The 30 Best Shooters in History

A Retrospective on 30 Groundbreaking Shooters: Shaping the History of Video Games

Shooters – they enthrall, explode, and leave you breathless. From the pixelated shootouts of the 90s to today's cinematic battles, the genre has constantly evolved, remaining a perennial favorite. This article revisits 30 of the most impactful shooters that redefined video games.

Table of Contents

• How We Selected 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 Selected the Best Shooters

Selecting the 30 best shooters was a formidable task. Our selection criteria included:

• Industry Influence: Games that established benchmarks still used 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 overall gameplay feel.

Escape from Tarkov

Image: gamerjournalist.com

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

A hardcore survival shooter prioritizing realism, tactics, and adrenaline. Tarkov plunges players into a war-torn city where survival hinges on skill, resource management, and strategic decision-making. Permanent gear loss upon death adds intense stakes to every encounter.

Ultrakill

Image: dreadcentral.com

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

Unrelenting action defines Ultrakill. A fast-paced, brutally hardcore shooter inspired by 90s classics, it pushes speed and aggression to the extreme. A Devil May Cry-esque combo system rewards stylish gameplay, while unique mechanics, such as health restoration through melee kills, make each encounter memorable.

Rainbow Six Siege

Image: playstation.com

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

Rainbow Six Siege transformed the tactical shooter into a strategic chess match. Emphasis is placed on strategy, communication, and adaptation over reflexes. Diverse operators with unique gadgets demand evolving tactics and teamwork, making each match a demanding test of skill and coordination.

Fortnite

Image: insider.razer.com

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

More than just a game, Fortnite is a cultural phenomenon. Building mechanics, constant updates, and a distinctive visual style propelled it to immense popularity. The battle royale mode introduced a unique blend of action and dynamic building, requiring tactical prowess and adaptability.

Payday 2

Image: itl.cat

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

A heist simulator where players become a criminal crew, planning and executing daring robberies. From small-scale heists to high-stakes bank robberies, coordination, tactics, and calculated risk-taking are essential. The game offers a choice between stealth and all-out chaos.

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 blended immersive sim elements, creating a game where problem-solving and unconventional thinking are rewarded. The vast space station is filled with secrets and offers freedom in how players approach threats.

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 with its brash, over-the-top personality and action. A quintessential 90s shooter, it blended pop culture references with brutal action and memorable one-liners. Its interactive elements were groundbreaking for its time.

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. Counter-Strike 2 retains the tense gameplay of its predecessor while incorporating modern technology and the Source 2 engine. Teamwork, strategy, and map knowledge remain paramount.

DOOM (1993)

Image: brainbaking.com

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

A foundational title for the FPS genre and the industry as a whole. DOOM's "run-and-gun" formula, first-person perspective, and intense demon-slaying action established the template for countless future games. It also pioneered online multiplayer gaming.

Bulletstorm

Image: mixed-news.com

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

Bulletstorm uniquely blends intense action, dark humor, and creative combat. The "stylish kills" system rewards inventive enemy takedowns, while the charismatic storyline and memorable characters add to the experience.

Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus

Image: switchplayer.net

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

Wolfenstein II revitalized the franchise with its blend of classic shooter mechanics and a powerful narrative. Players take on the role of B.J. Blazkowicz, leading a rebellion against Nazi occupation in an alternate history America.

Max Payne 3

Image: shacknews.com

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

Max Payne 3 delivers a gritty, cinematic action experience. The iconic "bullet time" mechanic enhances gunfights, while a cover system adds realism. The game's dark storyline and stylish presentation create a memorable thriller.

Far Cry 3

Image: gamingbible.com

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

Far Cry 3 is an open-world shooter set in a tropical paradise turned battleground. Players can explore, hunt, and engage in combat, choosing between stealth and direct confrontation. The gripping story and vibrant environment set a new standard for open-world shooters.

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. Players investigate mysterious events involving supernatural forces, experiencing a constant interplay of intense gunfights and unsettling horror elements.

DOOM Eternal

Image: nintendo.com

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

DOOM Eternal is a relentlessly fast-paced and aggressive shooter. Constant movement is crucial for survival, making every battle a chaotic yet precise dance of destruction.

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 abundant loot. Set on the planet Pandora, players face hordes of enemies, explore a vast world, and collect thousands of unique weapons.

Titanfall 2

Image: metro.co.uk

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

Titanfall 2 emphasizes speed, parkour, and giant mech combat. The single-player campaign, surprisingly compelling for a multiplayer-focused title, tells a memorable story of friendship and features innovative level design.

Left 4 Dead 2

Image: gameplayscassi.com.br

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

A co-op shooter where four survivors battle hordes of zombies. Teamwork, resource management, and adaptability are crucial for survival against procedurally generated waves of infected.

Overwatch (2016)

Image: reddit.com

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

Overwatch revolutionized team-based shooters by blending FPS and MOBA elements. A diverse roster of heroes and a balanced class system make teamwork and strategic coordination essential for victory.

Battlefield 2

Image: beztabaka.by

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

Battlefield 2 expanded the scale of military shooters, featuring large-scale battles involving infantry, vehicles, and aircraft. Squad-based tactics and class-based gameplay were central to 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. Its realistic visuals, advanced physics engine, and detailed environments were groundbreaking for its time.

Team Fortress 2

Image: gamedeveloper.com

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

Team Fortress 2 is a vibrant and chaotic team-based shooter with a distinctive cartoon style. The game's class system emphasizes teamwork and strategic coordination, while its cosmetic system added a unique layer of personalization.

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 fast-paced battles across diverse maps and game modes.

Quake III Arena

Image: reddit.com

• Metascore: 93
• Developer: id Software
• Release Date: December 5, 1999
• Download: Steam

Quake III Arena is a pure, distilled arena shooter experience. The focus is solely on fast-paced combat, demanding reflexes and precise aim.

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 setting to modern warfare, delivering a cinematic campaign and innovative multiplayer mechanics that redefined online FPS gameplay.

GoldenEye 007 (1997)

Image: cnet.com

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

GoldenEye 007 demonstrated the console's potential for FPS gaming. 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 FPS storytelling. Its seamless integration of narrative and gameplay, immersive atmosphere, and compelling protagonist, Gordon Freeman, established a new benchmark for narrative-driven shooters.

BioShock

Image: inverse.com

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

BioShock is a philosophical and atmospheric FPS set in the underwater city of Rapture. Its compelling narrative, rich atmosphere, and innovative gameplay mechanics created a truly memorable and thought-provoking experience.

Perfect Dark (2000)

Image: altarofgaming.com

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

Perfect Dark expanded upon the success of GoldenEye 007 with a futuristic setting, a complex espionage plot, and varied gameplay. Its impressive graphics and cinematic presentation made it a standout title on the Nintendo 64.

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 the conflict with the Covenant. Its innovative regenerating shield mechanic and epic sci-fi story set a new standard for the genre.

Conclusion

Each game on this list contributed uniquely to the shooter genre's evolution. Some set lasting standards, while others pushed creative boundaries. Their collective impact is undeniable, shaping the landscape of video games as we know them.