Battle Royale games have dominated the gaming world for years, with Fortnite and PUBG leading the charge. These titles redefined online multiplayer by combining survival, shooting, and strategic gameplay into one intense experience. But what if you’re looking for fresh alternatives? The good news is that the genre has exploded, giving gamers plenty of choices.

In this article, we’ll explore the top Battle Royale games like Fortnite and PUBG that are worth your time in 2025. Whether you enjoy cartoony visuals, realistic combat, or unique twists on survival mechanics, there’s a game here for you.

1. Apex Legends – Fast-Paced Hero Shooter Action

When it launched in 2019, Apex Legends instantly became a fan favorite. Developed by Respawn Entertainment, it blends the battle royale formula with hero-based gameplay.

Key Features

  • Unique legends with distinct abilities
  • Smooth gunplay and movement mechanics
  • Squad-based focus with three-player teams

Unlike PUBG’s realism or Fortnite’s building mechanics, Apex Legends emphasizes teamwork and hero abilities, making each match highly strategic. The game also updates regularly with new seasons, maps, and characters to keep gameplay fresh.

2. Call of Duty: Warzone – Military Realism Meets Battle Royale

Warzone brought the iconic Call of Duty franchise into the battle royale scene with impressive success. Known for its fast action and realistic weapons, it offers a familiar yet thrilling experience.

Why It Stands Out

  • Huge maps like Verdansk and Al Mazrah
  • Buy stations where players can purchase weapons and killstreaks
  • Gulag system for second chances

Warzone bridges the gap between PUBG’s realism and Fortnite’s accessibility, making it a must-try for fans who want a gritty, military-style battle royale.

3. Free Fire – Mobile-Friendly Battle Royale Fun

For mobile gamers, Garena Free Fire is an excellent alternative to PUBG Mobile and Fortnite Mobile. Its matches are short and accessible, making it great for casual players.

Highlights

  • Quick 10-minute matches
  • Wide variety of characters with abilities
  • Lightweight game optimized for low-end devices

With its accessibility and consistent updates, Free Fire has built a massive community worldwide, especially in Asia and Latin America.

4. Rules of Survival – Early Competitor to PUBG Mobile

Before PUBG Mobile exploded in popularity, Rules of Survival was one of the first mobile battle royale games. It still has a dedicated player base.

Gameplay Experience

The game mirrors PUBG’s large maps and realistic weapons but stands out with modes like 300-player battles, adding chaotic fun.

While not as polished as newer titles, it remains a solid choice for gamers seeking a PUBG-style experience on mobile.

5. Knives Out – Team Survival Action

Created by NetEase, Knives Out offers intense mobile battle royale gameplay similar to PUBG Mobile but with unique tweaks.

Unique Aspects

  • Large-scale battles with up to 100 players
  • Various game modes beyond the standard battle royale
  • Distinct art style

Knives Out keeps its community engaged with regular seasonal events, ensuring fresh experiences for long-time players.

6. Realm Royale Reforged – Fantasy Twist on Battle Royale

If you like Fortnite’s cartoony look but want something different, Realm Royale Reforged might be your game. It takes a fantasy approach to the genre.

Fantasy Mechanics

  • Classes like Warrior, Mage, and Hunter
  • Abilities such as fireballs, shields, and teleportation
  • Forge system for crafting legendary gear

This game combines battle royale intensity with RPG elements, making it perfect for players who enjoy fantasy combat.

7. H1Z1: Battle Royale – The Pioneer of the Genre

Before PUBG and Fortnite became mainstream, H1Z1 helped establish the battle royale genre. While its popularity has faded, it’s still a noteworthy game.

Why It’s Important

  • Inspired the survival-battle royale hybrid format
  • Simple gunplay and fast-paced matches
  • Legacy status as one of the genre’s trailblazers

For gamers interested in the history of battle royale, H1Z1 is worth checking out.

8. Ring of Elysium – Survival in Extreme Environments

Developed by Tencent, Ring of Elysium offers a survival twist on the standard battle royale format. Instead of being the last person alive, players must escape natural disasters.

Features That Stand Out

  • Dynamic weather and disaster events (snowstorms, volcanoes)
  • Multiple ways to win (survival or evacuation)
  • Snowboards, gliders, and grappling hooks for mobility

This game provides a unique spin by adding environmental hazards alongside player combat.

9. The Culling – Strategy and Crafting-Based Survival

One of the earliest games to experiment with survival mechanics, The Culling combines crafting with last-man-standing gameplay.

Gameplay Elements

  • Limited player count (16 players)
  • Crafting weapons from resources found in the arena
  • Focus on melee combat alongside ranged weapons

While smaller in scale compared to Fortnite or PUBG, The Culling emphasizes strategy and resource management, making each match feel tense.

10. Naraka: Bladepoint – Melee-Focused Battle Royale

If you’re tired of guns and shooting, Naraka: Bladepoint offers a refreshing melee-based battle royale experience inspired by martial arts and Chinese mythology.

Core Features

  • Martial arts combat with swords, spears, and bows
  • Heroes with unique skills and ultimates
  • Grappling hooks for high-mobility battles

This game proves that battle royale doesn’t have to rely solely on firearms—its fast-paced melee combat makes it one of the most unique alternatives to Fortnite and PUBG.

Why Players Seek Alternatives to Fortnite and PUBG

While Fortnite and PUBG remain hugely popular, some players look for fresh mechanics, art styles, or gameplay variations. Alternatives offer:

  • Different pacing: Quick matches (Free Fire) vs. long tactical games (PUBG).
  • Variety in visuals: Cartoony (Realm Royale) vs. realistic (Warzone).
  • Unique mechanics: Gulag in Warzone, environmental hazards in Ring of Elysium, melee focus in Naraka.

This diversity ensures that the battle royale genre continues to evolve and attract new audiences.

Tips for Choosing the Right Battle Royale Game

Not all battle royale games are created equal. Consider these factors before picking your next favorite:

H3: Platform

  • PC/Console: Apex Legends, Warzone, Naraka
  • Mobile: Free Fire, Knives Out, Rules of Survival

H3: Playstyle Preference

  • Tactical shooters: PUBG, Warzone
  • Hero-based action: Apex Legends, Naraka
  • Casual fun: Fortnite, Realm Royale

Choosing the right game comes down to balancing your hardware, playstyle, and community preference.

Conclusion

The battle royale genre has grown far beyond its early days, offering gamers an incredible variety of experiences. From the realistic firefights of Warzone and PUBG, to the colorful chaos of Fortnite and the melee combat of Naraka: Bladepoint, there’s something for every type of player.

If you’re looking for a new battle royale game like Fortnite and PUBG, the titles in this list provide exciting alternatives that will keep you hooked for hours.