Insurgency: Sandstorm

Lore & Background

Insurgency: Sandstorm continues the series' tradition of tactical, realistic gameplay with a minimal HUD that lacks a health bar, ammunition count, or minimap. Weapons are accurate and can kill in very few shots, placing emphasis on teamwork and cooperation. Most game modes do not feature instant respawns; dead players must spectate and wait for their team to complete an objective to respawn. Improvements from the original Insurgency include updated visuals, character customization, cosmetics, weapon skins, a player progression system, larger maps, and drivable technicals.

Players are divided into Security and Insurgent factions. Security primarily uses newer weaponry from NATO and Western countries, while Insurgents use a diverse mixture of Russian, Chinese, and outdated Western weapons. Each faction is asymmetric, with weapons that do not perform similarly despite loose equivalents. Players choose from eight classes—Rifleman, Breacher, Advisor, Demolitions, Marksman, Gunner, Observer, and Commander—and manage limited supply points and weight that affect stamina and movement speed. Attachments, equipment such as gas masks and night-vision goggles, and body armor are available.

The fire support system returns from Day of Infamy, allowing a Commander to request support when an Observer is nearby. Security can call for A-10 strafes, AH-64 Apache or UH-60 Black Hawk support, while Insurgents can call for drone strikes, rocket artillery, IED suicide drones, or chemical gas strikes. Both teams have access to explosive and smoke artillery, with Security firing fewer, more precise rounds and Insurgents firing more, less precise rounds.

Reader's Guide

Insurgency: Sandstorm received generally favorable reviews from critics, who praised its realistic gameplay, level design, sound design, atmosphere, graphics, and fluid animations. However, it was criticized for technical issues and optimization, and some lamented the cancellation of the planned story campaign. The game's significance lies in its refinement of the tactical shooter formula established by its predecessor, offering a hardcore multiplayer experience that prioritizes realism and teamwork over arcade-style action. Its asymmetric faction design and detailed weapon customization set it apart from other shooters of the era. The game's delayed console releases and cancellation of Linux and macOS versions highlight the challenges of multiplatform development. Despite these issues, Sandstorm maintained a dedicated player base and is regarded as a notable entry in the tactical FPS subgenre of the 2010s.

Did You Know?

• The game was officially announced in February 2016 for Microsoft Windows.
• Linux and macOS versions were announced but later cancelled.
• The PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions were released on September 29, 2021, after numerous delays.
• Players can call in fire support such as an A-10 strafe or an IED suicide drone depending on their faction.