Video games have always been a way to experience what is tangibly impossible, whether that be exploring the cosmos and fighting aliens or adventuring across a fantastical world. Games such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Red Dead Redemption 2 achieve this, but one of the most popular genres of the medium is First-Person Shooters, which takes the danger out of a firefight and onto the screen.
The FPS genre is one of the most popular in the medium, which is why this list will rank the ten greatest FPS games of all time based on gameplay, combat, controls, design, narrative, visuals, polish, originality, influence, fan opinion, critical acclaim, and overall quality. With some of the most popular games of all time, these are the best of the best when it comes to first-person shooters.
10
‘Counter-Strike: Global Offensive’ (2012)
First-person shooters aren’t just full-priced AAA games that release a new title every year; they can range from single-player adventures to multiplayer sensations. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive doesn’t have a designated narrative, but it simply focuses on the tactical multiplayer gameplay through a handful of round-based games where they rescue/guard hostages or defuse/protect a bomb.
For fans simply wanting quick FPS experiences with their friends online, then CS: GO is the game for them, because its refined combat, well-designed maps, and round-based format are tailored for a densely packed shooting sensation. However, this isn’t just a fun time, because the grueling competitive scene makes it a highly challenging game where only the truly skilled players can thrive.
9
‘Metroid Prime’ (2002)
Nintendo isn’t known for its shooter games, and while they have been dabbling, their best comes from the most underappreciated franchise, Metroid. Delving into the 3D realm, Metroid Prime follows Samus Aran’s journey to an ancient planet after seeing a distress signal. A group of pirates has taken over to develop a parasite, and Samus is the only one who can stop it.
Metroid Prime is one of the most meticulously designed FPS games that keeps the gameplay flowing, building a masterful pace that never gets too dull. It is best known for its metroidvania design, worldbuilding, and adventure experience, but it is still a unique FPS game that brings in many other aspects. The technical jump to 3D proved worthwhile, as it became one of the best-selling video games in its franchise.
8
‘Titanfall 2’ (2016)
A lot of video game franchises continue well past their peak, becoming irrelevant and stale. However, some other titles deserved more entries, and fans are still waiting for a sequel after Titanfall 2. After suffering an ambush, the player must connect with their new mech in the middle of a war. But the only way to save the world is to use this mech to destroy a new super weapon.
Titanfall 3 may never happen, and while that is sad, fans can find solace in the fact that it won’t get any better than Titanfall 2. Renowned as having one of the greatest single-player campaigns, each new mission has a definitive hook that spices up the gameplay. With a tight pace that is paired with phenomenal gunplay and parkour, it creates a flawless explosion of action, drama, and excitement.
7
‘BioShock’ (2007)
There is no formula for success in the FPS genre, with some of the most popular games being creative revolutions in the industry, such as BioShock. After barely surviving a plane crash, the protagonist, Jack, finds safety in a lighthouse. Descending into it, he discovers a failed utopia known as the Rapture, where political mayhem and genetic experimentation have rendered it an art-deco hell-hole of creatures and villains.
BioShock isn’t known for its shooting gameplay, even though it is fun, but rather the narrative prestige that critiques Randian objectivism, which champions self-interest. The world, themes, narrative, and dialogue all challenge this way of thinking, not to mention the atmosphere, vibe, and environmental storytelling create some of the best worldbuilding in video games. Still, BioShock is an FPS game, and one of the most fascinating ones at that.
6
‘Perfect Dark’ (2000)
After initially announcing a remake of Perfect Dark, it was revealed that the project was canceled, meaning the original remains one of the best first-person shooters. When an investigative operative is sent to steal some company secrets, they uncover a grand conspiracy that involves aliens and a plan to assassinate the President of the United States.
Some of the best FPS games are surprisingly on the N64, and that includes Perfect Dark, which was a fantastic and underrated shooting experience. The main story was a fun time, but the multiplayer mode was even better, using its revolutionary secondary firing modes and advanced AI to create one of the most stimulating first-person shooters ever.
5
‘GoldenEye 007’ (1997)
James Bond is the greatest fictional spy, and all of his movies can prove this. However, one of his best entries might not have been on the silver screen, but rather on a home console. GoldenEye 007 is a 1990s video game based on the film where players must stop a rogue syndicate from using their new super weapon to destroy the financial records in London.
This game is an essential multiplayer experience that defined the 1990s with its remarkable level design, fun co-op system, and split-screen death match. It pioneered many mechanics and design elements for first-person shooters that helped it become the best couch coop game of the 20th century. GoldenEye 007 also had objective-based stealth gameplay that made the single-player mission just as fun.
4
‘Half-Life 2’ (2004)
After Steam announced its new console, there has been renewed hype that Half-Life 3 will come out, and while that is a possibility, it will have a hard time topping Half-Life 2, which is one of the best games ever. Years after the events of the first game, Gordon Freeman wakes up to find aliens in control of the planet. Joining the human resistance, he aids in the revolution to take their planet back.
Half-Life 2 pioneered the genre by blending the gameplay and narrative into one, having the combat overlap with the story so neither interrupts the flow of the other. The Gravity Gun was one of the most entertaining mechanics in gaming, making everything a puzzle and earning Half-Life 2 the title of masterpiece. It is a cinematically immersive and groundbreaking title that is more than just an FPS.
3
‘Doom’ (1993)
This list features some of the best first-person shooters, but it wouldn’t be complete without the most important and influential one: Doom. After a teleportation experiment on Mars goes wrong, a space marine known as Doomguy is the only hope for the planet after swarms of demons from Hell begin invading the planet.
Doom is the most influential FPS of all time, and that is because its pseudo-3D visuals made the graphics look even more realistic. Not only that, but the fast-paced combat and style made everything more intense, giving gameplay an extra invigorating punch. All future first-person shooters were thanks to Doom, and that alone makes it one of the best video games of the 20th century.
2
‘Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare’ (2007)
One of the best FPS franchises is Call of Duty, and while a lot of the games are similar, one that stands out is Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. Players control either a British SAS squad or the US Marines after they are sent out to accomplish a dangerous mission where they need to stop a Middle Eastern dictator from starting a global nuclear war.
The Call of Duty franchise has some of the best FPS games and some of the worst, but Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare is hands down their magnum opus. It defined a generation of grounded and authentic shooters through its realistic and well-designed maps. The snappy gunplay is downright addictive, and the tightly paced campaign is immaculately designed, proving Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare is a staple FPS of the generation.
1
‘Halo 3’ (2007)
2007 must have been the best year for FPS games because it featured BioShock, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, and the number one game on this list, Halo 3, which is arguably the best of the Halo franchise. Rounding out the original trilogy, it follows Master Chief in the fight against the Covenant, which seems to never end. However, he hopes that this will be the final battle that will decide their endless feud.
Each of the first three Halo games could be sitting at this spot since they are all some of the best and most influential FPS titles, but Halo 3 barely takes the honor. But fans should view it more as a representation of the entire franchise, with Halo 3 simply being the figurehead. It perfects the mechanics and gameplay established in previous titles and polishes the experience to create a definitive shooting experience. The 2000s were ripe with FPS games, and Halo 3 was the king, marking a generational time for video games. It proved to be the best Xbox game of all time, as well as the greatest shooter to ever be released.
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