In a stunning turn of events, the gaming world has been shaken by the explosive arrival of The Finals, a highly-destructible first-person shooter (FPS) developed by ex-DICE developers at Embark Studios. The game, currently in its open beta phase, has skyrocketed to the top 10 of Steam’s most-played games within its first 24 hours, boasting a peak of 143,000 concurrent players and maintaining a steady 90,000 player base even during the quieter workday hours in the US.
What sets The Finals apart from its competitors is its groundbreaking destruction engine, allowing entire buildings to crumble realistically under the impact of RPG rockets and physics. Such extensive destruction in a multiplayer setting is a rare sight due to the complexity of syncing information across players, but Embark Studios claims to have overcome this challenge with advanced backend server technology, making the impossible a reality.
Players familiar with The Finals from previous playtests will find exciting new features in the open beta, most notably the addition of a casual mode called “Bank It.” Unlike the intense Cashout mode where teams fight over the same cash vaults, Bank It introduces a unique gameplay mechanic where players collect coins scattered across the map and bank them at various points to score. This refreshing twist has resonated well with the gaming community, providing a more relaxed alternative to the game’s competitive modes.
However, the game’s rapid popularity has not come without its challenges. The unexpected surge in players led to server stability issues, prompting Embark Studios to implement a temporary login queue to manage the overwhelming demand. Despite occasional hiccups, the developers have remained transparent, emphasizing that the beta phase aims to stress test the game’s systems rather than serve as a marketing gimmick.
Gamer feedback has been mixed, with some praising the innovative gameplay and destructible environments, while others express frustration over server instability. Despite these challenges, the community’s enthusiasm for The Finals remains unwavering, indicating the game’s potential to become a mainstay in the competitive FPS genre.
For those eager to experience the chaos and excitement of The Finals, the open beta is accessible to all players who opt into the playtest on The Finals Steam page. Additionally, the game offers full crossplay support, allowing players on different platforms to engage in thrilling battles together. Players who have previously participated in playtests will find the open beta automatically available in their Steam library, ready to download and dive into the action.
As the gaming world eagerly watches the evolution of The Finals, one thing is certain: this highly-destructible FPS has firmly established its presence, promising an exhilarating gaming experience for enthusiasts of the genre.
