Shooters. They enthrall, explode, challenge you to the limit, and then elevate you to victory. From the pixelated shootouts of the 90s to today's cinematic battles, the genre has evolved dramatically while remaining incredibly popular. Let's journey back and celebrate 30 of the greatest shooters that reshaped the world of video games.
Table of Contents
- How We Chose the Best Shooters
- Escape from Tarkov
- Ultrakill
- Rainbow Six Siege
- Fortnite
- Payday 2
- Prey (2017)
- Duke Nukem 3D
- Counter-Strike 2
- DOOM (1993)
- Bulletstorm
- Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus
- Max Payne 3
- Far Cry 3
- F.E.A.R.
- DOOM Eternal
- Borderlands 2
- Titanfall 2
- Left 4 Dead 2
- Overwatch (2016)
- Battlefield 2
- Crysis
- Team Fortress 2
- Unreal Tournament 2004
- Quake III Arena
- Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
- GoldenEye 007 (1997)
- Half-Life
- BioShock
- Perfect Dark (2000)
- Halo: Combat Evolved
How We Chose the Best Shooters
Selecting the 30 best shooters is a monumental task. Our choices were based on several key factors:
- Industry Influence: These games set benchmarks that developers still emulate today.
- Gameplay and Mechanics: The player experience and its uniqueness for its time.
- Popularity and Legacy: Titles that continue to inspire developers.
- Atmosphere: Visuals, style, and the overall feel of the gameplay.
Now, let's explore the games that made the cut.
Escape from Tarkov
Metascore: TBD
Developer: Battlestate Games
Release Date: July 27, 2017
Download: Official page
A hardcore survival shooter at its core, where realism, tactics, and adrenaline collide. Tarkov plunges players into a ravaged city where death lurks at every turn – from enemy fire, lack of supplies, or even poor decisions. The core mechanic of losing all gear upon death creates intense, high-stakes encounters. This isn't mindless action; it's for players who value true survival, brutal firefights, and edge-of-your-seat tension.
Ultrakill
Metascore: TBD
Developer: New Blood Interactive
Release Date: September 3, 2020
Download: Steam
Non-stop action defines Ultrakill. This explosive, frenetic, and intensely hardcore shooter draws inspiration from 90s classics, but with modern mechanics and breakneck speed. Prepare for relentless demon hordes, rivers of blood, and an endless supply of ammunition, demanding constant movement and aggression. A Devil May Cry-esque combo system encourages stylish play, and unique mechanics, like health restoration through melee kills, make every encounter unforgettable. This isn't just a retro shooter; it's pure gaming bliss for speed, style, and chaos enthusiasts.
Rainbow Six Siege
Metascore: 73
Developer: Ubisoft
Release Date: December 1, 2015
Download: Steam
Rainbow Six Siege transforms the tactical shooter into a tense strategic battle where every mistake can be costly. Ubisoft prioritizes strategy, communication, and adaptation over reflexes. Diverse operators, each with unique gadgets and roles, ensure constantly evolving tactics. The game's complexity and emphasis on teamwork create high-skill matches, establishing Rainbow Six Siege as a significant and competitive tactical shooter.
Fortnite
Metascore: 78
Developer: Epic Games
Release Date: July 21, 2017
Download: Fortnite
Fortnite transcends being just a game; it's a cultural phenomenon. Building mechanics, constant updates, and a distinctive visual style have made it one of history's most popular games, remaining relevant years after its release. The battle royale mode introduced a novel blend of action and on-the-fly building, demanding tactical thinking and agility. Constant updates, collaborations, in-game events, and concerts have transformed Fortnite into a gaming platform hosting global digital events.
Payday 2
Metascore: 79
Developer: OVERKILL
Release Date: August 13, 2013
Download: Steam
This heist simulator casts players as a criminal crew planning and executing daring robberies. From small shops to high-stakes bank heists, each mission requires coordination, tactics, and precision. Choose between stealth or all-out chaos; the game offers freedom of choice, making each robbery unpredictable and tense. Simon Viklund's exceptional soundtrack enhances the experience, creating a thrilling ride from street-level robber to legendary mobster.
Prey (2017)
Metascore: 79
Developer: Arkane Studios
Release Date: May 4, 2017
Download: Steam
Prey is an intellectual challenge set within a dark sci-fi atmosphere. Arkane Studios masterfully blends immersive sim elements, creating a game where every door presents a puzzle demanding cleverness and unconventional solutions. The intricately detailed space station is a living entity, brimming with secrets. Prey offers freedom in how you approach threats, rewarding experimentation and unique abilities, transforming you into either the hunter or the hunted.
Duke Nukem 3D
Metascore: 80
Developer: 3D Realms
Release Date: January 29, 1996
Download: Steam
In 1996, Duke Nukem 3D burst onto the scene—loud, brash, and heavily armed. More than just a shooter, it was a symbol of the 90s, infused with pop culture. Duke's brutal, charismatic, and absurdly confident persona delivered sarcastic one-liners alongside rockets. Its interactivity was groundbreaking for its time. Duke Nukem 3D proved shooters could thrill, entertain, shock, and provoke, cementing its place as an iconic action game.
Counter-Strike 2
Metascore: 82
Developer: Valve
Release Date: August 21, 2012
Download: Steam
The official sequel to the legendary esports classic retains the tense gameplay of its predecessor while incorporating modern technology and the Source 2 engine. Counter-Strike 2 remains a tactical FPS where every action counts. Enhanced graphics, advanced physics, and redesigned maps offer a fresh experience while preserving the essence of classic Counter-Strike.
DOOM (1993)
Metascore: 82
Developer: id Software
Release Date: December 10, 1993
Download: Steam
DOOM is a legend, foundational to both the genre and the industry. It established the groundwork for all future FPS titles, introducing the "run-and-gun" formula. DOOM's first-person view, powerful weapons, and bloody demon-slaying set trends for countless games to follow and popularized online multiplayer. Without DOOM, the industry would be unrecognizable.
Bulletstorm
Metascore: 84
Developer: People Can Fly
Release Date: April 7, 2017
Download: Steam
Bulletstorm is an explosive mix of insane action, dark humor, and unconventional combat. It rewards creativity in eliminating enemies, not just accuracy. The "stylish kills" system awards points for spectacular takedowns. A charismatic storyline, memorable characters, and cinematic scenes enhance the experience, making Bulletstorm a unique and underrated FPS.
Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus
Metascore: 87
Developer: MachineGames
Release Date: October 27, 2017
Download: Steam
Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus revitalizes the legendary series with a fresh take on classic shooter mechanics. It's a bloody and emotional tale of resistance, combining the best of old-school shooters. As B.J. Blazkowicz, players fight against Nazi occupation in an alternate America, delivering dynamic and brutal encounters whether through stealth or all-out combat. The excellent storyline adds emotional depth.
Max Payne 3
Metascore: 87
Developer: Rockstar Games
Release Date: May 15, 2012
Download: Steam
Max Payne 3 is a brutal and dark tale of downfall and redemption. A broken and lost Max plunges into the dangerous world of Brazilian mercenaries and political conspiracies. The game evokes John Woo action films, utilizing "bullet time" for precise firefights. Rockstar delivers a cinematic thriller where every frame is a work of art.
Far Cry 3
Metascore: 88
Developer: Ubisoft
Release Date: November 29, 2012
Download: Steam
Far Cry 3 is an odyssey into madness, transforming a tropical paradise into a battle for survival. The open-world sandbox offers hunting, exploration, outpost takedowns, skill progression, and weapon crafting. Choose between stealth or explosive combat; the gripping story, vibrant environment, and intense gameplay set a new standard for open-world shooters.
F.E.A.R.
Metascore: 88
Developer: Monolith Productions
Release Date: October 17, 2005
Download: Steam
F.E.A.R. is a thrilling blend of horror and adrenaline, combining flawless action with terrifying paranormal phenomena. Players investigate mysterious events linked to Alma and supernatural forces. Tense firefights alternate with hallucinations and unsettling visions, keeping players on edge. F.E.A.R. remains a benchmark for blending horror and tactical action.
DOOM Eternal
Metascore: 88
Developer: id Software
Release Date: March 20, 2020
Download: Steam
DOOM Eternal continues the legacy of fast-paced, aggressive shooter gameplay. Movement is essential for survival in this intense and aggressive shooter. Every battle is a chaotic dance where stopping means death. Players don't just fight the hordes of Hell; they become their nightmare.
Borderlands 2
Metascore: 89
Developer: Gearbox Software
Release Date: September 21, 2012
Download: Steam
Borderlands 2 blends shooter and RPG elements with madness, dark humor, and tons of loot. Pandora offers endless action with hordes of enemies, thousands of unique guns, charismatic allies, and a memorable villain. The huge open world, vibrant characters, engaging quests, and customization options make Borderlands 2 a fantastic co-op experience.
Titanfall 2
Metascore: 89
Developer: Respawn Entertainment
Release Date: October 28, 2016
Download: Steam
Titanfall 2 features parkour, fast-paced shootouts, and giant mechs transforming the battlefield into a chaotic yet tactical arena. The single-player campaign is a standout, telling a heartfelt story of friendship between a soldier and their Titan. The diverse levels and original mechanics make Titanfall 2 a celebration of speed, improvisation, and movement.
Left 4 Dead 2
Metascore: 89
Developer: Valve
Release Date: November 17, 2009
Download: Steam
This co-op shooter about surviving a zombie apocalypse showcases Valve's mastery of the genre. Four survivors face countless undead hordes, requiring teamwork, resource management, and adaptation. The procedurally generated levels and AI Director ensure dynamic and intense gameplay, creating a gripping co-op horror experience.
Overwatch (2016)
Metascore: 91
Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
Release Date: May 24, 2016
Overwatch revolutionized team-based online shooters. Blizzard combined FPS and MOBA elements, creating a unique experience where victory depends on coordinated teamwork. The diverse roster of heroes and balanced class system, along with continuous support and esports potential, made Overwatch a cultural phenomenon.
Battlefield 2
Metascore: 91
Developer: DICE
Release Date: June 21, 2005
Battlefield 2 elevated the scale of military shooter battles. Huge maps, intense fights involving infantry, vehicles, and aircraft, and the importance of team coordination created a realistic simulation of modern warfare. Squad-based tactics and class utilization were key to dominating the battlefield.
Crysis
Metascore: 91
Developer: Crytek
Release Date: November 13, 2007
Download: Steam
Crysis was a technological marvel, redefining video game graphics. Its incredible environmental detail, realistic physics, and advanced lighting set a new visual standard. The phrase "But can it run Crysis?" became synonymous with its demanding hardware requirements, highlighting the CryEngine's revolutionary nature.
Team Fortress 2
Metascore: 92
Developer: Valve
Release Date: October 10, 2007
Download: Steam
Team Fortress 2 is a celebration of tactics, chaos, and individuality. Valve's unique cartoon style, frenetic battles, and class system set it apart. Team synergy is crucial, with each class fulfilling a specific function. The introduction of a successful cosmetics system further enhanced the game's appeal and longevity.
Unreal Tournament 2004
Metascore: 93
Developer: Epic Games
Release Date: March 16, 2004
Download: Steam
Unreal Tournament 2004 is the quintessential arena shooter, prioritizing speed, accuracy, and reflexes. New maps, modes, and vehicles added excitement to the classic gameplay. Lightning-fast dashes, acrobatic jumps, and intense mid-air duels create a chaotic and thrilling experience.
Quake III Arena
Metascore: 93
Developer: id Software
Release Date: December 5, 1999
Download: Steam
Quake III Arena is the pure essence of arena shooters. Speed, reflexes, and aim are paramount. There's no plot, just intense battles in fast-paced arenas. The responsive controls and dynamic gameplay make it one of the most competitive and polished shooters ever made.
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
Metascore: 94
Developer: Infinity Ward
Release Date: November 12, 2007
Download: Steam
Modern Warfare revolutionized military shooters by shifting the setting to modern tactical operations. The campaign is a cinematic action experience with thrilling missions and unexpected plot twists. The multiplayer mode, with its fast-paced shootouts and balanced maps, shaped online FPS for a generation.
GoldenEye 007 (1997)
Metascore: 96
Developer: Rare
Release Date: August 23, 1997
GoldenEye 007 proved consoles could excel at FPS. Rare set new standards for controls, level design, and multiplayer on consoles. The exciting James Bond-inspired narrative balanced action and stealth, making missions diverse and memorable.
Half-Life
Metascore: 96
Developer: Valve
Release Date: November 19, 1998
Download: Steam
Half-Life revolutionized storytelling in FPS. Valve introduced Gordon Freeman and seamlessly integrated narrative into gameplay, eliminating traditional cutscenes. The tense atmosphere, dim lighting, and ever-present danger created an unforgettable experience.
BioShock
Metascore: 96
Developer: 2K Games
Release Date: August 21, 2007
Download: Steam
BioShock is a journey into philosophical and moral depths, taking players to the underwater city of Rapture. Every location tells a story, bringing the tragedy of this fallen society to life. The rich atmosphere, innovative gameplay, and complex narrative make BioShock a true work of art.
Perfect Dark (2000)
Metascore: 97
Developer: Rare
Release Date: May 22, 2000
Perfect Dark expanded upon GoldenEye 007's success, setting the story in a futuristic world with espionage, alien conspiracies, and technological intrigue. Agent Joanna Dark's missions vary from stealth to large-scale shootouts. The impressive graphics, visual effects, and cinematic style made it a remarkable N64 title.
Halo: Combat Evolved
Metascore: 97
Developer: Bungie
Release Date: November 15, 2001
Download: Steam
Halo: Combat Evolved redefined console shooters, establishing one of gaming's most iconic universes. Master Chief became a legend, and the conflict with the Covenant captivated gamers. Halo: CE offered a compelling sci-fi story, memorable level design, and innovative mechanics like regenerating shields.
Each game on this list influenced the industry in its unique way, setting standards or pushing boundaries. Without them, the shooter genre would be vastly different.
