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Hitting the target: Top first-person shooter games for beginners
Choosing the best FPS world to start out in can make all the difference in boosting your confidence.
There’s nothing quite like the state of flow you can get into when you’re playing a first-person shooter (FPS) game. The combination of perfecting your aim and moving through daring, enterprising storylines is a great way to unwind. As Red Bull gamer Tiffae explains, “Gaming was always my escape from reality.”
Tiffae at Rise Till Dawn in Chicago, Illinois on June 11, 2022.
© Kena Krutsinger / Red Bull Content Pool
Of course, there’s a lot to learn before you can achieve that blissful flow state. Fret not, though — if you’re brand new to the FPS world, plenty of classic games are perfect for newcomers. Spend some time with these games, and you’ll be ready to compete in tournaments such as Red Bull Ready Check before you know it. Here’s our guide to the best first-person shooter games for beginners and the features to look out for in a newbie-friendly game.
The top 9 first-person shooter games for beginners
01
Overwatch 2 (2022)
This free-to-play game is part of an FPS series set in an epic futuristic fantasy world. The first ‘Overwatch’ game was released in 2016, and the developers frequently release updates to improve ‘Overwatch 2.’
Some characters in this multiplayer game are easier to play than others, depending on the level of skill needed to execute your character’s unique abilities. These varying difficulty levels make ‘Overwatch 2’ a great game for setting personal progress benchmarks and working toward them. The game will get another update in August 2023, so be on the lookout for more fun new features.
02
Borderlands 2 (2012)
One of the best FPS games of all time also happens to be well-designed for newcomers. If you’re just starting out in the FPS genre, you’ll love how this game emphasizes fun over aggressive competition. You’ll get to explore a brightly colored frozen tundra known as Pandora and take on an evil corporation and its evil scheming CEO, Handsome Jack.
03
Titanfall 2 (2016)
If you want an endless choice of weapons and a compelling story, you’ll cherish ‘Titanfall 2.’ You’ll get to control pilots and giant robots known as “Titans” on action-packed missions through a vibrant sci-fi world. The game may be fast-paced for a beginner, but you can always warm up via the single-player campaign. Plus, ‘Titanfall 2’ is great for strengthening your speed and reflexes, especially as you learn to ace the commonly used “wall run” move.
04
DOOM (2016)
You’ll also find a fast pace with the 2016 reboot of 1993’s ‘DOOM,’ but its gameplay still makes it a great choice for beginners. As you fight your way through an interdimensional hell portal, you don’t need a super well-thought-out strategy. In fact, running right into combat might help you gain some points.
The ‘DOOM’ reboot also includes customizable maps that don’t take a ton of expertise to create. You can fully make up your own settings and game modes.
05
Destiny 2 (2017)
Venture through an ever-evolving galaxy in this free-to-play FPS title. You can choose to play in either cooperative or competitive multiplayer mode as well. With three unique character classes and an arsenal of thousands of weapons, ‘Destiny 2’ is the perfect choose-your-own-adventure FPS game for a newcomer.
06
Wolfenstein: The New Order (2014)
The ‘Wolfenstein’ franchise has released 14 games, and the game mechanics in ‘The New Order’ are ideal for beginners. This version puts the game’s protagonist, William “B.J.” Blazkowicz, in a fictional dystopian American world where the Allies lost World War II. Although you’ll take Blazkowicz through high-action settings, the mechanics aren’t too complex.
07
Far Cry 3 (2012)
This 2012 open-world FPS game takes you far from civilization to an island filled with nefarious inhabitants. ‘Far Cry 3’ combines FPS tasks with exploration as you traverse terrain ranging from thick swamps to dangerous mountains.
While this all might sound like a lot to a beginner, ‘Far Cry 3’ is known as a great entry point into FPS games. You’ll start off with simple hunting missions and build your weapon arsenal with as many free guns as possible. If rescuing your friends from a band of murderous pirates sounds exciting to you, this might be the game for you.
08
Battlefield 1 (2016)
You’ll have many games to choose from within the ‘Battlefield’ universe, but ‘Battlefield 1’ is probably best if you’re just starting out. This 2016 game is not to be confused with ‘Battlefield 1942,’ the first game in the series, from 2002. ‘Battlefield 1’ came out in 2016 — the series’ titles are anachronistic.
It’s a good idea to be mindful of the excess fire power you’ll get with a sniper rifle in ‘Battlefield 1.’ Despite this big flaw, the game’s easy-to-navigate maps make it a great beginner’s choice. Get ready for an exciting global adventure.
09
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009)
You’ll find 50 games in this franchise, ranging from the intensely challenging ‘World at War’ to a battle royale game like ‘Warzone.’ Among all these games, ‘Modern Warfare 2’ is the most ideal for newcomers, and it features a variety of game modes. You can get the hang of your character’s unique abilities in a single-player campaign or rack up kills in team deathmatch mode. ‘Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2’ offers everything a beginner needs to increase their skills.
Factors to consider when choosing FPS games for beginners
Having trouble deciding? Narrow down your choices with the below tips.
Difficulty level
It’s not just a question of, “is it easy or hard?” Ask yourself: Are there a range of characters, settings, and weapons to choose from? Is the game’s campaign complex? Do the game’s tasks and levels build in difficulty so you can challenge yourself as you progress? Does the game include skills you might already be strong in, so you can mix shooting with other tasks and build confidence? Consider your particular FPS player strengths and weaknesses for the most accurate assessment of a game’s difficulty.
Single-player vs. multiplayer experience
Compared to other video game genres, a multiplayer FPS game can feel a bit like baptism by fire. Trying to keep up with advanced players while you’re just trying to build a weapon arsenal can make your head spin. Games that include a single-player campaign give you the chance to get your bearings straight first.
Game mechanics and controls
Every game’s controls differ in sensitivity and nuance. These factors will also vary if you’re gaming on a PC instead of a console. You’ll likely benefit from games with simple, smooth mechanics as you learn to perfect your aim. If you’re having trouble developing your control muscles in the midst of a game’s action, you may want to consider practicing with Aim Lab.
Visuals and graphics
High-quality animation might just seem like an extra bonus feature, but it’s actually paramount. You need to be able to see where you’re aiming, and visual quality makes a difference. On top of that, unbalanced graphics can leave you dizzy if you’re not used to a first-person shooter point of view.
Community and support
Participants during the Red Bull Flick Final 2022 in Amsterdam
© Tom Doms / Red Bull Content Pool
Starting your FPS journey with a friend is always the best way to play. If that’s not an option, try finding a gaming community that welcomes you. After all, it’s no secret that in the FPS world, players can take the competitive intensity a notch too far.
That said, there are plenty of ways to bypass the drama so you can enjoy the game while developing your FPS skills. For example, you can seek out games that prioritize cooperative multiplayer scenarios or FPS games with a reputation for positive community-building. You’ll get the joy of gaming and friendship all in one.
Go from beginner to expert with these FPS games
Choosing the best FPS world to start out in can make all the difference in boosting your confidence. Look for games with simple mechanics, abundant weapon choices, and single-player campaigns as you get your feet wet. The more you practice, the sooner you’ll be able to stand among the top competitors at big tournaments like Red Bull Ready Check. The pros show up in droves at these events — and before long, you will too.
