Bots could consider the teammate real players as a boss/vip, obey suggested actions and provide healing/cover/meatShield.

An option for: Initial map loading could use low res textures or just a single color for surfaces, then it would slowly load each texture properly (in a way that don’t lag the engine).

If there is a match that lasts like 15 or 20mins, joining mid match could be allowed up to 5-10mins. This could show on the list as countdown limits what could quickly bring more ppl in.

Try 7DaysToDie, it has multiplayer the way you want, with necessary talking. And is like minecraft but realistic.

Bots that survive and aren’t being attacked can be replaced by mid-joiners. They could receive the bots items (to balance) but must also receive some kind of debuff.

Dark Messiah of Might and Magic: has a nice melee combat and strong spells, but try some mods to make it harder like this that is made in linux

Most games are too easy. The moment you figure out how AI is playing it becomes too predictable and boring.

So, i do changes to make the game more difficult, more challenging, more memorable moments.

Mods aren’t considered cheating even if they make things easier, but then that is cheating, unless is makes other things harder to balance.