Apewar is an online multiplayer tactical FPS/TPS game where players control armed monkeys in fast-paced battles across various maps. The core experience centers on strategic team coordination and objective play in a lighthearted primate warfare setting, with support for both player-versus-player matches and co-op elements against AI bots. Released in full version in 2026 after an Early Access period, the game emphasizes vehicle use, weapon handling, and character variety through additional unlocks like the Mandrill DLC.
Gameplay
Matches unfold in first- or third-person perspective as players navigate maps on foot or by commandeering available vehicles. Movement includes sprinting, jumping, leaning, and slower walking for tactical positioning. Combat revolves around standard shooter mechanics such as aiming, firing, and reloading, with options to switch weapons mid-match. AI bots can fill out teams or rooms to maintain action even when human player counts are low. Progression involves earning in-game currency called bananas through performance, which supports unlocks and loadout adjustments. Recent patches have refined weapon balance, reduced certain vehicle collision damage, and improved server stability for smoother sessions.
The Mandrill character, available as a permanent unlock via DLC, stands out due to its large build and vivid coloration, fitting naturally into the roster of primate fighters without altering core mechanics. Players select their monkey at the start of sessions and carry cosmetics or emotes into matches for personalization.
Game Modes
Free for All pits every participant against one another in a scramble for the highest kill and score totals. Team Deathmatch organizes players into opposing sides focused on eliminating the enemy team while managing respawn timers and spawn protection. Grab Banana serves as the signature objective mode, where teams contest and transport bananas from contested map areas back to their base, rewarding coordination over individual rushes. These modes support variable player counts, including larger 16-versus-16 options on select maps, and allow password-protected private rooms or quick matchmaking into public ones.
Post-match sequences now feature a victory podium that highlights the top three performers from the winning team or overall leaderboard in Free for All, displaying names, kills, scores, and an MVP badge for first place alongside celebratory effects.
Characters and Progression
Base characters and additional unlocks like the Mandrill expand visual and thematic options without changing gameplay balance. Leveling grants access to new weapons and customization, while bananas earned per match fund further purchases. The system encourages repeated play through score-based rewards and match completion bonuses. Maps vary in layout to suit different strategies, with some featuring vehicle spawns and environmental hazards such as water that can lead to drowning if players remain too long.
Is It Worth Playing?
Apewar maintains a Very Positive rating on Steam from over 8,500 reviews, with players often citing the novel monkey theme and objective variety as highlights when servers have active participants. The game receives ongoing updates, including the recent 1.0.0.6 patch that added the victory podium and addressed stability issues. It suits those seeking casual to mid-level tactical multiplayer shooters with a humorous twist, especially groups that enjoy mixing human players with bots or experimenting with vehicle combat. The low entry price and frequent balance tweaks make it accessible for short sessions, though population can fluctuate outside peak hours. The Mandrill DLC adds a visually distinctive option for collectors of primate characters but requires the base game to function.
