Video games in the shooter genre aren’t a novelty, and their enduring popularity traces back to classics like DOOM, Quake, and Wolfenstein. The audience keeps growing because developers continually push innovation to keep players engaged. In this segment, extraction-style titles such as Escape from Tarkov have a narrower appeal due to their distinct theme, but MY.GAMES aims to broaden that reach with Hawked, a fresh title now available for free on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.
How Hawked Works
Let’s start with the basics for newcomers. Hawked drops three-player squads onto a map called Island X. The objective is simple but tense: locate and secure Artefacts hidden across the island while contending with monsters and rival squads. The first team to gather the Artefacts and reach the extraction zone to leave the island wins. Along the way, smaller treasures can be collected, and surviving long enough to carry them to extraction rewards players with resources to upgrade their characters.
The adventure begins with a detailed character creator that shapes a Renegade. This editor offers a variety of appearances, and although it’s the first thing players encounter, it’s possible to keep refining the character as the game unfolds. Some Artefacts found during matches can be equipped to enhance stats and abilities, expanding how teams approach each mission.
For example, certain Artefacts grant a kind of spider-sense to detect nearby threats, others cloak you when you crouch or lie prone, and so on. Up to three Artefacts can be active at once, providing a mix of skills that can be upgraded across different rarity levels. In effect, the game adds a light RPG flavor, increasing flexibility and variety for players.
A Casual and Easy-to-Learn Experience
From hands-on testing, Hawked leaves a strong, positive impression. It’s not a heavy, intimidating title; it’s approachable for casual play and designed to be enjoyed in shorter sessions. The matches are fast, intense, and entertaining, so hardcore expertise isn’t required to get in on the fun because several mechanics are straightforward to grasp and apply.
The matches move quickly after a short, friendly tutorial. Players start in a hub where everyone waits to enter the round, then drop into Island X to chase Artefacts. While advancing, expect AI enemies that are manageable, but there’s always the risk of facing rival teams where the challenge ramps up. Loot includes weapons and boosters, yet the core goal remains collecting the Artefacts.
As the rounds unfold, encounters with other players become the deciding factor. The pace remains brisk, and the emphasis on teamwork means players must coordinate to survive and secure artefacts before the clock runs out.
The Battle for Artefacts
In Hawked, victory isn’t about racking up eliminations or points alone. The aim is to grab the Artefacts and escape Island X with them, preserving their value for post-match use to upgrade the team’s Renegade. The Artefacts have practical applications, enabling players to improve their character’s performance and potential in future rounds.
The real thrill comes when the treasure chamber is located. Teams must solve a puzzle to open it, and some puzzles are quite challenging. Fortunately, teams consist of three players, which increases the odds that someone will know the solution or at least contribute to a shared strategy.
Beyond the main Artefact, there is a secondary prize guarded by a formidable final boss. Players must weigh whether to attempt the boss for a rarer reward or to play it safe and escape with the principal Artefact. Strategy and cooperation with teammates can swing the outcome in meaningful ways.
Conclusion: Is It Worth It?
After trying Hawked, it’s clear the game offers genuine enjoyment. It remains engaging over time, with quick rounds that suit casual gaming sessions while still delivering enough excitement to keep players coming back for more. Visually, it isn’t a blockbuster display, but it’s vibrant and engaging, with frenetic combat that feels good, especially in player-versus-player clashes. The overall design makes it a strong recommendation for fans of this genre looking for a lively, accessible shooter with a touch of strategic depth.