The growth of the gaming fraternity has skyrocketed in the last few years. And there have been a lot of factors in the play to make the same possible. From FPS games to RPGs with high-end graphics, game development studios have tried their best to provide gamers with everything captivating and elite.
Talking about the game genres, there are many; however, FPS games have always ruled the market. This genre has some of the most popular games of all time, including PUBG, CoD Modern Warfare, and a lot more to name.
In simple terms, FPS or first-person shooter games are a niche genre of action-induced shooter games that are based on elements like weapons and combat from a first-person perspective.
These games can be mastered with timing and game sense and are even loved by beginners due to their simple game mechanics. Another major pointer here is that these games tend to teach you skills like teamwork and instant reaction to situations whenever an enemy is encountered.
However, finding the best FPS games could be a task as there are already countless titles, out of which few are really worth a try. In order to make it easy for you, we have created a list of the best FPS titles that you can go for with your eyes cold to get the most out of your gaming sessions. But before that, we will have a skimmed look over the reasons behind this genre’s popularity.
Why are FPS games so popular?
Below, you’ll find the major reasons why FPS games continue to rule the gaming market:
➡️ Evergreen Gameplay
This can be dubbed one of the most important points related to FPS games. These games go through constant development, but still, the developers never remove the traditional elements from these games. For example, one of the latest entrants in the genre, Valorant, has introduced classic FPS games with different characters having abilities that can be used to tackle enemies.
➡️ Easy for Beginners
Another major reason is that these games are not that hard to have a grip on. A beginner can also easily get the game mechanics and go guns blazing in the Arena. Most of these games match up beginners with beginners for fair play. You just need to master WASD (on the keyboard) for direction and the right and left click on the mouse (for shooting and aiming).
➡️ Unmatched Weaponry
Most of these games have a long list of guns and weapons that can be used in the middle of the game to boost the gameplay/. While on the one hand, you get to try sniper rifles, assault rifles, etc. On the other hand, most of these games also offer you other weapons like grenades, choppers, and more for an action-packed experience.
Now, we’ll dive into the list of the best FPS games you can play today!
Counter-Strike 2
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) was already a global phenomenon, and there was talk of Valve secretly working on a sequel to one of the greatest FPS games of all time. However, Valve released Counter-Strike 2 as a pretty big surprise to the gaming community.
While the core gameplay remains the same, CS2 features a fresh new coat of paint that brings the graphics to the modern era. Moreover, there are plenty of ease-of-life improvements made over the course of the gameplay. All of these improve an already stellar formula that has defined and influenced generations of FPS games.
So, if you’ve been a CS:GO veteran all these years, you need to join the bandwagon with Counter-Strike 2, if you haven’t already. And, if you’re a newbie, now’s the perfect time to jump into one of the best FPS games of all time!
Developers: Valve
Publishers: Valve
Release Date: September 27, 2023
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
Apex Legends
Dive into the world of the most amazing characters with Apex Legends. This first-person shooter provides the characters with one-of-a-kind abilities that can be used in battles against their foes.
To keep the gamers hooked, the game also allows them to team up with their friends and own the battlefield. What intrigues us the most is the weaponry of the game, which includes super-lethal equipment and guns. The game mechanics are pretty easy to understand, and you also get to experience new maps, use new weapons, and play with different operators with every update.
Though most of the in-game accessories and content is free, you will have to pay for some elite-level weapons and operators. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better PC battle royale game these days!
Developer: Respawn Entertainment
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Release Date: November 5, 2020
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
Titanfall 2
Titanfall 2 is a sequel to Titanfall, which topped the charts in its era. The sequel is much more developed than its predecessor and offers a single-player campaign that revolves around the tuning between Pilot and Titan.
The game includes new maps, modes to die for, and expanded customization. In the single-player campaign mode, you will play as a Militia rifleman stuck behind the enemy lines.
You will further team up with a veteran Vanguard-class Titan and go on a mission (that you never even thought of indulging in). One thing which we loved the most about the game was its graphics and the weaponry. If you have decent game sense and are familiar with FPS game mechanics, then you are definitely going to prove your mantle in Titanfall 2.
Developer: Respawn Entertainment
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Release Date: October 28, 2016
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
Doom Eternal
Whenever there is a game from Bethesda Studios, we already know it’s a legendary one. And same is the case with DOOM Eternal. In the game, the army of Hell has invaded Earth, and you are supposed to eradicate invaders and put a stop to any kind of damage that humanity is going to face.
The best part about this one is that your character enters the battlefield heavily armed with weapons like a shoulder-mounted flamethrower, the latest guns, abilities, retractable wrist-mounted blade, and a lot more. Not only this, but you also get rewarded for killing the enemies with elements like ammo, health, and armor.
In the battle mode of the game, which works on the 2v1 principle, you are supposed to take on the role of a DOOM slayer and get into a nail-biting encounter against two player-operated demons. If you are someone that loves slaying dark mythical creatures and has a thing for gore and violent content, then DOOM Eternal is specially crafted for you.
Developer: id Software
Publisher: Bethesda
Release Date: March 20, 2020
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege
From the critics’ point of view, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege has been dubbed one of the best first-person shooter games ever created. It keeps the gamers hooked with realistic elements and mind-bending gameplay.
The game comprises 5v5 attack, defense gameplay, and close-quarter combats in fast-paced environments. In the defense gameplay, you have to synchronize with your team and find strongholds in your environment to take on the enemies. The game lets you create defensive systems so that you can stay safe from the enemy breach. All in all, the game requires a lot of skills to play.
You have to combine aspects like observation drones, tactical maps, attacking strategy, and others to register a victory against your opponents. You also get to choose from the deadliest operators and weapons to enhance your gameplay. That’s not all; the game keeps evolving with time which means you’ll have a lot to learn every time you play the game in order to stay on the top of the leaderboard.If you’re someone who loves eSports, then this is one of the best eSports games available today!
Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
Publisher: Ubisoft
Release Date: December 1, 2015
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
Destiny 2
Destiny 2 is a first-person shooter that looks deep into the mysteries of the solar system. You will get a chance to unlock powerful elemental abilities and even collect unique gear for customization of your Guardian’s appearance.
The game has a cinematic story to offer paired with co-op missions that are bound to give you an adrenaline rush. As for the story, you have to don the role of a Guardian who is the defender of the last human city in a solar system that is at risk due to villains.
You get to choose from three guardian classes – mystic Warlock, swift Hunter, and Titan. You can go for new gear options every time to test your compatibility with the weaponry. Additionally, you can head on to perform unlimited hours or raid progression and write your own story.
Developer: Bungie
Publisher: Bungie
Release Date: October 1, 2019
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
Valorant
Just when we thought that a new horse in the arena of FPS games would be unable to gain decent popularity, Valorant dropped. And trust us, this one is something that you have never witnessed before.
In Valorant, you will take part in battles where you have to fight with your team against another in a 5v5 setup. The game mechanics of Valorant make it stand out from the crowd. It is all about your expertise in guns and top-notch tactical abilities.
The game keeps you intrigued with the fantastic abilities of the operators that can be used in a match to gain an advantage. In addition, the guns in the game are deadly and can cause severe damage. However, it is a super fast-paced one, so make sure that you are comfortable with getting shots at your enemies instantly (or you will get shot in a blink of an eye).
Developer: Riot Games
Publisher: Riot Games
Release Date: June 2, 2020
➡️ Check it out on Epic Games Store.
Call of Duty: Warzone
Call of Duty is one of the most successful FPS game franchises, and the Warzone edition of the game is another badge to its shoulder. The game has a free-to-play combat Arena which consists of the brand-new map Al Mazrah.
You can join the game with your friends and go on missions where your gaming skills will be tested. It also has elements like supply boxes and an arsenal to maintain the thrill. The latest DMZ mode of fame allows the players to choose their experience within the warzone, along with grabbing gears to add to their inventory.
Developers: Infinity Ward, Raven Software, High Moon Studios, Activision Shanghai, Toys for Bob, Demonware, Treyarch, Sledgehammer Games, and Beenox
Publisher: Activision
Release Date: November 16, 2022
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
Battlefield 1
When you’re talking about FPS games, the Battlefield series has to be taken into consideration. Although the recent entries of the series haven’t done well, Battlefield 1 continues to be a solid shooter experience, both in terms of story and gameplay.
The game was released in 2016, and edged out Call of Duty: World War II in terms of both accolades and sales. As is with most Battlefield games, the graphics are absolutely gorgeous, creating stunning and accurate depictions of the horrors of World War 1.
There’s a solid multiplayer component as well, with up to 64 players in a single map for the ultimate level of mayhem. Apart from this, the environment is fully destructible, leading to an overall immersive experience that’s difficult to put down.
We wouldn’t recommend Battlefield 2042 just yet. However, Battlefield 1 is worth all your money and time. Without a doubt, it’s one of the best Battlefield games of all time!
Developers: DICE
Publishers: Electronic Arts
Release Date: October 20, 2016
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
Far Cry 6
The Far Cry series, although a classic, has been known to recycle some old formulas quite often. From the cult classic Far Cry 2, to the revolutionary Far Cry 3, and to the new installments like Far Cry 6, Ubisoft has added a fresh coat of paint to each new game.
However, with Far Cry 6, the action is more intense, and the world is bigger than ever before. Moreover, you’ll find the talents of Giancarlo Esposito (of Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul fame) being fully utilized to a satisfactory conclusion. You’ll play the role of Dani Rojas, a Yaran who intends to free the island of Castillo’s control.
The gunplay remains as solid as can be in a Far Cry game, and the developers have added some extra elements to spice up the gameplay. If you’re looking for an exceptional story, Far Cry 6 won’t provide you with it. However, it will provide hours of fun and stellar gameplay that will give you a run for your money!
Developers: Ubisoft Toronto
Publishers: Ubisoft
Release Date: May 11, 2023
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
Left 4 Dead 2
FPS shooters based on zombies are one of the most loved games by gamers all around the world. Left 4 Dead 2 takes you to the times of a zombie apocalypse where you are supposed to play as one of the four survivors.
You will be heavily armed to take on the zombies and can also upgrade your guns to kill at a faster rate. To make it a bit more unique, the game developers have also added weapons like axes, chainsaws, and a frying pan (laugh as much as you want, but the pan is seriously deadly when used correctly).
The game has a decent story that will keep you hooked to your couch or gaming chair once you start playing this one. Not to forget, Left 4 Dead 2 keeps the sense of competition alive with the awards system, rankings, and stats.
Developer: Valve
Publisher: Valve
Release Date: November 17, 2009
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
HALO: The Masterchief Collection
This Halo collection includes six Halo Games – Halo: Reach, Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Halo 2: Anniversary, Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST Campaign, and Halo 4. The collection gets a total number of 67 campaign missions from all the six mentioned titles. Each of the games brings its maps, game types, and modes.
It takes your Halo experience to a whole new level with 120 multiplayer maps and multiple ways to play with the Halo community. The story doesn’t end here; you can also build and customize new maps with new-age functionality, new objects, and an increased budget, of course.
Developer: 343 Industries, Ruffian Games, Saber Interactive, Bungie, and Splash Damage
Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
Release Date: December 3, 2019
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
Superhot
Superhot boasts an entirely different approach toward FPS games. What makes it different from other FPS games is that it has no regenerating health bars, no ammo drops, and nothing like your classical FPS.
It is you versus all in an outnumbered and outgunned setup. You have to snatch weapons from the dead foes and shoot other enemies to survive. The slow-motion bullets and the cinematic touch of the game offer an unmatchable experience.
The game has multiple modes to start with, like Challenge mode and Endless mode. The reply editor feature of the game allows you to record and edit your best runs and share the same with the Superhot community. For those who are looking for something new, Superhot is the answer to all your prayers indubitably.
Developer: Superhot Team
Publisher: Superhot Team
Release Date: February 25, 2016
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
Overwatch 2
Overwatch 2 is an FPS game set in the future. The gameplay is a perfect blend of Valorant and Apex Legends. You can get your hands on more than 30 different Heroes in the game, taking part in 5v5 combats with over 25 global maps to explore. The game has both cinematic and comic-like structures to take you on a visual paradise.
You will be supposed to choose your role in the game, including Tank, Support, or Damage role. What’s more, is that all the characters have different abilities to surprise the opponents when used at the right time and create dominance in the matches. To add more spark, the developers have also integrated story missions into the game to captivate the gamers.
Developer: Blizzard Entertainment Inc.
Publisher: Blizzard Entertainment Inc.
Release Date: August 11, 2023
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
Half-Life 2
Half-Life 2 is an FPS game that has pretty different game mechanics. The presence of the player in the game influences everything in their close proximity – physical environments, the emotions of friends (NPCs), and even the enemies in the game.
The character you play in the game is research scientist Gordon Freeman who is trapped on an alien-infested Earth that is losing its population along with dying resources. You have to wage war against the aliens and make sure not to disappoint the people who trust you. The game uses real-time physics applications, highly detailed human characters, and a lot more.
Developer: Valve
Publisher: Valve
Release Date: November 16, 2004
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
Team Fortress 2
In Team Fortress 2, you have to fight it out against your enemies in a constantly evolving world. The game gets free updates every now and then that add new equipment, maps, hats, and modes. It has nine different classes in the game with a wide range of tactical abilities.
In order to polish your skills and get perfect and shoot the enemies dead in a single go, you can visit the practice mode of the game anytime. A unique factor regarding the game is that it also lets the gamers develop their characters with the help of weapons available in the game. You can make changes to the abilities of your favorite character by altering their weaponry and equipment.
Developer: Valve
Publisher: Valve
Release Date: October 10, 2007
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
Borderlands 2
You have to play as one of the four new vault hunters in Borderlands 2, who are in a battle against distinct creatures, and Handsome Jack. The game gives you a chance to make new friends and enter 4-player missions based on vengeance and redemption.
With the latest update, the game has got four new classes – Assassin, Gunzerker, Siren, and Commando. The new gun system of the game can lure any gamer to give it a try, along with the procedurally generated shields, Relics, class mods, grenades, etc. You will also get to explore new areas in Pandora. The game’s mix of humor and perfected shooting mechanics make it a unique one, to say the least!
Developer: Gearbox Software
Publisher: 2K
Release Date: September 21, 2012
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
Wrapping Up
You can try any of the mentioned games to experience first-person shooters and hone your shooting skills (just for the games). From the unique characteristics of characters in Valorant to a plain and simple FPS like Superhot, you get everything here.
Keeping the ever-growing popularity of first-person shooters in mind, we can say more games will be a part of the list in the near future.
Nonetheless, if you’re already a fan of Valorant and are looking for a similar FPS gameplay experience, check out our list of the best games like Valorant!
