EMPULSE similar games & best alternatives

EMPULSE

Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5 • 2026

Should you play it?

EMPULSE is a fast-paced 6v6 movement shooter. Wall-run, grapple, Holojump, pilot mechs, and P.A.I.N.T. your way through Freehold's vertical streets. Outmove your opponent or get outgunned.

What works
  • Fast and fluid movement mechanics
  • Responsive and satisfying gunplay
  • No microtransactions, fair price
  • Active and responsive developers
  • Engaging progression and customization
Things to keep in mind
  • Limited content and maps at launch
  • Some balance issues and bugs
  • Matchmaking and queue times can be long
  • Art style and aesthetics feel bland
  • Mechs feel underdeveloped and out of place

What to play next

Top picks

Games that feel the closest overall

  • Quake II

  • Red Faction Guerrilla Steam Edition

  • Banzai Escape 2: Subterranean

  • Rise of the Triad: Ludicrous Edition

  • Overload

  • DARIUSBURST Chronicle Saviours

  • Sniper Elite 5

  • GOAT OF DUTY

  • Battlezone: Combat Commander

Hidden Gems

Less popular games with surprisingly high similarity

  • Black Ice

  • Stellar Warfare

  • Beat Hazard 3

If you liked…

Recommendations by what you enjoyed most

  • Autonomy

    Toaster Arena

  • Competence

    Warhammer 40,000: Darktide

  • Competition

    Star Conflict

Similarity map

Explore nearby similar games and see why they’re close.

How to use the graph
Similarity map

Each dot is a game. They are arranged from the same motivation profile as in the “Why this game works” section below. Closer dots usually mean more similar reasons to play (exploration, competition, relaxation, etc.)—not that one game is “better” than another.

  • Purple star: this page’s game — everything on the map is relative to it.
  • Coloured chips: click to highlight games that mainly differ on that motivation; click again to reset.
  • Dotted line: link between this page’s game and the one selected for comparison.
  • Hover a dot for a screenshot preview, score, and top score gaps; click to compare in the panel on the right.
  • Scroll or double-click the chart to zoom out and see more games.

Why don’t the axes read like a score? This view uses t-SNE: it only keeps who is close to whom. The scales are not “good to bad” or hours played—they separate groups on the map. Read distance between dots, not the axis numbers (hidden on purpose).

EMPULSE: A very typical example of its motivational profile. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Competition, Status, Fellowship, Cooperation. Here, the score leans higher than usual among comparable games on Story. It leans lower than usual among comparable games on Intimacy, Domination.

Why this game works

A motivational profile of the game, with the closest similar game for each player motivation.

  • Autonomy

    Game with the same Autonomy vibe

    4

    "Players have freedom to customize characters extensively and choose loadouts; movement mechanics allow for player skill expression and control."

    Capsule for Toaster Arena Toaster Arena

    "Players have freedom to chain movement mechanics and choose loadouts, though some routines exist in gameplay."

  • Competence

    Game with the same Competence vibe

    4

    "High skill ceiling with challenging combat and progression; players improve through mastering mechanics and builds."

    Capsule for Warhammer 40,000: Darktide Warhammer 40,000: Darktide

    "High skill ceiling with advanced movement and gunplay; players feel rewarded for mastering mechanics."

  • Competition

    Game with the same Competition vibe

    4

    "Strong PvP focus with ranked matches and team-based competitive modes; players compare skills and performance."

    Capsule for Star Conflict Star Conflict

    "Strong focus on PvP with ranked modes and competitive matchmaking."

  • Continuation

    Game with the same Continuation vibe

    3

    "Players report addictive gameplay with long sessions, though progression grind and matchmaking issues can hinder sustained engagement."

    Capsule for Friends vs Friends Friends vs Friends

    "Players report addictive gameplay and long sessions, though some mention frustration with matchmaking."

  • Cooperation

    Game with the same Cooperation vibe

    2

    "Team-based modes encourage working together to defend or attack objectives, though solo play is also common."

    Capsule for Blockstorm Blockstorm

    "Team-based objectives and modes encourage cooperation, but some modes allow solo play and camping."

  • Creativity

    Game with the same Creativity vibe

    3

    "Players use environmental objects as weapons and explore secrets, encouraging creative combat approaches."

    Capsule for SharpShooter3D SharpShooter3D

    "Environmental manipulation with P.A.I.N.T. bombs and movement chaining encourage creative play."

  • Domination

    Game with the same Domination vibe

    -2

    "Community and developer attitude emphasize mutual respect and support rather than dominance or trash talk."

    Capsule for FIGHTING EX LAYER FIGHTING EX LAYER

    "Community feedback and developer responsiveness suggest balanced, respectful interactions rather than domination."

  • Escapism

    Game with the same Escapism vibe

    4

    "Players use the game as a fast-paced, intense distraction and stress relief with immersive action."

    Capsule for REAVER REAVER

    "Players use the game as a fast-paced distraction and stress relief with immersive movement."

  • Expectation

    Game with the same Expectation vibe

    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest and enjoyment, not obligation."

    Capsule for Bear Simulator Bear Simulator

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest and enjoyment, not obligation."

  • Experimenting

    Game with the same Experimenting vibe

    4

    "Players encouraged to try different combat styles, movement techniques, and explore level design."

    Capsule for Fortune's Run Fortune's Run

    "Encouraged by movement mechanics, paint effects, and tactical experimentation."

  • Exploration

    Game with the same Exploration vibe

    2

    "Maps have verticality and multiple routes encouraging discovery, though limited number of maps currently."

    Capsule for Grapple Tournament Grapple Tournament

    "Maps encourage vertical exploration and alternative routes, though some maps feel repetitive."

  • Expression

    Game with the same Expression vibe

    2

    "Customization options for weapons and characters exist, though limited; some cosmetic personalization available."

    Capsule for Zero Hour Zero Hour

    "Customization exists but is limited; players can personalize weapons and skins."

  • Fantasy

    Game with the same Fantasy vibe

    3

    "Futuristic sci-fi setting with mechs and robot enemies provides imaginative fiction."

    Capsule for Bionic Dues Bionic Dues

    "Futuristic sci-fi setting with mechs and advanced movement creates imaginative fiction."

  • Fellowship

    Game with the same Fellowship vibe

    3

    "Community interaction and team play foster a sense of belonging, though player base is still growing."

    Capsule for Silica Silica

    "Community involvement and team play foster a sense of belonging."

  • Growth

    Game with the same Growth vibe

    3

    "Players experience learning and skill development through mastering combat mechanics and progression systems."

    Capsule for Kuro survival Kuro survival

    "Players develop skills in movement and combat; progression systems support learning."

  • Health

    Game with the same Health vibe

    -4

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity involved."

    Capsule for SILENT BREATH SILENT BREATH

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity involved."

  • Idle

    Game with the same Idle vibe

    -3

    "Requires focused attention and continuous engagement during matches."

    Capsule for Battlefield™ V Battlefield™ V

    "Requires focused attention and continuous engagement during matches."

  • Intimacy

    Game with the same Intimacy vibe

    -3

    "Social interactions are mostly surface-level team communication; limited close relationships formed in-game."

    Capsule for Predator: Hunting Grounds Predator: Hunting Grounds

    "Social interactions are mostly surface-level team play; limited close relationships."

  • Leadership

    Game with the same Leadership vibe

    1

    "Some team modes encourage coordination, but no strong leadership or management roles emphasized."

    Capsule for Rumble Club Rumble Club

    "Some modes encourage team coordination but no strong leadership roles emphasized."

  • Progression

    Game with the same Progression vibe

    4

    "Permanent upgrades, unlockable weapons, and character development motivate continued play"

    Capsule for Dark Devotion Dark Devotion

    "Meaningful unlocks, weapon upgrades, and cosmetics motivate continued play."

  • Relaxation

    Game with the same Relaxation vibe

    2

    "Game provides flow and fun, but also fast-paced and sometimes intense matches."

    Capsule for Altitude Altitude

    "Players experience flow and fun, though matches can be intense and fast-paced."

  • Sensation

    Game with the same Sensation vibe

    3

    "Visuals, sound design, and fast action provide sensory stimulation and excitement."

    Capsule for Red Eclipse Red Eclipse

    "Fast movement, visual effects, and sound design provide sensory stimulation."

  • Status

    Game with the same Status vibe

    3

    "Leaderboards and cosmetic items provide social recognition; some players value rank and visibility."

    Capsule for Kaetram Kaetram

    "Leaderboards, ranked play, and serial-numbered skins provide recognition."

  • Story

    Game with the same Story vibe

    1

    "Some narrative and lore elements exist but story is minimal and not central."

    Capsule for Nova Lands Nova Lands

    "Some lore and narrative elements exist but are minimal and not central."

  • Strategy

    Game with the same Strategy vibe

    3

    "Players employ tactics in hiding, seeking, and ability use; strategic thinking is rewarded."

    Capsule for Witch It Witch It

    "Strategic use of movement, paint, and positioning is rewarded."

  • Thrill

    Game with the same Thrill vibe

    3

    "Fast-paced combat and risk-taking provide excitement and suspense."

    Capsule for AirMech AirMech

    "High-speed combat and risk-taking create excitement and suspense."

  • Value

    Game with the same Value vibe

    4

    "Good content amount and replayability for price; no microtransactions and fair value."

    Capsule for Iron Marines Iron Marines

    "Affordable price with no microtransactions and good content value."

  • Violence

    Game with the same Violence vibe

    3

    "Combat and destruction are core gameplay elements."

    Capsule for SpellForce 3 Fallen God SpellForce 3 Fallen God

    "Combat and destruction are core gameplay elements."

  • Survival

    Game with the same Survival vibe

    2

    "Players must avoid death and manage movement to survive in fast-paced matches."

    Capsule for Gunjitsu Gunjitsu

    "Players must avoid death and manage positioning to survive in fast-paced matches."

Last update: 28/06/2026