The 30 Best Shooters in History

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

Shooters: games that enthrall, explode with action, challenge you to the limit, and ultimately elevate your gaming prowess. This genre has undergone a remarkable evolution, from the pixelated shootouts of the 90s to the cinematic masterpieces of today, consistently maintaining its position as a gaming favorite. This article revisits 30 of the most influential shooters that redefined video game history.

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 formidable task. Our selection criteria focused on:

• Industry Influence: Games that established benchmarks still utilized by developers today.
• Gameplay and Mechanics: The player experience and its uniqueness for its time.
• Popularity and Legacy: Titles that continue to inspire developers.
• Atmosphere: Visuals, style, and the overall feel of the gameplay.

Now, let's delve into the games that made the cut.

Escape from Tarkov

Image: gamerjournalist.com

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

A hardcore survival shooter epitomizing realism, tactics, and adrenaline. Tarkov plunges players into a war-torn city where survival hinges on skill, strategy, and resourcefulness. The risk of complete gear loss upon death elevates the tension and rewards calculated gameplay.

Ultrakill

Image: dreadcentral.com

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

Unrelenting action defines Ultrakill. This frenetic, hardcore shooter, inspired by 90s classics, pushes speed and aggression to the extreme. A Devil May Cry-esque combo system and unique health mechanics (restoring health via melee kills) ensure every encounter is memorable.

Rainbow Six Siege

Image: playstation.com

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

Rainbow Six Siege transforms tactical shooters into intense strategic battles. Ubisoft prioritizes strategy, communication, and adaptability over pure reflexes. Diverse operators with unique gadgets demand evolving tactics and teamwork.

Fortnite

Image: insider.razer.com

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

More than a game, Fortnite is a cultural phenomenon. Building mechanics, consistent updates, and a distinct visual style have propelled it to global popularity. The battle royale mode introduced a unique blend of action and dynamic fortification, demanding tactical prowess.

Payday 2

Image: itl.cat

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

A heist simulator where players become master criminals, planning and executing daring robberies. From small-scale heists to high-stakes bank robberies, coordination and strategic thinking are paramount.

Prey (2017)

Image: reddit.com

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

Prey presents an intellectual challenge within a dark sci-fi setting. Arkane Studios masterfully blends immersive sim elements, requiring cleverness and unconventional problem-solving. The vast space station teems with secrets and rewards experimentation.

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 attitude of the 90s. Duke's charisma and over-the-top action, coupled with surprising interactivity for its time, cemented its place as an iconic shooter.

Counter-Strike 2

Image: ensigame.com

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

The highly anticipated sequel to the legendary esports classic. Valve retains the original's tense gameplay while incorporating modern technology and the Source 2 engine. Teamwork, strategy, and map knowledge remain crucial.

DOOM (1993)

Image: brainbaking.com

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

A legendary title that laid the foundation for the FPS genre. DOOM's "run-and-gun" formula, first-person perspective, and intense demon-slaying action revolutionized gaming.

Bulletstorm

Image: mixed-news.com

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

Bulletstorm is a unique blend of insane action, dark humor, and creative combat. The "stylish kills" system rewards inventive enemy takedowns, adding a layer of strategic fun to the gameplay.

Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus

Image: switchplayer.net

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

Wolfenstein II revitalizes the classic series with a powerful narrative and refined shooter mechanics. Players fight against Nazi occupation in an alternate America, experiencing intense and brutal combat.

Max Payne 3

Image: shacknews.com

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

Max Payne 3 delivers a gritty, dark story of redemption. The iconic "bullet time" mechanic and realistic cover system enhance the cinematic action experience.

Far Cry 3

Image: gamingbible.com

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

Far Cry 3 is an open-world odyssey of survival in a tropical paradise turned battleground. Players hunt, explore, and engage in intense combat, choosing between stealth and explosive action.

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. The game's unsettling atmosphere and unpredictable gameplay create a truly unique experience.

DOOM Eternal

Image: nintendo.com

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

DOOM Eternal intensifies the series' signature fast-paced, aggressive gameplay. Constant movement is key to survival in this relentless battle against the forces of Hell.

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 vast amount of loot. The massive open world, diverse characters, and endless customization options provide countless hours of gameplay.

Titanfall 2

Image: metro.co.uk

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

Titanfall 2 offers fast-paced parkour, intense mech combat, and a surprisingly compelling single-player campaign. The unique blend of movement and tactical combat makes it a standout title.

Left 4 Dead 2

Image: gameplayscassi.com.br

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

A cooperative shooter where four survivors battle against endless hordes of zombies. Teamwork, resource management, and adaptability are crucial for survival.

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. The diverse roster of heroes and balanced class system demand strategic teamwork.

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. Team coordination and strategic class utilization are vital for success.

Crysis

Image: archive.org

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

Crysis was a technological marvel, setting a new standard for graphics in video games. The realistic environments, advanced physics, and detailed destruction added unprecedented levels of immersion.

Team Fortress 2

Image: gamedeveloper.com

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

Team Fortress 2 is a celebration of tactical gameplay and vibrant character design. The unique cartoon style and well-balanced class system make for chaotic yet strategic battles.

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. Speed, accuracy, and reflexes are paramount in this fast-paced, competitive experience.

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 demand quick reflexes and strategic thinking.

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 revolutionized military shooters by shifting the setting to modern warfare. The intense campaign and innovative multiplayer mode redefined online FPS gaming.

GoldenEye 007 (1997)

Image: cnet.com

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

GoldenEye 007 proved the console's viability for FPS games. Its innovative controls, level design, and multiplayer mode set a new standard for console shooters.

Half-Life

Image: youtube.com

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

Half-Life revolutionized storytelling in FPS games. The immersive narrative, seamless integration of story and gameplay, and captivating atmosphere created a truly unforgettable experience.

BioShock

Image: inverse.com

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

BioShock is a philosophical journey into a dystopian underwater city. The rich atmosphere, innovative gameplay, and complex narrative established new standards for story-driven FPS games.

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, a compelling espionage plot, and diverse gameplay.

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 captivating sci-fi universe. The innovative regenerating shield mechanic and epic storyline set a new standard for the genre.

Conclusion

Each of these games has left an indelible mark on the shooter genre. Some established long-lasting standards, while others served as unique and groundbreaking experiments. One thing is certain: without these influential titles, the landscape of shooter games would be vastly different.