10 Great FPS Games That Are Fun Right Away

As a gamer, I think one of the biggest goals for any game is to really pull you in and make you feel like you’re there. Back in the early days, a lot of developers tried to do that by creating games that felt like 3D worlds – and that’s actually how first-person games first started becoming a thing!

It’s fun to explore digital worlds, but games are even better when they include exciting action. That’s what first-person shooters, or FPS games, deliver. They add a sense of risk and thrill that makes playing more engaging. While they first became popular in the early 1990s, FPS games are now a core part of the video game landscape.

With so many first-person shooter (FPS) games available, it’s tough to figure out which ones are actually worth playing. Luckily, I’ve been a long-time FPS gamer and want to share some of my top picks to help you find something great.

10. Wolfenstein 3D

Where it All Started

Wolfenstein 3D was a groundbreaking game that really launched the first-person shooter genre. It dropped players into a German castle on a mission to defeat a robotic Hitler. Throughout the game, you’d find weapons like a powerful Gatling gun to take down waves of enemies. The levels were designed to be explored, with plenty of hidden rooms and secrets that players would uncover by searching every corner.

Though simple by modern standards, this game was incredibly influential, popularizing first-person shooters on PCs. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy defeating an evil robotic Hitler?

9. BioShock

The Dad Who Stepped Up

Man, playing BioShock and exploring Rapture is just incredible. The way the gameplay and the whole vibe of the city come together is perfect. And those Little Sisters? Seriously creepy looking, like possessed dolls. It’s a really striking image when you compare them to the Big Daddies – these massive, steampunk-style protectors. The contrast is awesome and really sticks with you.

Even though BioShock seems heavily inspired by Ayn Rand’s philosophy, it’s incredibly captivating from the very beginning and quickly pulls you into its world.

BioShock’s lasting impact on many first-person shooter games is immediately obvious once you start playing. It’s a deeply engaging and surprisingly accessible experience.

8. Halo: Combat Evolved

Put a Ring on it

Ever since you first played as Master Chief in the original Halo, you were hooked. The game immediately pulled you in, offering a huge range of weapons – from human to alien – and incredibly fun vehicles like the warthog. Plus, its multiplayer modes and deathmatches practically invented console-based LAN parties.

Halo: Combat Evolved was a groundbreaking and incredibly enjoyable game. It’s widely credited with rescuing the original Xbox and solidifying Microsoft’s position in the console market.

7. Crysis

A Real Power Fantasy

For years, people judged how powerful a gaming computer was by whether it could smoothly run the game Crysis. The game was famous for its beautiful tropical settings, which looked amazing when it first came out. Plus, it was fun to play because it let you feel incredibly powerful in a high-tech suit.

Crysis was a hugely popular and groundbreaking first-person shooter that established Crytek as a major game developer. If you’re looking for an exciting and chaotic FPS where you can really let loose, it’s definitely worth checking out.

6. Doom

Rip and Tear!

Doom was a truly groundbreaking game that significantly shaped the first-person shooter genre and modern video games as a whole. Its intense, fast-paced action – from battling demons with a chainsaw to unleashing the devastating BFG – created a relentlessly challenging and immersive experience. The game’s increasing difficulty and visceral combat, set on the moons of Mars and in Hell itself, set a new standard for action games.

It seems like Doom can run on almost any device imaginable – people have even gotten it working on a pregnancy test! That kind of dedicated fanbase proves it’s a consistently enjoyable game.

5. Duke Nukem 3D

All Out of Bubblegum

Later Duke Nukem games unfortunately turned the series into a self-parody, but the original Duke Nukem 3D was brilliant. It cleverly subverted the over-the-top action hero stereotype that was popular in the 80s and 90s, and it also poked fun at common trends in first-person shooter games. You can see this right from the start – the first level features jetpacks and police officers riding wild hogs!

Duke Nukem 3D really stood out by letting players interact with the environment in ways beyond simple actions like flipping switches. Even though some of those interactions, like tripping strippers, weren’t appropriate, they made the game world feel more dynamic and encouraged players to explore and discover hidden secrets. I’m still not sure why my mom allowed me to play it, but I’m grateful she did.

4. Left 4 Dead 2

Lend Me a Hand

Left 4 Dead 2 consistently creates a thrilling experience, from escaping the initial safe house to reaching the next one. Building on the groundbreaking co-op gameplay of the first game, Left 4 Dead 2 refines the formula with additions like new zombie types – the Jockey and the Spitter – and a wider variety of melee weapons, making combat more engaging and unpredictable.

If you and your friends enjoy playing first-person shooter games together, Left 4 Dead 2 is still a fantastic option. It’s perfect for a fun online game night – just remember to stock up on med kits!

3. Portal

I’m Making A Note Here, “Huge Success”

Portal is a truly exceptional first-person puzzle game. You use a special ‘portal gun’ to create openings that let you travel between different parts of each test chamber. Throughout the game, a sarcastic AI named GLaDOS constantly mocks you and promises a reward – cake – but it’s best not to trust her.

Portal brilliantly combines clever, easy-to-understand gameplay with incredibly funny writing. It’s a game that’s both intelligent and delightfully silly, and offers a lot of reasons to play it again and again.

2. Borderlands 2

Hello, Traveler!

I’ve spent a lot of time with every Borderlands game, and I still think Borderlands 2 is the strongest entry. It really represents the peak of what makes the series great. The game is filled with memorable, quirky characters like Tiny Tina, and features what I consider to be one of the best villains in gaming history, Handsome Jack. Plus, the huge variety of randomly generated guns and different character classes offer tons of replayability. I first played through the game as Zer0, the assassin class.

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Borderlands 2 is designed for a team of four, but playing solo can still be really enjoyable. It’s not quite the same, but I prefer doing the story missions by myself so I can take my time and play at my own speed.

1. Battlefield 6

A Declaration of War

Battlefield 6 felt like a return to the series’ core strengths. The classic class system – something I especially enjoyed as an Engineer player – was reintroduced, and the game really emphasizes teamwork. The huge maps and epic battles create a truly chaotic and immersive experience.

Battlefield 6 revitalized the long-running series with a fresh new look. Though it includes a single-player campaign, the game truly shines in its multiplayer mode, where you’ll find the most exciting and complete experience.

2026-03-31 02:41