When comparing Xonotic vs Warsow, the Slant community recommends Xonotic for most people. In the question“What are the best PC arena shooters?” Xonotic is ranked 1st while Warsow is ranked 12th. The most important reason people chose Xonotic is:
Open Source games are not always known for their high-quality graphics. This can often be caused by the games being designed by committee in that many different people may work on the graphics, even in the same areas, which can cause plenty of inconsistencies. Luckily, Xonotic does not suffer from this problem as the whole of the game has consistent looks that are actually quite impressive.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Impressive graphics, especially for an open source game
Open Source games are not always known for their high-quality graphics. This can often be caused by the games being designed by committee in that many different people may work on the graphics, even in the same areas, which can cause plenty of inconsistencies. Luckily, Xonotic does not suffer from this problem as the whole of the game has consistent looks that are actually quite impressive.
Pro Cross platform
Mac/Linux/Windows support.
Pro Many game modes
Includes all the expected options like Deathmatch and Capture the Flag, as well as more novel modes like Key Hunt.
Pro Fast-paced action
Pro Interesting weapon design (for an arena shooter)
All arena shooter basically use Quake or UT weapon system. However, Xonotic has an interesting variety of weapons (larger selection than most) with elements from both UT and Quake but added some of their innovative ideas. Some of the weapons have a bit of overlap and felt a bit forced, but other weapons really made the game stand out.
Pro Play easily online
At any time, you can find people playing on the net. No special configuration needed.
Pro Not demanding on the system
On integrated HD4600 graphics ~120 FPS on normal settings.
Pro Multiple floor levels gameplay
The game permits players to move across multiple floor levels, which permits more dynamic game play.
Pro Ultra-fast gameplay
Here some numbers: Warsow is based on Quake game engine, just like Counter-Strike so numbers are comparable. In CS you are moving usually at speed 320 ups. In Warsow average duel match goes with speeds 600-900. In CA mode most of players moving at speeds around 1000ups. And in insta CA mode on some maps you can expect opponent flying at 1500-2000ups.
Pro For both competitive and casual players
If you want to go hard then go to the online servers and pick duel mode. This is the hardest mode in the game. You will need to have many different skills to beat even an average player. If you want to just have fun you can pick bomb or ica modes. Bomb mode is much like de_* maps in Counter-Strike.
Pro One of the best gateway arena shooters for your friends
Well optimized, small file size, good bots, cute graphics, free, standard arena weapon set, good tutorial... If you are trying to get your friends to try playing hardcore arena shooters with you, like your Quake, UT, Reflex or what have you, this is a quick and free download that won't take too much convincing that will also give you a great experience.
Pro Good old Quake-like game mechanics
Pro Has match-making feature
Game optionally can collect your statistics to find game that matches your skills.
Pro One of the best gateway arena shooters for your friends
Well optimized, small file size, good bots, cute graphics, free, standard arena weapon set, good tutorial... If you are trying to get your friends to try playing hardcore arena shooters with you, like your Quake, UT, Reflex or what have you, this is a quick and free download that won't take too much convincing that will also give you a great experience.
Cons
Con Campaign can be very hard and you can get stuck
Some levels are very strange and difficult like fighting with almost invisible enemies.
Even at easy they are hard to beat and you must beat them in order to progress in campaign.
Con Few players
Very few players on the servers ate as it happens 5-9 people!
Con Boring AI bots
Bots are not the most performant opponents in Xonotic. They often run around the same paths, and sometimes even stand still on spots for apparently no reason.
Con No actual addons repository
Cannot download custom maps through the actual game. Instead you have to download maps online and then put them in a directory.
Con Hard for beginners
Quake is hardcore game. Sharp shooting is far from enough to be good at it. You need to control position of your opponents, plan your strategy really fast, control powerups, etc. Warsow is much like Quake, but movement is more complex and plays an important role.
Con Too few people online
Usually 80-150 players are online, and all the people are spread out over many modes of the game. So if you want to play duel or arena, you must wait or pickup opponents on an IRC.
Con Small difference in skill results in a huge difference in score
For example you can lose with a score such as 20:1, and this is okay.