February 1, 2025
Is Ready or Not Worth Playing in 2025?
Let’s break down how Ready or Not has evolved, its strengths, and whether it’s the right tactical shooter for you.

Ready or Not, developed by Void Interactive, has now been on Steam for over a year. As a tactical first-person shooter, it immerses players in the high-stakes world of SWAT teams, where decision-making and precision are critical. From stopping petty robberies to dismantling trafficking rings, the game offers a brutal and hyper-realistic take on modern police operations. But in 2025, is it still worth playing? Let’s break down how Ready or Not has evolved, its strengths, and whether it’s the right tactical shooter for you.
A Strong Early Access Start
Originally launched in Early Access in 2021, Ready or Not quickly established itself as a serious contender in the tactical shooter genre. Unlike games like Rainbow Six Siege, which lean more into competitive multiplayer, Ready or Not emphasized player freedom, realism, and unpredictable engagement scenarios.
The game introduced a punishing difficulty level, where poor decision-making could lead to hostages being harmed, teammates being lost, and entire missions unraveling in seconds. Unlike mainstream FPS games, it didn’t allow players to regenerate health—taking just a few bullets could spell disaster for the rest of a mission. This high level of realism captivated fans of the genre, earning the game a dedicated player base even before its full release.

The Game’s Evolution Since Launch
Since its official launch, Void Interactive has focused on refining Ready or Not with substantial improvements:
- Bug Fixes & Optimization: Frequent patches have addressed bugs and refined AI behaviors, making enemies more unpredictable and challenging.
- AI Enhancements: Suspect behavior has become less scripted, with hesitation parameters that make engagements feel more organic.
- Unreal Engine 5 Upgrade: The shift from Unreal Engine 4 to UE5 has significantly improved visual fidelity and immersion.
- Expanded Content: The base game launched with 18 missions, but expansions have introduced new environments, weapons, and customization options.
Post-Launch Content & DLCs
Void Interactive has been steadily rolling out new content, including two major DLC packs:
Home Invasion DLC (July 2024)
The Home Invasion expansion introduced three new maps, set in the aftermath of a devastating hurricane. Unlike other paid expansions, only the host of a multiplayer match needs to own the DLC, allowing full squads to experience the content together. It also added new weapons and AI improvements for all players.
Dark Waters DLC (January 2025)
The Dark Waters expansion brings three new missions:
- Three Lit Triad – Set in an abandoned island resort.
- Mirage at Sea – A high-stakes raid on a luxury yacht.
- Leviathan – A tense operation on an oil rig overrun by terrorists.
These levels have received positive feedback, although some players question whether the game is straying too far from its original urban setting. Alongside the missions, new free weapons, attachments, and AI refinements continue to keep the game fresh.
Is Ready or Not Still Worth Playing in 2025?
Pros:
- Deep Tactical Gameplay – Intense, high-risk decision-making keeps every mission engaging.
- Continued Developer Support – Regular updates and new content ensure the game isn’t stagnant.
- Active Modding Community – Fans have created custom levels, graphical overhauls, and even new weapons.
- Strong Realism & Immersion – The game’s depiction of tactical police operations remains unparalleled.
Cons:
- Slow Development Cycle – Some players are frustrated with the pace of updates.
- Occasional Technical Issues – While improving, crashes and minor bugs still persist.
- Steady but Not Growing Player Base – Numbers hover around 5,000 daily players, making it harder to find matches at off-peak times.
Where to Get Ready or Not at the Best Price
If you're thinking about jumping into Ready or Not in 2025, it’s still one of the best tactical shooters available today. But why pay full price when you can find the best deal? GameGator's price comparison tool helps you get the game at the lowest cost from verified sellers.
Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer, Ready or Not continues to deliver an intense and rewarding tactical experience. With developer support, new DLCs, and a growing modding scene, it remains a solid choice for players who crave high-stakes, realistic SWAT gameplay.