Video game genres come and go in popularity, but for more than three decades, first-person shooter games have remained a steadfast cornerstone of the gaming world, delivering unforgettable experiences that often shape the future of the industry. What sets FPS games apart is their lack of a single defining feature, and ironically, it’s this very versatility that makes them so outstanding. Game developers have crafted a diverse array of experiences rooted in a common perspective and a trusty firearm or two. These games consistently surprise us, even when we think we’ve seen it all.
Today, we gather to honor these exceptional titles. The finest first-person shooters may have influenced each other, but each brings its own unique charm to the table, setting itself apart in a field of fierce competition. While many offer distinct experiences, they all share one common trait: the undeniable thrill that their mere mention evokes.
Before we delve into the lineup, let’s clarify the criteria that guided our selections:
- Defining what makes a first-person shooter (FPS) can be a bit tricky. Naturally, an FPS should feature a first-person perspective and shooting, but when things got hazy, we focused on the “shooting” aspect. Games that placed a strong emphasis on shooting and combat as integral components were more likely to earn a spot in this genre.
- The enjoyment factor, regardless of the reasons behind it, played a pivotal role in determining a game’s inclusion on this list and its rank. However, we also considered innovation, historical importance, and how long a game remained relevant as significant “X-factors” in our ranking process.
- Games that exclusively offered single-player or multiplayer experiences were not penalized for their focus on one mode. Still, we did pay special attention to titles that excelled in both aspects.
1. Destiny 2 – The Best FPS Game
Developer(s): Bungie
FPS Game Available on: PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PC
Destiny 2 exceeded all expectations, even for die-hard fans of the original game. It’s safe to say we adore Destiny, but Destiny 2 takes things to a whole new level. It’s not just an improvement; it’s an evolution. It takes the core concept of the first game, the MMOFPS idea, and transforms it into an even richer, deeper, and more expansive experience.
Now, Destiny 2 immerses you in a fully realized world teeming with humanity, rich characters, intricate details, and compelling stories. Its campaign alone is reason enough to celebrate the game. It’s meticulously crafted, brimming with in-the-moment narratives and breathtaking set-piece designs, making it a standout in the world of Halo games.
But that’s just the beginning. Destiny 2 simplifies and streamlines the leveling system, seamlessly integrating it into a wide array of activities. Whether you’re engrossed in story-driven side-quests, embarking on multi-part Exotic Questlines, seeking treasures, exploring the world, uncovering in-game lore, or participating in the creatively designed Strikes and tactically refined Crucible PvP, Destiny 2 caters to every playstyle, urging you onward.
What’s more, the game offers a flexible approach to load-outs, complemented by imaginative and expressive weapon designs. The introduction of Destiny 2 New Light allows access to a significant portion of the game for free, while devoted fans can invest in The Witch Queen expansion, hailed as the pinnacle of Destiny expansions.
2. Call of Duty: Warzone – 2nd Best FPS Game
Developer(s): Infinite Ward, Raven Software
FPS Game Available on: PC, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PS4, PS5,
Arguably, among the cream of the crop in battle royale games, Call of Duty: Warzone stands tall. For a whole year, three games held a tight grip on the genre: Fortnite, PUBG: Battlegrounds, and Apex Legends. However, Call of Duty: Warzone has shaken things up by putting a unique twist on every aspect of the battle royale formula, offering a refreshing yet familiar experience – one that’s both thrilling and approachable.
Here’s what’s new: When you meet your demise, you’re granted a single opportunity to make a comeback by engaging in a 1v1 fight against another fallen opponent. You earn cash through various means like completing contracts scattered across the map, tracking down enemies, looting chests, or holding strategic positions. This hard-earned cash can then be invested in customized loadouts that you’ve tailored to suit your playstyle between matches.
And then there are the comforting elements that we know and love: the ever-shrinking play zone, a flawless item marking system to communicate with your teammates, and vehicles to whisk you away to distant areas. It’s like a compilation of the best features the genre has offered so far, all complemented by Call of Duty’s well-tested gunplay with low recoil, ensuring that everyone has a fair shot at achieving high kill counts. You can venture into the action solo, but the real joy lies in teaming up with friends in Duos, Trios, or even the exhilarating four-soldier squad mode. That’s where the true excitement unfolds.
3. Doom Eternal – 3rd Best FPS Game
Developer(s): id Software
FPS Game Available on: PC, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PS4, PS5,
While we may not have showered it with praise back then, looking back, Doom Eternal truly stands out in the world of first-person shooters. It encapsulates everything the genre represents, condensed into one glorious, intense, and defiant experience. It’s a testament to determination and also an impressively smooth adventure, even though you’re constantly battling demons.
Similar to the flawless flow of games like Mario 64 or Mirror’s Edge, Doom Eternal feels perfect when you sync up with its exhilarating rhythm. Each weapon handles with precision, the levels are expertly paced, and the monsters from Hell are crafted to bring out the Doom Slayer’s aggression just right.
Incredibly, it performs remarkably well on almost all modern platforms. Whether you’re on an original Xbox One, enjoying a blazing 120 frames per second on a top-of-the-line PC, or playing on the impressive Switch version, Doom Eternal delivers an exceptional experience no matter your platform of choice. If all PS5 and Xbox Series X games ran as smoothly as id Software’s technically superior shooter, we might never need another console generation.
4. Half-Life: Alyx
Developer(s): Valve
FPS Game Available on: PC
Imagine if everyone received VR headsets from birth; in that world, Half-Life: Alyx might easily become our all-time favorite first-person shooter. Unfortunately, diving into this virtual reality masterpiece at its finest requires more resources than finding the off switch on a Strider. Even if you opt for a somewhat more affordable Meta Quest instead of Valve’s costly Index, you’re still shelling out a significant amount of money for a ten-hour gaming experience. Nevertheless, the highest accolade we can bestow upon Alyx? We would seriously contemplate spending the price of a PS5 or Xbox Series X just to savor this extraordinary shooter.
5. Halo: The Master Chief Collection
Developer(s): 343 Industries
FPS Game Available on: PC, Xbox Series X, Xbox One,
This story takes you on an epic journey with John 117. Halo: The Master Chief Collection has undergone significant improvements since its rocky launch in 2014. Over the years, they’ve fixed server issues, made technical enhancements, and upgraded the graphics. Now, it’s the perfect way to relive the golden age of Halo. Whether you’re enjoying the iconic second level in Combat Evolved or battling your friends on the beloved Guardian map in Halo 3 at an impressive 120 frames per second on an Xbox Series X, Halo has never been more essential. We’re thrilled that Chief finally got the redemption he deserved.
6. Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege
Developer(s): Ubisoft
FPS Game Available on: PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PC
Rainbow Six Siege has quietly emerged as one of the top multiplayer shooters. It combines the intensity and replay value of Counter-Strike with the unique abilities and personalities of Overwatch, albeit with a more realistic character lineup. What truly shines in Siege is the remarkable destructibility of the environment. Walls, floors, and ceilings can all be shot through and eventually demolished, making it crucial to make smart choices about which angles to defend and which walls to fortify, so no one breaches through with explosive force.
In this game, you and your squadmates select from a diverse group of highly skilled Operators, each with their own unique abilities that can complement your team for a strong setup. However, your ability to move silently and aim precisely with a firearm are the most critical skills. Each round transforms into a tactical and incredibly suspenseful game of hide-and-seek. One team defends an objective while the other tries to scout out danger and survive any potential breaches.
7. Titanfall 2
Developer(s): Respawn Entertainment
FPS Game Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC
Titanfall 2 is incredibly impressive. The seamless wall-running creates a feeling of weightlessness, like a graceful and deadly dance, allowing you to zip past your enemies at astonishing speeds, catching them off guard. The campaign of Titanfall 2 is unforgettable, featuring the remarkable BT-7274 and boundless creativity. It has moments where you shift between decades in an instant, walk through frozen time, or simply tear apart other Titans when you step into the massive boots of BT-7274.
The game rewards you for using the environment wisely, and you can sense the moment when you start thinking differently, discovering the possibilities a map holds. The multiplayer mode incorporates physics-twisting, Quake-like mechanics, enhancing an already outstanding shooting experience. However, it’s the exceptional campaign that truly sets Titanfall 2 apart as a lasting gem among shooters. Let’s hope we get to see a Titanfall 3 soon, fingers crossed for BT’s colossal droid digits.
8. Black Mesa
Developer(s): Crowbar Collective
FPS Game Available on: PC
Black Mesa is the result of taking the beloved classic shooter, Half-Life, and giving it a complete makeover. The previously disappointing ending has been revamped, and the game now boasts enhanced visuals, a larger cast of characters, expansive levels, more powerful weapons, and realistic physics. Remarkably, Black Mesa is a fan-made project that Valve has given its blessing to, yet its attention to detail rivals that of many big-budget AAA game studios. It goes beyond being a simple remake; it’s a comprehensive transformation that brings one of the greatest shooters and its iconic protagonist, the silent scientist Gordon Freeman, into the contemporary gaming world.
All the elements that made Half-Life a favorite among gamers are still intact. You’ll find yourself facing headcrab zombies, alien creatures, and human soldiers, armed with a variety of weapons, from shotguns to the devastating prototype energy Gluon Gun that can obliterate enemies in mere seconds. What truly shines are the new additions. In the original Half-Life, the Xen location, where the final part of the game unfolds, felt lifeless. However, in Black Mesa, it bursts with vibrant colors, and every rugged rock and peculiar cluster of plants has been meticulously recreated. It’s significantly larger and gives the game an entirely fresh feel. Black Mesa finally completes the Half-Life experience.
9. Apex Legends
Developer(s): Respawn Entertainment
FPS Game Available on: Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PS4, PS5, PC
Apex Legends is the battle royale game for those seeking high-speed action. It’s not just about your shooting skills; your agility is just as crucial. In this game, you can perform parkour moves, scale ledges, and slide down slopes, all in the pursuit of gaining a tactical edge. What sets Apex Legends apart in the crowded shooter genre are the unique character classes and their special abilities. Each hero brings something distinctive to the table: one can track enemy footprints, another can create portals, and yet another has the ability to clone themselves to confuse opponents.
Playing in a squad of three, which is how the game was designed to be played, allows you to combine these abilities in creative ways to outsmart rival teams. The game features two vibrant and diverse maps, each offering numerous strategies to seize the high ground. Respawn Entertainment continually introduces new weapons and heroes, keeping the gameplay fresh and exciting. If you haven’t played Apex Legends since the initial wave of excitement, it’s definitely worth returning to experience the latest updates and innovations.
10. Superhot
Developer(s): SUPERHOT Team
FPS Game Available on: PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC
Time flows only when you take action. This sums up Superhot, a captivating shooter game hailing from a small, independent game studio in Poland. It’s the perfect blend of cerebral challenges and slow-motion action that makes Superhot truly captivating. The game’s slow-motion feature adds to its allure.
Imagine being cooler than Keanu Reeves in the original Matrix while attempting the ice bucket challenge – that’s the level of effortless style Superhot exudes. It’s more than just a first-person shooter; it’s a mind-bending puzzle game.
The basic action of aiming and firing may seem straightforward, especially when everything moves at a snail’s pace. However, the real challenge lies in deciding the order in which you eliminate your enemies. Many levels require the precision of a Swiss watch, and making a wrong move at the wrong time can bring down the entire slow-motion spectacle like a house of cards.
This is what makes Superhot so appealing: it’s not just a cool shooter; it’s a smart one too.
11. Metro Exodus
Developer(s): 4A Games
FPS Game Available on: PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PC
A shooter that thrives on its storytelling. The Metro series is renowned for blending stealth and shooting amidst bleak landscapes teeming with menacing mutants hungry for your demise. Exodus, rooted in the same DNA, elevates itself with heightened refinement and ambition. Its expansive, meticulously designed levels beckon exploration of every crumbling structure.
Starting in Moscow, you embark on a train journey through the Russian wilderness, stopping at desert settlements, icy tundras, and military outposts, each concealing hidden treasures and formidable foes.
Executing missions solo can be nerve-wracking as you venture beyond the safety of your comrades. Fortunately, a diverse arsenal of customizable weapons, from crossbows to revolvers, ensures your protection. On the train, you’ll forge bonds with your resilient Russian companions, fostering a genuine concern for the protagonist, Artyom.
Exodus may not cater to those seeking relentless action, as it maintains a deliberate pace. Nevertheless, the cross-country odyssey imparts a constant sense of progression. Once the wheels start turning, you’ll be reluctant to disembark.
12. Overwatch
Developer(s): Blizzard
FPS Game Available on: PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC
Leave it to Blizzard to completely renew our faith in a genre we were about to abandon. They began with the basics of a class-based multiplayer shooter, then smoothed out every rough edge left by games like Team Fortress 2. They replaced any lost personality with a group of MOBA-inspired heroes that quickly became beloved.
Seriously, if you’ve been online since May 2016, you’ve probably seen Tracer fan art. It’s impossible to separate Overwatch’s charming characters from the game’s appeal, but let’s not forget the numerous smart design choices Blizzard made in their first venture into action gaming since… well, Blackthorne? So, quit dawdling and focus on the objective.
13. Wolfenstein 2: New Colossus
Developer(s): MachineGames
FPS Game Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC
This game, which simulates events during the Nazi era, is more intelligent than it might appear. The guns are large, noisy, and turn Third Reich members into gruesome casualties. The more bullets you unleash, the better you perform. What sets New Colossus apart from other classic shooters is the ability to wield any two weapons simultaneously.
Most notably, the narrative is outstanding. You delve deeper into the troubled hero, BJ Blazkowicz, than ever before through an origin story that isn’t afraid to explore darker themes. A talented cast skillfully navigates a storyline that seamlessly transitions between seriousness and absurdity.
14. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
Developer(s): Valve
FPS Game Available on: PS3, Xbox One, PC
The most popular game on Steam’s charts, like Half-Life 2, is an FPS game that’s been around forever. The Counter-Strike series started as a mod for Half-Life and has always been a top choice for competitive shooting. Even though CS:GO is the go-to game for Terrorists vs. Counter-Terrorists on PC now, it began as an updated version for consoles.
CS:GO is all about tension: there are no respawns during rounds, so once you’re out, you can only watch and hope your team succeeds. Maps are carefully designed for different strategies, and the guns in your arsenal have unique firing rates and recoil that you can only master through practice. CS:GO’s lasting popularity is astonishing and speaks to its enduring appeal.
15. PUBG: Battlegrounds
Developer(s): PUBG Corp
FPS Game Available on: PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PC
PUBG sparked the battle royale craze, though it wasn’t the first game in the genre. It introduced elements we all know now: loot scattered across large maps, players parachuting from a plane, and a shrinking play area. It’s evolved since then, offering various maps for different playstyles and a free-to-play option.
In the vast maps, you might not encounter players for a while. The slow pace and realistic bullets make PUBG stand out. You can team up with friends, but it’s the intense solo moments that leave a lasting impression.
16. Borderlands 3
Developer(s): Gearbox
FPS Game Available on: PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PC
Describing Borderlands 3 is like taking the essence of the first two Borderlands games and wrapping them in a shiny new package. You could even compare it to a First-Person Shooter version of World of Warcraft. This game puts a strong focus on collecting as much loot as possible, drowning players in a vast array of guns, each with unique abilities and stats. Some even shoot saw blades or act like boomerangs, which is quite entertaining.
These guns are neatly color-coded to indicate their rarity, making it easy for players to identify their value. The game’s cast of characters breaks away from the traditional “fighter, wizard, rogue” archetypes, with each hero being memorable in their own way.
However, it doesn’t quite capture the same charm as Borderlands 2. We all have a soft spot for Krieg, the wild barbarian poet. Borderlands 3’s villains also don’t invoke the same level of anger as Handsome Jack did in the previous installment. Nevertheless, when it comes to shooting and collecting loot, especially in co-op mode, Borderlands 3 still represents the pinnacle of the Borderlands formula.
17. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered
Developer(s): Raven Software
FPS Game Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC
The best Call of Duty campaign ever created, and it’s not even close. Modern Warfare pulled the series out of the gritty trenches of WWII and injected new life into the FPS giant with a thrilling, perfectly-paced campaign that has been imitated by countless military shooters but never equaled.
Picture yourself kicking down doors alongside the iconic Captain Price during a heart-pounding infiltration mission in the pouring rain. Feel the shock and disbelief as the character you’ve been playing as for half the game is obliterated by a sudden mushroom cloud. Hold your breath as you accompany a sniper duo as they navigate through the tall grass and haunting playgrounds of Pripyat in the unforgettable mission ‘All Ghillied Up.’
The original Modern Warfare is so exceptional that even if you were to stack every other COD game against it, the remastered 2007 FPS would still outshine them all with its collection of unforgettable moments.
18. Bulletstorm: Full Clip Edition
Developer(s): People Can Fly
FPS Game Available on: PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC
Rarely has a game of such intelligence made such a deliberate effort to appear foolish, all while delivering uproarious humor effortlessly. Bulletstorm wears its bold, devil-may-care attitude on its sleeve, accompanied by some of the most creatively profane language you’ll ever encounter in a video game. Yet, beneath this surface, lies one of the most intricate, detailed, and branching first-person shooter systems ever conceived.
The brilliance of Bulletstorm revolves around its Skillshots. Imagine if a new Tony Hawk’s game replaced every skate trick with increasingly gruesome ways to dispatch mutants, and you’ll have a good idea. Picture kicking a guy in the groin and then booting his head clean off. Visualize launching enemies into the sky with a rocket’s alternate fire and plucking them from the heavens like clay pigeons. And don’t forget about shoving every second foe you meet into a conveniently placed, skin-prickling cactus—because, apparently, there’s always a menacing cactus around.
What stings even more than the botanical violence is the unfortunate truth that we may never see another first-person shooter as audacious, vibrant, or commendably crude as Bulletstorm in the future.
19. Far Cry 6
Developer(s): Ubisoft
FPS Game Available on: PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PC
While Far Cry 6 might not steal the spotlight from the iconic third installment, it certainly stands as an exceptional shooter. It does rely on some familiar Ubisoft elements, as expected, including the quirky dachshund sidekicks with names inspired by Spanish sausages and the tried-and-true stealth mechanics. However, if you dig a bit deeper, you’ll discover that this FPS represents a much-needed turning point for the Far Cry series.
Exciting new features like the Supremo Backpacks introduce fresh opportunities for both stealthy and explosive chaos, adding an extra layer of excitement to Far Cry’s already exhilarating power fantasy. What’s even better? With the introduction of the freedom fighter Dani, who you can see, hear, and connect with in third-person cutscenes, Far Cry has finally given us a protagonist worth cheering for. It only took half a dozen entries to get there. When it comes to sandbox shooters, few can match the madcap spectacle of Far Cry 6.
20. Half-Life 2
Developer(s): Valve
FPS Game Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC
Even though it’s old enough to have its own driver’s license and could gamble away a young Gordon’s student loan, Half-Life 2 still holds the coveted status of being one of the greatest of all time. It’s an enduring masterpiece in the world of shooters. Whether you experienced it on a state-of-the-art gaming rig when it first launched on Steam in 2004 or got your first taste of City 17 through Valve’s brilliant Orange Box bundle, the core brilliance of Half-Life 2 remains untarnished.
Few shooters, both in the past and present, can match its expertly crafted pacing. From the bone-chilling Cold War atmosphere of the iconic plaza to the zombie-dispatching delight of the Gravity Gun in Ravenholm, Half-Life 2 effortlessly shifts between different thematic genres. Gordon Freeman may never utter a word, but his actions carry more weight than the entire cast of characters from pretty much every Call of Duty game combined.
21. Dusk
Developer(s): New Blood Interactive
FPS Game Available on: PC
Dusk stands out as the cream of the crop among a resurgence of unabashedly old-school shooters in recent years. Many modern games aim to capture the essence of playing classics like Quake or Doom for the first time, but Dusk manages to be the smoothest, the fastest, and the bloodiest of them all.
It’s a nostalgic journey to the 90s with a modern twist, featuring detailed reload animations and creative level design that sets it apart. The maps are diverse, keeping players on their toes: one moment, you’re in a spooky old farm, clearing barns with a shotgun, and the next, you find yourself in a mind-bending science lab where the walls become the floor as you turn your head.
Like the finest old-school shooters, Dusk is just pure, unadulterated fun. The powerful weapons transform enemies into a fine crimson mist, and you zip through levels as if you’re gliding on roller skates, only pausing to line up that perfect shot. All of this is complemented by a relentless metal soundtrack that refuses to let you quit.
22. Battlefield 1
Developer(s): DICE
FPS Game Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC
Battlefield 1 stands out as a World War I shooter that brings a startling level of chaos to the battlefield. It features the beloved game modes we’ve come to enjoy in the Battlefield series, such as Conquest, Rush, and Domination. However, what sets this game apart is the introduction of the intense Operations mode, which elevates the ebb and flow of warfare to new heights.
What makes Battlefield 1 excel as a multiplayer shooter is its impeccable balance. No class, weapon, or tactic unfairly tips the scales in favor of any player. This equilibrium is crucial because World War I weapons, by their very nature, lack precision. They compensate for this with sheer force and close-quarters effectiveness, evening the playing field for everyone online.
The game also boasts remarkable maps that continually evolve as explosives and destroyed vehicles reshape the terrain. Additionally, the single-player experience is quite enjoyable, offering emotional war stories that provide a glimpse into the various fronts of World War I. In summary, Battlefield 1 presents an expansive and engaging gaming experience.
23. Back 4 Blood
Developer(s): Turtle Rock Studios
FPS Game Available on: PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PC
Back 4 Blood, a modern twist on Valve’s classic Left 4 Dead, has been a significant addition to Xbox Game Pass in recent times. When playing alone, it offers the usual zombie-killing excitement, but the real thrill comes from its outstanding co-op mode. This mode brings both camaraderie and chaos in equal measure.
The game’s B-Movie charm and clever card system add a touch of humor and strategy, making each desperate dash to the safe room feel precious – whether you arrive with your spleen intact or not.
24. Valorant
Developer(s): Riot Games
FPS Game Available on: PC
Riot Games aimed to challenge CS:GO’s dominance in competitive first-person shooters. It’s a blend of Valve’s fast-paced shooter and Overwatch’s extravagant heroes. While fundamentally a tactical FPS, where positioning is crucial and a single headshot means death, each class boasts impressive skills and abilities that can sway a round’s outcome.
Some abilities let you soar into the air, while others reveal enemy locations. Ultimate abilities can even harm foes through walls and clear entire areas. It’s a more vibrant game compared to CS:GO, yet its clean visuals underline that substance takes precedence over style.
The game’s brief stint in Early Access demonstrates Riot’s dedication to its design and the balance of its maps and heroes. Both aspects are bound to improve with time.
25. Splitgate
Developer(s): 1047 Games
FPS Game Available on: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PC
Among the current generation’s FPS games, Splitgate stands out as one of the most original and remarkably addictive. This fast-paced and incredibly polished shooter poses the intriguing question: ‘What would it be like if Halo and Portal had a child?’ The answer is quite surprising. The offspring would not only possess lightning-fast reflexes but also behave even better than you’d imagine.
With a powerful arsenal that rivals the best of Master Chief’s weaponry, Splitgate’s intense free-to-play multiplayer battles consistently deliver a satisfying experience. However, what truly sets it apart are the addition of portals, which introduce a layer of strategy and thrilling chaos to an already iconic FPS.
26. Quake
Developer(s): id Software
FPS Game Available on: Xbox Series X, Xbox One/S, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, PC (controller-enabled)
A lesser-known aspect of Quake’s history involves the game’s tumultuous development, which ultimately led to the fragmentation of the id Software team responsible for pioneering the FPS genre. Nevertheless, before their paths diverged, this team made a profound impact by revealing the true potential of this emerging form of game design.
Quake garnered widespread acclaim upon its release, initially seen as an improved version of Doom. However, it has since proven to be much more than that. The game’s outstanding multiplayer modes introduced countless players to the thrill of online gaming, while its eerie single-player campaign provided a tantalizing glimpse into the future of campaign experiences within this genre. While Doom paved the initial path, Quake illuminated a superior direction for its evolution.
27. Serious Sam: The First Encounter
Developer(s): Croteam
FPS Game Available on: PC
While some FPS games incorporate RPG elements, random loot, and vast open worlds to spice up the genre, Serious Sam: The First Encounter takes a different approach. It relies solely on a wide array of weapons and a horde of diverse alien foes, and that’s more than sufficient.
Serious Sam offers a challenging yet fair FPS experience that keeps players glued to the trigger. The game draws its entertainment value from its unique roster of adversaries, its explosive personality, and a head-thumping soundtrack, making it a hit among action enthusiasts. Each level presents a formidable challenge, making every triumph feel well-earned. There are two versions of this game: Serious Sam Classic and Serious Sam HD. While the latter boasts improved graphics and higher system requirements, both versions deliver essentially the same gaming experience.
28. TimeSplitters: Future Perfect
Developer(s): Free Radical Design
FPS Game Available on: PlayStation 2, Xbox Nintendo, GameCube.
The TimeSplitters series is like a hidden treasure, and TimeSplitters: Future Perfect stands out as its ultimate and finest part.
In TimeSplitters: Future Perfect, you get to explore various historical eras in each level. Although time travel rules are sometimes bent in the storyline, the characters are unforgettable and often super funny. But that’s only part of the adventure.
TimeSplitters: Future Perfect also offers extra challenging levels that push your first-person shooter abilities to the limit, sometimes making you feel like tearing your hair out in frustration.
29. F.E.A.R.
Developer(s): InPlay Interactive
FPS Game Available on: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC
Over the past decade or so, first-person horror games have become quite common. However, back in 2005 when F.E.A.R. was released, the concept of merging a first-person shooter with a horror game was pretty innovative. In all honesty, F.E.A.R. still feels rather innovative even today.
F.E.A.R. stands out by putting more emphasis on first-person shooter elements compared to most modern first-person horror games. It delivers a pure action-packed experience that occasionally dips into the supernatural. F.E.A.R. manages to maintain its edge with its groundbreaking enemy A.I. (which remains surprisingly impressive) and well-executed scares, making it one of the most gripping titles on this list.
30. Rainbow Six: Vegas 2
Developer(s): Ubisoft Montreal
FPS Game Available on: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC.
Rainbow Six: Vegas 2 takes a more action-packed approach compared to the earlier games in the Rainbow Six series. However, I believe that in some ways, Vegas 2’s improved accessibility manages to capture the essence of the Tom Clancy experience better than any other Rainbow Six game.
Vegas 2 boasts exceptional level design, stunning visuals, and an intriguing combination of team-based strategies and heart-pounding action, which were the hallmarks of its predecessor. But what makes Vegas 2 stand out as one of the finest sequels is that it excels in every aspect. Additionally, it offers the ultimate version of Terrorist Hunt, one of the most remarkable cooperative modes in the history of first-person shooters.
31. Battlefield: Bad Company 2
Developer(s): DICE
FPS Game Available on: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, iOS, Android, Kindle Fire, PC
A lot of folks have a special place in their hearts for Battlefield: Bad Company 2, considering it the greatest Battlefield game to date. The Bad Company series introduced a groundbreaking feature – the ability to wreck the environment, which was truly remarkable back then. The thrill of demolishing walls to expose hidden foes in buildings elevated the Battlefield series to new heights and set it apart from its rivals.
Every multiplayer map was meticulously crafted, enticing players to come back for one more intense showdown. The entire game exuded a high level of refinement. Even by today’s standards, Battlefield: Bad Company 2 stands as an outstanding title.
32. Halo 2
Developer(s): Bungie
FPS Game Available on: Xbox, PC.
Bungie faced a challenging task when creating Halo 2. They had to follow up on the groundbreaking success of Halo: Combat Evolved, which greatly influenced the first-person shooter genre. This game is now recognized as a crucial launch title, demonstrating the potential for Microsoft’s Xbox to make a significant impact in the gaming industry.
Bungie made a smart decision by not attempting to completely change the formula in Halo 2. Instead, they focused on enhancing its core elements while introducing some fresh ideas. The outcome was a game that excelled in both its single-player campaign and multiplayer modes, making it a standout in the history of first-person shooters.
33. Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege
Developer(s): Ubisoft Montreal
FPS Game Available on: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Google Stadia, PC
Ever since its debut, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege has undergone a remarkable evolution in both its level design and gameplay. It’s important to note that this game isn’t particularly suited for casual players. To truly excel in Rainbow Six Siege, one must invest a considerable amount of time mastering its intricate gadgets and tactics.
Today, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege proudly holds the title of being the finest installment in the Rainbow Six series, a remarkable achievement considering the many acclaimed games that have graced this longstanding franchise.
34. Far Cry 3
Developer(s): Ubisoft Montreal
FPS Game Available on: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Far Cry 3 made its debut back in November 2012, hitting platforms like PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One. It beckoned players into a breathtaking open world, set on a sunny tropical island.
Today, what truly stands out about the game is the unforgettable character, Vaas. He has earned a special place in the hearts of gamers as one of the most cherished villains in the gaming world. Vaas is known for his unpredictable nature, memorable lines, and explosive fits of rage, and a big part of this acclaim goes to the remarkable performance by his voice actor, Michael Mando. Mando’s recent success in portraying Nacho in Better Call Saul has only further solidified his talent in the eyes of the audience.
35. Left 4 Dead 2
Developer(s): Valve South
FPS Game Available on: Xbox 360, PC
Valve created Left 4 Dead 2, and it came out in November 2009 for PC and Xbox 360. Similar to the first game, it quickly became popular because friends could team up to fight zombies together.
What made Left 4 Dead 2 stand out was the variety of zombies. They had different abilities and ways of attacking, making players think fast and come up with smart plans to survive. Learning how to beat them was crucial to staying alive.
36. Borderlands 2
Developer(s): Gearbox Software
FPS Game Available on: PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox 360, Xbox Series X, Xbox One/S, Android, Nintendo Switch, PC
When they first revealed the original Borderlands, it caught everyone’s attention with its vibrant, cartoonish graphics and a world full of charismatic characters.
Borderlands 2 takes place five years later and introduces the memorable villain, Handsome Jack. It builds upon the already impressive foundation of the first game, earning praise from critics, including a remarkable 91 Metascore and the title of Action Game of the Year at the 16th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards.
37. DOOM (1993)
Developer(s): id Software
FPS Game Available on: PC
It’s safe to say that every game mentioned here owes a big thanks to DOOM from 1993. While DOOM by Id Software wasn’t the very first first-person shooter, it’s widely regarded as the genre’s trailblazer. It introduced many groundbreaking ideas like vertical gameplay, realistic lighting, and the Deathmatch mode, which has become a standard feature in FPS games.
Even though DOOM (1993) may not seem cutting-edge by today’s standards, it remains surprisingly fun to play. This shows just how well-crafted its gameplay truly was.
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