Best Counter-Strike Alternatives in 2025
Looking for alternatives to Counter-Strike? In this comparison, we take a closer look at Counter-Strike alongside similar software solutions including Counter-Strike, Starcraft II, Team Fortress, Portal, Metro 2033 Redux, Brawlhalla, War Thunder, League of Legends, Return to Castle Wolfenstein and Stronghold Crusader Extreme HD.
Our detailed comparison table highlights key features, pricing, and performance of these leading solutions, empowering you to make an informed decision. Whether you're seeking robust functionality, user-friendly design, or cost-effective alternatives, explore how Counter-Strike, Starcraft II, Team Fortress, Portal, Metro 2033 Redux, Brawlhalla, War Thunder, League of Legends, Return to Castle Wolfenstein and Stronghold Crusader Extreme HD stack up to find the perfect software for your goals.
Genre
 Counter-Strike
|
First-person shooter game |
 Starcraft II
|
Real-time strategy game |
 Team Fortress
|
Team-based multiplayer first-person shooter game |
 Portal
|
Puzzle game |
 Metro 2033 Redux
|
First-person shooter video game |
 Brawlhalla
|
Free-to-play platform fighting game |
 War Thunder
|
Multiplayer combat game with vehicles |
 League of Legends
|
Multiplayer online battle arena game |
 Return to Castle Wolfenstein
|
First-person shooter video game |
 Stronghold Crusader Extreme HD
|
Real-time strategy game |
Competitive Scene and Multiplayer Features
|
Counter-Strike
|
Large competitive scene, frequent updates, matchmaking, anti-cheat measures, team communication |
|
Starcraft II
|
Large and active competitive scene, robust modding community, matchmaking, regular updates |
|
Team Fortress
|
Competitive mode, ladder, matchmaking system, frequent updates, active community |
|
Portal
|
Cooperative multiplayer mode available but primarily single-player and puzzle-focused |
|
Metro 2033 Redux
|
Single-player game with no multiplayer mode |
|
Brawlhalla
|
Competitive scene, crossplay feature across platforms, frequent updates, official esports tournaments |
|
War Thunder
|
Competitive modes, multiplayer battles with various vehicles, clan functionality, regular updates |
|
League of Legends
|
Large active competitive scene, professional tournaments, fast matchmaking times. |
|
Return to Castle Wolfenstein
|
Multiplayer modes including cooperative play, multiplayer-focused Wolfenstein titles exist. |
|
Stronghold Crusader Extreme HD
|
Both online and LAN multiplayer available, multiplayer battles. |
Platforms Supported
|
Counter-Strike
|
Windows, Mac OS X, Linux (Steam platform) |
|
Starcraft II
|
Windows and Mac OS X |
|
Team Fortress
|
Windows (via Steam), Mac OS X |
|
Portal
|
Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, PlayStation 3 (Portal 2) |
|
Metro 2033 Redux
|
Windows Vista and newer, Xbox 360 and Xbox One, PlayStation platforms, Linux, Mac OS X |
|
Brawlhalla
|
All major platforms including Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One/Series X/S, Android,iOS |
|
War Thunder
|
Windows, Mac OS under Steam or native clients, PlayStation 4/5,Xbox One/Series X/S |
|
League of Legends
|
Windows and macOS |
|
Return to Castle Wolfenstein
|
Microsoft Windows, Linux, PlayStation 2 |
|
Stronghold Crusader Extreme HD
|
Windows and Mac OS |
Game Modes and Features
|
Counter-Strike
|
'Competitive', 'Casual', 'Deathmatch', 'Arms Race' modes; economy system; team roles like Counter-Terrorists and Terrorists; strong anti-cheat system. |
|
Starcraft II
|
'Campaign', 'Co-op', 'Competitive multiplayer'; diverse factions; robust map editor; skill-based progression. |
|
Team Fortress
|
'Competitive mode','Casual mode'; nine classes each with unique weapons and abilities; customization via cosmetics. |
|
Portal
|
'Single-player campaign'; cooperative multiplayer mode in sequel; portal-based unique puzzle mechanics. |
|
Metro 2033 Redux
|
'Single-player campaign' with survival elements; linear level design; stealth and combat gameplay. |
|
Brawlhalla
|
'Single-player campaign'; online competitive play with cross-platform support; local multiplayer; frequent balance patches. |
|
War Thunder
|
'Arcade', 'Realistic', 'Simulator' modes; ground vehicles (tanks), planes and ships with realistic physics; clan missions. |
|
League of Legends
|
'Summoner's Rift', 'Howling Abyss' among main modes; wide variety of champions (over 150); customizations with runes and masteries. |
|
Return to Castle Wolfenstein
|
'Single-player campaign'; multiplayer cooperative gameplay; stealth elements; engaging storyline set in World War II themes. |
|
Stronghold Crusader Extreme HD
|
'Single-player missions', online/LAN multiplayer battles; challenging AI opponents; controller support; additional missions and scenarios. |
Choosing the right software isn’t just about features. Size, license type, user ratings, and popularity also matter.
This quick comparison shows how Counter-Strike stacks up against Counter-Strike, Starcraft II, Team Fortress, Portal, Metro 2033 Redux, Brawlhalla, War Thunder, League of Legends, Return to Castle Wolfenstein and Stronghold Crusader Extreme HD in these key areas—helping you find the best alternative for your needs.
Size
|
Counter-Strike
|
272.3MB |
|
Starcraft II
|
|
|
Team Fortress
|
25MB |
|
Portal
|
|
|
Metro 2033 Redux
|
|
|
Brawlhalla
|
|
|
War Thunder
|
|
|
League of Legends
|
|
|
Return to Castle Wolfenstein
|
11.3MB |
|
Stronghold Crusader Extreme HD
|
License
|
Counter-Strike
|
Commercial |
|
Starcraft II
|
Commercial |
|
Team Fortress
|
Commercial |
|
Portal
|
Commercial |
|
Metro 2033 Redux
|
Commercial |
|
Brawlhalla
|
Freeware |
|
War Thunder
|
Commercial |
|
League of Legends
|
Commercial |
|
Return to Castle Wolfenstein
|
Freeware |
|
Stronghold Crusader Extreme HD
|
Freeware |