First-person shooter (FPS) games have come a long way since rising to popularity in the ‘90s. From improved graphics to enhanced weaponry, this beloved video game genre has seen an array of innovations throughout its history. Plus, many of the best shooters of all time still hold up beautifully today. The best FPS games span decades, from the groundbreaking releases of the ‘90s to the top-notch animation of the 2020s.
Whether you’re training for Red Bull Ready Check or you just want to revisit some old favorites, this list has you covered. Read ahead for a guide to the top first-person shooter games of all time (in no particular order) — and why these games stand the test of time.
This trailblazing FPS game pioneered the Deathmatch mode seen in many modern games, allowing four people to play against each other at once. You’ll play as a space marine, known simply as “Doomguy,” and travel between the moons of Mars and an interdimensional portal to Hell.
Doomguy’s story has continued in newer versions of the game, but the original remains a fan favorite, and it’s been winning awards for decades. Its accolades include PC Gamer’s “Game of the Year” in 1994 and a spot on PC World’s 2007 “Best Tech Products of All Time” list.
02
Half-Life 2 (2004)
The follow-up to the first ‘Half-Life’ game from 1998 is known for excelling in both gameplay and storytelling. You’ll play as the original game’s protagonist, Gordon Freeman, as you fight off alien invaders on Earth. From the fall of the tiniest rocks to crashing giant semi-trucks, the game’s animation follows the laws of physics with uncanny accuracy. ‘Half-Life 2’ was so ahead of its time that it earned 39 “Game of the Year “awards from major gaming outlets during its release year.
Often referred to by the shorthand acronym “CS:GO,” ‘Counter-Strike: Global Offensive’ is a team-based game where terrorists and counter-terrorists battle each other. As teams face off against each other in each round, the winner earns currency that can be used to purchase new weapons or equipment. The caveat is that you run the risk of losing it all if you die in the next round.
You can play CS:GO in one of three modes. In Classic Casual, the terrorist team plants a bomb or guards hostages while the counter team defuses the bomb and rescues the hostages. Classic Competitive mode follows this same model, but you have to buy all your equipment, not just your weapons. Demolition mode follows a similar format but with the added challenge of a far smaller map. The intricate world of CS:GO continues to collect awards and nominations, including Steam’s “Labor of Love” award in 2020.
04
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007)
The ‘Call of Duty’ series is one of the most recognizable names in the FPS genre. The fourth iteration of this game switches the original World War II backdrop for a present-day battlefield enriched with cinematic graphics. The game’s modernized single-player campaign series, as well as an enhanced multiplayer mode, has made it a favorite of fans and critics alike.
‘Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare’ received more than 40 E3 awards the year it was released. Some fans say this game was the turning point where the series went from good to great. The game's most beloved upgrades include an updated arsenal with 70 new choices of weapons, gear, and accessories such as night vision goggles.
05
Halo: Combat Evolved (2001)
The ‘Halo’ series takes you to another world with its debut release, ‘Combat Evolved.’ This multiplayer game takes you through 10 action-packed levels in the Halo ringworld, and you’ll play as a supersoldier named Master Chief.
This multi-award-winning game was updated for its 10th anniversary with remastered visuals and cartography, including 19 new maps. After two decades, fans are still thrilled to return to the adrenaline-fueled, mystical environment of this classic FPS game.
06
Quake III Arena (1999)
In 1999, the influential game developer id Software released ‘Quake III Arena,’ which remains one of the best FPS games of all time. With both single and multiplayer modes, Quake III puts you in a rapid-moving battle against the universe’s strongest warriors. You’ll get a dozen weapon choices, 35 intergalactic arenas to fight in, and the chance to truly test your FPS skills. This game’s stellar animation earned it PC Gamer’s “Special Achievement in Graphics” award the year it was released.
07
GoldenEye 007 (1997)
You’ll play as James Bond himself in this iconic FPS game based on the 1997 film of the same name. The game has received acclaim for its robust arsenal of weapons and its campaign that makes players feel like they’re right in the movie. It’s often credited with popularizing the split-screen multiplayer mode that originated in the ‘80s as well. Its groundbreaking features earned the game a BAFTA Interactive Entertainment “Games Award” in 1998, among other accolades.
08
Wolfenstein 3D (1992)
This id Software masterpiece from the '90s is often considered the godfather of modern FPS games. This game is set during World War II, with players in the role of Allied agent William "B.J." Blazkowicz. You can access a repository of knives, pistols, and machine guns across six episodes in this beloved title. The year it debuted, ‘Wolfenstein 3D’ received industry awards including “Best Action Game” and “Most Innovative Game” from VideoGames & Computer Entertainment.
09
Battlefield: Bad Company 2 (2010)
The Battlefield franchise comprises dozens of games, and the 2010 ‘Bad Company 2’ release continues to rank as a favorite. The game, set in 1944, is a prequel to the original ‘Battlefield’ game. In addition to FPS exercises, players can smash walls down where enemies may be lurking. Plus, each of this BAFTA-winning game’s maps features meticulous attention to detail.
Tom Clancy’s ‘Rainbow Six Siege’ is often touted as an all-time best FPS game, but it’s so much more than that. This tactical team game, which took home Steam’s 2018 “Better with Friends” award, pushes your strategy and planning skills to the max. The game continues to be updated since its 2015 release with new and improved features to challenge fans. With just one life per play, the stakes are especially high in this advanced game.
11
Team Fortress 2 (2007)
According to Steam, ‘Team Fortress 2’ is the highest-rated free game of all time. You’ll join one of two teams in any of nine character classes and move through combat scenarios such as “capture the flag.” This online action game is frequently updated with new maps, game modes, equipment, and apparel. In addition to practicing your shooting skills, you’ll have the chance to fight with weapons ranging from rocket launchers to baseball bats.
12
Unreal Tournament (1999)
This game, often seen as 1999’s best video game, features a revolutionary multiplayer setting that sent major shockwaves through the FPS world upon release. ‘Unreal Tournament’ includes multiple combat modes alongside audio and text radio chatter, as well as spectator cams for those who just want to observe. The game has been discontinued on Steam, but fans with the classic console version on Xbox can still enjoy it.
13
Borderlands 2 (2012)
Out of the four ‘Borderlands’ releases, the second is still touted as the best, and for good reason. The 2012 D.I.C.E. Awards “Action Game of the Year” winner is more focused on fun over intense competition than other FPS games. With eye-popping, bright graphics and an enticingly sinister enemy, ‘Borderlands 2’ is a great starting point for those looking to get started with FPS games.
If the FPS world had a varsity team, the innovative features in ‘BioShock’ would be what the team uses to train. With tactics unseen in previous FPS games, you’ll also have the chance to use inventive weapons, including your character’s own body.
‘BioShock’ takes place underwater, but your combat options defy the laws of physics. For example, you can electrocute or freeze your opponents, or you can send a swarm of angry hornets toward them. The possibilities within the world of ‘BioShock’ are so vast that it might feel like a new game every time you play.
Boost your FPS skills with the top all-time games
From historic battlefields to other galaxies, the best FPS games have the power to transport you into other dimensions. You might be beefing up your skills for Red Bull Ready Check, or you might just want to re-experience one of your favorite games. Either way, there’s never a bad time to revisit these timeless classics.
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