Does Insurgency Sandstorm Have a Single Player Campaign? An In-Depth Look at This Tactical Shooter

The short answer is no – Insurgency Sandstorm does not contain a traditional single player campaign with story missions or scripted events. The focus is primarily on online co-op and competitive multiplayer modes.

However, that doesn‘t mean there isn‘t great content for solo players. Keep reading as I provide a comprehensive overview of Insurgency Sandstorm‘s gameplay, and share my insights on whether this hardcore tactical shooter is worth buying for dedicated single player fans.

Introducing Insurgency Sandstorm – A Visually Stunning Evolution of Insurgency

As a long-time fan of tactical military shooters, the Insurgency series has always scratched my itch for intense, high-stakes gameplay layered with impressive realism and attention to detail.

Insurgency Sandstorm, released in 2018, took the formula of the original Insurgency and dialed it up to the next level. Built using Epic‘s Unreal Engine 4, Sandstorm delivers a visually breathtaking evolution of Insurgency‘s distinctive blend of lethal close-quarters combat, objective-based modes, and hardcore weapon mechanics.

Some key features that set Insurgency Sandstorm apart:

• Best-in-class weapon handling with realistic ballistics and handling
• Gorgeous modern visuals and environments powered by Unreal Engine 4
• Expanded multiplayer modes including new PvE co-op options
• Customization via cosmetics, gear, and weapon attachments
• Large variety of equipment and modern military gear

For multiplayer fans, Sandstorm represents a refined and expanded take on Insurgency’s intense tactical gameplay. But what about for those looking to play solo? Let‘s explore what‘s on offer.

Limited But Useful Single Player and Co-Op Modes

Insurgency Sandstorm is predominantly built around its online competitive and cooperative multiplayer. Understandably some fans were disappointed by the lack of a full single player campaign in the sequel.

However, Sandstorm still provides some great solo focused modes:

Practice Against AI Bots

While you can‘t play actual multiplayer modes offline solo, Sandstorm does allow practice matches against AI bots. This is accessed via:

• Local Play – Set up custom offline matches with options to choose map, mode rules, number of bots etc.
• Multiplayer – Play online co-op or PvP with your team filled out by bots.
• Practice – Rehearse tactics and learn maps offline against AI.

This is a great way to get familiar with weapons, maps, mechanics and gameplay styles without the stress of human opponents – especially helpful given Sandstorm‘s unforgiving gameplay.

The AI is impressively life-like, making sound tactical decisions in taking cover, maneuvering and pushing objectives. Far better than bots in comparable titles like Call of Duty.

Dedicated PvE Modes

Beyond bot matches, Insurgency Sandstorm provides engaging co-op modes to play solo or in small teams against AI enemies:

• Checkpoint – Battle through various checkpoints in large maps supported by AI squadmates.
• Survival – Hold out against endless waves of AI combatants. Intense skill testing mode.
• Hunt – Use stealth and strategy to take down key AI targets.

These options add some welcome variety, structure, and progression for players looking to test themselves against the AI. Checkpoint in particular feels almost like a lite campaign, moving between objectives across sprawling maps with AI team support.

Evaluating the Solo Experience First-Hand

To give first-hand insight into playing Insurgency solo, I spent over 5 hours across the various single player-friendly modes below:

Here are some of my key takeaways from extensive time playing solo:

• The AI provides a respectable challenge – behaves more realistically than most other tactical shooter bots.
• Weapon handling remains extremely punishing. Lack of aim assist really forces you to master recoil control and ballistics.
• Learning curve is steep – expect to put in hours before things "click". Sparse tutorials mean lots of trial and error.
• Great way to learn maps, test guns and gear, and build skills before going online.
• PvE modes add structure and prolonged progression for solo players.

While solo play pales compared to the brilliance of human opposition, Insurgency‘s AI modes succeed at emulating the pace, lethality, and methodical gameplay against bots. This provides a smooth on-ramp for new players to hone skills before braving multiplayer.

Key Considerations for Buying Insurgency Sandstorm Solely for Solo Play

Based on extensive time playing solo, here are some key factors to weigh when considering Insurgency Sandstorm strictly for single player potential:

• Realism over Accessibility – Expect a steeper learning curve. Insurgency favors realism over playability.
• High Replay Value – Quality modes and excellent map diversity cater well to solo players.
• Ongoing Support – Developers continually expand PvE and solo offerings with updates.
• Multiplayer Focus – At its core Sandstorm caters to competitive and co-op fans first.

Prospective buyers should understand Insurgency‘s hardcore military simulation roots. It remains a purist tactical shooter not aimed at casual play. Fans of realistic shooters will find plenty of tense action against skilled AI. But newcomers require patience and persistence to push through the initial learning climb.

The Verdict? Insurgency Sandstorm Is Worth It For Dedicated Solo Tactical Shooter Fans

While multiplayer is its main draw, Insurgency Sandstorm still provides a wealth of modes for solo players looking for a modern, hardcore military simulation shooter.

For fans hungry for intense, lethal close-quarters battle layered with authentic graphics, sound design, and physics, Sandstorm delivers a premier tactical combat experience even in single player.

If you‘re willing to invest some hours mastering its intricacies, Insurgency rewards you with phenomenally detailed weapon handling, unparalleled firefights, and methodical old-school gameplay.

Despite its focus on online play, Insurgency: Sandstorm succeeds at translating its excellent core mechanics into engaging solo modes. AI enemies put up a respectable fight across the various co-op modes and practice options.

These provide enjoyable spaces for new players to learn while veterans can hone their skills and test new strategies risk-free. While best played cooperatively, Sandstorm remains a thrilling tactical shooter for those willing to embrace its realism and depth even in single player.

So for fans seeking a hardcore, lifelike modern military simulator, I wholeheartedly recommend Insurgency Sandstorm whether you plan to play alone or join its acclaimed online community. Just be ready for an old-school challenge as you master its intricacies.

With excellent solo content bolstering its multiplayer focus, Insurgency Sandstorm is absolutely worth picking up for dedicated single player tactical shooter enthusiasts. Now go experience this unique FPS gem for yourself!