First-person shooters create gaming’s most immersive experiences by putting you right in the action through your character’s eyes. The best first-person shooter games excel at intense firefights, but they’re nowhere near limited to just action sequences.
The FPS genre has transformed into an incredibly diverse entertainment medium. Players can experience massive 100-player battles in Hell Let Loose or enjoy the strategic team play of Overwatch 2 with its 30+ unique heroes. Destiny 2 seamlessly combines best-in-genre gunplay with rich storylines, while Call of Duty maintains its dominance in competitive gaming.
Our team has tested and reviewed over 1,500 products to create this carefully selected list of 15 most played FPS games that deserve your attention in 2024. This guide covers everything from free-to-play battle royales to tactical team-based shooters.
Call of Duty: Warzone
Image Source: Call of Duty
Call of Duty: Warzone changed how people play battle royale games after its launch on March 10, 2020. The game pulled in six million players just 24 hours after release. This free-to-play multiplayer hit quickly became one of today’s most popular first-person shooter experiences.
Warzone’s Massive Player Base
Warzone’s growth has been incredible. The player count shot up to 15 million in three days. The game racked up 100 million downloads just 13 months after launch. Today, tens of millions of players jump into Warzone each month. Console players make up about 70% of the player base—42% play on PlayStation and 25% on Xbox.
Cross-Platform Support and Accessibility
The game’s detailed cross-platform features are a big reason for its soaring win. Players can team up with friends on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, whatever gaming hardware they use. Adding friends is simple—players just need their Activision Account or gaming IDs. Console players also have the option to stick to console-only matches or play with their specific platform if they don’t want to face PC players.
Regular Content Updates and Seasons
Activision keeps players coming back with fresh seasonal updates. Season 03 dropped in April 2025 and brought back Verdansk—the original map that started everything. Players got to experience iconic features again like 150-player lobbies, the original announcer, and shooting while falling. Each season also adds new weapons, operators, and gameplay mechanics that keep things exciting.
Warzone’s Impact on Battle Royale Genre
Warzone has changed the battle royale genre by a lot with its new ideas. The game stands out with “contracts”—mini-missions spread across matches that give players more to do than just survive. Players who die get another shot through the Gulag system’s 1v1 fights. The cash system lets players buy killstreaks, loadouts, and bring back dead teammates. These features create fast-paced matches where players spend more time fighting than gathering loot.
Warzone’s unique features and constant updates have made it one of the best first-person shooter games you can play on any platform.
Counter-Strike 2
Image Source: Steam
Valve’s Counter-Strike 2 opens a new chapter in one of gaming’s most iconic first-person shooter franchises. Released in September 2023 as a direct update to CS:GO instead of a standalone title, this sequel changed the tactical shooter landscape worldwide.
The Development from CS:GO
Counter-Strike 2 brought what Valve called “the largest technical leap forward in Counter-Strike’s history”. The move from the aging Source engine to Source 2 improved the game’s foundation significantly. CS2 stepped away from CS:GO’s darker look and introduced more vibrant environments players could recognize easily. The game changed its format from MR15 to MR12, which means teams now need 13 rounds instead of 16 to win. This change made matches shorter and lined up the game with competitors like Valorant.
Competitive Scene and Esports Presence
The professional Counter-Strike scene thrives after switching to CS2. Major events fill the esports calendar, including ESL Pro League, BLAST Premier, and the prestigious Major Championships. These tournaments draw millions of viewers, and the PGL Major Stockholm 2021 hit a remarkable peak of 2.75 million concurrent viewers. The competitive world keeps growing as PGL hosts the first Counter-Strike 2 Major in Copenhagen in March 2024. The Perfect World Shanghai Major follows later that year.
Steam Player Count Records
Counter-Strike 2’s popularity has reached new heights since its launch. The game broke its all-time player record in March 2025 with 1.82 million concurrent players on Steam. This number shows impressive growth from CS:GO’s previous records. The player base keeps expanding without needing major updates to attract players. This proves Counter-Strike’s refined tactical gameplay still appeals strongly in today’s crowded first-person shooter market.
Fortnite
Image Source: Epic Games
Epic Games’ Fortnite has become a game-changing force in the first person shooter world. Players experience this battle royale phenomenon through its third-person viewpoint since its 2017 release. The game quickly stood out because of its creative gameplay mechanics and reach that goes beyond regular gaming boundaries.
Building Mechanics and Unique Gameplay
Fortnite’s identity comes from its unique building system. Players can gather resources from their surroundings to build walls, ramps, floors, and other structures during combat. This feature turns firefights into vertical chess matches where smart building often beats pure aiming skill. Players know how to create instant cover anywhere on the map. This reduces terrain disadvantages and opens up creative ways to approach fights.
The building system has grown a lot since launch. Epic Games took out building from standard Battle Royale playlists in Chapter 3: Season 2. They later added a permanent “Zero Build” mode after players liked it. This change shows how the game can grow while staying true to what makes it special.
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Collaborative Events and Crossovers
Fortnite has become the ultimate crossover platform. The game teams up with entertainment, sports, and fashion brands in unique ways. Marvel, DC Comics, Star Wars, professional athletes, and music artists have all joined forces with Fortnite. These team-ups bring in big money—the NFL partnership sold 3.3 million themed skins at $15 each between November and December 2018, adding up to nearly $50 million.
The game does more than just sell cosmetic items. Virtual events in Fortnite mix gaming with other media in new ways. Travis Scott’s concert drew millions of viewers at once. Later shows with artists like Ariana Grande turned the game into an interactive concert space. These moments create shared experiences that reach way beyond regular gaming.
Cultural Impact Beyond Gaming
Fortnite’s influence reaches into broader culture shifts. The game’s signature dances became viral hits that celebrities and athletes copy worldwide. Antoine Griezmann’s World Cup goal celebration using Fortnite’s “Take the L” dance shows how deeply the game affects popular culture.
Young people see virtual items differently. A new character skin means as much to them as designer clothes. This move toward virtual goods and experiences reflects bigger changes in society. Fortnite both benefits from and speeds up these changes.
Apex Legends
Image Source: EA
Apex Legends carved out its unique position in the battle royale space after its February 2019 launch. Respawn Entertainment’s free-to-play title stood out from other first-person shooter games by emphasizing squad coordination rather than solo survival.
Character-Based Team Dynamics
The heart of Apex Legends lies in its characters, known as Legends, who fall into five distinct classes: Assault, Skirmisher, Recon, Controller, and Support. Each Legend comes with three unique abilities that shape their role in combat. To cite an instance, see how Assault Legends thrive in aggressive play, while Support Legends focus on helping their squadmates. This class system naturally creates team synergy, with each Legend bringing specific tactical advantages to the squad.
The game now features 26 playable characters. The original roster included Bloodhound, Gibraltar, and Wraith, among others. Respawn has added new Legends steadily to the lineup, including Octane, Wattson, and Alter joined the roster in Season 21.
Innovative Ping System
The game’s most groundbreaking contribution to the fps genre might be its complete ping system. Players can communicate effectively without voice chat, which makes the game more accessible to casual players and solo queue experiences. Players can mark enemies, announce loot, call “dibs” on items, suggest movement directions, and perform many more actions.
The system pairs each ping with a context-specific voice line from the player’s Legend and adds a visual indicator, creating layered communication. EA saw the system’s potential and made its technology accessible through a patent pledge in 2021. This allowed other developers to add similar features to their games.
Seasonal Content Model
The game keeps players engaged through regular seasonal updates that last about three months. Each season brings new Legends, weapons, map changes, and balance adjustments to enhance the gameplay experience.
Season 24, titled “Takeover,” launched the game into a new era. This season lets creators craft challenges with rewards, showcasing community involvement. The update also added “Arsenals”—special areas containing specific weapon types and ammunition that streamline the looting experience.
Valorant
Image Source: VALORANT
Riot Games jumped into the first-person shooter market with Valorant in 2020. The company brought its League of Legends expertise to create a tactical shooter that naturally combines precision gunplay with character-based abilities. This free-to-play game quickly became a serious contender in the competitive FPS scene.
Tactical Gameplay Elements
Valorant’s core gameplay revolves around 5v5 objective-based tactical matches. Attackers must plant a device called the “spike” at specific sites while defenders try to stop them or defuse it after planting. The game mechanics focus on precise shooting like Counter-Strike. Bullets don’t always hit the center of your crosshair, and only the first few shots land accurately when players stand still. Players earn money from kills and objectives at the start of each round. They use this money to buy weapons, shields, and abilities, which creates an economy system that demands strategic choices.
Agent Abilities and Team Composition
Valorant stands out with its roster of 26 unique agents split into four categories: Duelists, Initiators, Controllers, and Sentinels. Each agent serves a specific tactical purpose. Duelists lead aggressive pushes, Initiators gather intel and disrupt enemies, Controllers shape the battlefield with smokes and vision blockers, and Sentinels lock down areas with defensive tools. This class system creates natural team dynamics. A strong team usually needs one agent from each category plus an extra controller or initiator.
Riot’s Anti-Cheat System
Riot shows its dedication to competitive fairness through Vanguard, its controversial but effective anti-cheat system. Vanguard works differently from most anti-cheat programs. It runs at the kernel level of your operating system and stays active in the background, even when you’re not playing. This approach helps catch sophisticated cheaters but raises privacy and security concerns. Players worry about Vanguard’s constant activity and its deep access to system information. Yet many players support Riot’s tough stance against cheating because it helps keep competitive matches fair.
Rainbow Six Siege
Image Source: Ubisoft
Rainbow Six Siege has grown into a tactical masterpiece since its 2015 release. The game combines intense close-quarters action with strategic destruction mechanics that keep redefining the first-person shooter genre. Ubisoft’s steadfast dedication to the game has made it popular among casual and competitive players.
Destructible Environments
Rainbow Six Siege’s revolutionary destruction system remains its standout feature. Players can breach walls, floors, and ceilings strategically to create new sightlines or paths. The game features three surface types: fully breachable walls that let players move through, semi-breachable surfaces with metal supports that block passage, and unbreachable concrete structures. Recent updates added more destructible elements like fire extinguishers, metal detectors, and gas pipes. These changes give players countless tactical options. The environmental manipulation changes how firefights play out because no position stays safe from creative attackers or defenders.
Operator System and Meta Evolution
Siege now has an extensive roster of operators with unique abilities and customizable loadouts. These specialists have distinct categories and specific roles. Some are great at breaching reinforced walls, while others provide vital intel or deny areas to enemies. Castle’s reinforced barricades and Mira’s one-way mirrors are valuable defensive picks. Thermite and Hibana offer essential attacking utility. Ubisoft has balanced this ecosystem carefully. Regular updates move tier rankings and prevent any single strategy from taking over the meta.
Year-Round Support from Ubisoft
Siege keeps growing through seasonal updates. Year 10 started in March 2025 with Operation Prep Phase, which brought Rauora as the newest operator. The ambitious Siege X update marks a fundamental change for the game’s second decade. It brings most important audio-visual improvements and new tactical elements. Ubisoft also supports cross-progression between platforms. Players can keep their content whatever platform they choose.
Competitive Scene
Rainbow Six Siege’s competitive scene runs on S-Tier tournaments with substantial prize pools. The Six Invitational series stands as the premier championship. The 2025 event had the largest prize pool in the game’s history. Major competitions like PGL Bucharest 2025 and ESL One Raleigh 2025 showcase the highest level of tactical gameplay. Recent data shows Siege esports have generated over $13 million in prize money. This cements the game’s position as a top-tier esports title.
Overwatch 2
Image Source: Overwatch 2 – Blizzard Entertainment
Overwatch 2 blends team-based strategy with fast-paced first-person shooting. This free-to-play sequel has become the life-blood of competitive fps games through its readily available yet deeply strategic gameplay. Players participate actively on all platforms thanks to regular updates.
Hero Roster and Class Roles
The game’s roster boasts 42 unique heroes divided into three distinct roles. Tank heroes create space for their teams while absorbing damage. Damage heroes eliminate opponents using varied playstyles. Support characters provide healing and utility abilities to keep their teammates alive. A balanced team composition typically needs one Tank, two Damage, and two Support heroes. This creates natural team synergy. Blizzard adds new characters every other season. Recent additions to the roster include Venture, Juno, and Hazard.
Seasonal Updates and New Content
Season 15, “Honor and Glory,” brought revolutionary changes to Overwatch 2’s core gameplay. Players can now unlock mid-match hero upgrades through the new Perks system in all game modes. Each character has two minor and two major Perks to choose from. Loot Boxes made their return this season. Players can earn up to three boxes weekly through gameplay. The 2025 Competitive Year started with a rank reset and new rewards like Galactic Weapons. The game features special events and modes regularly. The season-long “Perked Up” event and classic experiences like “Overwatch Classic: GOATS” keep the game fresh.
Esports Presence
The Overwatch Champions Series (OWCS) marks a new chapter in the game’s competitive scene. This premier international circuit runs in three regions: North America, Europe/Middle East/North Africa (EMEA), and Asia. Live international tournaments end the OWCS season. Two major events will take place in 2024: the OWCS Major at DreamHack Dallas and the Season Finals at DreamHack Stockholm. The competitive scene also supports programs like Calling All Heroes to promote gender inclusivity. This all-encompassing approach has made Overwatch 2 a powerhouse in the competitive fps world.
Destiny 2
Image Source: Bungie.net
Destiny 2 by Bungie stands out from other first-person shooters. The game blends MMO elements with tight gunplay mechanics that work great for solo players and teams.
PvE and PvP Balance
Destiny 2 tackles the challenge of balancing Player versus Environment (PvE) and Player versus Player (PvP) content in a unique way. Recent updates show how Bungie moved toward separate balancing methods. Some updates changed up to ten Stasis abilities just in PvP without touching PvE gameplay. The Stasis subclass made this separation necessary. The team needed to think over broader balance changes to keep PvP adjustments from weakening the PvE experience. The development team focuses on keeping cooperative modes powerful while making sure the Crucible stays fair.
Expansion Model and Content Delivery
The game’s content delivery has changed a lot since launch. The original model featured yearly expansions with smaller seasonal content. Everything changed with the Forsaken expansion in 2018 when the game moved to a more reliable seasonal structure. The game now runs on an episodic model with three major “episodes” coming out each year. The year 2025 will bring changes as Destiny 2 switches to two medium-sized expansions yearly under the “Codename: Frontiers” plan. Major updates will refresh the core game experience every three months.
Raid Mechanics and Endgame Content
Raids are Destiny 2’s toughest challenge. Six players must work together to solve complex puzzles before “wipe mechanics” end the encounter. Players get minimal guidance in raids and need to communicate well. These activities come with two difficulty options—Standard and Master. Master mode needs higher power levels and adds Champion enemies. The endgame includes dungeons for three players, Grandmaster Nightfalls, and competitive PvP modes. Players who beat raid encounters get exclusive weapons, armor, and sometimes different items. These rewards often become the best gear choices for other tough activities.
Halo Infinite
Image Source: Xbox.com
343 Industries took Halo franchise in a bold new direction with Halo Infinite. The game offers a fresh take on one of gaming’s most iconic first-person shooter series. Released in late 2021, this title changed how players experience the Halo universe.
Campaign and Multiplayer Components
The game’s compelling single-player campaign follows Master Chief’s journey to uncover Zeta Halo’s mysteries. Players now have the freedom to explore the ring world through an open-world design, unlike previous titles. This change from linear missions to a more open format creates diverse combat encounters in forest landscapes and ancient Forerunner structures.
Players can enjoy two main categories in the multiplayer experience. Arena battles deliver intense 4v4 gameplay across different modes. Big Team Battle takes the action to another level with up to 24 players in 12v12 matches. These larger battles use vehicles and wider maps that create unique tactical experiences. Players can also tuck into classic modes like Capture The Flag, Oddball, and several Slayer variations.
Free-to-Play Multiplayer Model
343 Industries made a bold move by making the multiplayer component a free-to-play experience—the first time in the mainline series. Players can now download and enjoy multiplayer on all supported platforms without an Xbox Game Pass subscription.
The free package delivers more than expected. It has the Academy training mode where new players can learn simple mechanics under Commander Laurette Agryna’s guidance. The package also includes Forge, a powerful creation tool. Players can build custom maps and game modes with advanced features like visual scripting, object scaling, and AI implementation.
The Master Chief Collection Integration
Microsoft’s support for Halo: The Master Chief Collection continues strong alongside Infinite. The collection brings together six previous Halo games—Reach, Combat Evolved Anniversary, Halo 2: Anniversary, Halo 3, ODST, and Halo 4. Players get access to 67 campaign missions across all titles, telling Master Chief’s complete saga in one package.
The collection’s value goes beyond campaigns. It has over 120 multiplayer maps and extensive community-created Forge content. 343 Industries turned the MCC into the best way to experience classic Halo games after its troubled launch. Regular updates and improvements, including Steam Workshop integration, made mod access easier than ever.
PUBG: Battlegrounds
Image Source: PUBG
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) revolutionized battle royale gaming. This game brought the genre into mainstream gaming culture by creating an intense survival experience where strategic positioning became just as crucial as aiming skill.
Battle Royale Pioneer Status
PUBG wasn’t the first battle royale game, but it created the blueprint that many games would later follow. The concept started as an Arma 2 and Arma 3 mod before evolving further when Brendan “PlayerUnknown” Greene took the role of Creative Director at Bluehole Studio. The game’s impact speaks through numbers – over 75 million copies sold on personal computers and game consoles. These sales made it the best-selling game on PC and Xbox One. The game’s cultural influence shows in its iconic victory phrase “winner winner chicken dinner,” which came from Greene’s earlier battle royale games.
Realistic Combat Mechanics
The game stands out because of its steadfast dedication to realism. PUBG features true-to-life bullet physics and rich audio that lets players detect distant gunfights and oncoming vehicles. The developers crafted weapon mechanics with exceptional detail – guns show realistic accuracy levels measured in Minute of Angle. Snipers lead with the smallest MOAs, and DMRs and ARs follow. The game also uses complex bullet drop physics that vary with muzzle velocity. This system creates an environment where long-range combat needs exceptional skill.
Mobile Version Success
PUBG’s mobile version has become a soaring win in its own right. This free-to-play adaptation keeps the core gameplay while making it work perfectly on smaller screens. The game now draws over 33 million monthly players and more than 13 million daily active users. The mobile version generates around USD 140 million in monthly revenue. Strong player retention drives this success – 51% of players come back after one day and 30% stay active after a week. The mobile version has reached more than 1.8 billion downloads worldwide. These numbers prove PUBG’s dominance across gaming platforms.
Battlefield 2042
Image Source: EA
EA DICE’s Battlefield 2042 represents a bold development in the franchise. The game brings large-scale warfare to the first-person shooter space with record-breaking player counts and renewed emphasis on vehicular combat.
Large-Scale Combat and Player Count
Battlefield 2042 changed the series by supporting up to 128 players on next-gen consoles and PC. This massive increase opened new tactical possibilities on much larger maps. DICE implemented “clustering” to prevent empty spaces in these expanded environments. The team created smaller zones of activity and capture areas within the sprawling battlefields. Players can now choose their preferred style of play in single areas while the franchise’s signature chaotic energy remains intact.
Vehicle Combat Systems
Battlefield 2042’s vehicle call-in system gives players more freedom than previous titles. Players can request vehicles almost anywhere on the map through an easy-to-use tablet interface. The options range from the speedy LATV4 Recon to the formidable EBAA Wildcat. The developers have refined vehicle handling over multiple seasons with better steering, acceleration, and overall feel. These updates ensure combat roles stay distinct—transport vehicles excel at mobility while combat vehicles deliver firepower.
Post-Launch Recovery
Battlefield 2042’s November 2021 release was plagued by performance issues and controversial design choices. The 128-player matches suffered from frequent frame rate drops, and players criticized the maps for being too open with little cover. The game has transformed through regular updates across multiple seasons. Season 6 delivered complete improvements to vehicle physics and combat balance, while Update #3 fixed over 150 individual issues to boost gameplay smoothness. Steam charts now show a stable, dedicated player base with recent peaks around 17,000 concurrent players. These numbers prove the game’s steady recovery from its troubled launch.
The Finals
Image Source: www.reachthefinals.com
The Finals, Embark Studios’ latest creation, has taken the free-to-play FPS scene by storm. This innovative first-person shooter stands out with its groundbreaking environmental destruction and unique game show style. Players quickly flocked to this team-based virtual competition that brings a fresh perspective to competitive gameplay.
Destructible Environments
The Finals’ destruction system sets new standards for FPS games. Players can change, manipulate, and tear down buildings right to their foundations. The destruction goes beyond simple wall breaks – you’ll see entire corridors collapse and fall apart under the city’s architecture. Buildings crumble as their foundations give way, creating thrilling moments whether you’re on the winning or losing side. The system runs server-side rather than client-side, which means all players see the same synchronized destruction without any technical hiccups.
Team-Based Objectives
Three-player squads face off against each other in this competition-focused game. The signature “Cash Out” mode challenges teams to locate cash safes, extract them, and protect cashout stations while fending off other teams trying to steal their bounty. These intense tactical situations force teams to switch between attack and defense on the fly. Teams just need good instincts, smart use of the environment, and well-planned loadouts to beat their opponents.
Unique Game Show Format
The game puts players in a virtual game show where they compete for fame and sponsorship, rather than casting them as soldiers in a war. This creative approach gives The Finals its own identity in the FPS genre. The virtual arena breaks apart as contestants rush to grab their prizes. The game combines this physics-based destruction with different body types, each having unique abilities, plus a diverse selection of weapons and gadgets for custom playstyles. Every match turns into a strategic chaos where knowing your environment can be as crucial as having good aim.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III
Image Source: Call of Duty
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III is the eleventh major release in this legendary series. The game continues the story from earlier titles as Task Force 141 takes on ultranationalist Vladimir Makarov.
Campaign Features
The campaign picks up right where Modern Warfare II ended. Players will find a fresh take on single-player gameplay through Open Combat Missions (OCMs). These missions let you play as different Task Force 141 members like Farah, Ghost, and Price with complete freedom to tackle objectives. You’ll have access to supply boxes, armor plates, and vests as you move through large open areas. The Tac Map helps you track objectives and scout the surroundings. Players who explore thoroughly and replay missions can unlock new weapons and gear.
Multiplayer Modes and Maps
Modern Warfare III’s multiplayer brings back 16 fan-favorite maps from the original Modern Warfare 2 (2009). These classics keep their original layouts but look better than ever with modern graphics and technology. Terminal, one of Call of Duty’s most iconic maps, returns with its familiar Terminal interior and Apron exterior zones. Players can jump into Team Deathmatch, Domination, Search & Destroy, Kill Confirmed, and the popular War mode. The game lets players vote on upcoming maps between matches.
Warzone Integration
Season 1 brought Modern Warfare III and Warzone together with the new Urzikstan map that features 11 unique locations. The integration adds Modern Warfare III’s movement mechanics to Warzone. Players can now slide cancel, use Tac-Stance, and aim down sights while sliding. Urzikstan stands out with its drivable train – the first mobile point of interest players can control in Warzone. The map comes with a straightforward three-lane Gulag design and special nighttime versions where night-vision goggles come into play.
Escape from Tarkov
Image Source: www.escapefromtarkov.com
Escape from Tarkov stands out as one of the most challenging FPS games today. Players who adopt its hardcore mechanics are rewarded with a unique and thrilling gameplay experience.
Hardcore Survival Elements
Tarkov’s unforgiving survival systems set it apart from other FPS games. Players can’t just regenerate health like in typical shooters – they must treat wounds with specific medical supplies. Each raid tests your ability to watch stamina, hydration, and energy levels. These stats directly affect your combat effectiveness.
Death hits hard in Tarkov. A player’s death means losing everything they brought into the raid – weapons, armor, and all collected loot disappear. This creates intense firefights where smart tactical choices matter way more than basic shooting skills. Many veterans take it further with self-imposed “Hardcore Mode” challenges. They limit themselves to trader bartering and use secure containers only for keys.
Realistic Weapon Customization
Tarkov features one of gaming’s deepest weapon modification systems. Players customize almost every part – from barrels and stocks to pistol grips and muzzle devices. These modifications aren’t just cosmetic. Each part substantially changes weapon performance through better recoil control, ergonomics, and accuracy.
The system packs over a thousand weapon parts that create endless combinations. A simple front grip addition brings noticeable benefits. The customization depth lets players fine-tune their weapons for specific combat situations.
Extraction Gameplay Loop
Raids form Tarkov’s core gameplay. These timed missions into hostile areas push players to complete objectives and reach extraction points with their loot. Each map has different extraction zones based on spawn locations. Success depends on building solid map knowledge.
Some extraction points stay open always, while others appear under specific conditions with green smoke or activated lights. Several points need special items or payment for use. This extraction-focused design creates a constant risk-reward balance that makes Tarkov a unique standout in the FPS genre.
Doom Eternal
Image Source: Bethesda.net
Doom Eternal frees a symphony of violence that makes players think and act at lightning speed. The game stands out as one of the defining first-person shooter experiences in recent years.
Single-Player Campaign Excellence
The campaign builds masterfully on its predecessor’s foundation with a more strategic combat system. Most fps games encourage cover-based shooting, but Doom Eternal creates a “push forward” combat loop where players die if they stand still. Players must analyze the battlefield like “a quarterback at the line of scrimmage”. They make split-second decisions about which demons to target based on their unique weaknesses. These intense battles feel like “an elaborate, highly kinetic dance” instead of simple shooting galleries.
Movement and Combat Mechanics
Combat excellence in Doom Eternal stems from its movement system. Players zip around at impressive speeds—9.53 meters per second forward and 8.57 meters backward. They use double jumps, air dashes, and monkey bars to keep constant momentum. The Super Shotgun’s meathook adds a revolutionary twist by pulling players toward enemies for point-blank blasts. This creates Spider-Man-like fluidity as players swing between targets.
Players need to master this movement system to succeed in combat. Expert players suggest “ALWAYS keeping yourself in movement” and “ALWAYS using jump and double jump, dash and double dash”. Many players dedicate two rune slots to movement-related perks like Blood Fueled and Air Control.
Mod Support and Community Content
Id Software added official mod support to Doom Eternal in 2024 after years of waiting. The update has “idStudio Beta”—the same tools used to create the game. This complete toolkit lets creators build original mods while players browse, download, and play community creations through an in-game mod browser. The mod support is available on Steam now, with Microsoft Store support coming soon. This addition will extend Doom Eternal’s lifespan through community-driven content.
Comparison Table
| Game Title | Release Year | Player Base/Count | Key Features | Game Modes | Monetization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Call of Duty: Warzone | 2020 | 6M players in 24h, 100M+ downloads | Cross-platform play, Gulag system, Contracts system | Battle Royale (150 players) | Free-to-play |
| Counter-Strike 2 | 2023 | 1.82M concurrent players | Source 2 engine, Updated visuals, MR12 format | Competitive matches | Not mentioned |
| Fortnite | 2017 | Not specified | Building mechanics, Zero Build mode, Cross-media events | Battle Royale, Zero Build | Free-to-play |
| Apex Legends | 2019 | Not specified | Ping system, Character-based gameplay, 26 playable Legends | Squad-based Battle Royale | Free-to-play |
| Valorant | 2020 | Not specified | Vanguard anti-cheat, 26 unique agents, Tactical gameplay | 5v5 objective-based | Free-to-play |
| Rainbow Six Siege | 2015 | Not specified | Destructible environments, Operator system, Strategic gameplay | PvP tactical matches | Not mentioned |
| Overwatch 2 | Not mentioned | Not specified | 42 unique heroes, Perks system, Role-based gameplay | 5v5 team matches | Free-to-play |
| Destiny 2 | Not mentioned | Not specified | MMO elements, Separate PvE/PvP balancing, Raid mechanics | PvE, PvP, Raids | Not mentioned |
| Halo Infinite | 2021 | Not specified | Open-world campaign, 24-player battles, Forge creation tool | 4v4 Arena, 12v12 BTB | Free multiplayer |
| PUBG: Battlegrounds | Not mentioned | 75M+ copies sold | Realistic combat, Bullet physics, Original battle royale | Battle Royale | Not mentioned |
| Battlefield 2042 | 2021 | ~17K concurrent players | 128-player battles, Vehicle call-in system | Large-scale warfare | Not mentioned |
| The Finals | Not mentioned | Not specified | Server-side destruction, Game show format | 3-player team matches | Free-to-play |
| COD: Modern Warfare III | Not mentioned | Not specified | Open Combat Missions, 16 modernized maps | Campaign, Multiplayer, Warzone | Not mentioned |
| Escape from Tarkov | Not mentioned | Not specified | Hardcore survival, Extensive weapon customization | Raid-based extraction | Not mentioned |
| Doom Eternal | Not mentioned | Not specified | Forward-focused combat, Advanced movement system | Campaign, Mod support | Not mentioned |
Conclusion
First-person shooter games have grown way beyond simple point-and-shoot mechanics. The titles we explored bring something special – from Warzone’s massive battle royale matches to Escape from Tarkov’s tough survival gameplay.
Today’s FPS games mix competitive action with social features that keep players involved for hundreds of hours. Valorant and Apex Legends show that premium pricing isn’t needed to deliver great gameplay. Counter-Strike 2 and Rainbow Six Siege keep their dedicated players through regular updates and thriving competitive scenes.
Technology advances now make previously impossible features a reality. The Finals shows off server-side destruction, while Battlefield 2042 delivers 128-player battles. Destiny 2’s smooth PvE-PvP integration demonstrates the genre’s evolution.
These 15 games take different paths to first-person combat but share key elements – solid gunplay, strategic depth, and uninterrupted player connections. The current FPS scene has something for everyone, whether you want casual fun or competitive challenges.
FPS games have a promising future as developers expand gameplay mechanics and improve graphics. Players should expect more exciting experiences as the genre grows.
FAQs
Q1. What makes Call of Duty: Warzone stand out among battle royale games?
Call of Duty: Warzone distinguishes itself with its massive 150-player lobbies, unique features like the Gulag respawn system, and in-game contracts that provide objectives beyond survival. Its free-to-play model and cross-platform support have also contributed to its widespread popularity.
Q2. How does Counter-Strike 2 differ from its predecessor, CS:GO?
Counter-Strike 2 represents a significant upgrade, utilizing the Source 2 engine for improved graphics and performance. It features updated visuals, a shift to a 12-round win condition (MR12 format), and maintains the series’ renowned competitive gameplay and esports presence.
Q3. What unique gameplay elements does Apex Legends offer?
Apex Legends features a revolutionary ping system for non-verbal communication, character-based gameplay with unique abilities, and a diverse roster of 26 playable Legends. Its team-focused approach and regular seasonal updates keep the gameplay fresh and engaging.
Q4. How does Valorant ensure fair play in its competitive matches?
Valorant employs Riot’s Vanguard anti-cheat system, which operates at the kernel level for enhanced cheat detection. The game also balances its 26 unique agents and incorporates tactical gameplay elements to create a competitive environment that rewards skill and strategy.
Q5. What makes Escape from Tarkov a unique first-person shooter experience?
Escape from Tarkov offers an uncompromising hardcore survival experience with realistic weapon customization and a high-stakes extraction-based gameplay loop. Its detailed health system, permanent item loss on death, and intense firefights create a uniquely challenging and immersive FPS experience.
