot the place up. i just want to feel that oh shit type of combat and release my brain to this game but instead im just critizing every move made by both my bot squad and the A.I

The playerbase has gone downhill, and is mostly morons and griefers at this point.

It's fun but the AI are bipolar. Sometimes they miss 4 shotgun shells at 2m range, next they have a sub 200ms reaction time and instantly dome you. PvP is usually just waves of attack with no semblance of strategy but is usually pretty fun unless you get crossing because half the lobby will be camping across the map with advisor or marksman. A lot of FPS issues on the newer maps, mainly due to how large and lit up they are but they're pretty at least. Some server problems on the outpost mode, not sure why, sometimes it's fine but often it isn't, especially between waves and at the start of them, but it persists throughout. I've had a lot of fun playing, especially with friends, but there are quite a few issues with the game once you think about it.

Game is good but it feels that it drops frames at crucial moments, also you are literally playing against 200 lv players who spent their lives in it, so there is not much chance to do anything. Good shooter but not my cup of tea atm. Ping is also bad compared to other online games with servers in the same area, i.e east servers will have like from 10 to 15 more ping compared to other shooters.

Insurgency: Sandstorm isn't just an FPS game it’s an intense immersive experience that puts you right in the middle of gritty tactical warfare Every shot counts every move matters and teamwork is the key to survival

One of the standout aspects of the game is the incredible sound design gunfire explosions and distant firefights make every battle feel raw and real The wide variety of weapons and customization options let you tailor your loadout to fit your playstyle and the beautifully crafted maps add depth and realism to every encounter

Even after years since its release and a change in studio ownership the game still has a dedicated and active player base You’ll always find lobbies to join and over time you’ll start recognizing familiar names in matches making the community feel tight-knit and alive

Overall Insurgency: Sandstorm delivers one of the best tactical shooter experiences out there striking a perfect balance between realism and fun Huge thanks to the devs for creating such an amazing game it’s an absolute must-play for fans of the genre

Dear developers, after 40 hours I can also add a review.

What did I notice of the positive things?

Optimization is great!!!

The gameplay of Insurgency Sandstorm with the weapon physics is the best feeling of realistic shooting.
(Like in no other game, that would have to be stamped as unique)
The various game options are simply amazing.
The melee options with the rifle or pistol are not bad, but it's much cooler with the pistol.
Commander and Observer are bound, that's cool.
General gameplay, it's fun, feels great.

Now for the things that unfortunately bother me in the gameplay:

Some errors in the graphics are like stairs in the maps or window positions, would have to be fixed.

Tattoo error of arms...How ? :
You choose a tattoo for left and right in the menu and suddenly you have one of the tattoos both on all arms
instead 2 different ones as selected.
Gloves would have to be carefully adjusted to the different weapons, looks like areas of the gloves are empty and you can see the skin instead the part of the Gloves.

Sterling weapon, cool, but would be cooler if you had the ability to do 2 different stances with the Sterling
once as is, or possibly holding it by the magazine (magazine grip).

Desirable:
A real extraction mode with several driving or flying possibilities, would also
the next Battlefield parts that I played on console.

Opinion on the developers:

If you were to release one more title,
all the other shooters would have to pack it in, in my opinion. What you have developed
with Insurgency Sandstorm is not another level, this is the final level that i didnt had in another
shooter so far in terms of weapons and weapon physics, unique.

Hats off to the developers.

It was the right decision to buy !!!

Amazing shooter. Let down recently by 10v10 crossplay update. Game does not play as intended with smaller games and finding 14v14 games is near impossible.

wanted to play this game my entire life, now that i bought it i quickly refunded it, tried every possible fix for the weird micro stutters i keep getting, not a single fix for it, also my hardware usage was so weird with this game, maxed out ram usage, with 20% cpu usage and 30% gpu usage on high settings and low settings, with maxed out vram usage, i dont understand whats going on, but the stutters i got were unplayable, keep in mind i have this game on a fancy nvme m.2...

Best simulation FPS I've ever played. It is hard because of how realistic it is. Mods are great. Base game is great too. Needs better attachments and reload speed improvement for the base game. Modded ISMC version fixes it. Highly recommend this for someone who gets tired of the spawn and die, run and gun of the more popular titles. Online Co-op checkpoint is the best feature.

I don't know why I haven't reviewed this game till now, but as I am still playing after 7 years it deserves a positive review. It has certainly been easier to play this game with others more than any other shooter I have tried, and I still enjoy the gunplay and calling in fire support. The last shooter I enjoyed this much was Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory.

Insurgency: Sandstorm is more than just a game; it’s an experience that will test your patience, your tactics, and your ability to think under pressure. After 110 hours, I’ve come to realize this game is a whole different breed of shooter. It’s not about mindless action or flashy graphics, it’s about the raw, gritty feeling of being in a combat zone where every decision matters.

What makes Sandstorm stand out is the level of realism and intensity. The pacing is deliberate, making every encounter feel meaningful. You can’t rush into battle guns blazing, because that’s just a one-way ticket to respawn. Instead, you need to work as a team, communicate, and always stay on your toes.

The sound design is incredible. The echo of footsteps as someone sneaks up behind you, the distant crack of sniper fire, and the deafening roar of explosions all contribute to a sense of immersion that I haven’t experienced in many shooters. The gunplay is equally rewarding—each weapon feels solid and responsive, and every shot counts. You won’t get that satisfaction from a spray-and-pray weapon, that’s for sure.

But let’s be clear: this game isn’t easy. The learning curve can be steep, and newcomers might feel like they’re constantly struggling to stay alive. However, that’s part of the charm. The difficulty forces you to think before you act, and when you finally nail that perfect flank or successfully capture an objective, it feels incredibly rewarding.

Pros:
• Gritty and Realistic Combat: Every gunfight feels like a life-or-death struggle. There’s no room for mistakes, and that’s what makes the stakes feel high.
• Immersive Sound Design: The sound is so detailed you can almost feel the tension in the air—it’s a game that keeps you on edge.
• Strategic Depth: Victory isn’t about running and gunning; it’s about playing smart, staying alive, and working together as a squad.
• Aesthetic Realism: The maps are beautifully designed, whether it’s the urban chaos or the desolate open fields, every environment feels believable and lifelike.

Cons:
• Challenging for New Players: If you’re used to fast-paced shooters, the slower, more deliberate pace of this game may take some getting used to.
• Toxicity in the Community: As with many competitive shooters, the community can sometimes be a turn-off. If you’re new, don’t expect a warm welcome in every match.
• Performance Inconsistencies: It’s not perfect; sometimes, there can be slight FPS drops or stuttering, especially in intense moments.

At the end of the day, Insurgency: Sandstorm isn’t just a game—it’s a test of your tactical thinking, your patience, and your ability to work as a team. If you’re looking for something that challenges you on a deeper level and offers a more grounded, authentic shooter experience, then this game will hook you from the moment you drop into the battlefield.

Final Verdict: 9/10 – A tactical shooter that delivers on its promise, with just a few rough edges to smooth out.

fully decked out military dudes make 0 noise in this game, everyone is a ninja apparently, maybe hire an audio designer, idk + the game routinely makes you respawn within line of sight of enemies

This game is very realistic and worth the price. It has a lot of action, very good graphics, and is overall as of right no wmy favourite tactical fps shoooter. Btw there are a lot of cosmetics in game and you can get them by simply playing the game as you don`t have to use real money to buy them. But yeash if u want a realistic tactical fps shooter defininently buy this masterpiece.

So, I've played over 900 hours of Insurgency: Sandstorm. It really is a great FPS, however, due to the repeated and constant back-end server issues this game is nearly unplayable. I was in (3) separate matches this evening and experienced the server disconnected each time. These problems have existed since I started playing and doesn't seem to be a subject that's addressed by the devs and support team at all. It's upsetting because the gunplay is very good and does require elevated skills with FPS to play well. The free cosmetics are great and character customisation is decent. All this considered I cannot recommend the game due to such severe disruptions from the servers. If I had only experienced this for a few months or maybe a year I may have a different opinion due limited experience/ exposure, but I've played this for years and there have been points with the issues more frequent than others, but they have always been there. My hopes are the devs use this to take it to heart and fix whatever the problems are - if they can do that and stabalize the game this will continue to thrive and grow with the community.

This was one of my favorite games, but last update added crossplay and console lobbies are limited to 10v10, whereas PC matches are 14v14. This had several consequences:
1. Maps feel emptier, you don't have enough players to go to the objective and flank. Maps are designed for 14v14.
2. It takes considerably longer to find a PC-only game, as crossplay is enabled by default.
Until this is fixed, whether it's by disabling crossplay, making it opt-in, or allowing 14v14 matches for everyone, I will not be coming back.

Great FPS game. Everyone that plays Call of Duty should stop and play this. This is just a better game all around. Especially if you want a realistic FPS. It gets rid of all the BS that call of duty has and gets down to the nitty gritty. I haven't played it on console yet but the PC version is awesome. And I bought it for $10 which was not expected.

It's a great game but it's pretty hardcore. the weakest guns can kill you in three bullets so it requires a high level of situational awareness. Maps are decent sized and you probably won't do well until you learn your way around.
Extremely simplified HUD. various game modes. quite tactical. All weapons and attachments are unlocked from the beginning, You get a certain number of points to distribute across your build with weapons, attachments and equipment representing a certain point value. The bigger the gun the more it recoils, this is extremely noticeable with large caliber firearms, its best to fire an LMG from a prone position or by deploying the bipod on a windowsill or sandbags etc.
There's also a cooperative element I would recommend "survivor" for beginners as it provides random weapons to use and you will start to figure out what works for you and what doesn't.
Definitely worth a play if you enjoy a challenge and certainly a steal for its pricepoint.

Had it's up and downs, definitely showing it's age by now. But it's still some of the most fun you can have as far as a shooter that is hardcore in difficulty but also easy to just kind of pick up and start playing. The PVE modes are honestly where it's at, so much fun plinking waves of baddies with the generally nice people who play this game. I play lots of other stuff but still come back to this all the time just to blow off steam. except for a few minor bugs, it's optimized really well and runs beautifully, constant 240 frames on max settings no matter what's being rendered on my 3080. still recommend, especially if you can get it on sale

Great game, runs like a dream on linux!

I can't say enough in praise of this game, it's the FPS game I've always wanted, but slept on because I had no idea the damn thing existed. Recently got into it while digging through FPS titles in the Steam store, and have enjoyed everything about it. The customization, matchmaking, gunplay, and capacity for teamwork are all top-notch. Seamlessly blends elements of popular shooters like COD and Battlefield, while adding a VERY fast TTK that shooter-sim fans like myself love. Five stars, ten stars! Twenty, even!

great realism
good fights even against coop it's challenging
this is the game with the best weapon bullet effects

Its fun for the first like 20 hours but then after you unlock all classes it feels pointless, also the game is currently dying so not exactly worth buying currently

game where u play with a bunch of other stupid teenagers and trashtalk the shit out of each other. 10/10

This game is very hard, I feel like you need to know actual military skills to play this effectively.

truly a good game when it works - usually a buggy mess though

Really hope they keep this game updated or make another one. Best game ever has a learning curve but better then COD (Mindless Shooting)

a pretty fun game and the graphics are amazing and the game play is so real i love the no hit marker it gives you the * did i hit him did i not*

Insurgency: Sandstorm delivers a raw, tactical FPS experience that's gritty and rewarding for players who enjoy intense, immersive combat. One of the highlights of the game is its dynamic approach to strategy, offering countless ways to approach each mission or skirmish.

For those who enjoy stealth, running with a silenced Deagle (Desert Eagle) is incredibly satisfying. Sneaking behind enemy lines and quietly eliminating targets feels powerful, especially when your tactics disrupt the enemy team from the shadows. There’s something thrilling about picking off enemies in quick succession while remaining undetected—it’s a test of patience, timing, and precise aim. Stealth mechanics aren’t just about avoiding confrontation; they’re about creating chaos on the enemy’s side while your team pushes objectives.

On the flip side, the game also embraces more chaotic strategies, like when you and a mate coordinate to execute a bomb delivery. The game’s cooperative features shine here—having a teammate toss you explosives, then charging into enemy lines while calling for detonation creates these wild, high-risk, high-reward moments. Acting as a “suicide bomber” (while a controversial tactic) adds a layer of unpredictability to the gameplay. If timed well, this strategy can result in massive kill streaks, leaving the enemy team scrambling.

The balance between methodical, strategic planning and the raw, chaotic action makes Insurgency: Sandstorm a standout among tactical shooters. Whether you prefer the quiet satisfaction of stealth or the rush of a well-coordinated explosive play, the game offers a blend of intense realism and deep, tactical gameplay that keeps you coming back for more. It’s a game that rewards skill, teamwork, and creativity, and every match feels like a unique experience.

Highly recommended for fans of realistic military shooters

Great game, better than any other FPS and more fun as well.

Fun tactical shooter with many different styles of firearms, and attachments.

The bugs are increasing to the point where it's impossible to play the game properly:
1. Moving the mouse quickly causes the FPS to drop from 144 to 5-10
2. Upon entering the game, the hard drive is at 100% usage, causing constant stuttering
3. Damn EAC
4. Mods are nearly unusable (and they even gave me the Workshop)

Mid, only good thing about it is how the guns work in game, indeed very cool and realistic, but literally any other aspect of the game (graphics, optimization, controls, bugs, etc.) is horrible, trash, and the user interface and things a player can control/click in the game is horrible in the game as well, everything just feels old and far from today's baseline for a game like this.

I do really enjoy the gun play and movement in this game. I often describe it as mini squad to my friends, which is true in the way the game feels but not in the way it's played. People play it a lot like call of duty which ruins the vibe for me most of the time. And the maps are poorly balanced imo.

With all of that said the game is great and worth a purchase if you want to play squad on a smaller scale. There are better game modes that don't have respawns unless you hit certain objectives and they are the best in the game, however most people won't play these for whatever reason, so it truly is just mini squad in the game modes that actually have players.

This is by for the best shooter I've ever played. This game has accurate gun mechanics, realistic gore and brutal AI to make the game challenging.

Great game, something is happening with the anti-cheat system and I can't play anything online, I've tried every single solution, i'm not gonna change my status until it starts working again lol

Good game, plays well but does have very minor bugs from time to time. Overall, I prefer this game over COD and Battlefield when it comes to FPS shooters

Very good tactical shooter, skill and ability decide between victory and defeat.

You get the feeling that it's not luck that decides victory, but your own tactical combat skills.

Different weapons and weapon characteristics are clearly noticeable, different calibers have different penetrating power. Walls and targets can be shot through depending on the material.

You need practice to be good.
Online you meet many adult players, which increases the fun and tactical approach.
I like the hardcore mode :)

Highly recommended.

was ok on Xbox, had around 150 hours over there awhile ago, the players were a little more Call of Duty with it but they weren't A-holes. They were fun to play with- all thats left are super sweats that complain and TK. Fun game but its well passed it prime. Save your money, skip along to the next.

Regular insurgency was absolutely awesome. This is regular insurgency with additional weapons, mechanics, enhanced graphics and they even added vehicles

Fun, tight, teamwork based game play. Fun with randos, but way more fun with friends. Lobbies do not disband after match end, so you can get those multigame rivalries going. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a fun FPS that leans more into the realism side rather than arcade shooter.

Solid but updates have been buggy and lacking

Insurgency: Sandstorm is a breath of fresh air for fans of tactical shooters who crave a no-frills, skill-based experience. In a gaming landscape often saturated with progression systems, cosmetic unlocks, and grind-heavy mechanics, this game stands out by stripping away the distractions and focusing purely on the gameplay. It’s about you, your team, and the enemy—nothing more, nothing less.

From the moment you step into a match, it’s clear that Insurgency: Sandstorm is committed to authenticity and immersion. The sound design is phenomenal, with each gunshot and explosion carrying a visceral weight that makes every firefight feel intense and consequential. The maps are thoughtfully designed, offering a mix of tight urban environments and sprawling open areas that demand strategic planning and coordination.

What truly sets Insurgency: Sandstorm apart, however, is its simplicity. There are no ranks to grind, no currency to collect, and no endless leveling systems to worry about. This isn’t a game about chasing numbers or unlocking the next shiny thing; it’s about the raw experience of tactical combat. The lack of these features might sound jarring to players accustomed to modern multiplayer games, but it’s incredibly liberating. You’re free to focus entirely on your performance and teamwork, with no distractions or artificial goals pulling you away from the action.

The gameplay itself is unforgiving but fair. The weapons feel powerful and lethal, and the absence of a traditional HUD forces you to rely on your senses and communication skills. This is a game where every decision matters, and every mistake can be your last. It rewards patience, careful planning, and a keen understanding of your surroundings.

Insurgency: Sandstorm also shines in its approach to teamwork. Success often hinges on your ability to work with your squad, whether you’re defending an objective or coordinating an assault. The community—while understandably niche—is passionate and generally welcoming to new players, which helps ease the learning curve.

In a market dominated by games trying to keep players hooked with endless progression systems, Insurgency: Sandstorm reminds us of the joy of a straightforward, skill-driven shooter. It’s a game that respects your time and challenges you to be better, not through grinding or upgrades, but through practice and perseverance. If you’re looking for a pure, intense, and rewarding tactical shooter, Insurgency: Sandstorm delivers in spades.

this game is pretty good and had a lot of potential it could've reached. funky hybrid between a tactical shooter and an arcade shooter but it's generally neat. extremely good sound design.

Very good, realistic shooter. Definitely one of my favorite FPS titles.

A great tactical shooter without too much of that slow feel. Works well on steam deck with high settings only needed to adjust ratio and windowed

A great tactical shooter with good mod support and community

I cannot urge you enough to get this game. The realism, the fun, the gameplay, all of it is amazing. Even if this game was $70 it would still be worth it to get. The thing I like the most is the realism, enemies react to where they were shot from, they fall in a really realistic manner, and if you dont shoot them in the head they can still move a bit on the ground until you do or enough time passes for them to bleed out. It is just so incredibly satisfying to use the point-laser grip and dump 3 rounds into an enemy and then watch them ragdoll, scream, and move. I cannot urge you enough to get this game. 🙏