20 Video Game Clones Better Than The Original
18. Paladins (Overwatch)
Though Overwatch rip-offs were a dime a dozen in the late 2010s, Paladins: Champions of the Realm managed to climb to the top of the pile.
It doesn't have as much content, but Hi-Rez Studio's hero shooter never felt lacking, since players can personalise their champions in depth. Before each match, players select from three talents that alter their champion's abilities. This encourages player to experiment with different combinations, keeping things fresh and compelling them to constantly adjust their strategy. Additionally, players can create custom card loadouts, enhancing healing, mobility, or damage resistance. Above all else, Paladins doesn't cost a penny.
It wasn't spectacular at first, but Paladins kept improving since it was constantly updated with new modes and content. Before long, nearly every factor had been tweaked to near perfection. (These expansions were also free of charge.)
Around the same time, the substandard Overwatch 2 literally replaced Overwatch, effectively killing off the game responsible for revolutionising live-service shooters in the first place. The minds behind Overwatch haven't done much to accommodate the fanbase's demands, letting Paladins slowly but surely take the mantle.