8 /10 21

Ready or Not redefines tactical first-person shooters by placing players in the boots of a Los Sueños Police Department SWAT commander navigating high-stakes operations in a city gripped by violent crime. Developed by VOID Interactive and launched in full release on December 13, 2023, after two years in early access, the game distinguishes itself through ruthless realism where both players and enemies fall to just a few bullets. This review examines the game’s tactical depth, performance across platforms, content offerings, and why it has attracted nearly 10 million Steam players while earning an 82 OpenCritic score and Metacritic rating of 80.

How to Play Ready or Not

Ready or Not emphasizes slow, methodical planning over run-and-gun action. Players issue commands to AI squadmates or coordinate with up to four other human players online, using gadgets like fiber-optic cameras, breaching charges, and less-lethal weapons to secure suspects and civilians.

1. Controls – Mouse and keyboard or controller with context-sensitive command wheel. Learning curve is steep but rewarding, with separate bindings for lethal/less-lethal equipment.
2. Progression – Commander Mode features persistent squad members who develop PTSD and require therapy. Unlock cosmetics and evidence by achieving high mission grades (S-rank requires zero casualties).
3. Combat/Mechanics – Peek around corners, issue voice commands to suspects, coordinate breaches with Red and Blue elements. Suspects may fake surrender, use human shields, or pretend to be dead.
4. Tips – Use the Optiwand to scout rooms before entry, prioritize less-lethal options for higher scores, communicate constantly in co-op, and never assume a suspect is neutralized without securing them.

Who Should Play Ready or Not

This tactical shooter targets players seeking realism over arcade action. The game punishes aggressive play and rewards patience, coordination, and adherence to rules of engagement.

• Tactical Sim Enthusiasts – Fans of SWAT 4, original Rainbow Six, and methodical CQB will appreciate the authentic equipment, realistic AI behaviors, and emphasis on non-lethal resolutions.
• Co-op Squads – Groups of 2-5 players who communicate effectively will find exceptional teamwork-driven gameplay with cross-play support between PC and consoles.
• Solo Commanders – The AI squad system allows solo players to issue detailed commands to Red and Blue elements, making single-player viable and engaging.
• Skip if – You prefer fast-paced shooters like Call of Duty or Battlefield. Ready or Not demands patience, accepts failure frequently, and features mature content including intense crime scenes.

Ready or Not Platform Performance

Performance varies significantly across platforms. PC offers the most flexibility with settings, while console versions prioritize visual quality or frame rates through distinct modes.

Ready or Not System Requirements

PC requirements are modest for a 2023 release, with minimum specs targeting 1080p at medium settings. The 90GB storage footprint reflects detailed environments and voice acting across 20+ missions.

Similar Games to Ready or Not

Several tactical shooters occupy adjacent spaces, though none replicate Ready or Not’s specific SWAT law enforcement focus combined with its modern production values and controversial subject matter.

• SWAT 4 (2005) – The spiritual predecessor with nearly identical gameplay loop but dated visuals. Still beloved for its tactical purity and active modding scene.
• Ground Branch – Focuses on CIA paramilitary operations with superior weapon customization and longer-range engagements, but less emphasis on civilian interaction and arrests.
• Six Days in Fallujah – Military shooter depicting Iraq War urban combat. More permissive rules of engagement but similar CQB intensity and realism.
• Zero Hour – Budget tactical shooter inspired by SWAT 4. Less polish but similar mission structure and significantly lower price point.

Ready or Not vs Competitors

Ready or Not occupies a unique niche between military sims like Ground Branch and older SWAT games, offering modern production values with authentic law enforcement procedures.

Ready or Not Story & World

Set in the fictional Los Sueños, California during the mid-2020s, Ready or Not presents an alternate United States experiencing profound social and economic collapse. The city suffers from rampant drug trafficking, domestic terrorism, human trafficking, and violent extremism. Players take the role of Commander David “Judge” Beaumont leading D Platoon through interconnected missions that gradually reveal conspiracies involving corrupt intelligence agencies, drug cartels with Russian mafia ties, eco-terrorists, radical Islamist cells, and even a disturbing child exploitation network financed by a deranged film director. The non-linear narrative allows missions to be tackled in various orders, with evidence collected providing deeper context. The tone remains consistently dark and grounded, avoiding Hollywood heroics in favor of depicting the psychological toll of SWAT operations through the Commander Mode mental health system where squad members develop PTSD and require therapy after traumatic missions.

Ready or Not Multiplayer & Online

The multiplayer component emphasizes cooperative gameplay over competition, with PvP modes still in development post-launch. Cross-platform functionality arrived with the July 2025 console release.

• Co-op Missions – 5 players maximum across all 20+ missions from base game and DLC. Public matchmaking or private lobbies with friends.
• Commander Mode – Single-player campaign with persistent squad management, mental health tracking, and procedural suspect/civilian placement for replayability.
• Quick Play – Removes squad management for drop-in sessions. Ideal for learning missions or casual play without commitment.
• Cross-Play – Toggle-enabled cross-platform play between Steam, Epic Games Store, Xbox, and PlayStation. Host settings determine lobby compatibility.

Ready or Not DLC & Expansions

Two paid expansions released in 2024 add significant content, while the July 2025 Los Sueños Stories update delivered free missions alongside the console launch.

• Home Invasion ($9.99) – Three missions set after a Category 5 hurricane: clearing drug-infested dorms, rescuing undercover agent from cartel, stopping eco-terrorists. Upgraded game to Unreal Engine 5 in July 2024.
• Dark Waters ($9.99) – Three maritime operations released December 2024: luxury yacht hijacking, oil rig takeover by extremists, island pirate base. Adds Weapon Cache System where AI resupplies and aerial thermal camera support.
• Los Sueños Stories (Free) – Two missions added July 2025 during console launch: gang shootout at fast food restaurant and missing officer investigation. Included new difficulty modes and keyboard/mouse console support.
• Weapons – All weapons from DLC packs available to everyone; only missions and cosmetics are DLC-locked.

Ready or Not Community & Support

VOID Interactive maintains active communication channels and has sustained regular updates since the December 2023 full release, with increased frequency following the July 2025 console launch.

• Official Discord – Primary hub for bug reports, patch notes, and developer communication. Features dedicated channels for #known-issues and structured bug reporting.
• Reddit Community – r/ReadyOrNotGame with 100,000+ members discussing tactics, sharing clips, and providing feedback. Generally friendly community for squad recruitment.
• Mod Support – Active modding scene via Nexus Mods. Popular mods include “Uncensored or Not” (reverting July 2025 visual changes), AI difficulty adjustments, and custom missions.
• Updates – Monthly patches since console launch addressing bugs, performance, and gameplay balance. Third paid DLC announced for 2026 though no detailed roadmap published.