Six Days in Fallujah has garnered attention since its Early Access launch, giving players a realistic, historically grounded look into one of the most intense urban battles in modern warfare. Now, with the newly released “Command and Control” update, developer Victura takes the game’s tactical realism to new heights, introducing advanced AI mechanics, enhanced graphical effects, and unprecedented player control over AI fireteams. Marking the 20th anniversary of the battle, this update not only brings fresh gameplay mechanics but also reinforces the game’s unique positioning as a documentary-style tactical shooter.
Having had a sneak peek at Pax West in Seattle and now a hands-on experience with the update, here’s a deep dive into what the Command and Control update brings to the game and why it’s a significant addition to the FPS genre.
The New “Command and Control” Update: Elevating Tactical Realism
Released on the anniversary of the Battle of Fallujah, the Command and Control update introduces new gameplay elements that expand how players approach missions. This update makes Six Days in Fallujah one of the most detailed, squad-based tactical shooters on the market.
Documentary Story Missions
For the first time, Six Days in Fallujah includes two documentary-style story missions, taking players into the earliest days of ISIS and the opening battle scenes from the 2004 battle. These story missions combine real gameplay with footage and interviews from individuals who were on the ground. Not only does this feature add an immersive historical context, but it also makes Six Days in Fallujah one of the first games to blend real accounts within a first-person shooter framework. The missions serve as a tutorial for the newly added Fireteam AI system, which lets solo players command AI squads with tactics authentic to military operations.
Solo Play with Advanced Fireteam AI
The game now offers a new solo mode where players can command an AI-driven fireteam, bringing the gameplay closer to the experience found in tactical classics like Rainbow Six, SOCOM, and Brothers in Arms. The Fireteam AI system, meticulously designed with input from military veterans, includes an array of tactical commands, allowing players to direct their squad in clearing buildings, suppressing enemies, and breaching fortifications.
In my hands-on experience, this new level of control was smooth and surprisingly intuitive, making it easy to navigate commands in the heat of battle. From setting up ambushes to executing coordinated breaches, the AI system feels incredibly natural and responsive, adding a layer of strategic depth that enhances immersion.
Key Features and Improvements in Command and Control
With a strong foundation rooted in historical realism, Six Days in Fallujah pushes its authenticity further with new mechanics and visual enhancements. Here’s a closer look at the main features introduced in this update:
- Go! Command: The “Go!” command function gives players rapid control over their fireteam with a single button. Whether directing AI teammates to hold position, clear a room, or provide covering fire, the command system is built to be as intuitive as shooting mechanics.
- AI Teammates in Multiplayer: One of the update’s standout features is that AI teammates can now fill in for missing human players in co-op mode. This addition allows players to continue with cooperative gameplay when they don’t have a full four-person team, making the experience more accessible while retaining the tactical structure of a full fireteam.
- New “HLZ Wolf” Procedural Mission: Along with the two story missions, the update includes a new procedural mission, “HLZ Wolf.” In this mission, players encounter randomized environmental and enemy layouts, ensuring a unique tactical challenge each time. The game’s procedural architecture system has long been a defining feature, and with HLZ Wolf, it adds even more variety to the mix.
- Enhanced Graphics and Lighting: The game has received a graphical overhaul with RTX Global Illumination technology, enhancing lighting, weather, and environmental detail. This overhaul brings more visual fidelity to the game, making missions feel more lifelike and atmospheric.
What Makes Six Days in Fallujah Stand Out?
Six Days in Fallujah takes tactical gameplay to another level by not only simulating the combat but also embedding it within a historical framework. The game’s unique approach as a “documentary video game” sets it apart from other shooters, aiming to convey the experience of urban warfare with an eye on authenticity. Beyond just being an intense tactical shooter, it’s an educational experience, revealing the realities of the Second Battle of Fallujah with a depth rarely seen in video games.
The procedural architecture, which rearranges buildings and enemy placements each mission, enhances replayability, challenging players with the unpredictable nature of urban combat. Combined with the new AI fireteam controls, the game’s missions feel dynamic and require genuine strategic thinking rather than relying on repetitive run-and-gun gameplay.
The Impact of Command and Control: A New Era for Tactical Shooters?
Six Days in Fallujah draws inspiration from iconic squad-based games like SOCOM and Ghost Recon, but it pushes the boundaries further by allowing players to influence the AI’s every movement. This granular control adds a level of immersion that makes you feel like a true squad leader, responsible for your team’s every action.
For players who appreciate tactical realism and want a game that respects the historical significance of the Battle of Fallujah, Six Days in Fallujah is a powerful addition to the genre. And with the Command and Control update, Victura has solidified the game’s place as a standout, both for its gameplay depth and historical resonance.
Six Days in Fallujah is now available in Early Access on Steam, with the Command and Control update offering a fresh look at the battlefield. Whether you’re a fan of military shooters or simply curious about the complexities of urban warfare, this update is worth exploring. For anyone ready to experience the intensity of tactical decision-making, Six Days in Fallujah is a title that delivers an unmatched level of authenticity in the world of FPS games.
