Enlisted is a free to play squad based shooter that places players in command of infantry units during World War II battles. Each participant leads a group of AI controlled soldiers while directing their actions across large maps filled with infantry, armored vehicles, and aircraft. The game emphasizes coordinated squad play rather than lone wolf tactics, with progression tied to unlocking and upgrading soldiers, weapons, and equipment across four main factions.
Gameplay
Core gameplay revolves around managing a squad of up to several soldiers, each with distinct roles and loadouts. Players directly control one soldier at a time while issuing orders to the rest, switching between them as needed during intense firefights. Infantry combat forms the foundation, supported by engineers who construct fortifications and anti tank specialists who target vehicles. The premium Rank IV squad for the Japan faction consists of four anti tank gunners and one engineer. The gunners carry IJN 80mm anti tank launchers paired with early Type 99 rifles, along with explosive packs for additional demolition capability. These launchers originated as limited production weapons developed by the Imperial Japanese Navy specifically to aid amphibious operations, delivering strong performance against armored targets at close range. The squad excels in ambush setups and flanking maneuvers, allowing soldiers to close on enemy armor before firing and then reposition or engage infantry with their rifles. Standard issue rifles in the squad can be swapped for other available options through the game's customization systems.
Vehicle and aircraft integration adds layers to engagements, with players able to spawn into tanks or planes that interact directly with ground forces. Research trees allow branching upgrades for soldiers and equipment, while battle ratings balance matchmaking across different tiers of gear. Recent updates have introduced off road vehicles that support point captures and carry extra supplies, expanding mobility options for squads operating in varied terrain.
Game Modes
Enlisted features several objective driven multiplayer modes that scale from smaller skirmishes to massive assaults. Conquest requires teams to secure and hold multiple control points simultaneously, with victory determined by depleting the opposing team's ticket count. Invasion pits attackers against defenders across sequential points on expansive maps, where defenders must hold each location while attackers manage limited respawn resources. Assault mode involves coordinated pushes to capture and maintain key positions under time pressure. Additional modes such as Destruction and Confrontation incorporate strategic zones that demand precise team coordination to destroy objectives or contest areas. These formats support large player counts with AI reinforcements filling out the battlefield, creating dense combat environments across historic fronts including Pacific islands, European villages, and urban ruins.
Factions and Progression
Four primary factions drive the experience: the United States, Soviet Union, Germany, and Japan. Each maintains unique soldier models, weapons, vehicles, and aircraft drawn from historical arsenals. Japan fields specialized equipment suited to island and amphibious warfare, with the anti tank squad providing a premium option for players focused on countering armored threats. Progression occurs through research trees that unlock new squads and gear, supplemented by seasonal battle passes that deliver fresh rewards and limited time content. Soldiers gain experience in matches, improving their skills and allowing customization of perks and equipment. The free to play model grants access to core content without purchase requirements, though premium squads accelerate experience gains and provide immediate access to higher rank units with pre unlocked perks.
Is It Worth Playing?
Enlisted delivers consistent updates, including major patches that refine physics, add new vehicle types, and expand research options. The squad based mechanics reward players who enjoy tactical coordination over pure individual skill, making it suitable for those interested in large scale World War II multiplayer. Player reception remains positive across platforms, with ongoing support through battle pass seasons and balance adjustments. Those seeking a free entry point into squad focused shooters with historical weaponry and combined arms combat will find substantial depth here, particularly when building armies around specific factions like Japan and experimenting with specialized units such as the 8cm anti tank launcher squad. The emphasis on ambushes, flanking, and engineer support creates engaging loops for players who value positioning and role specialization in team environments.
