Straftat, already a standout in the 1v1 FPS scene, has just broadened its horizons with the addition of 2v2 and free-for-all game modes, without charging a dime to try them out. This update brings fresh ways to duke it out in brutalist arenas, and yes, you can jump in right now on Steam for free.
For those unfamiliar, Straftat is a fast-paced arena shooter that feels like a distilled essence of early 2000s FPS deathmatch combat. Its maps are the kind of delightfully twisted playgrounds you’d expect from a group of developers with a taste for the weird and wonderful, think concrete jungles, tech noir underpasses, and even nods to the eerie Black Lodge from Twin Peaks.
How does a favorite free-to-play game sustain itself? Well, the Lemaitre brothers, the developers behind Straftat, keep it simple. The main game is free, with over 150 maps available out of the box. If you’re craving even more arenas, you can buy a map DLC for about $7, which adds over 150 additional maps, new weapons, and character hats. The DLC has been the only microtransaction so far, avoiding the usual pitfalls of live services.
Today’s update also introduces a Supporter Edition. It doesn’t include extra maps, keeping new arenas exclusive to the existing DLC purchase, but it offers some exclusive cosmetic items, such as suits and hats, an artbook PDF, and even Blender files of the game’s environments. The developers have stated that the proceeds from this edition will help fund their next project, Babbdi2, by hiring external talent, such as sound designers and animators.
With all these additions, Straftat feels like it’s growing without losing its scrappy, no-frills charm. If you’re wondering whether it’s worth your time, why not take a look for yourself? The game is free, after all. You might find yourself sliding into vending machines with a MAC-10 in hand and a rusty katana ready to wreck some fools, and honestly, what’s not to love?
Have you tried the new 2v2 or free-for-all modes yet? What’s your take on how the game handles its monetization? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
