A game mode where you can consider everyone in your path an enemy and go all out in destroying them can be quite cathartic. On the other hand, if you want to be the last one standing, there’s often some strategy and even a little luck involved in surviving long enough to get there. That’s what makes thebattle royale genreof games so thrilling, no matter how many rounds you play.

Since battle royale gamesdepend on player countto thrive, they have to really grab and then keep your attention. The ones on this list are a masterclass in doing exactly that.

An image from Fortnite of the Default Parkour Creator Map. This map has over 425 levels that allow you to passively earn XP as you advance.

You may have overlookedFortnitebecause it’s apopular game with kids, but it’s actually a good time for all ages. Unlike a lot of other battle royale games, it doesn’t take itself seriously, which results in some wacky gameplay, characters, and emotes. After all, what battle royale games have you build architecture on the spot to block your opponents' attacks?

There have beencollaborations with many other pieces of media, some predictable and others not at all, includingMetal Gear Solid,Naruto, and even… rapper Eminem? There are alsomultiple game modesto try out if you get tired of the battle royale aspect..

A screenshot of two characters fighting each other. One with an Ak-74, the other with a bow and arrow.

June 17, 2025

Platforms

Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows

Realm Royale: Reforged is another battle royale game that isn’t super serious. Case in point: when you’re attacked enough, you don’t instantly die. Instead, you turn into a chicken. And if you can survive long enough in chicken mode, you’ll turn back into your original state and continue fighting.

Apex Legends Valkyrie salute

You choose a class based on your preferred gameplay style, and besides the weapons and magic you already have, you’ll discover even more on the battlefield to get the leg up on your opponents. Since the game’s setting is fantasy-based, there are some neat fantasy weapons, like elemental staffs and longswords, alongside the typical ones you’d see in more realistic settings.

If you like theTitanfallgames,Apex Legendscontinues their legacy by being set in the same universe, with characters from Titanfall showing up as both NPCs and playable Legends. Naturally, that means its aesthetic is on the futuristic side.

The characters from Fall Guys reaching for the crown

You can pick from one of five classes, and since you’re in a team of three, coordinating classes and characters can be the key to your victory. Besides the general gameplay, the game is frequently updated with events and seasons that feature new characters, game modes, and cosmetics, so you always have something to sink your teeth into.

Fall Guysis popular not justbecause it’s free, but because it does battle royale in a bit of a different way. Every round is made up of a different stage that has different conditions to survive. There are races, falling platforms, dodging obstacles that can knock you off-screen, and more. So, with Fall Guys, it’s not really about fighting others as it is about surviving the environment. That said, you may still totally sabotage other players to get the upper hand.

The Hunt: Showdown - Two Hunters Stalking A Zombie In The Swamp

Like Fortnite, Fall Guys does collaborations with a variety of games and shows, likeSonic,Nier: Automata, and evenHatsune Miku. There are a ton of customizations for your Fall Guy every season, and being able to represent your favorite character is the cherry on top.

InHunt: Showdown, you’re a hunter, and the point isn’t to directly take out other players to win. Instead, your main objective is to hunt down a specific bounty. The thing is, once you’ve got it, all the hunters will be coming after you. The same goes for if someone gets to the bounty first; you have to take them down and collect what’s yours while also dealing with other hunters gunning for them.

Two cars neck and neck racing with smoke behind them

As if that’s not enough, there are monsters you have to look out for, making nothing safe. Every game of Hunt: Showdown has you need to be on high alert with how intense things can get really fast. If you want thrills in your battle royale, this is the game to play.

You probably didn’t expecta racing gameto be in a battle royale list, butForza Horizon 5actually has a mode called The Eliminator that’s surprisingly well-made for not being the main focus of the game. It works by putting you in an arena with all the other players and having you challenge them (or vice versa) one by one in individual races.

A fox, red panda, and cat parachute down to an island

The last car standing is the winner, dubbed The Eliminator. Every time you beat another player, you get to either take their car as your own or level up your current car. So, targeting certain cars and being quick with challenging others will give you an advantage in becoming The Eliminator.

In life, there are a bunch of animals that are cute but deadly, and in Super Animal Royale, that goes for all the animals involved. You’ve probably dreamed of cats, sheep, and dolphins shooting at others with guns; this game makes that a reality. Of course, it’s not just guns you can use. Before facing the other animals, you have the chance to find different weapons and gear and prepare yourself.

There are over 60 types and almost 500 breeds of animals to choose from, and a bunch of cosmetic options for outfits, weapons, and even your death explosion and gravestone. There’s a lot to do in Super Animal Royale, especially since it’s consistently being updated with new seasons.