Review · Action · PC · PlayStation 4 · Xbox Series S/X
Insurgency: Sandstorm
Reviewed: 29 Apr 2026
PC · PlayStation 4 · Xbox Series S/X · PlayStation 5 · Xbox One
New World Interactive · 2018
Ludograph rating
A
Recommended
68 /100
Insurgency: Sandstorm is a tactical shooter that develops teamwork and hand-eye coordination through objective-based combat, but depicts high levels of violence.
Growth (BDS)
54
Risk (RIS)
8
Daily limit
–
Age guidance
17+
Developmental benefits
| B1 | Cognitive | 0.54 | |
| B2 | Social-emotional | 0.43 | |
| B3 | Motor | 0.70 | |
Insurgency: Sandstorm offers significant cognitive benefits through its tactical and objective-oriented gameplay, demanding problem-solving, strategic thinking, and critical decision-making in high-pressure situations. The team-based nature fosters strong teamwork and communication skills, while the fast-paced combat enhances hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and reaction time.
Design risks
| R1 | Compulsion-loop pressure | 0.00 | |
| R2 | Monetization | 0.00 | |
| R3 | Social risk | 0.33 | |
The game's hardcore depiction of combat includes high levels of violence and elements of fear. While free from manipulative monetization and compulsion-loop mechanics, its competitive multiplayer environment and use of voice chat may expose players to competitive toxicity and potential interactions with strangers.
Content (not in risk score)
| R4.1 | Violence Level | 1.00 | |
| R4.2 | Sexual Content | 0.00 | |
| R4.3 | Language | 0.33 | |
| R4.4 | Substance References | 0.00 | |
| R4.5 | Fear / Horror | 0.67 | |
Content risk is displayed separately and does not affect the time recommendation.
Regulatory design checks · DSA — Assessed: meets criteria·GDPR-K — Assessed: concerns noted·ODDS — Assessed: meets criteria
- DSA:What Ludograph checks: whether the game's design gives minors the transparency the EU Digital Services Act expects: plain terms, honest defaults, and clear reporting routes.: Estimated from review data. No dark pattern or child-targeting concerns found.
- GDPR-K:What Ludograph checks: whether age assurance and consent flows are designed for under-16s, in the spirit of GDPR Article 8.: Estimated from review data. Likely violations: unmoderated stranger contact that likely exposes personal data.
- ODDS:What Ludograph checks: whether paid random-reward drop rates are disclosed, as required in China, Japan and South Korea.: Estimated from review data. No paid random-reward mechanics found, so drop-rate disclosure requirements do not apply.
These reflect Ludograph's assessment of the game's design practices against each framework's criteria, not a legal compliance determination.