Enlisted stands out as a free-to-play MMO squad-based tactical first-person shooter set during World War II, where you take charge of entire squads in large-scale battles across historical fronts. Developed by Darkflow Software and published by Gaijin Entertainment, this multiplayer title emphasizes commanding AI-controlled soldiers, switching between them seamlessly, and coordinating with vehicles like tanks and aircraft to achieve objectives. Available on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation platforms, it draws players into intense conflicts involving hundreds of participants, blending infantry combat with armored warfare for a sense of massive, chaotic engagements reminiscent of the era's real struggles.
Gameplay
In Enlisted, the core loop revolves around leading a squad of 3 to 9 soldiers, each with distinct classes and equipment. You directly control one soldier at a time but can issue orders to the AI members for actions like attacking, defending, or destroying targets. If your current soldier falls, you switch to another in the squad without interruption, keeping the fight going. This system creates a fluid experience, allowing adaptation to changing battlefield conditions.
Soldier classes number 16 in total, including roles such as Rifleman, Assaulter, Sniper, Engineer, Tanker, and Pilot. Each class comes with unique perks and weapons, from standard rifles and submachine guns to specialized tools like mortars, flamethrowers, anti-tank guns, and machine guns. Engineers, for instance, build fortifications, spawn points, and ammo boxes, while Radio Operators call in artillery strikes or bombing runs.
Vehicle mechanics add depth, with over 150 tanks, armored cars, motorcycles, and aircraft available. You can pilot fighters or bombers, drive tanks, or even abandon a damaged vehicle to continue on foot as part of your infantry squad. The game's research trees let you upgrade nations, soldiers, weapons, and vehicles, using a single currency called Silver for progression. Matchmaking pairs teams based on historical factions and battle ratings, ensuring balanced yet authentic confrontations.
Game Modes
Enlisted offers several structured multiplayer modes that simulate WWII operations on expansive maps. Conquest tasks teams with capturing and holding three or five control points, depleting the enemy's reinforcement bar through dominance. Invasion focuses on attackers seizing sequential points while defenders hold the line, with limited respawn tickets adding pressure.
Assault and Destruction modes emphasize sector-based objectives, where attackers capture or destroy points, often planting explosives that defenders can disarm. Confrontation shifts control points dynamically, allowing both sides to attack or recapture, leading to prolonged tug-of-war battles. Custom modes expand possibilities, including Armored Train Escort, where one team protects a moving train against boarders.
Beyond standard play, the mod editor enables creation of unique missions, from historical recreations to imaginative scenarios like low-gravity fights on the moon. Lone Fighters mode strips away squads for individual combat, while Tutorial and Practice options help newcomers learn basics like tank handling and engineering.
Factions and Battles
Teams divide into Allies and Axis, with four main nations: United States, Soviet Union, Germany, and Japan. Each nation has five battle ratings, influencing matchmaking and equipment tiers. Sub-factions enhance variety, such as the UK or Australia under the US, and Italy or Romania under Germany.
Battles unfold on maps inspired by real events, including the Normandy landings, Battle of Moscow, Tunisia, Pacific campaigns like Guadalcanal, and the Battle of Berlin. Weapons exceed 250 types, with authentic details like phosphorus grenades and elaborate damage models for vehicles. This setup lets you customize squads across nations, tailoring armies to preferred playstyles and historical contexts.
Is It Worth Playing?
With ongoing support through updates like the recent Hidden Threat addition in March 2026, which introduced the Saboteur class, new weapons, vehicles, and ray tracing enhancements, Enlisted remains active and evolving. Events such as Armory: Saboteurs running until April 2026 and the Vienna offensive provide fresh challenges and rewards, alongside 3 to 4 battle passes yearly.
Player reception on platforms shows Very Positive overall with 41,369 reviews at 81 percent positive in recent months, though some critiques highlight slow progression and occasional bugs. For those drawn to tactical squad management in a WWII multiplayer setting, it offers substantial depth without upfront costs, making it a solid choice if you enjoy coordinating teams and vehicles in historical battles. If fast-paced solo action appeals more, other shooters might suit better, but the free entry point allows easy testing.