From the moment I launched Gunzilla’s newest free-to-play battle royale, Off The Grid, I was hit with unexpected hostility. An obnoxious voice from the game’s announcer immediately insulted me, setting the tone for what would be a bizarre gaming experience.

Having been in early access since October 2024, Off The Grid gained traction on the PlayStation Store and recently expanded to Steam. Major gaming outlets, including Polygon and IGN, heavily promoted it—flaunting updates, a loyal fanbase, and the involvement of District 9 director Neill Blomkamp.

What to Expect in Off The Grid?

After a descent into the match accompanied by the ever-annoying Master Sergeant Cobra, whose constant insults felt more grating than entertaining, I found myself navigating a conventional third-person battle royale. The goal? Survive, loot, and outlast.

Yet, Off The Grid’s gameplay felt painfully average. Players parachute down, scavenge for weapons, and attempt to eliminate each other in a chaotic mad dash. Frustratingly, I encountered what seemed to be mostly bots during my initial matches, raising concerns among gamers about potentially dwindling player numbers.

To add to the peculiarity, I faced off against players adorned in bizarre character skins, including those resembling Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. Nothing like a surreal experience to highlight the game’s eccentric player base!

NFTs and Blockchain: A Double-Edged Sword?

Interestingly, this isn’t just another battle royale; it introduces an NFT component. Yes, the loot you extract has real-life value, thanks to Gunzilla’s use of blockchain technology. While players can sell rare items for GUN tokens, it becomes challenging if you’re playing on consoles, as integration is limited.

Gunzilla has attempted to distance itself from NFT jargon, claiming Off The Grid is not solely an NFT game, allowing players to enjoy the experience without engaging in virtual currency.

Should You Jump In?

The million-dollar question remains: is Off The Grid worth your time? Excluding the whole NFT aspect, the gameplay offers little that’s new or exciting. Finding genuine opponents is a slog, and the constant antics of the announcer wear thin quickly.

In a saturated market of better battle royale games, I found myself longing for titles like Fortnite, which provide a more polished experience. Ultimately, unless you're eager to dive into a world of NFTs while battling lackluster opponents, there are far better gaming options out there.

So, if you’re tempted to explore Off The Grid, consider this: you might end up better off playing another battle royale. After all, why settle for fighting players dressed as political figures when there are so many other exhilarating worlds to conquer?