Summary
As should be expected of a modern-day multiplayer game,Concordhas shipped with plenty of game modes. Aside from Time Trials, the Practice Range, and the game’s tutorial,Concordhas three main playlistsfor players to choose from: Brawl, Overrun, and Rivalry. Each of these playlists has two unique game modes, with Brawl offering some classic arena shooter modes, Overrun offering some more team-based activities, and Rivalry taking things to a more competitive level with no-respawn modes.
Concordreally tries to distance itself from competitors likeOverwatchand the upcomingMarvel Rivals, and that’s especially apparent with its selection of game modes. But it might actually be inConcord’s best interest to embrace one game mode that’s been a staple of the hero shooter genre since the very beginning, even if it puts it in the same boat as its competition.
Essentially an evolution of the escort mission archetype, the “Escort the Payload” game mode has been around for almost two decades now, withTeam Fortress 2popularizing the mode in its modern form all the way back in 2008. This game mode usually sees one team trying to escort a slow-moving vehicle or object through the map, while the other team attempts to stop them. Though it’s crossed over into other genres, the Payload game mode has remained a staple of the hero shooter genre since its inception, with it being one of the primary game modes in bothOverwatch 2andMarvel Rivals,right alongside the usual control point and king of the hill modes.
Generally speaking, ahero shooterworks best when the whole team works together to complete a shared objective. These scenarios allow players to pair their unique abilities in inventive ways, and fulfill their character’s designated role. When all of these elements come together, a hero shooter can evoke a feeling of satisfaction not so easily found in other types of multiplayer experiences. Unfortunately, this feeling is rare inConcord.
ThoughConcord’s Overrun playlistfeatures two team-oriented game modes, they often require teams to split up and head to separate control points. WithConcordbeing a 5v5 hero shooter, teams are often divided into sub-teams of two and three during these game modes. It’s very rare for a whole team to join forces and fight for one control point inConcord, but when they do, it can feel just as special as a match ofOverwatchorMarvel Rivals.
The addition of a Payload game mode might be the best way forConcordto capture more of these satisfying team moments. In a match of Payload, players would be forced to stick together for the match’s duration, and they’d be encouraged to learn new techniques and strategies for each Freegunner to ensure that their distinct abilities are being used at the most opportune time. Payload would also giveConcord’s support heroesa bit more time to shine, as Freegunners like Emari, Daw, and Jabali can often feel a little useless on the battlefield in game modes that encourage players to split off from one another, as most of their abilities revolve around healing their teammates.
Concord
WHERE TO PLAY
Assemble your crew of Freegunner space outlaws and team up online with friends for thrilling 5v5 PVP modes across the galaxy in Concord.Concord is a new team-based first-person shooter for PS5® and PC*. Handpick your personal roster of Freegunners from the crew of the Northstar – a group of outlaws and adventurers working as guns-for-hire.ASSEMBLE YOUR CREWFrom powerful mystics to skilled gunslingers and helpful healers, each Freegunner brings their own unique skills, personality, and abilities that cater to a wide-range of playstyles.Create your own custom squads of Freegunners with Crew Builder to bring an arsenal of different role types to the match or focus on your favourite characters to master their gameplay and unlock unique modifiers, cosmetics, background lore, and more – you decide when to play your characters and how you impact the match.PLAY. PROGRESS. PERSONALIZE.Earn and unlock a wide range of character customization items and learn more about the characters, worlds, and factions in the Concord Galaxy with the Galactic Guide.You’ll also be able to progress toward and unlock Freegunner Variants—versions of each of the 16 Freegunners with added Combat Trait modifiers to their base abilities. As you learn and master the characters, Combat Traits empower you to tailor each character to your playstyle.
