The 30 Best Shooters in History

A Retrospective on 30 Groundbreaking Shooters: From Pixels to Cinematic Battles

Shooters: exhilarating, explosive, and utterly captivating. They've evolved dramatically since the pixelated shootouts of the 90s, yet remain a cornerstone of gaming. This article celebrates 30 titles that redefined the genre.

Table of Contents

• How We Selected These 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
• Comments

How We Selected These Shooters

Selecting the 30 best shooters was a monumental task. Our criteria included:

• Industry Influence: Games that set lasting standards for developers.
• Gameplay and Mechanics: Uniqueness and player experience.
• Popularity and Legacy: Enduring impact and inspiration for future titles.
• Atmosphere: Visuals, style, and overall gameplay feel.

Escape from Tarkov

Image: gamerjournalist.com

• Metascore: tbd
• Developer: Battlestate Games
• Release Date: July 27, 2017
• Download: Official page

Tarkov delivers a hardcore survival shooter experience, blending realism, tactical gameplay, and intense adrenaline. Players navigate a war-torn city where death is a constant threat, whether from enemies, resource scarcity, or poor decisions. The permanent loss of gear upon death elevates the tension, demanding strategic thinking and careful planning. This isn't mindless action; it's a test of survival skills and nerve.

Ultrakill

Image: dreadcentral.com

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

Ultrakill is non-stop, frenetic action. A modern take on 90s classics, it pushes speed and intensity to the limit. Demons, blood, and endless ammo create a relentless assault, demanding constant movement and aggressive play. A Devil May Cry-inspired combo system rewards stylish kills, while unique mechanics, such as health regeneration through melee, make each encounter unforgettable. The ability to parry your own shotgun blast is just the cherry on top.

Rainbow Six Siege

Image: playstation.com

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

Rainbow Six Siege transforms tactical shooters into tense strategic battles. Ubisoft prioritized strategy, communication, and adaptability over pure reflexes. Diverse operators, each with unique gadgets and roles, create constantly evolving tactical possibilities. Every encounter is a chess match where mistakes are heavily punished.

Fortnite

Image: insider.razer.com

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

Fortnite transcends the boundaries of a game, becoming a cultural phenomenon. Building mechanics, constant updates, and a distinctive visual style have propelled it to immense popularity. The battle royale mode introduced a novel blend of action and dynamic construction, demanding tactical prowess and skillful shooting. Continuous updates, collaborations, and in-game events solidify its status as a major gaming platform.

Payday 2

Image: itl.cat

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

Payday 2 casts players as a criminal crew, planning and executing daring heists. From small-scale robberies to high-stakes bank raids, coordination, tactics, and calculated risk-taking are essential. Players can choose between stealthy approaches or explosive chaos, making each heist unpredictable and thrilling. The soundtrack further enhances the tension and excitement.

Prey (2017)

Image: reddit.com

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

Prey presents a challenging, immersive sim experience within a dark sci-fi setting. Arkane Studios masterfully blends immersive gameplay with puzzle-solving, requiring creativity and unconventional thinking. The vast space station is richly detailed, brimming with secrets and offering freedom in how players approach threats. The unique abilities allow for diverse strategies.

Duke Nukem 3D

Image: middleofnowheregaming.com

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

Duke Nukem 3D burst onto the scene in 1996, embodying the brash and over-the-top attitude of the era. It wasn't just another shooter; it was a cultural icon, blending action with pop culture references and sarcastic humor. Its interactive elements were groundbreaking for its time.

Counter-Strike 2

Image: ensigame.com

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

Counter-Strike 2 builds upon the legacy of its predecessor, retaining the tense, tactical gameplay while incorporating modern technology and the Source 2 engine. It remains a tactical FPS where precision and teamwork are paramount.

DOOM (1993)

Image: brainbaking.com

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

DOOM is a legendary title, foundational to the FPS genre and the gaming industry as a whole. Its "run-and-gun" formula, first-person perspective, and intense demon-slaying action laid the groundwork for countless future games. It also popularized online multiplayer gaming.

Bulletstorm

Image: mixed-news.com

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

Bulletstorm uniquely blends insane action, dark humor, and creative combat. It rewards players for stylish kills, adding a layer of strategic fun beyond simple accuracy. The charismatic storyline, memorable characters, and cinematic presentation further enhance the experience.

Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus

Image: switchplayer.net

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

Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus revitalizes the classic series with a compelling narrative and refined shooter mechanics. Players fight against Nazi occupation in an alternate history America, engaging in brutal combat and experiencing a powerful story filled with impactful characters.

Max Payne 3

Image: shacknews.com

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

Max Payne 3 delivers a gritty, cinematic experience, following a broken and disillusioned Max Payne as he navigates the dangerous world of Brazilian mercenaries and political conspiracies. The iconic "bullet time" mechanic and cover system enhance the intense action sequences.

Far Cry 3

Image: gamingbible.com

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

Far Cry 3 immerses players in a tropical paradise turned battleground. The open-world sandbox offers hunting, exploration, and diverse combat encounters, allowing players to choose between stealth and all-out assault. Its gripping story and vibrant environment set a new standard for open-world shooters.

F.E.A.R.

Image: relyonhorror.com

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

F.E.A.R. masterfully blends intense action with terrifying paranormal elements. Players investigate mysterious events involving supernatural forces, experiencing a unique blend of adrenaline-pumping shootouts and chilling horror.

DOOM Eternal

Image: nintendo.com

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

DOOM Eternal delivers a relentless and aggressive shooter experience. Constant movement is key to survival, making every battle a chaotic dance of precise action. It's one of the most intense and demanding shooters ever created.

Borderlands 2

Image: epicgames.com

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

Borderlands 2 combines shooter and RPG elements with dark humor and a wealth of loot. Set on the planet Pandora, players face hordes of enemies, explore a vast world, and customize their characters with a massive array of weapons and abilities.

Titanfall 2

Image: metro.co.uk

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

Titanfall 2 features fast-paced parkour, intense shootouts, and giant mechs. The single-player campaign is unexpectedly compelling, telling a heartfelt story of friendship and featuring innovative level design.

Left 4 Dead 2

Image: gameplayscassi.com.br

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

Left 4 Dead 2 is a thrilling co-op shooter where four survivors battle against relentless hordes of zombies. Cooperation, resource management, and adaptability are crucial for survival. The AI Director dynamically adjusts the difficulty, ensuring a consistently intense experience.

Overwatch (2016)

Image: reddit.com

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

Overwatch revolutionized team-based shooters, blending FPS and MOBA elements. Victory depends on coordinated teamwork and strategic hero selection, making it a highly competitive and engaging experience.

Battlefield 2

Image: beztabaka.by

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

Battlefield 2 expanded the scale of military shooters, featuring massive battles involving infantry, vehicles, and aircraft. Teamwork and strategic class utilization were key to success.

Crysis

Image: archive.org

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

Crysis pushed the boundaries of graphical fidelity in 2007, setting a new standard for visual realism. Its detailed environments, realistic physics, and advanced lighting effects were groundbreaking.

Team Fortress 2

Image: gamedeveloper.com

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

Team Fortress 2 is a vibrant and chaotic team-based shooter with a distinctive cartoon style. Its class-based gameplay emphasizes teamwork and strategic synergy. The introduction of a successful cosmetic system further enhanced the game's longevity and appeal.

Unreal Tournament 2004

Image: portforward.com

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

Unreal Tournament 2004 perfected the arena shooter formula, emphasizing speed, precision, and reflexes. Its fast-paced gameplay, diverse maps, and various game modes made it a highly competitive and engaging title.

Quake III Arena

Image: reddit.com

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

Quake III Arena is the epitome of the arena shooter, focusing on pure, fast-paced combat. Responsive controls and intense firefights make it a highly competitive and enduring classic.

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare

Image: mehm.net

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

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare shifted the military shooter landscape by introducing modern warfare settings and a cinematic campaign. Its innovative multiplayer mode established many now-classic mechanics.

GoldenEye 007 (1997)

Image: cnet.com

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

GoldenEye 007 demonstrated the console's potential for FPS games, setting new standards for controls, level design, and multiplayer. Its James Bond-inspired narrative and blend of action and stealth remain memorable.

Half-Life

Image: youtube.com

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

Half-Life revolutionized storytelling in FPS games, seamlessly integrating narrative into gameplay. Its immersive atmosphere and gripping story set a new standard for narrative-driven shooters.

BioShock

Image: inverse.com

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

BioShock takes players to the underwater city of Rapture, exploring themes of philosophy and morality within a compelling narrative and atmospheric setting. Its innovative gameplay and thought-provoking story make it a true work of art.

Perfect Dark (2000)

Image: altarofgaming.com

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

Perfect Dark expanded upon the success of GoldenEye 007, introducing a futuristic setting and a complex espionage plot. Its varied gameplay, impressive graphics, and cinematic presentation cemented its place as a Nintendo 64 classic.

Halo: Combat Evolved

Image: wallpapercat.com

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

Halo: Combat Evolved redefined console shooters, introducing the iconic Master Chief and a compelling sci-fi universe. Its innovative regenerating shield mechanic and epic storyline set a new standard for the genre.

These 30 games, each influential in its own right, collectively shaped the shooter genre into what it is today. They represent a diverse range of styles, mechanics, and narratives, showcasing the genre's incredible evolution and enduring appeal.