Our take on the gaming phenomenon that is the FPS game genre
Our take on the gaming phenomenon that is the FPS game genre
Header image courtesy of Steam.
Since the introduction of Wolfstein 3D and DOOM in the 1990s, no genre has managed to dominate the gaming world quite like shooter-style games, specifically First-Person Shooter. As of June 2024, FPS game Grand Theft Auto V was and still is the second most popular game on Twitch with over 42 billion views. GTA V joins VALORANT, Counter-Strike, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 in holding 4 of the 10 most-watched games on Twitch in 2024. Not only do gamers love to watch streamers play FPS games, but 6 of the 10 most played games on Steam are FPS games. From decade-old classics like Rust to instant hits like Rainbow Six Siege, we’ve comprised a list of the best FPS games on Steam.
Very Positive (86%) | Multiplayer | Free
An upgraded take on one of the most popular esports games of all time, CS: GO, Counter-Strike 2 offers advanced graphics, redesigned audio, upgraded maps, and much more.
There are 7 available game modes for players, Competitive, Premier, Wingman, Casual, Deathmatch, Hostage, and Arms Race. Its most popular mode is Competitive which is a 5v5 style mode, where the two teams rotate back and forth as being terrorists and anti-terrorists. The terrorists’ goal is to successfully plant a bomb while the antiterrorists’ goal is to either prevent the bomb from being planted or diffuse the bomb. The rest of the modes vary in team sizes, goals, and playtime. For example, Wingman is a more fast-paced 2v2 version of Competitive for those looking to prove their skills.
“Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) is a fantastic game, just like its predecessors. The gameplay feels sharp, the mechanics are solid, and it’s exactly what I’ve been hoping for. The maps are great, the gunplay is satisfying, and the overall experience is exactly what any long-time CS fan would expect.” Luflux on Steam.
You can get Counter-Strike 2 on Steam here.
Very Positive (87%) | Single Player | $59.99
For over 20 years Call of Duty or COD has reigned as the FPS franchise. After the release of Call of Duty in 2003, its skyrocket to success has allowed it to become a household name. With 24 games in the series it’s hard to choose the best, and while every fan has their favorite, Call of Duty: Black Ops III holds the spot of the highest rated COD game on Steam.
As with all other COD games, Black Ops III offers a “campaign” in its single-player mode which is essentially the game’s story mode. This particular campaign picks up 40 years after the 2025 drone strikes at the end of Black Ops II. Amidst a cold war between the Winslow Accord and the Common Defense Pact, you play as one of the cybernetically enhanced soldiers in the Winslow Accord Black Ops Division. Beginning with a mission to save the Egyptian Prime Minister, the plot unravels as you go on other various missions.
There is also a multiplayer mode available for purchase on Steam that focuses on combat rather than storyline for the classic FPS experience.
“This is one of the best Call of Duty games I’ve played, perhaps even the best in terms of the Zombies mode.” Kuixtu on Steam
You can buy the game on Steam here.
Very Positive (87%) | MMO/Multiplayer/Online PvP | $39.99
Rust stands out from others on this list with its open world and singular goal, to survive. Waking up naked on an island with nothing other than a rock and a torch, you’re tasked with scavenging materials to make clothes, feed yourself, build a home, and to arm yourself. You’ll not only need to defend yourself against the ravenous animals scouring the island but also against other survivors that arrived the same as you. If you play your cards right you can make friends and eventually form a community, but watch out for traitors.
Not only does it have a fantastic soundtrack but also a dedicated community of pros like CoconutB and hJune who provide entertaining and impressive streams of the game on Twitch.
“Great game very unique and grindy, which I personally enjoy. It's always been my #1 game, and I've been playing since the Legacy days. It's come a long way, i definitely recommend it, but just keep in mind that there's a lot to learn and figure out, so it can be frustrating for new players at first.” blud on Steam.
Rust is available for purchase on Steam here.
Mixed (58%) | Online PvP | Free
PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS is a victory royale style FPS game where you and 99 other players drop from a plane and fight to the death, the last player standing wins. You must search for weapons and other tools to help you survive. The game also offers Duo and Squad modes where you can play with up to 3 friends! There are other various game modes available but if you’re looking for the classic experience, Battle Royale is the way to go.
“This is the original battle royale with decent gameplay, medium barrier of entry, and a high skill ceiling…” by RVK on Steam.
You can download PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS for free on Steam here.
Very Positive (85%) | Single-player/Online PvP/Online Co-op | $19.99
Another staple of the FPS community, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege splits ten players into two teams that rotate playing attack and defense. Attackers are tasked with infiltrating the Defender’s site and either diffusing their bomb or eliminating all Defenders. On the other side, Defenders must prevent Attackers from attempting to diffuse their bomb or eliminate all Attackers. If the diffuser is planted, Defenders need to disable the diffuser before time runs out. With two new “Operators,” or playable characters, introduced each year, Siege offers over 70 different Attackers and Defenders to choose from. Each character has a unique backstory and skill that sets them apart from the others. For example, the Defender from Poland named “Ela” has Grzmot mines that when triggered by attackers cause a temporary dizzying effect that also impairs their hearing.
This game’s multiple maps and many Operators keep gameplay fresh along with the many available skins.
“The game is pretty unique for a tactical fps. With the learning and gadgets, it makes for some very interesting gameplay. Highly recommended if you are interested in tactical fps games.” by Anant on Steam.
You can buy Rainbow Six Siege on Steam here.
Very Positive (87%) | Single-Player\Online PvP\Online Co-op | $29.98
One of the most popular games of all time and as mentioned before the second most watched game on Twitch in 2024, Grand Theft Auto V is a must for this list. In single-player mode you control three characters, Michael De Santa, Trevor Philips, and Franklin Clinton, three criminals who team up to pull off dangerous missions. In multiplayer mode, you can explore the city of Los Santos as you wish to complete missions with friends and attend events.
There’s also a huge roleplay community within the community of GTA V with tons of lore and super interesting characters. One of the most popular is Nopixel, which features tons of great streamers if you’re looking to get into watching one.
“I don't know where to start with GTA V, because there's just so much to praise about it…” by パンサー on Steam.
You can purchase GTA V on Steam here.
Very Positive (92%) | Single-Player/PvP/Co-op/Multiplayer | $39.99
Halo: The Master Chief Collection includes the 6 games in the HALO franchise that flesh out Master Chief’s journey in the 12-game franchise. The collection comes with Halo: Reach, Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Halo 2: Anniversary, Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST, and Halo 4. As the most iconic character in the HALO series, it seems only right to begin with the games that brought us Master Chief.
The HALO games take place in the 26th century when humans are at war with aliens known as the Covenant. In the games included in this collection, you play as Master Chief as he takes out aliens in an attempt to save the human race.
“Halo games are one of the OG fps games that Millennials grew up with. Used to be Xbox exclusive but now we can have the full collection on Steam, definitely a must-have.” by Krazykov on Steam.
That’s all for this list! Let us know your favorite First-Person Shooters in the comments below.
