Shooters have captivated gamers with their explosive action and intense gameplay, evolving from the pixelated shootouts of the '90s to the cinematic battles of today. Here, we celebrate 30 iconic shooters that have left an indelible mark on the world of video games.

Table of Content ---

• 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

Choosing the 30 best shooters was a meticulous process, guided by several key criteria:

• Influence on the industry. These games set standards that developers still use today.
• Gameplay and mechanics. What unique experience did they offer players?
• Popularity and legacy. Many of these titles continue to inspire developers even now.
• Atmosphere. Visuals, style, and the overall feel of the gameplay.

Now, let’s delve into our selection of these landmark titles.

Escape from Tarkov

Image: gamerjournalist.com

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

Escape from Tarkov epitomizes the hardcore survival shooter genre, blending realism, tactics, and adrenaline. Set in a devastated city, every corner poses a lethal threat, be it from enemy fire, resource scarcity, or a single misstep. The game's defining feature is the total loss of gear upon death, making each engagement tense and crucial. It's a title for those who thrive on survival, intense shootouts, and edge-of-your-seat tension.

Ultrakill

Image: dreadcentral.com

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

Ultrakill is a relentless action-packed shooter that draws inspiration from '90s classics while pushing modern mechanics to their limits. Players are thrown into a frenzy of demons, blood, and endless ammunition, promoting constant movement and aggression. The game's combo system, inspired by Devil May Cry, rewards stylish and spectacular play, while unique mechanics like health regeneration through melee kills make every battle memorable. It's a retro shooter reimagined for today's gamers, celebrating speed, style, and chaos.

Rainbow Six Siege

Image: playstation.com

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

Rainbow Six Siege redefined the tactical shooter genre, turning it into a strategic chess match where every move counts. Ubisoft emphasized strategy, communication, and adaptability over sheer reflexes. With a roster of diverse operators, each with unique gadgets and roles, the game offers endless tactical possibilities. Whether it's setting traps, using cameras strategically, or breaching walls, every element can become a point of attack. This complexity and need for teamwork have made Siege a cornerstone in esports and a benchmark for tactical shooters.

Fortnite

Image: insider.razer.com

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

Fortnite transcends gaming to become a cultural phenomenon, driven by its innovative building mechanics, frequent updates, and distinctive visual style. Its battle royale mode introduced a novel gameplay dynamic, blending action with on-the-fly fortification building. This added a layer of strategy and skill, making shootouts more tactical. With constant updates, collaborations with global brands, and in-game events like concerts, Fortnite has evolved into a platform for digital entertainment, remaining relevant years after its launch.

Payday 2

Image: itl.cat

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

Payday 2 offers a thrilling heist experience, allowing players to step into the shoes of a criminal mastermind. From small shops to elite banks, each heist requires coordination, tactics, and strategic decision-making. Players can choose to proceed stealthily, picking locks and avoiding detection, or go loud with hostages and SWAT assaults. The game's freedom of choice ensures unpredictable and intense gameplay, enhanced by Simon Viklund’s gripping soundtrack. It's perfect for those looking to feel like a legendary mobster.

Prey (2017)

Image: reddit.com

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

Prey offers a cerebral challenge wrapped in a dark sci-fi atmosphere. Arkane Studios crafted an immersive sim where every door is a puzzle requiring ingenuity and unconventional thinking. The intricately detailed space station is a living entity with hidden secrets. Instead of linear objectives, Prey provides players with the freedom to tackle threats as they see fit, rewarding experimentation. Unique abilities transform players into hunters or hunted, making it one of the genre's most profound and layered experiences.

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 with the energy of a rock star, bringing a brash and bold approach to the genre. Infused with '90s pop culture, the game featured the iconic Duke, whose charisma and sarcastic one-liners were as lethal as his weapons. Its interactivity was groundbreaking for its time, and it remains a nostalgic favorite. Duke Nukem 3D showed that shooters could entertain, shock, and provoke, solidifying its place as an over-the-top action classic.

Counter-Strike 2

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

Counter-Strike 2 is the latest chapter in the legendary esports franchise, maintaining the tense gameplay of its predecessors while leveraging modern technology and the Source 2 engine. It preserves the tactical FPS essence where every step, shot, and second matters. Enhanced graphics, improved physics, and redesigned maps offer a fresh experience while staying true to the classic Counter-Strike formula. Teamwork, strategy, and map knowledge remain crucial, making it a dynamic reimagining of a beloved series.

DOOM (1993)

Image: brainbaking.com

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

DOOM is not just a game; it's a legend that laid the foundation for the FPS genre. It introduced the "run-and-gun" formula that countless games have since adopted, blending first-person perspective with intense action against demonic foes. DOOM revolutionized the industry, popularizing network multiplayer and setting trends that still influence shooters today. Without it, the landscape of gaming would be vastly different.

Bulletstorm

Image: mixed-news.com

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

Bulletstorm is a thrilling mix of action, dark humor, and innovative combat. Developed by People Can Fly, it turned traditional shootouts upside down by rewarding creativity and style in eliminating enemies. The "stylish kills" system encourages players to devise spectacular ways to dispatch foes, while a charismatic storyline and memorable characters add depth. Bulletstorm stands out as an underappreciated yet unique shooter, offering a fresh take on the genre.

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 legendary series, blending classic shooter mechanics with a gripping narrative of resistance. As B.J. Blazkowicz, players fight through an alternate Nazi-occupied America, sparking revolution with dynamic and brutal encounters. Whether using dual shotguns or stealth tactics, the game delivers adrenaline-fueled action. Its compelling storyline, featuring deep characters and shocking moments, ensures a lasting impact, making it a standout title in the shooter genre.

Max Payne 3

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

Max Payne 3 is a dark, intense tale of downfall and redemption. Max, once a bold cop, now struggles with alcoholism and despair in the ruthless world of Brazilian mercenaries and drug cartels. The game captures the essence of a John Woo action flick, with the iconic "bullet time" feature allowing players to slow down time during firefights. A robust cover system and impactful weapons enhance the realism, turning the game into an interactive thriller where every frame is a work of art.

Far Cry 3

Image: gamingbible.com

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

Far Cry 3 is an odyssey into madness set in a tropical paradise turned battleground. The open-world sandbox offers a variety of activities, from hunting and exploration to stealth attacks and explosive shootouts. The gripping story, vibrant environment, and tense gameplay set a new standard for open-world shooters. It not only defined Ubisoft's approach to the genre for the next decade but also left an indelible mark on gaming culture.

F.E.A.R.

Image: relyonhorror.com

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

F.E.A.R. blends horror and adrenaline into a thrilling experience. Players navigate a world of supernatural phenomena as an operative investigating mysterious events linked to Alma. The game's atmosphere is palpable, with darkness and unsettling visions keeping players on edge. Tense firefights and sudden hallucinations create a roller coaster of emotions, making F.E.A.R. a benchmark for combining horror with tactical action.

DOOM Eternal

Image: nintendo.com

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

DOOM Eternal is a testament to the franchise's legacy, offering fast-paced, relentless action. It challenges players' reflexes, strategy, and aggression, where constant movement is key to survival. Every battle is a chaotic dance, and stopping means death. As one of the most intense shooters, players become the nightmare of the hordes of Hell, continuing the tradition of the series.

Borderlands 2

Image: epicgames.com

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

Borderlands 2 blends shooting with RPG elements, infusing the game with madness, dark humor, and endless loot. Set on Pandora, players face bandits, psychos, and robots with thousands of uniquely customizable guns. Gearbox expanded on the first game's successes, offering a vast open world, vibrant characters, and engaging quests. Its variety, challenges, and progression system make it one of the best co-op experiences, offering hundreds of hours of play.

Titanfall 2

Image: metro.co.uk

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

Titanfall 2 is defined by its fast-paced parkour, intense shootouts, and giant mechs that transform battlefields into chaotic yet tactical arenas. Its single-player campaign is a surprising highlight, telling a heartfelt story of friendship between a soldier and his Titan. Diverse levels and original mechanics showcase the game's creativity. Despite challenges at launch, Titanfall 2 remains a beloved shooter, inspiring games like Apex Legends.

Left 4 Dead 2

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

Left 4 Dead 2 offers a gripping co-op experience set during a zombie apocalypse. Four survivors must work together to navigate procedurally generated levels, conserving resources and adapting to the AI Director's dynamic challenges. It's an intense, cooperative horror experience where teamwork and resource management are crucial, cementing its place as one of Valve's finest shooters.

Overwatch (2016)

Image: reddit.com

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

Overwatch revolutionized team-based online shooters, blending FPS and MOBA elements. Developed by Blizzard, it focuses on a diverse hero roster and a balanced class system, where victory hinges on teamwork and strategy. Continuous updates and esports support have made Overwatch a cultural phenomenon, setting standards for team-based shooters.

Battlefield 2

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

Battlefield 2 revolutionized military shooters with its large-scale battles, featuring infantry, vehicles, and aircraft. The game emphasized squad-based tactics and class roles, transforming it into a simulation of modern warfare. It laid the groundwork for team-based FPS titles, inspiring countless projects and setting a new standard for the genre.

Crysis

Image: archive.org

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

Crysis set a new benchmark for graphics in 2007, with its realistic environmental detail and advanced lighting. The phrase "But can it run Crysis?" became synonymous with high hardware demands, reflecting the CryEngine's revolutionary capabilities. Its technical achievements continue to inspire developers, making it a landmark title in gaming history.

Team Fortress 2

Image: gamedeveloper.com

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

Team Fortress 2 is a vibrant celebration of tactics and chaos, with a unique cartoon style and a class system that emphasizes team synergy. Valve's introduction of a cosmetics system not only revolutionized monetization but also turned the game into a cultural phenomenon. Its enduring popularity and influence continue to captivate players, even without major updates.

Unreal Tournament 2004

Image: portforward.com

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

Unreal Tournament 2004 is the quintessential arena shooter, where speed, accuracy, and reflexes are paramount. Epic Games refined the formula with new maps, modes, and vehicles, creating a chaotic yet exhilarating experience. It became the standard for arena shooters, remaining one of the most adrenaline-pumping titles in gaming history.

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 arena shooters, focusing purely on speed, reflexes, and aim. With no plot, just fast-paced battles, players navigate arenas collecting power-ups and engaging in intense firefights. Its responsive controls and competitive nature have kept it relevant, making it one of the most dynamic and polished shooters ever.

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 genre to modern settings, offering a cinematic campaign with iconic missions. Its multiplayer mode established mechanics that became classics, shaping the future of online FPS with fast-paced, balanced gameplay. It remains a defining title in the genre.

GoldenEye 007 (1997)

Image: cnet.com

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

GoldenEye 007 proved that consoles could excel in FPS gaming, setting new standards for controls and level design. Inspired by the James Bond film, it balanced action with stealth, offering varied missions. It remains a beloved title, evoking nostalgia among Nintendo 64 players.

Half-Life

Image: youtube.com

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

Half-Life revolutionized FPS storytelling by integrating narrative seamlessly into gameplay. As Gordon Freeman, players experience a gripping tale without traditional cutscenes. Its tense atmosphere and immersive design made it a cult classic, setting the gold standard for narrative-driven shooters.

BioShock

Image: inverse.com

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

BioShock is a philosophical journey into morality, set in the underwater city of Rapture. Its rich atmosphere, innovative gameplay, and complex narrative made it more than just a game—it's a work of art. BioShock set new standards for story-driven FPS, leaving a lasting impact on the genre.

Perfect Dark (2000)

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

Perfect Dark expanded on GoldenEye 007's success, moving to a futuristic setting with a deep plot about espionage and alien conspiracies. As Agent Joanna Dark, players experience varied missions from stealth to large-scale shootouts. Its impressive graphics and cinematic style made it a standout on the Nintendo 64, eagerly awaited for a revival.

Halo: Combat Evolved

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

Halo: Combat Evolved transformed console shooters, introducing Master Chief and the epic conflict with the Covenant. Its innovative regenerating shield mechanic became a genre standard, while its engaging sci-fi story and level design captivated gamers. Halo: CE set the stage for one of gaming's most iconic franchises.

Each of these games has shaped the shooter genre in unique ways, setting standards and inspiring countless others. Without them, the landscape of gaming would be markedly different.