The first-person shooter genre remains one of the most exciting and immersive spaces in gaming, and 2025 is shaping up to be a strong year for FPS fans. These games thrive on adrenaline-fueled gameplay, whether you’re embarking on a solo campaign or teaming up with friends for intense multiplayer sessions. The most engaging shooters are those that feel dynamic—offering fresh experiences through regular updates, evolving metas, or simply the variety of players you encounter.
Multiplayer FPS titles, in particular, continue to blur the lines between hobby and lifestyle. Titles like Counter-Strike 2 or Left 4 Dead 2 aren’t just games you casually pick up; they become part of your routine, offering competition, camaraderie, and countless ways to challenge yourself. Some shooters dive deep into narrative and world-building, while others get you straight into the action, focusing more on performance, strategy, and fast reflexes. No matter your preference or platform, these are the most essential FPS games to play in 2025.
Doom: The Dark Ages
Doom returns with a brutal twist in Doom: The Dark Ages, serving as a prequel with a medieval aesthetic that still channels the franchise’s signature chaos. The Slayer now sports a shield and a heavier build, harkening back to the 2016 reboot’s tone and pacing. The movement system has been simplified compared to Doom Eternal, but what it lacks in speed it makes up for with sheer impact and inventive weapons—some of which shoot bone shrapnel or allow for wild chained attacks. There’s even a rideable dragon, adding a mythic scale to the already monstrous gameplay.
Valorant
Valorant continues to grow its audience with a finely tuned blend of precise gunplay and character-based strategy. Inspired by Counter-Strike, it ups the ante by introducing Agents with unique abilities, divided into distinct roles like Duelists and Controllers. As you climb the ranks and unlock more Agents—now over 25 in total—you’ll find countless ways to approach each match. Round-based combat and an evolving weapon economy keep the experience competitive, making it an ideal choice for FPS players who enjoy tactical depth and intense rivalries.
Hunt: Showdown
Blending horror and FPS gameplay in a slow-burn format, Hunt: Showdown offers something distinct. You and two allies enter monster-infested territory to track and eliminate supernatural targets—but you’re not alone. Other teams compete for the same objective, adding a heart-pounding PvP element. Tactical noise control, trap-setting, and stealth ambushes are all part of the strategy. The tension of every encounter makes Hunt: Showdown a standout for FPS players who prefer atmosphere and intensity over rapid-fire chaos.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
The Black Ops series finds its footing again with its sixth installment, thanks to years of refinement by Treyarch. The latest title introduces omnimovement, allowing players to sprint and dive in all directions, enhancing agility without sacrificing control. The fan-favorite Zombies mode is back with two full maps at launch, and the integration with Warzone content provides a seamless ecosystem. Whether you’re in it for the new mechanics or the polished competitive multiplayer, Black Ops 6 is a return to form for the franchise.
Destiny 2
Destiny 2 continues to redefine what an FPS can be in an ongoing, evolving world. With its latest expansion, The Final Shape, the game brings even more content, pushing its narrative forward and expanding its universe. Despite its free-to-play base, Destiny 2 remains rich in both PvE and PvP gameplay. Whether you’re revisiting for new content or starting fresh, the game offers incredible gunplay, character progression, and co-op experiences that few titles can match.
Rainbow Six Siege
A cornerstone of tactical FPS design, Rainbow Six Siege remains as vital as ever. With over 70 Operators available, the strategic depth is astounding. Every match becomes a cerebral showdown of counterplay, positioning, and teamwork. Regular updates keep the game fresh, and its competitive scene remains strong. For those who enjoy methodical, team-based engagements where every move counts, Siege is still one of the top choices.
Doom Eternal
Doom Eternal refines the high-octane formula that brought the series back to life. Building on the 2016 reboot, it adds verticality, platforming, and a surprisingly layered story. The combat is fierce and rhythmic, encouraging constant movement and precision. The wide array of weapons and enemies ensures no two fights feel the same, making it a relentless but rewarding experience for fans of fast-paced action.
Titanfall 2
Often regarded as a modern classic, Titanfall 2 masterfully combines fluid movement, mechs, and storytelling. The single-player campaign is a standout, balancing emotional moments with high-intensity firefights. You’ll pilot a Titan and tackle inventive missions filled with platforming challenges and combat scenarios. While its multiplayer is no longer functional, the campaign alone secures its place among the best FPS titles.
Counter-Strike 2
Precision, tension, and competition define Counter-Strike 2. As a polished evolution of CS:GO, it’s a technical marvel that requires sharp reflexes and smarter strategies. Whether you’re coordinating with friends or going solo, the focus is on tight gunplay and strategic planning. It’s a game of micro-decisions—perfect for those who want to master the art of aim and execution.
SuperHot
In SuperHot, time only advances when you move, turning every firefight into a puzzle. This innovative mechanic forces players to think carefully and act deliberately. Minimalist visuals and a sleek narrative keep you immersed, and the VR version takes the concept even further, placing you directly in the action. It’s perfect for players who enjoy cerebral challenges and kinetic gameplay.
Left 4 Dead 2
Left 4 Dead 2 remains a timeless co-op shooter where chaos reigns and coordination is key. Its AI director ensures each run is different, dynamically adjusting zombie spawns and resources. Whether you’re playing standard campaigns or diving into Versus Mode to control the infected, the experience is as unpredictable as it is exhilarating. Even years after release, it’s a masterclass in multiplayer FPS design.
Halo Infinite
Despite a rocky post-launch phase, Halo Infinite has matured into a well-rounded shooter. Its expansive campaign offers classic sandbox combat, improved with modern mechanics like a grappling hook. Cooperative play brings old-school fun back to the forefront, while new multiplayer content keeps things engaging. It strikes a satisfying balance between nostalgia and innovation.
Dusk
A love letter to 90s shooters, Dusk delivers frenetic gunplay wrapped in eerie, lo-fi visuals. The level design is superb, blending horror elements with quick, twitchy combat. It’s a retro-style FPS that captures the spirit of the genre’s golden era without feeling outdated. The perfect pick for fans of fast action and inventive environments.
Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus
This installment of Wolfenstein elevates the franchise with bold storytelling and hard-hitting action. The alternate history setting is wild, offering jaw-dropping moments and memorable characters. It’s a tightly constructed, cinematic experience that prioritizes emotional weight alongside explosive set pieces. If you’re after a gripping single-player journey, this one delivers.
Escape From Tarkov
Tense and unforgiving, Escape From Tarkov is the ultimate test of FPS nerves. Combining hardcore gunplay with survival elements, every raid is a gamble. Teaming up with friends amplifies the intensity, and the game’s meticulous detail rewards patience and planning. For players seeking a serious, simulation-style FPS with high stakes and little handholding, Tarkov is a must.
Half-Life Alyx
As a landmark in VR gaming, Half-Life Alyx redefines what’s possible in a shooter. Built specifically for virtual reality, it brings unmatched immersion—from peeking around corners to handling reloading manually. The story slots perfectly into the Half-Life universe and pushes the narrative forward while exploring bold new mechanics. If you have access to a VR system, this is the definitive FPS experience of recent years.
Each of these games offers something distinct, whether it’s precision gameplay, narrative richness, or intense co-op dynamics. 2025 is packed with FPS gems that reward both raw skill and thoughtful strategy.
