The 30 Best Shooters in History

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 incredibly popular. Today, we'll journey back to celebrate 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 was a monumental task. We focused on several key criteria:

• Industry Influence: These games set benchmarks that developers still emulate.
• Gameplay and Mechanics: What experience did they offer? How innovative were they for their time?
• Popularity and Legacy: Many continue to inspire developers even today.
• 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

A hardcore survival shooter at its core, Tarkov blends realism, tactics, and adrenaline. Players navigate a ravaged city where danger lurks around every corner – from enemy fire to resource scarcity and even poor decision-making. The defining feature is the permanent loss of gear upon death, making every encounter intensely tense and meaningful. Forget mindless action; this is for those who value true survival, brutal combat, and edge-of-your-seat tension.

Ultrakill

Metascore: TBD
Developer: New Blood Interactive
Release Date: September 3, 2020
Download: Steam

Unrelenting action defines Ultrakill. This explosive, frenetic, and intensely hardcore shooter draws inspiration from 90s classics, but with modern mechanics and breakneck speed. Prepare for relentless demon hordes, rivers of blood, and an endless supply of ammo, demanding constant movement and aggression. A Devil May Cry-esque combo system encourages stylish play, and unique mechanics, such as health regeneration through melee kills, make each encounter unforgettable. This isn't just a retro shooter; it's pure gaming bliss for speed, style, and chaos enthusiasts. Oh, and you can parry your own shotgun blast – need we say more?

Rainbow Six Siege

Metascore: 73
Developer: Ubisoft
Release Date: December 1, 2015
Download: Steam

Rainbow Six Siege transformed the tactical shooter into a tense game of strategy, where every mistake can be costly. Ubisoft prioritized strategy, communication, and adaptability over reflexes. Diverse operators, each with unique gadgets and roles, ensure constantly evolving tactics. A window trap? Unexpected cameras? A cleverly placed wall? Anything can become a strategic point of attack. The game's complexity and emphasis on teamwork filtered out casual players, making each match a true test of skill and coordination. This elevated Rainbow Six Siege to become one of the most significant and esports-ready tactical shooters of its time.

Fortnite

Metascore: 78
Developer: Epic Games
Release Date: July 21, 2017
Download: Fortnite

Fortnite transcends being just a game; it's a cultural phenomenon. Building mechanics, constant updates, and a unique visual style propelled it to become one of history's most popular games – and it remains relevant eight years after its release. The battle royale mode introduced a novel blend of action and on-the-fly fortification building, altering the dynamics of combat and demanding greater tactical prowess, agility, and marksmanship. Constant updates, brand collaborations, in-game events, and concerts have transformed Fortnite into more than a shooter; it's a gaming platform hosting global digital events.

Payday 2

Metascore: 79
Developer: OVERKILL
Release Date: August 13, 2013
Download: Steam

This heist simulator, where players become a criminal crew planning and executing daring raids, captivated gamers over a decade ago and continues to hold its appeal. From small shops to high-stakes bank robberies, each heist demands coordination, strategy, and precision. Choose between stealthy approaches, disabling security systems and picking locks, or unleashing chaos with hostage situations, SWAT teams, and a barrage of bullets. The game's freedom of choice makes each robbery unpredictable and thrilling, enhanced by Simon Viklund's pulse-pounding soundtrack. Payday 2 is perfect for aspiring criminal masterminds.

Prey (2017)

Metascore: 79
Developer: Arkane Studios
Release Date: May 4, 2017
Download: Steam

Prey is a cerebral challenge set within a dark sci-fi atmosphere. Arkane Studios masterfully blended elements from the immersive sim genre, creating a game where every door presents not just a path, but a puzzle demanding ingenuity and unconventional thinking. The sprawling, meticulously detailed space station teems with secrets. Forget linear "go here, shoot that" gameplay; Prey offers freedom in how you tackle threats, rewarding experimentation. Unique abilities transform you from hunter to hunted, making this layered design a standout in the genre.

Duke Nukem 3D

Metascore: 80
Developer: 3D Realms
Release Date: January 29, 1996
Download: Steam

In 1996, Duke Nukem 3D burst onto the scene like a rock star – loud, brash, and heavily armed. This wasn't just another shooter; it was a quintessential 90s icon, infused with the era's pop culture. Brutal, charismatic, and absurdly confident, Duke unleashed not only rockets but also a barrage of sarcastic and ironic one-liners. Even its interactivity was groundbreaking for the time. Duke Nukem 3D proved shooters could thrill, entertain, shock, and provoke, solidifying its place as an iconic action game.

Counter-Strike 2

Metascore: 82
Developer: Valve
Release Date: August 21, 2012
Download: Steam

The official sequel to the legendary esports classic retains the original's tense gameplay while incorporating modern technology and the Source 2 engine. Staying true to its roots, it remains a tactical FPS where every step, bullet, and second counts. CS2 isn't just a continuation; it's a reimagining of core gameplay. Enhanced graphics, advanced physics, and redesigned maps provide a fresh experience while preserving the essence of classic Counter-Strike. Teamwork, strategy, and map knowledge remain paramount, but the action feels even more dynamic.

DOOM (1993)

Metascore: 82
Developer: id Software
Release Date: December 10, 1993
Download: Steam

DOOM is a legend, foundational not just to a genre, but to the entire industry. It didn't just become a cult classic; it laid the groundwork for all future FPS titles. Pure rage and adrenaline distilled into digital form, DOOM (ported to countless platforms) established the "run-and-gun" formula still used today. It revolutionized the genre, offering a first-person perspective, powerful weaponry, and a bloodbath of demon slaying. Without DOOM, the industry would be unrecognizable.

Bulletstorm

Metascore: 84
Developer: People Can Fly
Release Date: April 7, 2017
Download: Steam

Bulletstorm is an explosive mix of insane action, dark humor, and unconventional combat. People Can Fly subverted typical shootouts, rewarding not just accuracy, but creative enemy elimination. The "stylish kills" system earns points for spectacular takedowns. A charismatic story, memorable characters, and cinematic sequences add to the experience. Bulletstorm stands out as a unique and underrated shooter, offering something truly fresh.

Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus

Metascore: 87
Developer: MachineGames
Release Date: October 27, 2017
Download: Steam

Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus revitalized the legendary series with a fresh take on classic shooter mechanics. This bloody and emotional resistance story embodies the best of old-school shooters. As B.J. Blazkowicz, players fight Nazi occupation in an alternate America, sparking a revolution. Whether using dual shotguns or stealth, every encounter is dynamic and brutal. The excellent story, featuring compelling characters and shocking moments, delivers more than just adrenaline; it leaves a lasting impact.

Max Payne 3

Metascore: 87
Developer: Rockstar Games
Release Date: May 15, 2012
Download: Steam

Max Payne 3 is a harsh, dark tale of downfall and redemption. Max, now broken and disillusioned, plunges into the brutal world of Brazilian mercenaries, drug cartels, and political conspiracies. The game feels like a John Woo film, featuring iconic "bullet time" slow-motion sequences for precise combat. A cover system adds realism, and weapons feel powerful. Rockstar crafted an interactive thriller where every frame is a work of art.

Far Cry 3

Metascore: 88
Developer: Ubisoft
Release Date: November 29, 2012
Download: Steam

Far Cry 3 is an odyssey into madness, where a tropical paradise becomes a battleground for survival. The open world offers hunting, exploration, outpost takedowns, skill progression, and weapon crafting. Confrontations allow choices: stealth or explosive combat. A gripping story, vibrant environment, and tense gameplay established Far Cry 3 as a benchmark for open-world shooters, defining Ubisoft's formula for a decade.

F.E.A.R.

Metascore: 88
Developer: Monolith Productions
Release Date: October 17, 2005
Download: Steam

F.E.A.R. is a thrilling blend of horror and adrenaline, where flawless action meets terrifying paranormal phenomena. Players are a special operative investigating events linked to the girl Alma and supernatural forces. F.E.A.R. creates an atmosphere of the unknown, where darkness is the enemy and every step tests your nerves. Intense firefights alternate with hallucinations, unsettling visions, and whispers, keeping you on edge. F.E.A.R. remains a standard for blending horror and tactical action.

DOOM Eternal

Metascore: 88
Developer: id Software
Release Date: March 20, 2020
Download: Steam

This sequel to the legendary franchise makes shooters fast, predatory, and merciless. DOOM Eternal tests reflexes, strategy, and aggression. Movement is essential for survival. Each battle is a precise, chaotic dance where stopping means death. It's one of the most intense and aggressive shooters, where you become Hell's worst nightmare.

Borderlands 2

Metascore: 89
Developer: Gearbox Software
Release Date: September 21, 2012
Download: Steam

Borderlands 2 is an explosive mix of shooter and RPG, filled with madness, dark humor, and mountains of loot. On Pandora, boredom is nonexistent: hordes of enemies, thousands of unique guns, charismatic allies, and one of gaming's best villains. Gearbox amplified the first game's strengths: a huge open world, vibrant characters, engaging quests, and boundless customization. The variety of playstyles and constant challenges make Borderlands 2 a fantastic co-op experience.

Titanfall 2

Metascore: 89
Developer: Respawn Entertainment
Release Date: October 28, 2016
Download: Steam

Titanfall 2 avoids boring corridor running, offering parkour, lightning-fast shootouts, and giant mechs turning the battlefield into a chaotic yet tactical arena. The single-player campaign is unexpectedly powerful, telling a heartfelt story of friendship between a soldier and their Titan. Diverse levels and original mechanics make this a game about speed, improvisation, and the joy of movement.

Left 4 Dead 2

Metascore: 89
Developer: Valve
Release Date: November 17, 2009
Download: Steam

This co-op shooter about surviving a zombie apocalypse proves Valve's mastery of the genre. Four survivors face countless undead hordes, demanding teamwork, cover, and resource management. Every level is a dynamic, procedurally generated bloodbath where the AI Director adjusts the pace, throwing new threats and forcing adaptation. It's an intense and gripping co-op horror experience.

Overwatch (2016)

Metascore: 91
Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
Release Date: May 24, 2016

Overwatch revolutionized team-based online shooters, offering more than gunfights. Blizzard combined FPS and MOBA elements, creating a unique experience where victory depends on coordinated teamwork. A diverse roster of heroes and a balanced class system are key. Continuous support, updates, and esports potential made Overwatch a cultural phenomenon, setting standards for team-based shooters.

Battlefield 2

Metascore: 91
Developer: DICE
Release Date: June 21, 2005

Battlefield 2 revolutionized military shooters, escalating the scale of battles. Huge maps, intense fights involving infantry, vehicles, and aircraft, and crucial team coordination simulated modern warfare. Squad-based tactical interaction and smart class usage were key to battlefield dominance. This game not only changed the series but laid the foundation for team-based FPS titles for years to come.

Crysis

Metascore: 91
Developer: Crytek
Release Date: November 13, 2007
Download: Steam

In 2007, Crysis was a technological marvel, redefining video game graphics. Its environmental detail, realistic physics, and advanced lighting set a new visual standard. The jungles felt alive, the water realistic, and the destruction interactive. "But can it run Crysis?" became synonymous with its demanding hardware requirements, showcasing the CryEngine's revolutionary nature. Even today, Crysis remains a benchmark of technical perfection.

Team Fortress 2

Metascore: 92
Developer: Valve
Release Date: October 10, 2007
Download: Steam

Team Fortress 2 is more than a shooter; it's a celebration of tactics, chaos, and individuality. Valve elevated team-based combat with a unique cartoon style, frenetic battles, and a brilliant class system. Team synergy is crucial, with each class fulfilling a specific role. Valve's early successful cosmetics system allowed for character personalization, transforming Team Fortress 2 into a cultural phenomenon that continues to thrive.

Unreal Tournament 2004

Metascore: 93
Developer: Epic Games
Release Date: March 16, 2004
Download: Steam

The quintessential arena shooter, where speed, accuracy, and reflexes reign supreme. Epic Games refined the formula, adding new maps, modes, and vehicles. Lightning-fast dashes, acrobatic jumps, and deadly mid-air duels create a chaotic battlefield. Unreal Tournament 2004 set the standard for arena shooters and remains one of the fastest and most adrenaline-pumping FPS titles.

Quake III Arena

Metascore: 93
Developer: id Software
Release Date: December 5, 1999
Download: Steam

Quake III Arena is the purest form of arena shooter, emphasizing speed, reflexes, and aim. There's no plot; just intense combat. Players zip around arenas, collecting power-ups and weapons, engaging in frantic firefights. Responsive controls create a seamless experience. Every encounter tests reaction time, accuracy, and prediction. The game retains its relevance as one of the most dynamic and competitive shooters.

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare

Metascore: 94
Developer: Infinity Ward
Release Date: November 12, 2007
Download: Steam

Modern Warfare revolutionized military shooters, shifting from World War II settings to modern tactical operations. The campaign is an intense, cinematic experience with iconic missions. The multiplayer, however, was the real breakthrough, establishing fast-paced combat, balanced maps, and realistic feel that shaped online FPS for a generation.

GoldenEye 007 (1997)

Metascore: 96
Developer: Rare
Release Date: August 23, 1997

GoldenEye 007 proved consoles were a viable platform for FPS. Rare set new standards for controls, level design, and multiplayer. The exciting James Bond-inspired narrative balanced dynamic shootouts with stealth, creating varied missions. This title remains fondly remembered by many Nintendo 64 owners.

Half-Life

Metascore: 96
Developer: Valve
Release Date: November 19, 1998
Download: Steam

Half-Life is more than a shooter; it's a revolution in storytelling. Valve introduced Gordon Freeman and allowed players to fully immerse themselves in his story. The narrative seamlessly integrated into gameplay, eliminating traditional cutscenes. The atmosphere – tense music, dim lighting, and constant danger – created lasting intensity. Half-Life remains the gold standard for narrative-driven FPS.

BioShock

Metascore: 96
Developer: 2K Games
Release Date: August 21, 2007
Download: Steam

BioShock is a journey into philosophy and morality, transporting players to the underwater city of Rapture – a fallen utopia. Every location tells a story, and the environment details the tragedy of this fallen society. Its rich atmosphere, innovative gameplay, and complex narrative made BioShock a true work of art, setting new standards for story-driven FPS.

Perfect Dark (2000)

Metascore: 97
Developer: Rare
Release Date: May 22, 2000

Perfect Dark expanded upon GoldenEye 007's success, setting the action in a futuristic world with a complex plot involving espionage, alien conspiracies, and technological intrigue. Agent Joanna Dark's missions range from stealth to large-scale shootouts. Impressive graphics, visual effects, and cinematic style made it a remarkable Nintendo 64 title.

Halo: Combat Evolved

Metascore: 97
Developer: Bungie
Release Date: November 15, 2001
Download: Steam

Halo: Combat Evolved redefined console shooters and laid the foundation for one of gaming's most iconic universes. Master Chief became a legend, and humanity's conflict with the Covenant captivated gamers. Halo: CE offered a compelling sci-fi story, unforgettable level design, and the innovative regenerating shield mechanic. It proved console shooters could be tactical and epic.

Each of these games influenced the industry uniquely. Some set standards for decades, while others were innovative experiments. Without them, the shooter genre would be vastly different.