Key Takeaways

• FPS games offer an immersive experience, allowing players to engage directly in combat from a first-person perspective.
• The genre has evolved from simple, pixelated graphics to highly detailed, realistic environments.
• Many FPS games are noted for their multiplayer modes, which have helped establish eSports as a global phenomenon.
• Some FPS titles have become cultural icons, influencing not only other games but also popular media.
• The best FPS games are recognized for their innovation, engaging storylines, and impact on the gaming industry.

First-person shooter (FPS) games have been a cornerstone of the gaming industry for decades. From the early days of pixelated graphics to today’s hyper-realistic environments, the genre has evolved significantly. FPS games are characterized by their immersive first-person perspective, putting players directly into the action.

Over the years, certain titles have stood out due to their innovative gameplay, compelling narratives, and lasting impact on the gaming community. This list explores ten of the greatest FPS games of all time, each selected for its contribution to the genre and its enduring popularity among players.

#1

Doom

Popularized the FPS Genre

• Developer: id Software
• Release Date: 10 December 1993
• Platforms: MS-DOS, PlayStation, SNES, Sega 32X, and others
• Genre: FPS, Survival Horror
• OpenCritic Rating: Mighty

Doom is often credited with popularising the FPS genre, setting the standard for many games that followed. Set in a futuristic environment where players take on the role of a space marine fighting off hordes of demons from Hell, Doom combines fast-paced action with a dark, atmospheric setting.

The game’s level design is iconic, featuring complex mazes, secret areas, and a variety of weapons that have become staples in the genre. Its groundbreaking use of 3D graphics and networked multiplayer capabilities made it a cultural phenomenon, earning it a place in gaming history.

#2

Half-Life

Revolutionized the FPS Genre

• Developer: Valve Corporation
• Release Date: 19 November 1998
• Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 2, macOS, Linux
• Genre: FPS, Action-Adventure

Half-Life revolutionized the FPS genre by integrating a deeply immersive narrative with seamless gameplay. Players step into the shoes of Gordon Freeman, a scientist who must navigate the chaos of an experiment gone wrong, fighting off alien creatures and military forces.

What sets Half-Life apart is its storytelling approach – the entire game is experienced through Freeman’s eyes, without cutscenes, creating a continuous and engaging experience. The game’s innovative use of scripted sequences, environmental storytelling, and intelligent AI elevated it to legendary status, influencing countless FPS games that followed.

#3

Halo: Combat Evolved

Defining Title for the Xbox

• Developer: Bungie
• Release Date: 15 November 2001
• Platforms: Xbox, Microsoft Windows, macOS
• Genre: FPS, Action-Adventure

Halo: Combat Evolved was a defining title for the Xbox, bringing FPS games to the console market with unprecedented success. The game introduced players to the Master Chief, a super-soldier fighting to save humanity from an alien coalition known as the Covenant.

Halo is lauded for its tight controls, balanced weapons, and innovative use of vehicular combat. The game’s multiplayer mode became a cornerstone of its success, laying the groundwork for modern online multiplayer experiences. Its rich lore, expansive universe, and influence on console FPS titles cement Halo as one of the greatest in the genre.

#4

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare

Celebrated for Its Cinematic Campaign

• Developer: Infinity Ward
• Release Date: 5 November 2007
• Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, macOS, Wii
• Genre: FPS, Military Shooter
• OpenCritic Rating: Strong

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare marked a significant shift for the Call of Duty franchise, moving away from World War II settings to a contemporary conflict. The game is celebrated for its cinematic campaign, featuring intense, scripted moments that keep players on the edge of their seats.

Its multiplayer mode introduced a new level of customization and progression, with perks, killstreaks, and an addictive ranking system. Modern Warfare’s impact on the FPS genre is undeniable, as it set the standard for military shooters and established the formula that many subsequent games would follow.

#5

Counter-Strike

Began as a Mod for Half-Life

• Developer: Valve Corporation, Minh Le, Jess Cliffe
• Release Date: 8 November 2000
• Platforms: Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Xbox
• Genre: FPS, Tactical Shooter

Counter-Strike began as a mod for Half-Life and quickly evolved into one of the most popular and influential multiplayer FPS games of all time. The game pits two teams, Terrorists and Counter-Terrorists, against each other in objective-based gameplay, such as bomb defusal or hostage rescue.

Counter-Strike is renowned for its emphasis on skill, strategy, and teamwork, with a steep learning curve that rewards players for precision and tactical thinking. Its competitive nature laid the groundwork for the eSports scene, making it a staple in professional gaming tournaments.

#6

BioShock

Players Explore a Dystopian Society Gone Awry

• Developer: Irrational Games
• Release Date: 21 August 2007
• Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, macOS, Linux
• Genre: FPS, Action-Adventure, Horror

BioShock is a unique blend of FPS gameplay with a richly detailed narrative and atmospheric world-building. Set in the underwater city of Rapture, players explore a dystopian society gone awry, encountering genetically modified enemies and uncovering dark secrets.

BioShock is praised for its moral choices, where players must decide the fate of characters known as Little Sisters, impacting the game’s ending. The combination of its story, art deco aesthetics, and gameplay mechanics, including the use of plasmids to gain special abilities, makes BioShock a standout title that redefined what an FPS could be.

#7

GoldenEye 007

Based on the James Bond Film of the Same Name

• Developer: Rare
• Release Date: 25 August 1997
• Platforms: Nintendo 64
• Genre: FPS, Action-Adventure
• OpenCritic Rating: Strong

GoldenEye 007 is often credited with proving that FPS games could succeed on consoles. Based on the James Bond film of the same name, the game features a single-player campaign where players complete various missions using stealth, strategy, and a variety of weapons.

GoldenEye 007 is perhaps best known for its multiplayer mode, which allowed up to four players to compete in split-screen deathmatches. This mode became a cultural phenomenon, paving the way for future multiplayer FPS games on consoles. The game’s influence is still felt today, and it remains a beloved classic.

#8

Quake

Fast-Paced, Multiplayer-Focused Gameplay

• Developer: id Software
• Release Date: 22 June 1996
• Platforms: MS-DOS, Microsoft Windows, Mac OS
• Genre: FPS, Arena Shooter
• OpenCritic Rating: Mighty

Quake was a groundbreaking FPS game that introduced players to fast-paced, multiplayer-focused gameplay in 3D environments. Building on the success of Doom, Quake featured fully 3D models, advanced lighting effects, and a revolutionary online multiplayer mode.

The game’s emphasis on speed, precision, and fluid movement made it a favorite in the competitive gaming scene. Quake also introduced the concept of “rocket jumping,” which became a popular tactic in FPS games. Its influence on both multiplayer shooters and eSports is profound, and it remains a classic example of FPS design.

#9

Battlefield 1942

Large-Scale, Team-Based Warfare

• Developer: Digital Illusions CE (DICE)
• Release Date: 10 September 2002
• Platforms: Microsoft Windows, macOS
• Genre: FPS, Military Shooter

Battlefield 1942 set itself apart from other FPS games of its time by focusing on large-scale, team-based warfare. Set during World War II, the game allows players to choose from five different classes and engage in massive battles across land, sea, and air. Battlefield 1942 is noted for its use of vehicles, including tanks, planes, and ships, which players can pilot to gain an advantage in combat.

The game’s focus on teamwork and strategy, along with its dynamic, large-scale maps, helped it become a favorite among fans of military shooters and laid the groundwork for the successful Battlefield series.

#10

Team Fortress 2

Combines Fast-Paced Action With a Unique, Cartoonish Art Style

• Developer: Valve Corporation
• Release Date: 10 October 2007
• Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, macOS, Linux
• Genre: FPS, Team-Based Shooter

Team Fortress 2 is a team-based multiplayer FPS that combines fast-paced action with a unique, cartoonish art style. Players choose from nine distinct classes, each with its own abilities and playstyle, and compete in various game modes, including capture the flag and payload.

The game is renowned for its emphasis on teamwork, with each class playing a vital role in the team’s success. Team Fortress 2 also introduced the concept of games as a service, with regular updates, new content, and a thriving community-driven economy. Its blend of humor, strategy, and tactics made it great fun.

Callum Wainwright

I am an avid gamer and have been since I was in my teens, some 20 years ago. I mostly play role-playing games, although I do have a soft spot for survival games, and anything with a sc-fi theme.