Paladins

Back in the day, I played Paladins instead of Overwatch 2 because OW was paid… Paladins was free and perfect for random gaming sessions. True childhood legend!

Wow they really just killed this game with those damn layoffs. Farewell, you were actually one of the most fun fps games ever.

Paladins – A Hero Shooter with Depth and Customization
Paladins offers a fresh take on the hero shooter genre, combining elements from MOBAs and traditional FPS games. Developed by Hi-Rez Studios, it provides a free-to-play experience with a focus on team-based combat and strategic depth.
Gameplay & Mechanics
The game features a diverse roster of champions, each divided into four roles: Frontline, Damage, Support, and Flanker. This classification helps players understand their role in team composition and strategy. Each champion has unique abilities and an ultimate skill, adding variety to gameplay. The card-based loadout system allows players to customize their champions' abilities, offering a layer of strategic depth. Players can equip up to five cards, each providing specific enhancements like cooldown reductions or increased damage output .
Game Modes & Progression
Paladins offers several game modes, with the primary mode being Siege. In Siege, teams compete to capture objectives and push a payload to the enemy base. Other modes include Onslaught, Team Deathmatch, and various limited-time modes. The progression system includes leveling up champions, unlocking talents, and customizing loadouts. Players can also earn in-game currency to unlock cosmetic items and additional champions.
Community & Longevity
The game has a dedicated player base and an active esports scene, with tournaments and competitions held regularly. The community is generally welcoming, and the developers continue to support the game with updates, new content, and balance changes.
Final Verdict
Paladins stands out in the crowded hero shooter market by offering deep customization options and a variety of gameplay modes. Its free-to-play model, combined with regular updates and a dedicated community, makes it a compelling choice for fans of team-based shooters.
Rating: 8/10

I dont quite know how play this game but when people call me retarded in the chat it help me understand how to play. Thanks

Paladins was better than Overwatch.
Overshadowed by Overwatch, often called a copy. It was never given a proper chance to prove itself. No matter what the devs did, it was always overlooked by people. Now, 7 years later, It's berally standing, on what Paladins once was. What Paladins could have been if people had given it a chance.
Hi-Rez, bring Paladins to its glory, make the realm great again.

Paladins is often compared to Overwatch, but it brings its own unique twists to the hero shooter genre. With a deep card-based loadout system, diverse champions, and fast-paced action, it offers strategic depth and customization that many shooters lack. But does it still hold up today?
The Good:
✅ Diverse Champion Roster: Over 50 champions, each with distinct abilities and playstyles.
✅ Customization Through Loadouts: The card system allows for unique builds and strategies.
✅ Free-to-Play & Fair Progression: You can unlock champions without spending money.
✅ Fast-Paced & Strategic Gameplay: A mix of shooting, teamwork, and abilities keeps it exciting.
The Bad:
❌ Matchmaking Can Be Inconsistent: New players may struggle against experienced ones.
❌ Balance Issues: Some champions feel overpowered, while others feel underwhelming.
❌ Content Updates Have Slowed: While still supported, updates are not as frequent as before.
❌ Occasional Bugs & Server Issues: Some technical hiccups can affect the experience.
Final
Paladins remains a fun, customizable, and strategic hero shooter that deserves more recognition. If you’re looking for a free-to-play alternative to Overwatch with deeper customization, this is worth a shot—just be ready for some balancing issues and slower updates.
⭐⭐⭐ 8/10 – A great hero shooter with unique depth, but in need of more polish.⭐⭐⭐

Honestly, i'm writing more from my heart here.
Paladins meant the world to me.
I'm writing from my alt account so this would be bumped, i'm formerly a pro player, achieved GM multiple seasons from beta - S3. Continued playing ranked with old legends like Saadhak and Fisheko. I poured thousands of hours into this game across four accounts, back when it stood strong—f2p, fun, and honestly full of potential—while Overwatch still had a price tag and Marvel Rivals hadn’t even entered the ring. A lot of the 5v5 shooters weren't as fleshed out as this mechanics-wise. And the card system - amazing.
It had soul. The mechanics were simple but clever, the community vibrant (even if NA was toxic as hell), and it felt like the game could go anywhere. Even after the PPL fell apart, I stuck around—because despite everything, I genuinely loved it.
But over time, the game lost what made it special. The characters got bloated with gimmicks. The devs got greedy. Player feedback was ignored again and again. And now, its being shut down.
I haven't touched the game in nearly five years, but hearing the servers are going offline still hit me hard. It's not just a game—it’s memories, friendships, and a chapter of my life.
Paladins won’t survive in today’s landscape—not with Marvel Rivals and everything else. But for those who knew it in its prime, you understand why this hurts.
To all the friends I made in this journey: I wish you well.
To the devs: thank you for what you built—and shame on you for how you let it die. I wish the best for you, and truly hope at least your next game would be more successful. I hope this is a learning experience for an even greater game in the future.
Paladins is going. And when it's gone, it’ll always be a part of me.