Shooters captivate, explode, grind you into the dirt, and then lift you to the top. From the pixel shootouts of the '90s to the cinematic battles of today, the genre has evolved while remaining one of the most popular. Today, we'll explore 30 of the greatest shooters that have forever changed the world of video games.
Choosing the 30 best shooters is a challenging task. We focused on several key criteria:
Influence on the industry. These games set standards that developers still use today.
Gameplay and mechanics. What experience did it offer players? How unique was it in its time?
Popularity and legacy. Many of these titles continue to inspire developers even now.
Atmosphere. Visuals, style, and the overall feel of the gameplay.
Now let’s break down which games made it into our selection.
Image: gamerjournalist.com
Metascore: tbd
Developer: Battlestate Games
Release Date: July 27, 2017
Download: Official page
Escape from Tarkov is a hardcore survival shooter where realism, tactics, and adrenaline intertwine. The game plunges players into a devastated city where death lurks around every corner—whether from enemy bullets, lack of supplies, or a wrong decision. Tarkov’s main feature is the complete loss of gear after death, making every fight genuinely tense and valuable. There’s no room for mindless action—this is a game for those who value true survival, ruthless shootouts, and nerve-racking tension on the brink of despair.
Image: dreadcentral.com
Metascore: tbd
Developer: New Blood Interactive
Release Date: September 3, 2020
Download: Steam
Ultrakill is all about non-stop action. It’s an explosive, insane, and wildly hardcore shooter inspired by the '90s classics but with modern mechanics and speed pushed to the limit. The game hurls hordes of demons, rivers of blood, and endless ammo at you, prompting perpetual motion and aggression. A combo system reminiscent of Devil May Cry encourages stylish and spectacular play, and unique mechanics—like restoring health through melee kills—make every firefight unforgettable. This isn’t just a retro shooter—it's the quintessence of pure gaming bliss for those who love speed, style, and chaos. Plus, you can parry your own shotgun blast—what’s not to love?
Image: playstation.com
Metascore: 73
Developer: Ubisoft
Release Date: December 1, 2015
Download: Steam
Rainbow Six Siege turned the tactical shooter into a tense chess match where every mistake can cost your team the victory. Ubisoft put strategy, communication, and adaptation at the forefront rather than just reflexes. The diverse operators, each with unique gadgets and roles, allowed for constantly evolving tactics. A trap on a window? Cameras in the most unexpected places? Or maybe a wall? Anything can suddenly become a point of attack. The game’s complexity and need for teamwork filtered out casual players, turning each match into a real test of skill and coordination. Thanks to this, Rainbow Six Siege became one of the most significant and esports-worthy tactical shooters of its era.
Image: insider.razer.com
Metascore: 78
Developer: Epic Games
Release Date: July 21, 2017
Download: Fortnite
Fortnite is not just a game; it’s a cultural phenomenon. Building mechanics, constant updates, and a unique visual style made it one of the most popular games in history—and it’s still relevant, even 8 years after its release. The battle royale mode offered something entirely new—a mix of action with the ability to build fortifications on the fly. This changed the dynamics of shootouts, requiring more tactics, agility, and shooting skills. Constant updates, collaborations with global brands, in-game events, and concerts have turned Fortnite into more than just a shooter. It’s a gaming platform where worldwide digital events take place.
Image: itl.cat
Metascore: 79
Developer: OVERKILL
Release Date: August 13, 2013
Download: Steam
Payday 2 is a heist simulator where players become part of a criminal team planning and executing daring raids. From small shops to elite banks—every heist demands coordination, tactics, and cold calculation. You can complete a mission quietly by picking locks and disabling cameras, or unleash total chaos with hostages, SWAT assaults, and a hail of bullets. The game offers freedom of choice, making each robbery unpredictable and tense. All of this is enhanced by Simon Viklund’s brilliant soundtrack, which never lets you relax for a second. Payday 2 is perfect for anyone who wants to feel like a criminal mastermind and go from street robber to legendary mobster.
Image: reddit.com
Metascore: 79
Developer: Arkane Studios
Release Date: May 4, 2017
Download: Steam
Prey is a true intellectual challenge wrapped in a dark sci-fi atmosphere. Arkane Studios took the best from the immersive sim genre and created a game where every door is not just a path forward but a puzzle requiring cleverness and unconventional thinking. The massive, intricately detailed space station lives its own life and hides hundreds of secrets. There’s no standard "go here, shoot this"—instead, Prey gives you freedom to choose how to deal with threats. The game rewards experimentation. And the unique abilities transform you either into the hunter or into the one the station itself wants to destroy. It’s this depth and layered design that made Prey one of the brightest representatives of the genre.
Image: middleofnowheregaming.com
Metascore: 80
Developer: 3D Realms
Release Date: January 29, 1996
Download: Steam
In 1996, Duke Nukem 3D crashed into the video game industry like a rock star into a packed bar—loud, brash, and armed to the teeth. This shooter wasn’t just another entry in the genre; it was a true symbol of the '90s, infused with the best of that era’s pop culture. Brutal, charismatic, and absurdly self-assured, Duke flung not only rockets at enemies but also biting one-liners filled with sarcasm and irony. Even its interactivity was surprising for the time—by today’s standards, it might bring a nostalgic tear to your eye. Duke Nukem 3D proved that shooters could not only thrill with their dynamism but also entertain, shock, and provoke—and that’s why it remains in players’ hearts as one of the most over-the-top and iconic action games of its time.
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