After years as a PC-only staple, Squad is finally heading to consoles. Offworld Industries has confirmed the large-scale tactical shooter is coming to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, with a full console release planned for 2027. PS5 players do not have to wait that long: a free alpha preview is live right now and runs through October 25.
Squad sits in a lane of its own. Matches pit two teams of 50 players against each other on sprawling maps, where infantry, armor, helicopters, and supply logistics all have to work together. It is slower and more deliberate than Call of Duty or Battlefield, but far more approachable than a hardcore military simulator. Communication is the real weapon: squads that talk, plan, and follow orders win, while lone wolves get picked off.
The console version is being rebuilt for controllers rather than just ported over. Offworld has designed a new control scheme and interface from the ground up, including a radial menu for issuing orders and marking targets, plus aim assist. Mouse and keyboard will not be supported on console. Other console features include proximity voice chat, a server browser, official dedicated servers, and player-hosted servers.
Performance targets are set: 4K with dynamic resolution at 60 frames per second on PS5 and Xbox Series X, and 1440p at 30 frames per second on Xbox Series S. There will not be separate quality and performance modes, just one tuned target per machine.
At launch, the console version will ship with four modes: AAS, RAAS, Invasion, and the new Fireteam PvE mode. It will also include six maps and eight factions, including the US Army, USMC, Russian Ground Forces, and British Armed Forces. PvP matches will support up to 100 players, while Fireteam is built for groups of five. Crossplay between PS5 and Xbox Series X|S will be optional.
The PS5 alpha is a small slice: a single matchup with the Armed Forces of Ukraine facing China's People's Liberation Army over the rail line running through Gorodok. It is open to everyone, but you need to enlist on the official sign-up page first, and PlayStation Plus is required since Squad is an online multiplayer game. Offworld has not said how many slots are available, so signing up early is the smart move.
Xbox players get no test for now. Unless Offworld opens another window, they wait for launch. PC players are not left out either: Steam players can claim the Recon Team Pack, a set of five woodland skin sets for the USMC, free until October 25.
Squad's console debut also starts a quiet race. Bulkhead's Wardogs is targeting consoles in 2028, which means Squad has a real chance to plant its flag first. Whether its slow, talkative brand of warfare clicks with a controller crowd is the question the alpha is built to answer.
Sources: EGW News, The Daily Game News
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