Single player shooter games offer a perfect escape into thrilling worlds where you can experience action-packed adventures without needing to connect with other players. These games come in various styles, from realistic war simulations to science fiction epics with alien enemies. Each game brings its own unique story and gameplay mechanics to keep you entertained for hours.
Finding the right single player FPS can give you an immersive experience with compelling storylines, challenging combat, and memorable characters that stick with you long after you’ve completed the game. Some titles have become classics in the gaming world, praised for their innovative approaches to the genre. Whether you’re looking for something with stunning visuals, strategic depth, or just pure adrenaline-fueled action, there’s a single player shooter that will match your preferences.
Best Single Player Shooters in 2025
While multiplayer dominates much of the FPS market, 2025 has been a fantastic year for solo campaigns — with cinematic storytelling, immersive worlds, and refined gunplay. If you’re looking for shooters you can enjoy at your own pace, here are the top picks.
1. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl
- Platform: PC, Xbox Series X|S
- Why It’s Great: A haunting mix of survival horror and open-world exploration in a post-apocalyptic Ukraine. The AI-driven world reacts to your actions, making every playthrough unique.
- Best For: Players who want atmosphere, tension, and freedom of choice.
2. DOOM: The Dark Ages
- Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
- Why It’s Great: A brutal prequel to DOOM (2016) and Eternal, set in a medieval-inspired demon war. Keeps the franchise’s high-speed combat but adds melee-focused weaponry alongside guns.
- Best For: Fans of relentless, fast-paced action with a metal soundtrack.
3. Atomic Heart: Trapped in Limbo (Expansion)
- Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
- Why It’s Great: Expands on the surreal Soviet sci-fi world with new weapons, enemies, and psychedelic level design.
- Best For: Players who love bizarre worlds and creative combat.
4. Black Myth: Wukong (Shooter-Action Hybrid)
- Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
- Why It’s Great: While primarily an action RPG, it blends ranged magic and projectile combat with cinematic storytelling.
- Best For: Gamers who want a mix of melee and ranged combat in a mythical setting.
5. RoboCop: Rogue City – Director’s Cut
- Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
- Why It’s Great: Faithfully captures the feel of the RoboCop films with slow, heavy gunplay and moral decision-making. The Director’s Cut adds new missions and improved AI.
- Best For: Fans of 80s action movies and methodical shooting.
6. Metro Exodus: Enhanced Redux
- Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
- Why It’s Great: A visually overhauled version of the acclaimed post-apocalyptic shooter, with ray tracing, expanded survival mechanics, and new side missions.
- Best For: Story-driven shooter fans who enjoy exploration and resource management.
7. Starfield: Crimson Skies Expansion
- Platform: PC, Xbox Series X|S
- Why It’s Great: While Starfield is an RPG, this expansion adds FPS-focused space piracy missions with intense zero-gravity gunfights.
- Best For: Players who want a mix of sci-fi exploration and shooter combat.
Tips for Choosing a Single Player Shooter in 2025
- Check your mood: Want adrenaline? Go DOOM. Want atmosphere? Go S.T.A.L.K.E.R.
- Look at replay value: Games like S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 and Metro offer branching paths and multiple endings.
- Consider your platform: Some titles remain Xbox/PC exclusives, so check availability before buying.
1: Doom Eternal
Doom Eternal stands as a masterpiece in the first-person shooter genre. The game delivers an incredibly fast-paced combat experience that keeps you on your toes from start to finish.
When you play Doom Eternal, you’ll notice it hits 60 fps on almost every platform except Switch. This performance combines with high visual quality to create a smooth and visually stunning experience.
The combat system in Doom Eternal is both complex and rewarding. You’ll need to master weapon switching, resource management, and movement to survive. This learning curve might seem steep at first, but the payoff is worth it.
Many players find that Doom Eternal has ruined other shooters for them. The game’s intensity and depth make other FPS games feel slow and simple by comparison.
The “combat puzzle” approach forces you to use different weapons for different enemies. You can’t just rely on your favorite gun throughout the game. Instead, you must adapt and use the right tool for each situation.
Movement is just as important as shooting in Doom Eternal. You’ll need to constantly dash, double jump, and swing to avoid enemies and find advantageous positions.
Some critics consider Doom Eternal one of the best first-person shooter campaigns in years. The game’s unique blend of strategy, skill, and raw action creates an experience that few other shooters can match.
2: Titanfall 2
Titanfall 2 stands as arguably the best FPS singleplayer campaign ever. Despite being overlooked by many gamers at release, this gem delivers an experience that rivals gaming’s greatest shooters.
You’ll immediately notice the exceptional movement system that makes traversal feel smooth and exciting. Wall-running, sliding, and double-jumping create a fluid experience unlike anything else in the FPS genre.
The bond between pilot Jack Cooper and his Titan BT-7274 forms the emotional core of the story. Their relationship evolves naturally throughout the campaign, giving you genuine reasons to care about both characters.
What truly sets Titanfall 2 apart is its level design. Each mission introduces fresh mechanics that never overstay their welcome. The famous “Effect and Cause” level with its time-shifting mechanics remains one of gaming’s most innovative moments.
Many critics consider it the smartest FPS of the last decade, comparing its quality to Half-Life 2. The campaign perfectly balances fast-paced pilot gameplay with powerful Titan combat sequences.
You’ll find the perfect blend of combat challenge and narrative engagement throughout the roughly 6-hour campaign. Every encounter feels purposeful rather than simply padding gameplay time.
The visual design remains impressive years after release, with memorable environments ranging from assembly factories to time-warped research facilities.
3: Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl
Stalker 2 has emerged as one of the best FPS experiences of 2024, offering you a challenging yet rewarding journey through its haunting world. The game follows an “old-school” formula that treats players as expendable, creating tense combat scenarios that will keep you on edge.
When you venture into the Zone, you’ll encounter a mix of quiet nightmares and intense gunfights. The atmosphere is excellent, drawing you into a world that feels alive and dangerous at every turn.
Despite some technical issues that need addressing, the core gameplay mechanics are solid. You’ll appreciate the refreshingly brutal single-player experience that stands out in today’s gaming landscape.
The story is compelling, with many players praising its depth. As you progress, you’ll discover secrets and surprising moments of beauty amid the harsh environment.
The game has maintained its popularity, even returning to the top 10 most played games list. This speaks to its addictive quality and replay value.
With ongoing developer support and an active modding community, you can expect Stalker 2 to improve over time. Many players believe it has almost single-handedly saved 2024 from being a disappointing year for gaming.
4: System Shock (2023)
System Shock (2023) stands as an impressive remake of the groundbreaking 1994 original game. This modern version honors its roots while introducing HD visuals and updated gameplay that both newcomers and veterans can appreciate.
When you play System Shock, you’ll enter a uniquely stylized world with one-of-a-kind visuals. The game’s distinct aesthetic combines retro-futuristic elements with modern graphical capabilities, creating an atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
The performance is surprisingly good for a new PC title. Some gamers report it running at 30 FPS even on GPU-bottlenecked systems, making it accessible across various hardware configurations.
System Shock has earned its place among the best single-player FPS games on PC. The gameplay changes from the original work well, enhancing rather than detracting from the experience.
You might find the difficulty somewhat challenging at times. Reviews mention spikey difficulty and some controller issues as minor drawbacks, but these don’t significantly diminish the overall experience.
The story remains compelling and immersive. You’ll find yourself engaged in the narrative as you navigate through the space station and confront the rogue AI SHODAN.
If you enjoy atmospheric first-person shooters with deep storytelling, System Shock (2023) deserves your attention. It successfully captures what made the original special while making it accessible to today’s gaming audience.
5: Metro Exodus
Metro Exodus stands out as one of the most immersive shooters available today. This atmospheric first-person experience combines tense combat with compelling storytelling that pulls you deep into its post-apocalyptic Russian setting.
Unlike previous Metro games, Exodus takes you beyond the tunnels into semi-open world environments. You’ll explore a series of large maps with multiple objectives that can be tackled in different ways. This design gives you freedom while maintaining the series’ signature tension.
The game’s attention to detail creates an unmatched sense of place. Your weapons get dirty and require maintenance. Your gas mask fogs up and cracks. These small touches make the world feel tangible and dangerous.
Metro Exodus offers exceptional quality for fans of story-driven FPS games. The narrative follows Artyom and his companions as they journey across Russia by train, encountering different societies surviving in the wasteland.
Combat feels weighty and consequential. Resources are scarce, making each encounter a tactical decision rather than a mindless firefight. You’ll need to scavenge for supplies and craft items to survive.
The visual and audio design deserves special mention. From stunning sunsets to the howling wind, the game creates moments of both beauty and dread. This sensory experience makes Metro Exodus particularly immersive compared to other shooters.
Many critics and gamers consider it among the best single-player FPS experiences of recent years, especially for players who value atmosphere and storytelling alongside solid gunplay.
6: Wolfenstein: Youngblood
Wolfenstein: Youngblood offers a unique twist on the classic Wolfenstein formula. Unlike previous games in the series that focused solely on single-player experiences, Youngblood introduces co-op gameplay for the first time.
You can play as one of BJ Blazkowicz’s twin daughters, Jess or Soph, as they search for their father in Nazi-occupied Paris. Don’t worry if you prefer playing alone – the game is quite satisfying and doable in single-player mode.
The game shines brightest when you team up with a friend. When coordination happens between players, Youngblood becomes one of the best shooters of the year. The co-op mechanics add a fresh dimension to the Nazi-slaying action.
Youngblood features more outdoor environments compared to some earlier titles in the series. You’ll navigate through the streets of Paris while taking down Nazi forces with an arsenal of powerful weapons.
The gameplay incorporates elements reminiscent of Dishonored, giving you more freedom in how you approach combat situations. This adds tactical depth to the shooting experience.
While not as story-heavy as other Wolfenstein titles, the game delivers on fast-paced action and satisfying gunplay. You’ll find the twin protagonists bring their own energy and personality to the franchise.
For fans of first-person shooters looking for something with co-op capabilities but still enjoyable solo, Youngblood offers an interesting option in the single-player FPS landscape.
7: Bioshock Infinite
Bioshock Infinite takes you to the floating city of Columbia, a stark departure from the underwater settings of previous games. Released in 2013, this title maintains the series’ reputation for combining strong storytelling with unique gameplay.
You’ll find the combat in Bioshock Infinite particularly engaging. Many players consider it to have the funnest combat in the trilogy, especially once you acquire vigors like Return to Sender. These special abilities add variety to your fighting strategy.
The game’s alternate-history setting creates an immersive experience. Columbia’s early 20th century aesthetic, combined with impossible floating architecture, gives you environments that feel both familiar and fantastical.
Story remains central to the experience. You’ll play as Booker DeWitt, tasked with rescuing a young woman named Elizabeth. Their relationship develops throughout the journey, adding emotional depth to your adventure.
Weapon and vigor combinations let you customize your approach to combat. You can experiment with different tactics against various enemy types, making each encounter feel fresh.
The hit detection and responsive controls make the shooting mechanics satisfying. You’ll appreciate how the game rewards precision and creative approaches to combat situations.
Despite being released over a decade ago, Bioshock Infinite remains one of the most fun shooters to play. Its blend of narrative depth and engaging first-person combat makes it a standout single-player experience that’s worth your time.
8: Battlefield: Bad Company 2
Battlefield: Bad Company 2 stands out as one of the finest single-player shooter experiences you’ll find. Released in 2010, this game managed to deliver a campaign that many players still consider the best in the Battlefield series.
What makes Bad Company 2 special is its perfect blend of humor and intense military action. You’ll follow the misadventures of B Company, a group of misfits with distinct personalities that bring the story to life. Their banter and relationships make you genuinely care about the squad.
The destructible environments add a tactical layer to gameplay you won’t find in many other shooters. You can literally blow holes in walls to create new pathways or collapse entire buildings on enemies. This freedom changes how you approach each encounter.
Sound design in Bad Company 2 deserves special mention. The weapons feel powerful, and the battlefield audio creates an immersive war experience. You’ll hear bullets whizzing by and structures crumbling around you with startling realism.
Despite being released in 2010, many gamers still believe this title surpasses newer shooters in quality and design. The game was ahead of its time in many ways.
If you enjoy military shooters with a good story, memorable characters, and satisfying gameplay, Bad Company 2 deserves a spot in your collection. Its campaign quality holds up remarkably well even by today’s standards.
9: Unreal Tournament GOTY
Unreal Tournament GOTY edition stands as one of the finest single-player FPS experiences ever created. While known for multiplayer, its campaign against AI bots offers an exceptional solo experience that remains engaging decades after its 1999 release.
You’ll find the game was truly ahead of its time with gameplay mechanics that still feel responsive and satisfying today. The movement system allows for precise control while the weapons balance rewards both skill and strategy.
The single-player tournament mode takes you through a series of increasingly difficult matches. You’ll progress through different game types including deathmatch, capture the flag, and domination as you climb the ranks against ever-more-challenging AI opponents.
What makes this game special is how the bots actually feel like playing against humans. They use tactics, respond to situations, and provide a genuine challenge even for experienced players.
The game keeps getting better the more you play, unlocking better maps as you progress. Each arena is meticulously designed with multiple paths, weapon placements, and strategic points that make every match feel unique.
You’ll also enjoy the perfect blend of blood, gore, violence, comedy and fun that defines the Unreal Tournament experience. The announcer’s booming voice declaring “HEADSHOT!” never gets old, even after thousands of frags.
10: Ion Fury
Ion Fury stands out as a brilliant throwback to classic 90s first-person shooters. Playing as Shelly “Bombshell” Harrison, you’ll blast through cyberpunk environments with an arsenal of satisfying weapons.
The game excels with its weapon design, particularly the Loverboy pistol, widely considered one of the best pistols in FPS gaming. Its auto-aim feature feels balanced rather than overpowered, making it incredibly versatile throughout your playthrough.
You’ll face a diverse roster of enemies that challenge you in different ways. This variety keeps combat engaging as you adapt your strategy for each encounter.
Built on the classic Build Engine that powered Duke Nukem 3D, Ion Fury delivers authentic pixel graphics with modern touches. The visuals strike a perfect balance between nostalgia and contemporary design.
Level design deserves special praise. You’ll navigate intricate, non-linear environments filled with secrets and alternate paths. This encourages exploration and rewards your curiosity.
Many players find Ion Fury so enjoyable that they struggle to find other FPS games that match its quality. It’s that good.
What makes Ion Fury special is how it captures the spirit of 90s shooters while avoiding their frustrations. You get all the fast-paced action and creative freedom without the punishing difficulty spikes.
If you appreciate well-crafted single-player shooters with nerdish enthusiasm for the genre’s roots, Ion Fury deserves a spot in your gaming library.
Key Characteristics of Single Player Shooters
Single player FPS games offer unique elements that set them apart from their multiplayer counterparts. These games combine engaging storytelling with character growth systems that keep players invested.
Immersive Storytelling
First-person shooter games excel at putting you directly into the action through their perspective. You experience the story through the eyes of the protagonist, creating an unmatched sense of immersion.
Good single player shooters often feature rich, compelling narratives with memorable characters and plot twists. The story serves as motivation for progression, giving purpose to each mission and encounter.
Environmental storytelling is another crucial aspect. You’ll discover story elements through well-designed levels, audio logs, and background details that flesh out the world without interrupting gameplay.
The pacing in these games balances intense combat sequences with quieter moments for story development. This rhythm helps maintain your engagement while avoiding fatigue from constant action.
Character Development and Progression
In single player FPS games, your character typically grows stronger throughout the journey. This progression often includes:
- Unlocking new weapons and equipment
- Gaining abilities or skills
- Upgrading existing gear
- Character customization options
You’ll frequently encounter skill trees or upgrade systems that let you tailor your playstyle. Want to focus on stealth? Or perhaps brute-force combat? The best games let you choose.
The variety of weapons is particularly important in keeping gameplay fresh. Each gun should feel distinctive, with unique handling, sounds, and impacts that make combat satisfying.
As your character becomes more powerful, enemy types often evolve to present new challenges, ensuring the difficulty curve remains engaging throughout the experience.
Technical Aspects to Consider
When diving into single player shooters, the technical elements can make or break your gaming experience. These factors directly impact immersion and gameplay satisfaction beyond just the story or mechanics.
Graphics and Visual Aesthetics
High-quality visuals contribute significantly to immersion in single player shooters. You’ll want to consider your hardware capabilities before purchasing graphically demanding titles like Battlefield or newer AAA releases.
Resolution and frame rate are crucial for a smooth experience. Aim for at least 60 FPS for fluid gameplay, which requires appropriate GPU power.
Art direction can sometimes outweigh pure graphical fidelity. Games with distinct visual styles often age better than those chasing photorealism.
Consider these visual elements when selecting a game:
- Lighting effects (ray tracing, dynamic shadows)
- Texture quality and detail
- Character and environmental design
- UI clarity and customization options
Many modern shooters offer graphics settings to balance performance and visuals based on your system specifications.
Audio Design and Soundtrack Quality
The audio landscape in shooters dramatically enhances situational awareness and emotional impact. First-person camera perspectives particularly benefit from quality 3D audio implementation.
Weapon sounds should feel satisfying and distinctive. You can often identify different weapons by sound alone in well-designed shooters, adding tactical depth.
Environmental audio cues help with learning map layouts and enemy positions. Footsteps, reloading sounds, and ambient noises contribute to spatial awareness.
Consider these audio elements:
- Surround sound compatibility (5.1, 7.1, or virtual)
- Dynamic audio mixing that prioritizes important gameplay sounds
- Voice acting quality for NPCs and story elements
- Soundtrack variety and how it complements different gameplay scenarios
Games like Warframe demonstrate how free-to-play titles can still deliver impressive audio design despite budget constraints.
Frequently Asked Questions
Players often seek guidance on the best single player shooter experiences across different platforms and with specific criteria in mind. The gaming community has clear favorites based on storytelling, gameplay mechanics, and overall immersion.
What are the top-rated single player shooter games for PC currently?
PC gamers have several outstanding options for single player shooter experiences. Doom Eternal stands out as one of the highest-rated titles, offering fast-paced combat and incredible visuals.
Metro Exodus provides an atmospheric post-apocalyptic experience with impressive graphics and storytelling that PC players particularly appreciate.
The recently released System Shock remake has also gained significant attention for its faithful recreation of the classic while updating the visuals and controls for modern players.
Which single player shooters for PS5 are recommended by players?
PS5 owners frequently recommend Returnal for its unique roguelike elements combined with tight third-person shooting mechanics and stunning visual effects.
Deathloop has also received praise for its innovative time-loop gameplay and stylish art direction that takes full advantage of the PS5’s capabilities.
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, while more family-friendly, offers some of the most impressive shooting gameplay with incredible DualSense controller implementation.
What are some critically acclaimed single player FPS games from recent years?
Titanfall 2 has been widely praised for its outstanding campaign, which many consider one of the best FPS storylines of the past decade.
Doom Eternal received near-universal acclaim for perfecting its “push-forward” combat system and vertical level design.
Metro Exodus earned recognition for its blend of survival horror elements with first-person shooting and its atmospheric open-world areas.
Are there any high-quality free single player FPS games available?
Warframe offers an excellent free-to-play experience that respects your time and provides substantial single-player content despite its multiplayer focus.
The Black Mesa fan remake of Half-Life is occasionally available for free and provides a high-quality modernization of a classic FPS experience.
Destiny 2’s base campaign is now free-to-play and offers a solid single-player shooting experience, though some content requires purchases.
What PS4 single player shooter games have the best storylines?
The Last of Us Part II features an emotionally complex narrative with third-person shooting mechanics that complement its character-driven story.
Bioshock: The Collection gives you three games with some of gaming’s most memorable settings and philosophical themes.
Control has been praised for its mysterious narrative and world-building that keeps players engaged throughout its supernatural story.
Which single player shooter titles offer the most immersive gameplay experiences?
Metro Exodus creates immersion through its survival mechanics, dynamic weather systems, and day/night cycles that affect gameplay.
The upcoming Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl promises to deliver one of the most immersive post-apocalyptic experiences with its advanced AI systems and atmospheric world.
Resident Evil Village combines first-person horror with shooting elements to create a tense, immersive experience that keeps you on edge throughout its varied environments.
