Mediatonic has rolled out Fall Guys for current-generation consoles, including Nintendo Switch, while shifting the game to a free-to-play model. The move paid off quickly: within 48 hours of going free, 20 million players were tuned in. Should you revisit Fall Guys or jump in for the first time? This review covers the updated version and shares impressions from a fresh look at the game.
What is Fall Guys?
The game launched with a splash, arriving on PlayStation Plus at release and grabbing the attention of a broad group of players. Colorful little racers sprint through whimsical arenas, taking part in a variety of entertaining challenges. From racing and football-style bouts to tug-of-war, memory tasks, and obstacle courses, the developers have packed in a diverse lineup that keeps things fresh.
The tournament concept adds an extra layer of excitement: after each round, the less fortunate players are eliminated while the strong candidates push toward first place. The tension comes from near-misses and missteps that cost a run, yet even when eliminated, players often walk away with points and a sense of progress rather than frustration.
_for a while_ the momentum waned as some players drifted away and the community size cooled. The writer of this review briefly stepped away after a few months, noting that content memory lingered and rewards sometimes felt scarce. The flair of Epic Games involvement, the new content drops, and even a charming 2B skin weren’t enough to reignite broad enthusiasm.
To revive the experience, Mediatonic and Epic Games shifted Fall Guys to free-to-play and added a shop and battle pass to the main menu. The question lingered: would this move preserve the competitive spark and refresh content? The updated version delivers a strong package with monetization that remains largely sensible in practice, though not without some growing pains.
Played Fall Guys at release?
Gameplay
The core gameplay loop stays intact: a cycle of rounds, starting with a crowd and thinning out toward a final showdown. New races still feature fewer participants as the course progresses, paving the way for a single victor or a victorious team.
The experience remains entertaining. Running an obstacle course, dodging swinging obstacles, and landing precise jumps continue to be enjoyable. The occasional tumble is not a source of frustration because success hinges on a mix of skill, timing, and a dash of luck.
Players who understand the game’s mechanics and learn how each obstacle behaves gain a distinct edge. Knowing when to swing, when to jump, and where to be cautious matters, but no amount of skill can guarantee victory in every case.
Consider the “Breaking Doors” round, where doors swing in and out of passageways. Some doors glide open with a nudge, others stay stubbornly closed. There is no single path to victory; the best approach is to adapt in real time, sometimes trailing a favorite and watching for a doorway to take you forward. The dynamic balance between risk and reward creates a constant tension that keeps matches unpredictable.
In team rounds, the stakes rise. During egg-based rounds, teams race to collect and deliver eggs, with the weakest haul spelling elimination for the whole squad. Players can prioritize valuable eggs, try to shield teammates, and avoid the hammer that can rocket a player off course. When teams stumble, the loss usually reverberates through the group, highlighting the social element of coordination and luck.
Despite the randomness and the occasional misstep by partners, the light-hearted tone helps soften defeats. The format ensures quick turnover, so new rounds begin promptly. In many modes, especially on newer consoles, the wait between rounds is brief enough that players can jump into another match almost immediately, sustaining momentum.
Developers reward participation through small side quests and progression milestones, granting points for completing rounds or achieving specific feats. While in-game currency has its uses, it never feels punitive; even when outcomes vary, the overall flow remains enjoyable.
For players eager to maximize skill, there is a pathway to navigate the tournament sans random rounds or team complications. Mastery of precise jumps, ring-navigation, cannon dodging, and tail protection translates into a faster run to victory when luck aligns with skill.
New Content
The game’s post-release evolution is noticeable. After two years, the shift to free-to-play has unlocked a wealth of new rounds across several seasons, expanding the variety for both solo and team play.
New modes include “Fidget,” where players dodge rotating obstacles; “Jump-jump,” which turns the floor into a trampoline; “Speed Lap,” a fast-paced race experience; and competitive volleyball that adds a touch of athletic realism. The reimagined rounds complement time-tested staples, keeping the core thrill intact while offering fresh challenges.
The standout innovation is the Core mechanic. A large platform gradually breaks apart as bombs litter the arena. Successfully landing hits can disrupt opponents enough to force a stumble into the pit. This adds a strategic, high-stakes dimension to team and solo play and gives the game a new sense of dynamism.
The blend of old favorites and new challenges makes for varied, engaging play sessions. The option to switch to team modes keeps the action social, and ongoing updates promise continued content infusions. If the free-to-play model sustains momentum, Fall Guys could remain a lively hub for quick, competitive fun for an extended period.
Monetization
Monetization in Fall Guys has shifted to a more transparent, cosmetic-focused approach, similar to other modern live-service titles. The transition to free-to-play surprised some veteran players, but it largely preserves the essence of the game without turning into a pay-to-win environment. The early adopters who played before the change received a free Battle Pass and currency conversions as a gesture of goodwill. Going forward, players can either purchase a paid Battle Pass or earn rewards through progression, with advanced cosmetics gated behind leveling up.
New players are unlikely to face heavy barriers. The free tier offers substantial content, while the paid pass unlocks richer cosmetics and faster progression. A free Battle Pass remains available alongside paid options, ensuring both newcomers and veterans can enjoy the core gameplay without feeling forced into purchases.
Cross-progression is supported, allowing players to begin a progression path on PC, then continue on PlayStation or Nintendo Switch by linking accounts to an Epic Games profile. In this way, the ecosystem remains cohesive across platforms, reinforcing long-term engagement rather than encouraging constant spend.
The bottom line: Fall Guys keeps the focus on fun, accessible gameplay rather than pay-to-win elements. The cosmetic focus aligns well with a shareware model while maintaining a vibrant, ongoing community.
Visuals on Next-Gen Consoles
Compared to last-gen hardware, the new console versions don’t dramatically alter aesthetics. Draw distance and texture detail have improved, though the differences aren’t monumental. The Nintendo Switch version holds up well in handheld or docked modes, delivering a solid, stable presentation.
What stands out is the smoother frame rate on newer hardware. The PlayStation 5 runs more consistently, with faster download speeds and a generally enhanced feel, while the core play experience remains approachable and vibrant across all platforms.
If someone missed Fall Guys at its debut, now is a prime moment to catch up. The title has grown significantly in scope, and monetization remains reasonable, making it a compelling option for casual and competitive players alike.
All visuals and moments captured reflect the updated edition of Fall Guys and its ongoing support network for players seeking quick, addictive rounds of chaos and charm.
Enduring community updates and a steady cadence of content drops suggest that Fall Guys will continue to be a favored pick for those seeking lighthearted, competitive play across multiple systems.