top shooters

Reviews

Advantages

Blog

Leave a request

What is known about the alpha testing of the free shooter NCORE

Home » blog » What is known about the alpha testing of the free shooter NCORE

A free-to-play shooter from Astrum Entertainment has already attracted the attention of gamers at the announcement stage. The project promises to be a dynamic PvPvE action game with elements of tactical interaction and a high-paced combat system. Given the active interest in the game, the developers have launched a beta test of the NCORE shooter to test the mechanics, balance, and server-side aspects of the concept before its official release.

NCORE Shooter Alpha Test: First Impressions and Goals

The alpha testing of the NCORE shooter started with limited access, and only registered users on the official website received invitations. The main goal was to test the class balance, server performance, and identify possible errors in the battle mechanics.

Astrum Entertainment immediately announced that player feedback would be taken into account during the final development of the gameplay elements. Therefore, testers were encouraged to not only participate in battles but also fill out feedback forms on the key mechanics of the project.

The alpha test featured three main game modes:

  1. Classic PvP (5v5) – team battles in limited arenas with the ability to choose different classes.
  2. PvPvE mode is a mix of player-to-player battles and battles against AI-controlled opponents.
  3. Point control is a mode that involves capturing and holding key positions on the map.

NCORE Gameplay: Dynamics, Mechanics, and Weapons

The project combines the mechanics of dynamic arena shooters with a tactical approach. Character classes play an important role, with differences in movement speed, defense, and weapons. Users have praised the responsive shooting experience and the realistic weapon ballistics. The combat arsenal includes:

  1. Assault rifles are a versatile option for medium-range combat.
  2. Sniper rifles are effective at long distances, but require precise aiming.
  3. SMGs and shotguns are the best choice for fighting in confined spaces.
  4. Tactical gadgets include reconnaissance drones, smoke grenades, and mines.

All weapons can be upgraded by installing scopes, silencers, and additional accessories.

Features of combat mechanics:

  1. Rolling and sprinting for mobility in firefights.
  2. Interaction with the environment (cover, destructible objects).
  3. Dynamic weather changes that affect the visibility and behavior of AI opponents.

In PvPvE mode, players have to fight not only against each other, but also against enemies controlled by artificial intelligence. AI demonstrates advanced tactics, such as surrounding opponents, using grenades, and taking advantageous positions.

Optimization and technical state of the game during the alpha test

The developers provided the test participants with the technical specifications of the NCORE shooter game. The optimization at an early stage left a good impression — even on average systems, the product produced a stable 60 frames per second with average graphics settings.

Minimum system requirements for NCORE :

  1. OS: Windows 10 / 11 (64-bit).
  2. Processor: Intel Core i5-8400 / AMD Ryzen 5 2600.
  3. RAM: 8 GB.
  4. Video card: NVIDIA GTX 1060 / AMD RX 580 (6 GB VRAM).
  5. Storage: 50 GB SSD.

Recommended NCORE system Requirements:

  1. Processor: Intel Core i7-9700K / AMD Ryzen 7 3700X.
  2. RAM: 16 GB.
  3. Video card: NVIDIA RTX 3060 / AMD RX 6700 XT (8 GB VRAM).
  4. Storage: 100 GB SSD.

What flaws were identified during the testing of the NCORE shooter?

Despite the positive feedback from the NCORE shooter testers, the alpha version of the project did not come without a number of technical issues and gameplay imbalances. Astrum Entertainment developers actively collected feedback from players to address the shortcomings by the time of release.

FPS drawdowns and technical problems

One of the main complaints from users was the unpredictable drops in FPS during large-scale gunfights. This issue was particularly prevalent in PvPvE mode, where a large number of enemies appeared on the screen. For example, on densely populated maps, the frame rate could drop from 90 FPS to 45 FPS, causing discomfort during intense gunfights.

Reasons:

  1. High CPU usage due to advanced AI enemy control.
  2. Server limitations — there were occasional synchronization delays, which affected the smoothness of character movements.
  3. Lighting optimization — in some locations, the video card was overloaded due to excessive use of dynamic lighting.

The developers have confirmed that future updates will include additional server infrastructure optimizations and effects rendering improvements to enhance FPS stability.

Unbalanced weapons and shooting mechanics

During the alpha testing of the NCORE shooter, some weapons proved to be too effective, leading to an imbalance in PvP battles. Players noted that certain assault rifle models dealt excessive damage even at long distances, while submachine guns and shotguns were virtually useless.

Examples:

  1. High-rate weapons had extremely low recoil, making them easy to control.
  2. Armor-piercing bullets were not working properly — some types of armor completely ignored damage, while light armor took more damage than expected.
  3. The rapid reloading of sniper rifles made them overly dominant in team fights.

Astrum Entertainment has already confirmed that rebalancing weapon stats will be one of the key objectives before the open beta test.

When will the release date of NCORE be announced?

After the successful alpha testing of the NCORE shooter, the release date has been officially confirmed by the developers. The final release of the game is scheduled for the second quarter of 2025. Prior to this, an open beta test is expected, which will allow players to test the updated mechanics and fixed bugs. According to preliminary information, the open beta test will begin 2-3 months before the release, providing players with an opportunity to experience the improved version of the game.

Conclusion

The project has proven to be a promising arena shooter with dynamic gameplay and tactical options. The successful combination of PvP and PvPvE modes makes the game interesting for both competitive players and those who enjoy cooperative battles. Testing has confirmed that the NCORE shooter has good optimization, responsive controls, and engaging mechanics. The developers are actively working on balancing and addressing any identified issues. Therefore, the game’s release is highly anticipated.

Related posts

Top 10 free shooters on Steam: legends without the price tag

The gamer world is changing rapidly, and today the shooter genre has become one of the most popular among many others. Studios rely on quality multiplayer, seasonal updates and balance, attracting millions of players. The Top 10 free shooters on Steam allow you to find the best projects without having to invest money. The article contains games that offer dynamic shootouts, team play and a variety of mechanics, which means that they will suit both fans of classic FPS and fans of Battle Royale.

How to choose the best F2P shooters

Free shooters are a huge number, but not all of them deserve attention. The top 10 free shooters on Steam are formed by several important criteria that help to distinguish quality projects among many mediocre ones:

  1. Honest balance -the absence of Pay-to-Win mechanics. Skills must win the game, not your wallet. A good F2P-shooter does not force you to invest money to gain advantages, and emphasises a fair selection of opponents and even distribution of weapons.
  2. Support developers – active work on the project. Regular updates, fixing critical bugs and quick response to user problems determine the quality level of the game. Successful projects promptly introduce balance changes and update content to keep the audience’s attention.
  3. Community is a live gaming environment. If the online presence is low, there is a high probability of long waits for matches and a general decline in interest. It is important that an active community is formed around the shooter, tournaments, and in-game events are held to keep players enthusiastic.
  4. A variety of content – an abundance of modes, maps and weapons. Games that don’t evolve quickly lose their audience. The best F2P shooters offer players constant innovations: new modes, heroes, weapons, maps and mechanics, which makes gameplay fresh even after years.
  5. Stable servers – minimal latency, protection from cheaters and no crashes. The technical part affects the comfort of the game: frequent lags, high ping and poor protection from dishonest players can ruin even the most elaborate shooter.

What shooters to download on Steam

Top 10 free shooters on Steam: legends without the price tagThe choice of shooter depends on genre preferences and gaming style. Steam offers projects suitable for different types of gamers:

  1. Fans of classic FPS suitable Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Quake Champions, are dynamic games where shooting accuracy and reaction speed are important.
  2. Those who prefer team tactics should pay attention to Calibre and Team Fortress 2, where interaction with allies decides the outcome of the battle.
  3. Fans of Battle Royale will appreciate Apex Legends, which offers heroes with unique abilities and a constantly changing meta.
  4. Fans of PvE and co-op will enjoy Destiny 2 and Will To Live Online, which combines RPG and survival elements.
  5. Those looking for unconventional projects should try BRAIN / OUT, which offers a unique style and tactical depth.

It is important to consider gameplay mechanics, audience interaction and technical support to get the most out of the process.

The best free-to-play shooters on Steam – ten cool games

The shooter genre remains one of the most popular among gamers, and thanks to the free-to-play model, you can enjoy dynamic shootouts without financial costs.

Top 10 free shooters on Steam

This list contains the best free shooters on Steam, which have rightfully earned the attention of players. Let’s take a closer look:

  1. Halo Infinite. The iconic franchise that has transcended consoles and made its way to the PC. The project offers dynamic battles, a rich arsenal and huge maps designed for elaborate tactical battles. It combines classic elements and modern mechanics.
  2. Apex Legends. Battle Royale with characters that have unique abilities. Each season brings changes to the meta, adding new characters and modes. Developers actively fight with cheaters, thanks to which the game remains honest and interesting. This game is one of the most stable and thoughtful representatives of the genre.
  3. Will To Live Online. An unusual mix of shooter and MMORPG with survival elements. Gameplay is based on the exploration of a dangerous world, battles with mutants and other players. The top of free shooters in Steam is replenished by this game due to its atmosphere, combination of PvE and PvP and well thought-out role-playing system.
  4. Quake Champions.  A modern reimagining of the legendary arena shooter, where reaction speed and shooting accuracy decide everything. There’s no Pay-to-Win here, and gameplay is focused on skill-based gameplay that takes players back to the roots of the genre.
  5. BRAIN / OUT. Two-dimensional pixel shooter with a tactical bias, where teamwork and the right choice of weapons are important. The maps are small, but rich in detail, and the style of play requires a meaningful approach to each battle. Unusual mechanics and balanced gameplay.
  6. Calibre. A tactical shooter with an emphasis on team-based combat where every role counts. Specialists are divided into classes, which makes gameplay more strategic. Calibre is among the top shooters because of the elaborate interaction system and variety of tactics.
  7. Destiny 2. A fantastic online shooter with RPG elements. Players have access to raids, PvE-missions, arenas for PvP-battles and a large-scale story campaign. The top free shooters on Steam can’t do without Destiny 2, because it is one of the brightest examples of long-term support of the game by developers.
  8. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. A classic among competitive shooters. Simple but deeply developed mechanics, dynamic matches and an advanced ranked game system make it the choice of millions. The most popular FPS game on the platform.
  9. Team Fortress 2. The iconic game from Valve, where each character has unique abilities. It is characterised by a bright design, dynamic battles and many years of support. It is among the top free games for its unique style and variety of game modes.
  10. Warframe. A unique third-person action shooter that combines dynamic firefights, melee combat and role-playing elements. Players control futuristic Tenno warriors using a variety of weapons and abilities. A huge amount of content, regular updates and a deep character development system.

Conclusion

The best free shooters on Steam - ten cool gamesThe world of free-to-play shooters has become incredibly saturated, offering players dozens of quality projects. Our TOP-10 free-to-play shooters on Steam include the most elaborate and exciting games that can give hundreds of hours of cool emotions. The list includes projects of different genres, from tactical shooters to arena battles, which allows everyone to find a game to their liking.

Read

Shooters of 2024: the best classics and hot new releases worth experiencing

Adrenaline adventures, where not only virtual life is at stake, but also time, drive and a sense of victory. Yes, these are the shooters of 2024, which promise to be bright, dynamic and not let go for a second. Here you will find everything: from proven classics to the latest new products, ready to blow up the gaming industry. Well, let’s take a look at the best projects that are definitely worth playing.

Let’s replenish our adrenaline reserves: TOP best shooters

Classics that never get old

There is something incredibly cozy in returning to good old concepts that have proven themselves to be the best in their genre. In 2024, such shooters continue to attract newcomers and seasoned veterans of virtual battles. These projects have become legends thanks to their iconic mechanics, drive and atmosphere, which draws you in from the first minutes:

  1. Counter-Strike is a masterpiece project in which reaction speed, accuracy and teamwork are important. Counter-Strike has become the benchmark for tactical shooters thanks to its simple but deep mechanics, as well as the ability to play on various maps.
  2. DOOM has become a revolution in the genre thanks to its frantic dynamics and rich atmosphere. Aggressive opponents, hardcore gameplay and a rich soundtrack turn every battle into a real test of nerves and skill.
  3. Half-Life 2 set new standards in terms of storytelling and physics.
  4. Quake is known for its dynamism and incredible multiplayer battles.

Shooters of 2024 include improved versions of classic solutions, which, thanks to improvements, will seem as fresh as at the time of their release.

New shooters of 2024 on PC – fresh blood

Shooters of 2024: the best classics and hot new releases worth experiencing2024 has brought many new products that are already generating great interest. ExoWar and BattleCore are projects that immediately stand out due to their dynamics, visual effects, and new approaches to gameplay. Both have unique mechanics, be it the ability to control robotic exoskeletons or an advanced system of environmental destruction.

Shooters in 2024 offer not just battles, but real cinematic scenes, where every second is the peak of tension and pleasure. Scenarios are enriched with cinematic inserts, which allows you to dive deeper into the atmosphere of what is happening.

Visual features

ExoWar:

  1. Highly detailed robotic exoskeletons with reflection effects and dynamic lighting.
  2. Cinematic scenes with intense explosions and realistic destruction.
  3. Vast futuristic locations with a multi-level structure.

BattleCore:

  1. Using an advanced destruction system, where every wall or object can be destroyed.
  2. Realistic physics of character movement and interaction with the environment.
  3. Modern textures and effects that emphasize every moment of intense combat.

The visual experience in these projects is as close as possible to cinema: unique and powerful immersion in the world of battles.

Online shooters that continue to be popular in 2024

Online projects continue to confidently hold top positions among gamer preferences. It’s all about teamwork, interaction, and common goals.

Apex Legends, Warzone, and Overwatch 2 — solutions that charge with speed and multi-layered gameplay. Excellent graphics and seamless interaction between users have become the key to success. There are not only battles here, but also living communities, where each battle turns into an opportunity to show what you’re capable of. Play as a team, find new friends, and take part in epic battles.

Shooters with realistic graphics and powerful immersion 2024

Today, realism has reached new heights. Shooters of 2024 offer stunning graphics that make the gameplay almost real. From the smallest details of weapons to realistic textures of the environment – everything allows you to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere.

Metro Exodus 2 and Escape From Tarkov used new graphics technologies to make every shootout, every shot incredibly exciting. Any character movement and sounds make the gaming experience deeper and more interesting.

Shooters for weak PCs – when technology is not the main thing

Not everyone has the opportunity to enjoy powerful graphics and complex physics, but this does not mean that you should give up the pleasure of playing. In 2024, there are still shooters that can run on low-power PCs, while remaining exciting.

Insurgency: Sandstorm and Paladins perfectly demonstrate that interesting gameplay and exciting mechanics do not require top-end equipment. They are ideal for those who want to have fun without spending money on expensive upgrades.

The best free shooters of 2024

Who said that you have to pay for great games? There are several free projects that can compete with paid ones in quality and gameplay. Valorant, Warface and Splitgate are bright representatives that can give dozens of hours of pleasure. Excellent optimization, exciting mechanics and a huge amount of content are an excellent choice for those who do not want to spend money, but want to get a quality product. The scenarios can please anyone, regardless of the level of training or experience.

Conclusion

The best free shooters of 2024The future of the genre looks bright and exciting, and everyone will find something to their liking. In 2024, technology has taken a leap forward, and with it the direction of shooters, where every innovation creates a unique and exciting experience for players around the world. Whether it’s high-budget projects with realistic graphics or affordable free-to-play versions, everyone can find their game and enjoy it to the fullest.

Read

Join us! All you have to do is subscribe!

By leaving an e-mail, you agree to the processing of personal data.