First-person shooter games continue to dominate the gaming landscape with their immersive gameplay and adrenaline-pumping action. From military simulations to sci-fi adventures, these games put you directly in the shoes of the protagonist, weapon in hand, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead.
You’ll find countless options across PC, PlayStation, and other platforms, with titles ranging from the tactical depth of military shooters to the fast-paced chaos of arena combat. Whether you prefer single-player campaigns with rich storytelling or competitive multiplayer matches that test your skills against other players, the FPS genre offers something for every type of gamer looking for that perfect combination of strategy and reflexes.
1: Doom Eternal
Doom Eternal stands out as one of the most impressive first-person shooters in recent years. Many players consider it the best FPS they’ve ever played, and for good reason.
The game excels at creating a “flow state” once you master the controls. You’ll find yourself zipping around arenas, switching weapons, and executing glory kills in a ballet of violence that feels incredibly satisfying.
What makes Doom Eternal special is how it forces you to use every tool in your arsenal. You can’t just rely on one weapon – you need to use specific guns for certain demons, manage resources through glory kills, and stay constantly mobile.
The combat puzzle aspect sets it apart from other shooters. Each encounter feels like a test of skill rather than just aiming and shooting. You must think strategically about each fight.
The visual design deserves praise too. Environments range from hellish landscapes to futuristic facilities, all rendered with impressive detail and running smoothly even during intense combat.
For many players, Doom Eternal has ruined other shooters by comparison. Once you experience its perfect blend of speed, strategy and spectacle, other games might feel slow and simplistic.
If you’re looking for a challenging, rewarding FPS experience, Doom Eternal delivers on all fronts. Its exceptional optimization means you’ll get a smooth experience across different PC setups too.
2: Half-Life: Alyx
Half-Life: Alyx stands as one of the most groundbreaking virtual reality games ever created. Released by Valve, this game brings the beloved Half-Life universe into VR with stunning results.
When you play Half-Life: Alyx, you step into the shoes of Alyx Vance, fighting against the alien Combine forces. The game takes place between Half-Life 1 and 2, filling in important story elements for the series.
The gameplay mechanics shine through their intuitive design. You’ll interact with the environment in ways that feel natural, from reloading weapons to solving puzzles with your hands.
Graphics and sound design create an immersive world that pulls you in completely. The detailed environments make City 17 feel alive and dangerous in equal measure.
Combat in Alyx delivers intense firefights that will have you physically ducking behind cover. You’ll need to manage ammunition carefully and aim with precision to survive.
Many critics consider it the best VR shooter available, setting a new standard for what’s possible in virtual reality gaming. It’s frequently called one of the best first-person shooters regardless of platform.
The story captivates from start to finish, with memorable characters and tense moments throughout. The ending particularly stands out as a highlight that may change how you view the entire series.
If you’re looking for the definitive VR shooter experience, Half-Life: Alyx deserves a spot at the top of your list.
3: Battlefield V
Battlefield V continues to stand out as a top-tier FPS experience even in 2025. Many players consider it their favorite FPS game, despite mixed reception at its initial launch.
The game’s World War II setting offers a distinctive historical backdrop that sets it apart from contemporary shooters. You’ll find yourself immersed in hard-fought battles across various theaters of war, with attention to historical detail that enhances the experience.
What makes Battlefield V special is its balance of accessibility and depth. The gunplay feels responsive and rewarding, while vehicle combat adds another layer of strategy to your matches.
The visual and audio design deserves special mention. The environments are stunningly detailed, and the sound design puts you right in the middle of the chaos. When explosions rock the battlefield around you, it creates a sense of immersion few other games can match.
You have access to a complete arsenal of weapons, vehicles, and gadgets that allows for diverse playstyles. Whether you prefer sniping from a distance or leading the charge with your squad, there’s something for everyone.
The game’s emphasis on teamwork stands in contrast to the lone-wolf approach of many competing shooters. When your squad coordinates effectively, the satisfaction of victory feels more meaningful.
Some players even argue that Battlefield V might be the best FPS available to play in 2025, which speaks to its longevity and quality.
4: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare stands as one of the most influential first-person shooters in gaming history. The iconic game delivers what many consider the largest technical leap in Call of Duty history, with its revolutionary graphics and gameplay mechanics.
When you dive into Modern Warfare, you’ll immediately notice the stunning visual fidelity and attention to detail. The game’s realistic environments and character models create an immersive combat experience that feels authentic and engaging.
The campaign tells a compelling story that balances intense action sequences with quieter, more tactical moments. You’ll find yourself navigating through morally complex scenarios that challenge your perception of modern warfare.
Multiplayer remains the crown jewel of the Modern Warfare experience. The gunplay feels responsive and satisfying, with each weapon having distinct handling characteristics that reward mastery and strategic loadout planning.
If you enjoyed Modern Warfare, you might also appreciate Battlefield Bad Company 2 for its strong campaign elements. Many players also recommend checking out Titanfall 2 as another excellent FPS with thrilling campaign gameplay.
The game shines brightest in its cross-play capability, allowing you to team up with friends regardless of platform. This feature, combined with free maps and modes, ensures that the community stays active and engaged long after release.
5: Destiny 2
Destiny 2 stands out as one of the most compelling first-person shooters available today. With its blend of MMO elements and solid gunplay mechanics, it offers an experience that keeps you coming back for more.
The game features three distinct character classes that allow you to experiment with various builds and playstyles. Whether you prefer the arcane powers of the Warlock, the agility of the Hunter, or the brute force of the Titan, you’ll find something that matches your preferred approach.
What makes Destiny 2 special is its infinite replay value. The combination of PvE and PvP game modes ensures you always have something new to try when you tire of your current activities.
You can jump into casual play or tackle competitive challenges depending on your mood. This flexibility makes it easy to fit Destiny 2 into your gaming schedule, whether you have fifteen minutes or several hours to play.
Another advantage is that Destiny 2 is one of the best free first-person shooters available. The base game costs nothing to try, letting you experience a substantial portion of content before deciding if you want to invest in expansions.
The regular content updates keep the game fresh and exciting. New seasonal activities, weapons, and story developments arrive consistently, ensuring you always have new goals to pursue.
6: Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl
Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl delivers one of the most immersive FPS experiences you’ll find in recent gaming. This post-apocalyptic shooter blends first-person shooting with horror and immersive sim elements, creating a unique gameplay experience that stands apart from typical FPS titles.
The game throws you into the Zone, a contaminated area filled with dangers at every turn. You’ll navigate through quiet nightmares and intense gunfights that test your combat skills and survival instincts.
What makes Stalker 2 special is its atmosphere. For the full experience, you should play with headphones in a dark room, allowing yourself to be fully immersed in its meticulously crafted world.
The game offers a non-linear story where your choices matter. You’ll become a central character in an unfolding narrative that responds to your decisions and actions in the Zone.
Combat in Stalker 2 follows an old-school formula that makes you feel vulnerable rather than an unstoppable super-soldier. This creates tense firefights where strategy matters more than reflexes.
Despite its serious tone, the game includes moments of playfulness and surprising beauty. You’ll discover secrets and unexpected moments of wonder amid the danger and desolation.
7: BioShock Infinite
BioShock Infinite stands as one of the most distinctive first-person shooters you’ll ever experience. Released in 2013, this game takes you to the floating city of Columbia, a stark departure from the underwater setting of previous BioShock titles.
The combat system in BioShock Infinite offers a refreshing take on the FPS genre. Many players believe it has one of the best shooter combat systems compared to other games. You’ll find yourself using a combination of conventional weapons and special powers called Vigors.
What makes this game truly special is how it balances shooting mechanics with an incredible narrative. The story follows Booker DeWitt and Elizabeth through a world filled with political, religious, and scientific themes that will challenge your perception.
Columbia itself becomes a character in your journey. The floating city presents breathtaking vistas as you travel using the Sky-Line rail system, adding vertical movement that few other FPS games offer.
While some debate whether BioShock belongs among the best FPS series ever, Infinite was widely praised as one of the best releases of its year. The game isn’t focused on twitchy reflexes like many shooters.
Instead, you’ll find it’s an okay shooter that turns the genre on its head with its unique approach to combat and movement. This different pace allows you to fully absorb the game’s rich storytelling and intricate world.
8: ULTRAKILL
ULTRAKILL stands as a shining example of what happens when classic shooter mechanics meet modern game design. This fast-paced ultraviolent old school FPS blends elements from Quake and Doom (2016) with character action games.
You’ll find yourself in a world where humanity has vanished from Earth. As a machine that feeds on blood, you descend into the depths of Hell to find your next meal. The gameplay pushes you to be constantly moving and thinking on your feet.
The combat system rewards skill and creativity. You can parry projectiles, slide under enemy attacks, and use the environment to your advantage. The game gives you a variety of weapons that all serve different purposes in combat.
What makes ULTRAKILL special is its movement system. You can dash, slide, wall jump, and even use the force of your weapons to propel yourself around arenas. This freedom of movement creates endless combat possibilities.
The game currently holds an impressive 97% positive rating on Steam, making it one of the most beloved indie shooters in recent years. Players praise its tight controls and challenging gameplay.
Level design in ULTRAKILL deserves special mention. Each stage presents unique challenges and encourages you to master the game’s mechanics. Secret areas reward exploration and offer additional challenges for skilled players.
The difficulty curve is perfect for both newcomers and FPS veterans. You can enjoy the game at your own pace while still feeling the thrill of becoming more skilled over time.
9: Rainbow Six Siege
Rainbow Six Siege stands out as a tactical shooter that rewards strategy over run-and-gun gameplay. Released by Ubisoft in 2015, it has evolved significantly through consistent updates and expansions.
The game offers a unique destruction system that lets you breach walls, floors, and ceilings. This dynamic environment forces you to think carefully about positioning and approach.
The operator system gives you access to specialized characters with unique gadgets and abilities. This creates interesting team compositions and counterplay opportunities that keep matches fresh.
Gunplay in Siege is tight, precise, and incredibly accurate, making every shot count. The low time-to-kill means positioning and reaction time are crucial skills.
Many players consider it one of the best FPS games ever made due to its depth and competitive nature. The learning curve is steep but rewarding.
Siege’s focus on teamwork makes it stand apart from other shooters. Communication and coordination with your teammates often determine the outcome more than individual skill.
The game features a robust ranked system that keeps the competitive experience engaging. You’ll constantly face new challenges as you climb the ladder.
Despite a rocky launch, Siege became a premier FPS title through developer commitment and community support. Its esports scene continues to thrive today.
10: Far Cry 6
Far Cry 6 continues the series’ tradition of placing you in a massive open world filled with enemies to defeat and outposts to capture. Set on the fictional Caribbean island of Yara, you’ll fight against dictator Antón Castillo and his regime.
The gameplay offers the familiar messy fun that Far Cry fans have come to expect. You can approach situations with stealth or go in guns blazing, giving you freedom to play how you want.
What makes Far Cry 6 stand out is how it feels like Just Cause as a first-person shooter. The game features over-the-top action sequences and creative weaponry that make combat exciting and unpredictable.
The game has been praised for how it sands down the franchise’s rough edges, creating a more polished FPS experience. The narrative also takes a more mature approach than previous entries.
You might find the game somewhat overwhelming at times. There are numerous map markers and side activities that can distract from the main story. However, this is also what makes the game engaging for many players.
Far Cry 6 remains one of the best FPS games to play in 2025, especially if you enjoy open-world exploration mixed with action-packed gunplay. The combination of guerrilla warfare tactics and varied environments keeps the gameplay fresh throughout your adventure.
Evolution of First-Person Shooter Games
First-person shooter games have dramatically evolved since their inception, transforming from simple corridor shooters to complex virtual experiences. These changes reflect both technological innovation and creative game design principles.
Pioneering Titles
The FPS genre began its journey with Wolfenstein 3D in 1992, which established the basic template for first-person perspective shooting. This was quickly followed by Doom (1993), which revolutionized gaming with its improved graphics and multiplayer capabilities.
The mid-90s saw Quake introduce true 3D environments and mouse-look controls. These early titles laid the groundwork for what would become a dominant gaming genre.
GoldenEye 007 on Nintendo 64 proved FPS games could work well on consoles, not just PCs. Its four-player split-screen mode created countless hours of competitive fun.
Half-Life 2 redefined storytelling in FPS games, while Halo: Combat Evolved perfected the console FPS experience with its innovative control scheme and engaging narrative.
Technological Advancements
Graphics capabilities have transformed dramatically from pixelated corridors to photorealistic environments. Modern engines render detailed textures, realistic lighting, and physics simulations that were unimaginable in early titles.
Control schemes evolved from keyboard-only systems to the now-standard mouse and keyboard or dual-analog stick setups. These advancements made aiming and movement more intuitive and precise.
The evolution of multiplayer has been equally significant. Early LAN parties gave way to online matchmaking, battle royale modes, and persistent progression systems.
AI enemies have grown from simple pattern-following opponents to sophisticated foes that flank you, take cover, and coordinate attacks. Physics engines now allow for destructible environments and realistic object interactions.
Modern FPS games incorporate RPG elements like skill trees, customizable loadouts, and character progression to keep you engaged longer.
Impact on Gaming Culture
First-person shooters have revolutionized how we play and experience video games. They’ve shaped modern gaming competitions and created new storytelling approaches that engage players in unique ways.
Esports and Competitive Play
First-person shooters have become pillars of the esports industry. Games like Call of Duty and Halo have transformed from casual entertainment to competitive professional sports. These titles draw millions of viewers to tournaments with prize pools worth millions of dollars.
The fast-paced nature of FPS games makes them ideal for competitive play. Research has shown that these games can actually improve your decision-making abilities, helping you think and react faster under pressure.
Top FPS esports organizations now employ coaches, analysts, and sports psychologists. Professional players train for 8-10 hours daily, perfecting strategies and reflexes. For many young gamers, watching FPS competitions has replaced traditional sports viewing entirely.
Storytelling in FPS Games
FPS games have evolved beyond simple shooting mechanics to deliver complex narratives. Titles like BioShock and Half-Life introduced players to immersive worlds where you experience the story through your character’s eyes.
This first-person perspective creates a unique connection between you and the game world. You’re not just controlling a character—you are the character. This immediacy changes how stories can be told in gaming.
Modern FPS games use environmental storytelling techniques that let you piece together narratives as you explore. Audio logs, notes, and detailed environments tell stories without interrupting gameplay.
The subjective experience of being in a virtual world has influenced how developers approach game design across all genres. Your choices often impact the narrative, creating branching storylines that add replay value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gamers often seek specific recommendations for first-person shooters across various platforms and skill levels. These questions address everything from competitive mobile options to beginner-friendly titles.
What are the top-rated first-person shooter games for PC currently?
On PC, Doom Eternal stands as one of the highest-rated FPS games with its lightning-fast gameplay and brutal combat mechanics. The game delivers an unparalleled demon-slaying experience with stunning visuals.
Half-Life: Alyx has revolutionized VR shooters with its incredible physics interactions and compelling storytelling. Even without VR titles, games like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare continue to dominate PC gaming with robust multiplayer modes.
Destiny 2 remains popular for its mixture of co-op experiences and competitive play. Its free-to-play model has helped maintain a steady player base years after release.
Which first-person shooter games on PS4 have the best multiplayer experience?
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare offers one of the best multiplayer experiences on PS4 with its fluid gunplay and variety of game modes. The Warzone battle royale mode provides endless hours of strategic team-based combat.
Battlefield V delivers large-scale warfare with vehicle combat and destructible environments that few other shooters can match. The game’s squad-based mechanics reward teamwork and coordination.
Destiny 2 continues to thrive on PS4 with both PvP and PvE multiplayer options. Its regular content updates keep the gameplay fresh and engaging for long-term players.
What mobile first-person shooter games are most recommended for competitive play?
PUBG Mobile offers a highly competitive battle royale experience with robust tournament support and ranking systems. The game’s controls have been thoughtfully adapted for touchscreens.
Call of Duty Mobile combines familiar maps and weapons with mobile-friendly controls. The game features multiple competitive modes including traditional team deathmatch and battle royale.
Critical Ops provides a Counter-Strike-like experience focused purely on competitive play. Its emphasis on skill and precision makes it popular among serious mobile FPS players.
Can you list the first-person shooter games with the highest critical acclaim on Xbox?
Doom Eternal received exceptional reviews for its frenetic combat and challenging gameplay on Xbox platforms. Critics praised its balance of classic FPS mechanics with modern innovations.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare earned high marks for its realistic visuals and tightly designed multiplayer maps. The campaign also received praise for its mature storytelling approach.
Titanfall 2, though older, maintains its reputation for having one of the best FPS campaigns ever created. The movement mechanics and titan combat still feel fresh years after release.
Which first-person shooter games are considered best for newcomers to the genre?
Portal 2 offers a gentle introduction to first-person controls with its puzzle-focused gameplay rather than intense combat. You can focus on learning movement and aiming without pressure.
Borderlands 2 provides a forgiving experience with its RPG elements and colorful style. The game’s co-op features let experienced friends help newcomers learn the basics.
Left 4 Dead games offer straightforward objectives and teamwork that help ease new players into the genre. The cooperative nature reduces the frustration common to competitive multiplayer.
What are the latest first-person shooter game releases for the PS5 that are gaining popularity?
Deathloop combines first-person shooting with unique time-loop mechanics that set it apart from traditional FPS games. The PS5 version takes advantage of the DualSense controller’s haptic feedback.
Far Cry 6 delivers a massive open world with satisfying gunplay and vehicle combat. The game’s tropical setting provides a visually stunning showcase for PS5’s graphical capabilities.
Returnal blends roguelike elements with third-person shooting sections, though its first-person moments and challenging gameplay have made it a standout title for hardcore PS5 players.
