THE FINALS

The good stuff

What really hooked me was how much control you have over the environment. I remember one match where my team was getting crushed in a warehouse. Instead of just running around shooting, we used explosives to collapse part of the roof on top of the enemy squad. Then someone tossed a fire grenade into the rubble and boom - instant chaos. The game lets you modify arenas during matches, so no two games feel the same. It’s like playing in a sandbox where everything can be destroyed or repurposed. And yeah, it’s fast-paced, but there’s real strategy - timing, positioning, and knowing when to go all-in versus holding back. The leaderboard keeps you coming back, too. Watching your rank climb after a clutch play feels satisfying, even if it’s just a small victory.

The not-so-good

It’s not perfect. First off, the game runs best with a stable internet connection - lag ruins the experience fast, especially when you’re trying to place a trap or dodge a falling beam. Also, it doesn’t support all third-party controllers, which is annoying if you’re rocking a cheaper Xbox peripheral. And while the open-world environments are cool, they can get a little repetitive after a few hours. You’ll see the same maps over and over. Plus, the learning curve isn’t gentle - new players might feel lost at first, especially with all the destruction mechanics. If you’re looking for something more structured or story-driven, this isn’t it.

Bottom line

If you like high-energy, unpredictable online FPS action and don’t mind a little chaos, THE FINALS for Xbox Series X|S is worth the download. It’s free, it’s fresh, and it’s got that “let’s break things” energy that makes every match feel different. Fans of Apex Legends or Rocket League-style may find something fun here. Just make sure you’ve got a solid connection and don’t expect polish - it’s rough around the edges, but in a good way. Go check it out.