FPS games—short for first person shooter—are among the most exciting and adrenaline-fueled experiences in gaming. Whether you’re storming an enemy base with shotguns, picking off opponents with a sniper, or sneaking through stealth missions, the thrill of seeing the action through your character’s eyes never gets old.
From massive battle royale matches to intense tactical FPS standoffs, this genre has something for everyone. Whether you prefer arena shooters with great maps, RPG-infused looter-shooters, or story-driven campaigns that keep you hooked for a long time, there’s an FPS for you.
In gaming, FPS can mean two different things depending on the context:
First-Person Shooter – A game genre where you experience the action through the eyes of your character. Examples include Call of Duty, Halo, and Doom Eternal.
Frames Per Second – A performance measurement showing how many images (frames) your system displays each second. Higher FPS means smoother gameplay (e.g., 60 FPS is smoother than 30 FPS).
Most of the time, if someone says “I love FPS” while talking about titles like Battlefield or Rainbow Six Siege, they mean first-person shooter. If they’re discussing graphics, they usually mean frames per second.
The very first first-person shooter (FPS) game is widely considered to be Maze War, developed in 1973.
Maze War featured a first-person perspective, simple maze-like environments, and the ability to “shoot” other players—making it a pioneer for the genre.
Another early landmark was Spasim (1974), a multiplayer space combat simulator that also used a first-person view.
While these were the earliest prototypes, the FPS genre became mainstream in the early ’90s with classics like Wolfenstein 3D (1992) by id Software, which is often called “the grandfather of FPS games.”
If you want, I can create a short FPS history timeline for your article so readers see how the genre evolved from Maze War to today’s top shooters.
In a typical first-person shooter, you’ll navigate environments, complete objectives, and battle enemies using a variety of weapons—ranging from shotguns and snipers to futuristic gear. Popular titles like **Call of Duty, Doom Eternal, Halo, and Rainbow Six Siege **show how diverse the genre can be, from fast-paced arena shooters to slow, methodical tactical FPS games.
Many FPS titles offer different game modes, including story-driven campaigns, competitive multiplayer matches, and large-scale battle royale experiences. The best FPS games are known for their great maps, strategic depth, and heart-pounding gameplay that keeps players coming back for years.
If you’re looking for a list of the best FPS games, here are some of the top titles worth checking out:
The Black Ops are renowned for delivering adrenaline-pumping multiplayer action, unforgettable game modes, and legendary maps that have become staples in competitive play.
From tight, fast-paced arena shooters to massive, cinematic large-scale battles, the series offers something for every type of player. Whether you’re diving into Black Ops’ gripping single-player campaigns filled with twists and covert operations, or testing your skills in modes like Zombies and Battle Royale, the franchise consistently blends polished gameplay, cinematic storytelling, and community-driven updates.
It’s a good game choice for both casual sessions with friends and high-stakes competitive matches that demand strategy and quick reflexes..
Known for its huge maps, vehicle combat, and realistic destruction, Battlefield offers epic multiplayer wars where every player’s role matters.
With the new launch of Battlefield 6, fans can expect even more immersive battles and next-level chaos. Perfect for those who love teamwork and large-scale warfare.
Siege is a tactical shooter that thrives on stealth, strategy, and precision. With destructible environments, a diverse roster of unique operators, and highly active servers, Rainbow Six Siege delivers a deeply competitive experience where teamwork and careful planning matter far more than rushing in.
Every match feels like a tense chess game with bullets, demanding patience, communication, and smart plays to secure victory.
Developed by id Software, this demon-slaying sequel ramps up the speed, gameplay, and intensity of the classic Doom formula. Expect fast movement, devastating weapons, and arenas dripping with atmosphere. The upcoming DOOM: The Dark Ages takes the action into a darker, medieval-inspired setting for an all-new brutal experience.
A deeply atmospheric FPS that masterfully blends survival mechanics, open-world exploration, and rich storytelling. Set in a post-apocalyptic Russia, Metro Exodus delivers a gripping narrative, stunning environments, and tense encounters that keep you on edge—perfect for players who crave both heart-pounding action and cinematic storytelling.
A must-have for any Halo fan, this collection includes multiple best FPS classics with updated visuals, great maps, and iconic characters.
This all-in-one package brings together multiple legendary titles from the series, each remastered with updated visuals, refined controls, and great maps that defined a generation of shooters. Step into the armor of the iconic Master Chief and relive epic campaigns, unforgettable multiplayer battles, and cinematic storytelling that helped shape the first-person shooter genre.
Whether you’re returning for nostalgia or experiencing it for the first time, this collection is the ultimate way to celebrate and preserve gaming history.
A full reimagining of Valve’s legendary Half-Life, Black Mesa revitalizes the classic with modern visuals, enhanced gameplay, and reworked levels, all while preserving the atmosphere, story, and charm that made the original a landmark in FPS history.
Two powerhouse titles that showcase the diversity of modern multiplayer experiences.
Overwatch thrives on fast-paced, hero-based combat where every character has unique abilities, strengths, and playstyles, making teamwork and strategy essential for victory. With constantly updated game modes, seasonal events, and great maps, it keeps the action fresh for both casual and competitive players.
Destiny 2, developed by Bungie, blends precise shooter mechanics with deep RPG elements, offering an expansive universe to explore, story-driven campaigns, intense cooperative raids, and endless loot to chase. Whether you’re perfecting your aim in Overwatch or grinding for legendary gear in Destiny, both deliver long-lasting engagement and unforgettable gameplay.
A loot-heavy shooter with wild humor, unique art style, and over-the-top weapons. It’s part FPS, part RPG, and all chaos. The upcoming Borderlands 4, set for release in 2025, promises even crazier firefights, bigger worlds, and more outrageous loot than ever before.
Titanfall 2 is a lightning-fast shooter that seamlessly combines parkour-style wall-running, massive mech combat, and fluid, responsive gameplay into one unforgettable experience. Its single-player campaign is often praised as one of the best in the genre—blending cinematic storytelling with creative level design and emotional moments.
In multiplayer, the game’s unique mix of high-mobility pilots and towering Titans creates battles that feel dynamic and unpredictable, offering endless opportunities for strategy and skill. Even years after its release, Titanfall 2 remains ahead of its time, with a balance of speed, firepower, and innovation that few shooters have matched.
The most-played title in the first-person shooter genre is Battlefield 6—at least in terms of concurrent player engagement. During its open beta, it broke franchise and genre records with over 520,000 concurrent players on Steam, surpassing any previous Call of Duty game, and ranking among the top 20 highest peaks in Steam’s history.
This explosive interest makes Battlefield 6 a leading contender for the most popular FPS game right now, driven by its large-scale combat, next-gen gameplay, and massive community buzz.
Other major games to know about:
Overwatch 2 launched with an impressive 35 million players in its first month, achieving over 100 million total players by mid-2024.
Call of Duty: Warzone still holds one of the most explosive launches ever—garnering 6 million players within 24 hours of its debut.
First person shooters have evolved from simple arena shooters into sprawling worlds with multiple game modes, deep lore, and massive online communities. Whether it’s Halo, Doom, Fallout, or Rainbow Six Siege, the genre continues to grow thanks to innovation from studios like Valve, id Software, and Bungie.
With a mix of stealth missions, loot-driven exploration, and high-speed firefights, the best FPS experiences keep players coming back for years. And with constant updates to servers and seasonal content, these titles remain fresh for both veterans and newcomers.
So grab your favorite loadout, join the multiplayer servers, and dive into one of the best FPS games the world has to offer.** The only question left is: will you go in loud, or play it stealth?**
Discover and download your next favorite title for free at GetJar—start your adventure today!
Emerson Gray · Editor
Editor
