Skip to main content

The best games like Destiny 2

Destiny 2’s season passes provide ongoing content, but there may still be times when players feel like trying something different … but not too different. If you like the idea of trying another multiplayer looter-shooter, preferably with interesting RPG elements thrown it (but no Stasis powers), there are games you really should give a shot. Check out these titles to see which you should start with, and you’ll be telling your friends to join you in no time!

Further reading

The Division 2

Menu and class in The Division 2.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Division 2 isn’t exactly a Destiny clone, but it’s one of the closest experiences you can get if you are interested in similar looter-shooter gameplay with plenty of endgame activities. The campaign will take you through a virus-ravaged Washington, D.C., filled with threats, but it’s the raids, PvP modes, and other endgame content that really encourage you to stick around.

Multiple updates and changes through The Division 2’s life have made it more enjoyable and kept the player base around, too — and there are continuing seasons plus major updates planned for the future. Oh, if you decide you like it, keep an eye on developer Massive’s plans for an upcoming Star Wars game, too!

Outriders

Outriders Crafting Guide.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The third-person Outriders has more than a little in common with Destiny, as you pick from four classes of super-powered humans (earth, fire, tech, and time-based) to do battle against enemies and wildlife on a hostile alien world. The loot, however, is more reminiscent of an ARPG and can quickly become addictive to find or craft, especially as you unlock new modifiers or abilities for your guns and armor. There are also more unique elements, like the “heal by killing” mechanics and some innovative teleporting abilities — you’ll want to experiment a little with everything when you first start.

While Outriders stumbled a little at the beginning from some bugs and balancing issues, it has been patched with fixes, loot boosts, and other changes that mean it’s the perfect time to try it out. Solo players will find a lot to love here, but when you reach the endgame you’ll want to team up for some of the best results!

World War Z

Street in World War Z game with shooters and zombies.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Yes, World War Z is a game as well as a book and movie, but you don’t have to know much about the zombie-filled world to appreciate the gameplay and missions here. Think of it like Left 4 Dead meets Destiny, offering you a variety of classes with their own abilities and throwing you into maps where the threat of zombie swarms is constantly present. Team up with friends, find powerful weapons and upgrades, and know the right time to build defenses — and the right time to start running. Missions are relatively short and easy to hop into, so you don’t need to commit a lot of time for a quick run.

Borderlands 3

Borderlands 3 classes.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

More crazy guns, more interplanetary antics, and more loot to find — if you enjoyed the gameplay cycle of the earlier Borderlands games, you should certainly try jumping into the third installment! While the story does include some returning characters, this time around you have four new classes to experiment with, and new ability interactions that make planning your build more fun than ever. The endgame can ramp up the difficulty and dangerous boss encounters for better loot, but don’t worry: Borderlands 3 remains playable both in single-player and with a team.

Warframe

Warframe fight in a hallway.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

A free-to-play sci-fi game packed with lore, smooth action, powerful abilities, and a devoted community … that seems familiar, right? Warframe is daunting to jump into, with a lot to learn about both the game’s universe and how to play/craft, but if you really want something to sink your teeth into, we suggest giving it a shot. Just play the beginning missions and explore any new mechanics as you find them. Fortunately, experienced players tend to show up to offer advice (and show off their frames), so you’ll pick things up in no time. Remember, while you can easily find and buy blueprints for new frames, you are locked into your starter frame and can’t make a new character, so choose wisely!

Deep Rock Galactic

Fighting insects in the Deep Rock Galactic mines.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

This huge indie hit rightfully deserves its praise, and once you’ve joined the other space dwarves on a dangerous mining mission, you’ll see just how addictive it can be. Every mission is broadly divided into two parts — first, navigating fully mineable space environments to find the best ores, and then fighting your way back to your ship through waves of insectoid armies. Each dwarf class has abilities suited for both actives, and a surprisingly deep leveling system, so there’s lots to explore here … especially if you bring friends along. Rock and stone!

Risk of Rain 2

Risk of Rain 2's exotic world.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Would like a little roguelike in your looter-shooter? The looping style of gameplay may seem like a contradiction, but Risk of Rain 2 pulls it off with a brilliantly designed world where finding power-ups and navigating challenges comes with lasting benefits — and a large list of classes to unlock and experiment with. Progress stages, defeat bosses, unlock loot, and decide if it’s better to keep on pressing forward this run, or escaping the alien planet with everything you can carry.

Monster Hunter: World

Player in Monster Hunter World gathering materials.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

While there are technically guns (and bows) in Monster Hunter: World, it may not meet everyone’s idea of a looter-shooter — but we encourage you to give it a try. Picking your favorite weapon, exploring large environments, and taking out enormous monsters of all kinds is incredibly fun. However, World shines most when you can partner up with friends and go on a hunt for the most dangerous game of all (in this case, usually giant dragons). Taking down the immense beasts together is always rewarding, and the wide variety of crafting and upgrades means you can keep improving, too.

Anthem

Javelin suits posing in Anthem.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

While support for Anthem may have ended, the game is still available, playable, and particularly affordable if you are looking for deals. Pick your favorite Javelin suit, equip it with powerful abilities, and work to create combos with your friends to deal maximum damage throughout the alien world — all while enjoying the Ironman-like flying fantasy that remains almost impossible to find elsewhere. If you never tried Anthem and are worried that it may be too late, we encourage you to jump in and see what you think, especially if you can bring fellow players along (while it’s possible to play Anthem solo, we don’t really recommend it).

If you’d like to keep on top of Destiny news while trying out new titles, you’ll want to check out our guide to the latest news and our updates on the story’s progression.

Editors' Recommendations

Tyler Lacoma
If it can be streamed, voice-activated, made better with an app, or beaten by mashing buttons, Tyler's into it. When he's not…
The best handheld gaming PCs you can buy
Steam Deck held between two hands.

Ever since Valve's Steam Deck showed up, there has been a revolution in the world of handheld gaming PCs. Seemingly every company is looking to jump in on portable, high-performance gaming, but only a select few devices are among the best handheld gaming PCs you can buy.

This is definitely an evolving field, with new companies announcing devices left and right. Even this year, we still have devices like the Lenovo Legion Go to look forward to. For now, though, here are the top handheld gaming systems we've tested.

Read more
The best Mario games of all time, ranked
Mario twirls his cap in front of New Donk City in Super Mario Odyssey.

Nintendo’s Super Mario series is so monumental to the medium of video games that you might even think of the mustachioed plumber when you hear “video games” mentioned at all. From his earliest days when he battled Donkey Kong as “Jumpman.” to his latest adventures on the Nintendo Switch, to his latest movie appearance in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Mario has consistently been one of the greatest characters in video games. He’s such an iconic character that countless video games have had him as the star, and here we have ranked them.

For our list, we had two main criteria. First, the games have to be platformers -- either 2D or 3D. This eliminates Mario sports games, the Mario Kart series, role-playing games, and all the Mario Parties. Secondly, the games have to have Mario himself as the lead character. This eliminated Super Mario Land 3 and Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island. In the end, we were left with 22 games. None of them are bad, but we did have to name a loser. We also chose to omit The Lost Levels and instead considered Super Mario Bros. 2 as the definitive second game in the series.

Read more
The best Call of Duty games, ranked
Soldier holding weapon in Modern Warfare II.

Few video game series are as influential and popular as Call of Duty. The annualized franchise throws players into fast-paced battles across various historical time periods -- along with fictional eras, as well. Call of Duty has taken us to World War II, the Cold War, a modern setting, and even to the future.

Although it's one of the most successful video game franchises out there, Call of Duty's quality varies significantly, with some fantastic entries in the series, but many mediocre ones as well. But which Call of Duty games are worth your time and which ones should you skip? To answer that question, we've ranked all the mainline entries in the series, with details about why you should or shouldn't play that particular game.

Read more