FPS Games

First-person shooters (FPS) are one of the most popular video game genres. Releases representing this type are focused on weapon-based combat in a 3D environment. Sometimes players have to solve puzzles and overcome other obstacles, but action and fighting are vital parts of every FPS game.

History of first-person shooters

• The beginnings. The prehistory of the genre dates back to the 1970s. Maze War, often cited as the very first 3D shooter, was released in 1973, and Spasim, a 3D multiplayer space combat game, hit the shelves the following year. The 1975's tank simulator called Panther is another example of very early first-person shooters. 
• Shaping of the genre. The 1990s were the period when first-person shooters, as we know them today, were forged. Wolfenstein 3D, released in 1992, is considered the grandfather of modern shooters. It was also the first FPS developed by the legendary id Software studio. Other milestone games that shaped the genre were Doom (1993, id Software), Duke Nukem 3D (1996, 3D Realms), and Quake (1996, id Software).
• Modern FPS games. Fast-forward to the late 90s, 2000s, and 2010s, and we get a much more fleshed-out genre. 3D graphics and gameplay reached new heights with games like Half-Life and BioShock. Classic FPS releases offer a series of closed levels that have to be completed in a particular order, while modern games, such as Far Cry 6, give players an open world that may be explored freely.
• Online shooters. The internet revolution also opened the door for online shooters that emphasize gameplay and multiplayer battles against other players over a gripping narrative. Battlefront, Overwatch, and Apex Legends are among the most popular online shooters.

Key features of FPS games

There are several elements essential to all FPS titles. Here are the most important ones.

• First-person perspective. In FPSs, players control and view the action from the protagonist's perspective, often with a gun or other weapon in their hand. This point-of-view makes the gameplay more immersive and challenging, as you must judge distances and angles accurately to hit enemies.
• Combat. It's an essential part of every shooter game. Players have to fight their way through enemies and obstacles using all kinds of weapons. However, there are different approaches to combat. For instance, Doom Eternal is a typical fast-paced shooter with hordes of enemies to decimate; Escape from Tarkov offers a tactical take on combat; and Dishonored 2 prefers stealth techniques to a frontal attack.
• Multiplayer mode. Most first-person shooters offer a story mode, but the opportunity to battle other players online is crucial. These can be team-oriented battles, deathmatches, or objective-based game modes. An exciting multiplayer mode can extend the game's lifetime value by months or even years.
• 3D graphics. The games are built on a 3D engine; hence, characters can move freely around the in-game environment, either aiming manually or via auto-aiming features. First-person shooter franchises, such as Battlefield, Battlefront, and Call of Duty, try to provide players with photorealistic visuals and set new graphics standards with each installment.
• Weapons. FPS games usually go hand in hand with shooting, and the vast arsenal of available weapons is one of their defining features. Players can choose from a selection of handguns, rifles, machine guns, grenades, and other tools to tackle levels and enemies. While some titles provide historically accurate weapons, others give a selection of fictional or futuristic guns.

Types of the genre

Analyzing the first-person shooter genre, we have to mention the most popular sub-genres.

• Looter shooters. This type of FPS game is based on collecting rewards and loot, often in the form of new weapons, armor, or currency for upgrades. Titles like Destiny and The Division blend RPG elements with classical shooter gameplay to provide gamers with an unforgettable experience.
• Battle royale. These titles are characterized by their large-scale, last-man-standing death matches. Players are usually dropped into a large map with limited resources, where they must compete against each other for the top honors. Popular examples of battle royale shooters include PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG) and Apex Legends.
• Tactical shooters. These FPS games emphasize team tactics and coordination to complete objectives. Players must cooperate to divide up tasks, use cover effectively, and time their attacks to succeed. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO) is a classic example of this sub-genre.
• Stealth shooters. In this type of shooter game, the focus is on careful planning and execution rather than running and gunning. Players must remain out of sight and make efficient use of the environment to complete objectives without alerting enemies or security systems. Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain is an iconic title in this genre.
• Extraction shooters. It’s a type of online game that lets players team up and cooperate, fighting both other players and the environment. Squads try to collect as much valuable gear as they can, complete mission objectives, and escape in time. Delta Force (the Hazard Operations mode) and Escape from Tarkov are two of the most popular extraction shooters.

The best FPS games

There are tons of outstanding first-person shooters. Here are some that are undoubtedly worth giving a shot.

• Deathloop. One of the best games of 2021 is an action-adventure game set on a mysterious island called Blackreef. Players take the role of Colt, an assassin who has been trapped in a time loop and must use their skills to break free. Deathloop delivers intense battles against enemy forces, as well as puzzle elements.
• BioShock: The critically acclaimed game directed by Ken Levine is set in a dystopian underwater city called Rapture. The game is famous for its gripping narratives, intense combat, and exploration. The original BioShock came out in 2007, but in 2016 the remastered version was released.
• Half-Life 2.  This 2004 classic from Valve is considered to be one of the best first-person shooters ever made. Players control the iconic Gordon Freeman as he fights his way through a fictional place called City 17. Half-Life 2 features fast-paced combat and physics engine, and adventure elements. Its sequel is probably the most-desired video game. Sadly, no one knows whether Half-Life 3 will eventually be created.
• Portal 2.  Another classic from Valve, Portal 2 is a first-person puzzle game. Players take control of Chell as she navigates her way through the Aperture Science Enrichment Center and solves puzzles with the help of a robotic companion called Wheatley. Portal 2 features innovative mechanics and intense puzzles that will make you think outside the box. 
• Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus.  This critically acclaimed first-person shooter takes players to an alternate history in 1961, where the Nazis won World War II. As B.J. Blazkowicz, you must battle your way through Nazi strongholds and fight to free America from Hitler’s clutches. Wolfenstein II features an intense story, thrilling action sequences
• Battlefield 6. It's one of the best games in the long-running FPS franchise that lets players join large-scale warfare set in the near future. It was praised by players and critics, winning in the Best Audio Design category at The Game Awards 2025.