Enlisted Review 2026 for PC – Is This Free-to-Play WW2 Shooter Worth It?
Our detailed Enlisted review covers squad mechanics, combined-arms combat, ray tracing, DLSS 4.0, system specs, pros/cons, and verdict for Windows PC in 2026.
Enlisted is one of the most misunderstood titles in the free-to-play shooter space. Holding a solid 78% “Mostly Positive” rating on Steam, this squad-based WW2 combat game doesn’t play like a typical arcade shooter or a punishing military simulator. If you’ve enjoyed War Thunder and want the same Gaijin tactical universe on foot, or you’re looking for a fresh tactical challenge on PC, Enlisted is worth your attention. Welcome to our in-depth Enlisted review for Windows PC.
Key Takeaways:
• Free-to-Play: Enlisted is 100% free to download on Windows via Steam and Gaijin launcher.
• Unique Mechanics: You command an AI-controlled squad and immediately switch to living members on death.
• 2026 Tech Upgrade: Full ray tracing out of beta + DLSS 4.0 Multi-Frame Generation supported.
• Combined Arms: Infantry, armor, and air combat unfold on the same battlefield in real time.
• PC Accessibility: Low hardware requirements (GTX 1080 / RX 5700 XT for 1440p high FPS).
Table of Contents
What Makes Enlisted Different from Other WW2 Shooters?
Most tactical WW2 shooters send you into battle as an isolated single soldier. Enlisted completely turns that formula on its head. The game’s core innovation is squad command and instant body-swapping. When your active soldier is eliminated, you don’t return to a distant spawn menu you instantly take direct control of another surviving soldier in your squad who is already in the fray.
This dynamic keeps your momentum going and turns squad members into tactical extra lives. It also makes solo play feel surprisingly cooperative. If you’re a fan of Gaijin’s realistic vehicle combat ecosystems, make sure to read our full War Thunder Review to see how their vehicular warfare compares.
Enlisted on Windows PC in 2026: Graphics and Performance
The visual fidelity of Enlisted on Windows PC has reached a whole new standard. Ray tracing officially graduated from beta, delivering realistic global illumination, ambient occlusion, and reflections. Furthermore, support for NVIDIA DLSS 4.0 with Multi-Frame Generation enables buttery-smooth frame rates even during heavy explosions and smoke effects.
| Component | Minimum System Specs | Recommended Specs |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 7/8/10/11 (64-bit) | Windows 10/11 (64-bit) |
| Processor | Intel Core i3 or equivalent | Intel Core i5-10400 / Ryzen 5 3600 |
| RAM | 8 GB RAM | 8 GB RAM |
| Graphics | GTX 660 / Radeon 78XX | GTX 1080 / RX 5700 XT |
| Storage | 12.4 GB (Minimal client) | 48.4 GB (Full client) |
| DirectX | Version 11+ | Version 11+ |
Even on budget to mid-range gaming builds, Enlisted scales exceptionally well. For players comparing modern free-to-play tactical combat games, see our World of Tanks Heat PC Review for another high-octane armor shooter option.
Is Enlisted Really Free to Play Or Pay-to-Win?
Enlisted uses a classic freemium model. All battlefields, campaigns, and core weapons can be unlocked purely through gameplay. However, progress can feel slow at higher tiers without a premium subscription or battle pass. While premium squads offer convenience and unique aesthetics, clever squad positioning and personal marksmanship consistently beat high-tier gear.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
Pros:
✅ Innovative AI squad-switching mechanic keeps action constant.
✅ True combined-arms combat blending infantry, tanks, and aircraft.
✅ Crisp ray-traced graphics with DLSS 4.0 support on Windows PC.
✅ Accessible hardware requirements for mid-range gaming setups.
✅ 100% free to play with no initial paywall.
Cons:
❌ Squad AI can occasionally path pathwardly in dense cover.
❌ Steep menu navigation learning curve for newcomers.
❌ Unlocking top-tier squads requires patience or premium boosts.
Verdict: Should You Play Enlisted on PC in 2026?
Yes, absolutely. Enlisted delivers a refreshing tactical experience that bridges the gap between chaotic casual shooters and punishing military simulators. If you play on Windows PC and appreciate authentic WW2 combat, it is one of the best free titles available today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Enlisted free to play on Windows PC?
Yes, Enlisted is completely free to download and play via Steam or the Gaijin launcher on Windows PC.
Does Enlisted support ray tracing and DLSS?
Yes, Enlisted supports full ray-traced lighting and NVIDIA DLSS 4.0 with Multi-Frame Generation on PC.
Can I play Enlisted on Mac?
Enlisted is native to Windows PC and consoles. There is no official Mac OS native client currently available.
Allen Wade is a Senior PC Hardware & Performance Analyst at PerfCore with over 8 years of experience benchmarking CPUs, GPUs, gaming laptops, and system architectures. He specializes in 1080p and 1440p frametime analysis, thermal dynamics, and budget component optimization. Allen’s hardware testing methodology relies on standardized test benches, repeatable CapFrameX frametime captures, and clean OS environments.
