Top 30 Legendary Shooters Revealed

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 undergone multiple evolutions while remaining one of the most popular. Today, we'll look back and remember 30 of the greatest shooters that forever changed the world of video games.

Table of Content

• How We Chose the Best Shooters
• Escape from Tarkov
• Ultrakill
• Rainbow Six Siege
• Fortnite
• Payday 2
• Prey (2017)
• Duke Nukem 3D
• Counter-Strike 2
• DOOM (1993)
• Bulletstorm
• Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus
• Max Payne 3
• Far Cry 3
• F.E.A.R.
• DOOM Eternal
• Borderlands 2
• Titanfall 2
• Left 4 Dead 2
• Overwatch (2016)
• Battlefield 2
• Crysis
• Team Fortress 2
• Unreal Tournament 2004
• Quake III Arena
• Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
• GoldenEye 007 (1997)
• Half-Life
• BioShock
• Perfect Dark (2000)
• Halo: Combat Evolved

How We Chose the Best Shooters

Choosing the 30 best shooters is no easy 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.

Escape from Tarkov

Image: gamerjournalist.com

Metascore: tbd
Developer: Battlestate Games
Release Date: July 27, 2017
Download: Official page

A hardcore survival shooter in its purest form, where realism, tactics, and adrenaline intertwine into one—this is Tarkov. The game sends players to a devastated city where death lurks around every corner—whether from enemy bullets, lack of supplies, or even 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.

Ultrakill

Image: dreadcentral.com

Metascore: tbd
Developer: New Blood Interactive
Release Date: September 3, 2020
Download: Steam

Non-stop action! That’s what Ultrakill is all about. 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?

Rainbow Six Siege

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.

Fortnite

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.

Payday 2

Image: itl.cat

Metascore: 79
Developer: OVERKILL
Release Date: August 13, 2013
Download: Steam

A heist simulator where players become part of a criminal team planning and executing daring raids captivated gamers over ten years ago and still hasn’t let go. 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.

Prey (2017)

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.

Duke Nukem 3D

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.

Counter-Strike 2

Image: ensigame.com

Metascore: 82
Developer: Valve
Release Date: August 21, 2012
Download: Steam

The official second installment of the legendary esports classic. Valve preserved the original’s tense gameplay while adding modern technology and the new Source 2 engine. But the game stayed true to itself—it’s still the tactical FPS where every step, every bullet, and every second matters. CS2 is not just a continuation of a legendary series but a reimagining of its core gameplay.

Enhanced graphics, advanced physics, and redesigned maps gave players a new experience while preserving the essence of classic Counter-Strike. Teamwork, tactical thinking, and map knowledge remain crucial, but everything feels even more dynamic.

DOOM (1993)

Image: brainbaking.com

Metascore: 82
Developer: id Software
Release Date: December 10, 1993
Download: Steam

DOOM is a legend, the foundation not only of a genre but of the entire industry. It didn’t just become a cult game; it established the groundwork for all future FPS titles. DOOM, which has been ported to just about everything imaginable, is pure rage and distilled adrenaline in digital form. id Software gave the world the "run-and-gun" formula that’s still the basis for countless games.

The first DOOM didn’t just revolutionize the genre; it essentially created it, offering a first-person view, powerful weapons, and a bloody demon massacre. It set trends for all future shooters and was the first to popularize network multiplayer. Without DOOM, the industry as we know it simply wouldn’t exist.

Bulletstorm

Image: mixed-news.com

Metascore: 84
Developer: People Can Fly
Release Date: April 7, 2017
Download: Steam

Bulletstorm is an explosive combination of insane action, dark humor, and an unconventional approach to combat. Developed by People Can Fly, the game turned the typical concept of shootouts on its head by rewarding not just accuracy but creativity in dispatching enemies.

The main feature is the "stylish kills" system, where players earn points for spectacular ways of eliminating foes. Adding to this is a charismatic storyline filled with rough but genuine humor, memorable characters, and cinematic scenes. Bulletstorm left its mark on the FPS genre as one of the most underrated yet unique shooters, standing out among traditional action titles and offering something truly fresh.

Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus

Image: switchplayer.net

Metascore: 87
Developer: MachineGames
Release Date: October 27, 2017
Download: Steam

Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus gave a new breath to the legendary series, offering a fresh perspective on classic shooter mechanics. It’s a bloody and incredibly emotional story of resistance that takes the best of old-school shooters. As the battle-hardened B.J. Blazkowicz, players venture into an alternate America under Nazi occupation, sparking a revolution and fighting back against the invaders.

Whether you’re blowing enemies to bits with dual shotguns or using stealth tactics, every encounter is both dynamic and brutal. The cherry on top is the excellent storyline featuring numerous deep characters and shocking moments. That’s why Wolfenstein II delivers not only adrenaline-fueled gameplay but also leaves a lasting impression.

Max Payne 3

Image: shacknews.com

Metascore: 87
Developer: Rockstar Games
Release Date: May 15, 2012
Download: Steam

Max Payne 3 is a harsh, dark, and merciless story of downfall and redemption. Max is no longer the bold cop from New York—he’s broken, drunk, and lost. Thus, he plunges into the ruthless world of Brazilian mercenaries, drug cartels, and political conspiracies.

The game feels like a quintessential John Woo action flick. The iconic "bullet time" lets you dive into any firefight, taking out enemies with pinpoint accuracy. A cover system adds realism, and the weapons feel powerful and weighty. Rockstar turned the game into a real interactive thriller where every frame is a work of art.

Far Cry 3

Image: gamingbible.com

Metascore: 88
Developer: Ubisoft
Release Date: November 29, 2012
Download: Steam

Far Cry 3 is a true odyssey into madness, where a tropical paradise becomes a battleground for survival. The game world is an open sandbox filled with possibilities: hunting, exploration, taking out enemy outposts, leveling skills, and crafting weapons to become the ultimate killer. Each confrontation with enemies offers a choice: stealth attacks from the shadows or explosive shootouts.

Combined with a gripping story, vibrant environment, and tense gameplay, Far Cry 3 became the benchmark for open-world shooters. It didn’t just set new standards for Ubisoft but defined the formula for their games for the next decade. And you do remember the definition of insanity... right?

F.E.A.R.

Image: relyonhorror.com

Metascore: 88
Developer: Monolith Productions
Release Date: October 17, 2005
Download: Steam

F.E.A.R. is a genuine roller coaster of horror and adrenaline, where flawless action collides with terrifying paranormal phenomena. You play as an operative of a secret unit investigating mysterious events linked to the girl Alma and supernatural forces.

From the very first moments, F.E.A.R. immerses you in an atmosphere of the unknown, where darkness becomes your main enemy and every step tests your nerves. Tense firefights alternate with sudden hallucinations, unsettling visions, and whispers in the dark, keeping you constantly on edge. Even years later, F.E.A.R. remains a standard of blending horror and tactical action, capable of scaring, surprising, and blowing your mind simultaneously.

DOOM Eternal

Image: nintendo.com

Metascore: 88
Developer: id Software
Release Date: March 20, 2020
Download: Steam

The sequel to the legendary franchise that made the shooter fast, predatory, and merciless. DOOM Eternal is a real test of players’ reflexes, strategy, and aggression. Here, it’s not just recommended to move—movement is essential for survival.

Every battle is a precise but chaotic dance where stopping is equivalent to death. It’s one of the most intense and aggressive shooters in history, where you don’t just fight the hordes of Hell—you become their worst nightmare.

Borderlands 2

Image: epicgames.com

Metascore: 89
Developer: Gearbox Software
Release Date: September 21, 2012
Download: Steam

Borderlands 2 is an explosive blend of shooter and RPG, infused with madness, dark humor, and mountains of loot. On the planet Pandora, boredom doesn’t exist: hordes of bandits, psychos, and robots, thousands of guns with unique properties, charismatic allies, and one of the best villains in video game history.

Gearbox didn’t just create a sequel; they took everything fans loved about the first game and multiplied it by ten: a huge open world, vibrant characters, engaging quests, and boundless customization options. The variety of playstyles, constant challenges, and a solid sense of progression make Borderlands 2 one of the best co-op games, one you can sink hundreds of hours into.