First-person shooters, or FPS games, are some of the most intense and fast-paced titles in gaming. Whether you’re looking to test your reflexes, play strategically with friends, or just unwind after a busy day (this is a lie), there’s an FPS to suit every mood. With so many to choose from, we’ve put together a list of the best FPS games of all time, covering every style and flavour.
Table of contents:
What are FPS games?
FPS stands for first-person shooter — games where you see through your character’s eyes, focusing on aiming, movement, and quick reactions. It’s a genre built for action and precision, where your skill at targeting and dodging often makes the difference between victory and defeat.
Interestingly, FPS can also mean frames per second, which measures how smoothly your game runs. For more on that, check out our guide: What is FPS in gaming?
Different types of shooters
FPS games come in many different styles, each offering different gameplay experiences. Here are some of the key types:
- Looter shooters focus on collecting powerful gear and upgrading your character, combining shooting with RPG elements. Examples include Borderlands and Destiny 2.
- Extraction shooters revolve around high-stakes missions where survival and escape are key, like Helldivers 2 and Escape from Tarkov.
- Boomer shooters are fast-paced and often inspired by classic, retro FPS games with relentless action. Think DOOM Eternal and Dusk.
- Hero shooters feature distinctive characters with unique abilities and roles, such as R6 (Rainbow 6) and Apex Legends or Valorant. (Play Val at your own risk)
- Tactical shooters demand careful teamwork and strategy, with games like Insurgency leading the way. R6 Technically fits into this category too!
Within these categories, you’ll find both story-driven single-player adventures and competitive multiplayer arenas, so there’s something for everyone.
Best first-person shooter games
Best looter shooters
Borderlands
The Borderlands series is a genre-defining looter shooter, blending frenetic gunplay with a colourful, quirky world and heaps of loot. Its unique cel-shaded art style and over-the-top characters keep the gameplay fresh and hilarious.
Destiny 2
Destiny 2 combines the best of FPS and MMO elements, with epic raids, dynamic PvP, and a vast universe to explore. Constant updates and expansions keep the gameplay evolving, making it a staple for looter shooter fans.
Best extraction shooters
Helldivers 2
A cooperative top-down shooter where teamwork and precision are key. Players drop into hostile environments with one goal: complete the mission and extract alive. The challenge ramps up with every mission, making it rewarding and tense.
Escape from Tarkov
An ultra-realistic, hardcore FPS that blends survival, looting, and tactical combat. Every raid is a high-risk, high-reward experience where death means losing everything, creating intense, edge-of-your-seat gameplay.
Best boomer shooters
DOOM Eternal
The pinnacle of fast, brutal, and fluid combat. DOOM Eternal keeps you on your toes with relentless demons, powerful weapons, and speed that harkens back to classic ‘90s shooters but with a modern polish.
Dusk
A retro-inspired FPS dripping with nostalgia, Dusk combines pixelated gore and intense action reminiscent of early Quake and Doom titles, making it a must-play for fans of old-school shooters.
Best hero shooters
Overwatch
Blending team-based gameplay with unique heroes, each with their own abilities and roles, Overwatch emphasizes teamwork, strategy, and fast-paced action in vibrant, dynamic maps.
Apex Legends
A battle royale with a focus on hero-based squad play, Apex Legends innovates with unique character abilities, fluid movement, and fast decision-making, making it one of the most popular hero shooters worldwide.
Best tactical shooters
Rainbow Six Siege
Famous for its destructible environments and intense tactical gameplay, Rainbow Six Siege demands communication, strategic planning, and sharp shooting, offering some of the most rewarding team-based FPS action.
Insurgency
A realistic and immersive shooter with a focus on team play, close-quarters combat, and limited HUD, Insurgency is praised for its intensity and skill-based mechanics.
Best free FPS games
Apex Legends
Free-to-play, fast, and fun, with a focus on squad-based hero combat and fluid movement.
Call of Duty: Warzone
A massive battle royale that mixes Call of Duty’s signature gunplay with intense multiplayer battles on a sprawling map.
Valorant
A tactical shooter that blends tight gun mechanics with agent abilities, known for its competitive esports scene.
Destiny 2
Free-to-play elements combined with looter shooter gameplay and rich multiplayer PvE and PvP content.
Best VR shooters
Ghosts of Tabor
An immersive VR tactical shooter emphasizing teamwork, communication, and realistic weapon handling in a sci-fi setting.
Pavlov
A community-driven VR shooter praised for its multiplayer modes, mod support, and fast-paced gameplay that captures the spirit of classic PC shooters.
What do I need to play FPS games?
For smooth, responsive FPS, no not a “first person shooter”, this time it’s your frames per second, a powerful gaming PC is essential. You’ll want a fast processor, enough RAM, and a capable graphics card (GPU) to keep your game running smoothly without lag or stutters, especially if you’ll be gaming online.
A good internet connection is also crucial to reduce latency and ensure your shots register accurately. Don’t forget accessories like a quality headset for crystal-clear communication and responsive peripherals like a gaming mouse and keyboard to give you the edge in competitive play.
Are you wanting to stream your sick shots? Well then a streaming deck is a must! If you’re just starting out, have a gander at our guide on how to start streaming.
If you’re curious about what hardware to choose, have a look at our guides on CPUs, RAM, and network latency!
Ready to always top frag? Explore our range of gaming PCs, custom build options, or visit the blog for more tips, reviews, and guides.