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, yet remains a cornerstone of gaming. This list celebrates 30 of the greatest shooters that redefined 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: What unique experience did they offer players? How innovative were they for their time?
- Popularity and Legacy: Many of these titles continue to inspire developers even now.
- 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
Escape from Tarkov is hardcore survival at its finest, blending realism, tactics, and adrenaline. Players navigate a war-torn city where death lurks around every corner – from enemy fire to starvation. The core mechanic of losing all gear upon death creates intense, high-stakes gameplay. This isn't mindless action; it's for players who value true survival and the thrill of desperate shootouts.
Ultrakill
Metascore: TBD
Developer: New Blood Interactive
Release Date: September 3, 2020
Download: Steam
Ultrakill is non-stop, insane action. A modern take on 90s classics, it pushes speed and aggression to the limit. Hordes of demons, rivers of blood, and endless ammo fuel perpetual motion. A Devil May Cry-inspired combo system rewards stylish play, and unique mechanics, like health restoration through melee kills, make each encounter unforgettable. This isn't just retro; it's pure gaming bliss for speed and style fanatics.
Rainbow Six Siege
Metascore: 73
Developer: Ubisoft
Release Date: December 1, 2015
Download: Steam
Rainbow Six Siege transforms tactical shooters into tense chess matches. Strategy, communication, and adaptation outweigh reflexes. Diverse operators with unique gadgets and roles allow for constantly evolving tactics. Every mistake can be costly, demanding teamwork and skill.
Fortnite
Metascore: 78
Developer: Epic Games
Release Date: July 21, 2017
Download: Fortnite
Fortnite transcends gaming; it's a cultural phenomenon. Building mechanics, constant updates, and a unique art style fueled its meteoric rise. The battle royale mode introduced a novel blend of action and on-the-fly fortification, demanding tactical agility and sharp shooting.
Payday 2
Metascore: 79
Developer: OVERKILL
Release Date: August 13, 2013
Download: Steam
Payday 2 is a heist simulator where players become a criminal crew, planning and executing daring robberies. From small stores to high-security banks, each heist demands coordination and precision. Players can choose between stealth or all-out chaos, making each playthrough unique.
Prey (2017)
Metascore: 79
Developer: Arkane Studios
Release Date: May 4, 2017
Download: Steam
Prey is an immersive sim challenging players intellectually within a dark sci-fi setting. The massive space station is a complex puzzle box, rewarding experimentation and unconventional solutions. Freedom of choice in tackling threats and unique abilities add depth and replayability.
Duke Nukem 3D
Metascore: 80
Developer: 3D Realms
Release Date: January 29, 1996
Download: Steam
Duke Nukem 3D arrived in 1996 with brash, over-the-top style. It was a symbol of 90s pop culture, blending brutal action with sarcastic humor. Its interactivity was groundbreaking for its time, making it an iconic and memorable action game.
Counter-Strike 2
Metascore: 82
Developer: Valve
Release Date: August 21, 2012
Download: Steam
Counter-Strike 2 retains the tense gameplay of its predecessor, enhanced by modern technology and the Source 2 engine. It's a tactical FPS where every action counts. Enhanced graphics and redesigned maps provide a fresh experience while preserving the core essence of the original.
DOOM (1993)
Metascore: 82
Developer: id Software
Release Date: December 10, 1993
Download: Steam
DOOM is a legendary foundation for the FPS genre and the industry as a whole. Its "run-and-gun" formula, first-person perspective, and brutal demon-slaying action set the stage for countless future titles. It also popularized online multiplayer.
Bulletstorm
Metascore: 84
Developer: People Can Fly
Release Date: April 7, 2017
Download: Steam
Bulletstorm is a wild mix of insane action, dark humor, and unconventional combat. It rewards creative kills, adding a unique twist to the typical shooter formula. The charismatic storyline, memorable characters, and cinematic presentation make it a standout title.
Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus
Metascore: 87
Developer: MachineGames
Release Date: October 27, 2017
Download: Steam
Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus revitalizes the series with a fresh take on classic shooter mechanics. It's a brutal and emotional story of resistance set in a Nazi-occupied America. The game offers dynamic combat, blending intense action with stealth options.
Max Payne 3
Metascore: 87
Developer: Rockstar Games
Release Date: May 15, 2012
Download: Steam
Max Payne 3 is a dark and gritty tale of downfall and redemption. The iconic "bullet time" mechanic allows for stylish and precise combat. The cover system adds realism, and the weapons feel powerful and impactful.
Far Cry 3
Metascore: 88
Developer: Ubisoft
Release Date: November 29, 2012
Download: Steam
Far Cry 3 is a descent into madness in a tropical paradise turned battleground. The open world offers hunting, exploration, and diverse combat encounters, allowing for both stealth and explosive action. The gripping story and vibrant environment 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. masterfully blends intense action with terrifying paranormal elements. The game creates a constant atmosphere of dread, interweaving tense firefights with unsettling visions and supernatural phenomena.
DOOM Eternal
Metascore: 88
Developer: id Software
Release Date: March 20, 2020
Download: Steam
DOOM Eternal is a relentless and aggressive shooter demanding constant movement and precise combat. It's a brutal test of reflexes and strategic thinking, pushing players to their limits.
Borderlands 2
Metascore: 89
Developer: Gearbox Software
Release Date: September 21, 2012
Download: Steam
Borderlands 2 blends shooter and RPG elements with dark humor and mountains of loot. The vast open world, diverse characters, engaging quests, and extensive customization options make it a highly replayable co-op experience.
Titanfall 2
Metascore: 89
Developer: Respawn Entertainment
Release Date: October 28, 2016
Download: Steam
Titanfall 2 delivers fast-paced parkour, intense mech combat, and a surprisingly powerful single-player campaign. The story of the soldier and their Titan is both emotional and memorable.
Left 4 Dead 2
Metascore: 89
Developer: Valve
Release Date: November 17, 2009
Download: Steam
Left 4 Dead 2 is a thrilling co-op experience where four survivors battle endless hordes of zombies. Teamwork, resource management, and adaptability are crucial for survival.
Overwatch (2016)
Metascore: 91
Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
Release Date: May 24, 2016
Overwatch revolutionized team-based shooters, blending FPS and MOBA elements. Victory depends on coordinated teamwork and strategic hero selection. Its diverse roster of heroes and balanced class system created a highly competitive and engaging experience.
Battlefield 2
Metascore: 91
Developer: DICE
Release Date: June 21, 2005
Battlefield 2 expanded the scale of military shooters, featuring massive maps and intense battles involving infantry, vehicles, and aircraft. Teamwork and strategic use of classes were essential for success.
Crysis
Metascore: 91
Developer: Crytek
Release Date: November 13, 2007
Download: Steam
Crysis was a graphical landmark, setting a new standard for visual fidelity in video games. Its detailed environments, realistic physics, and advanced lighting effects were groundbreaking for its time.
Team Fortress 2
Metascore: 92
Developer: Valve
Release Date: October 10, 2007
Download: Steam
Team Fortress 2 is a vibrant and chaotic team-based shooter with a unique art style and a well-designed class system. Team synergy is key to success, making it a highly strategic and rewarding experience.
Unreal Tournament 2004
Metascore: 93
Developer: Epic Games
Release Date: March 16, 2004
Download: Steam
Unreal Tournament 2004 is a fast-paced arena shooter where speed, precision, and reflexes are paramount. Its refined mechanics, new maps, and various modes made it a classic of the genre.
Quake III Arena
Metascore: 93
Developer: id Software
Release Date: December 5, 1999
Download: Steam
Quake III Arena is the epitome of arena shooters, focusing on pure, fast-paced combat. Responsive controls and intense firefights make it a timeless classic.
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
Metascore: 94
Developer: Infinity Ward
Release Date: November 12, 2007
Download: Steam
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare revolutionized military shooters by shifting the setting to modern warfare. Its intense campaign and highly competitive multiplayer mode redefined online FPS gaming.
GoldenEye 007 (1997)
Metascore: 96
Developer: Rare
Release Date: August 23, 1997
GoldenEye 007 proved the console's viability for FPS games. Its innovative controls, level design, and multiplayer mode set new standards for console shooters.
Half-Life
Metascore: 96
Developer: Valve
Release Date: November 19, 1998
Download: Steam
Half-Life revolutionized storytelling in FPS games. Its seamless integration of narrative and gameplay created an immersive and unforgettable experience.
BioShock
Metascore: 96
Developer: 2K Games
Release Date: August 21, 2007
Download: Steam
BioShock is a philosophical journey into the depths of a fallen underwater city. Its rich atmosphere, innovative gameplay, and complex narrative set new standards for story-driven FPS games.
Perfect Dark (2000)
Metascore: 97
Developer: Rare
Release Date: May 22, 2000
Perfect Dark expanded upon the success of GoldenEye 007 with a futuristic setting, a compelling espionage plot, and diverse gameplay.
Halo: Combat Evolved
Metascore: 97
Developer: Bungie
Release Date: November 15, 2001
Download: Steam
Halo: Combat Evolved redefined console shooters, establishing a legendary universe and introducing iconic characters. Its innovative shield mechanic and compelling sci-fi story set a new standard for the genre.
Each of these games left an indelible mark on the industry, setting new standards and pushing creative boundaries. Without them, the shooter genre would be unrecognizable.
