Delta Force Campaign. Struggling to Squad Up, but Still a Tactical Blast.
The Delta Force series has finally made its return with Delta Force: Hawk Ops, and with it comes a fresh take on the classic Black Hawk Down Delta Force Campaign. This new installment delivers the tactical combat and open-ended gameplay that fans love, but it’s not without its early launch struggles. While the combat and map design are top-notch, some frustrating matchmaking issues and an extremely punishing second mission might make it tough for some players to fully enjoy the experience.
Finding a Squad is Half the Battle
One of the biggest hurdles in the current Hawk Ops experience isn’t just surviving intense firefights—it’s finding and keeping a squad together. Since the campaign supports up to four-player co-op, having a full team is crucial to tackling missions effectively. Unfortunately, players frequently drop in and out of lobbies, making it difficult to get a reliable squad together. Too often, you’ll find yourself waiting for teammates, only for them to leave moments later, forcing you to either go in short-handed or restart matchmaking altogether. This can make what should be an immersive, tactical experience feel frustrating before you even load into the mission.
Mission 2: A Brutal Test of Skill and Luck
If you do manage to get a team together, the real challenge comes in Mission 2, which is proving to be a serious roadblock for many players. This mission doesn’t just demand survival—it requires precise coordination and speed. You need to stay ahead of convoy vehicles while also dealing with relentless waves of enemies, including RPG-wielding militants who can take out the convoy in seconds. The difficulty spike is undeniable, forcing players to balance aggressive tactics with smart positioning. If your squad isn’t communicating (or worse, if you’re stuck playing with randoms who drop mid-mission), expect to replay this section multiple times.
Where Hawk Ops Truly Shines
Despite these issues, Hawk Ops delivers some of the best large-scale, tactical FPS combat in years. The map layouts are impressively detailed, giving players plenty of ways to approach engagements, whether through rooftops, alleyways, or fortified positions. The shooting mechanics feel tight and rewarding, with weapons packing a satisfying punch. Enemy AI is aggressive but fair, forcing players to stay alert and adapt their strategies on the fly.
Final Thoughts
Delta Force: Hawk Ops is shaping up to be a fantastic revival of the franchise, but it’s currently hampered by its matchmaking woes and an early difficulty spike that might frustrate some players. If you can push past the struggles of finding a stable squad and survive the brutal second mission, there’s a lot to love here. With some adjustments to matchmaking and maybe a slight rebalance to mission difficulty, this could easily become one of the best tactical shooters of the year.
Early Delta Force Campaign Verdict: Great potential, but needs some fixes.
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