The first-person shooter (FPS) genre has consistently captivated gamers for generations. While consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X offer impressive FPS experiences, the PC remains the ultimate platform for this genre. PC gamers can choose between the familiar comfort of a controller or master the precision of a mouse and keyboard for a competitive edge. Beyond multiplayer, PC FPS games have pushed creative boundaries, offering a diverse range of experiences. With Steam’s vast library constantly expanding, finding the perfect FPS can be daunting. This guide showcases some of the most amazing FPS games available on PC.
Valorant
alt text: Valorant gameplay screenshot showing two agents facing off in a futuristic environment
Valorant elevates the hyper-competitive FPS experience to new heights. Drawing inspiration from the timeless Counter-Strike, Valorant introduces hero-shooter elements for added tactical depth. Each round is a high-stakes affair where precise aiming and strategic positioning are crucial. Unique agent abilities add a layer of complexity, demanding quick thinking and skillful execution. Despite its hardcore nature, Valorant boasts a thriving community and continues to receive developer support with new heroes, maps, and modes.
Counter-Strike 2
alt text: Counter-Strike 2 gameplay screenshot showcasing a player aiming down their weapon in a detailed urban environment
Counter-Strike 2 stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the classic formula. Decades later, the core gameplay remains largely unchanged, proving that simplicity can be powerful. Counter-Strike 2 consistently ranks among the most popular games on Steam for a reason. Its finely-tuned weapon balance, dynamic maps, and incredibly high skill ceiling offer endless replayability. Mastering the game’s intricacies, from managing in-game economy to understanding recoil patterns, is a rewarding journey. While the punishing nature of aggressive plays might initially intimidate newcomers, the depth of strategy and rewarding gameplay will keep players engaged.
Counter-Strike 2: Beyond Global
Half-Life 2
alt text: Half-Life 2 screenshot depicting protagonist Gordon Freeman wielding the iconic Gravity Gun in a dilapidated city setting.
Half-Life 2 holds a legendary status among single-player FPS games. While its graphics may show their age, the game’s innovative design remains a masterclass in FPS storytelling and gameplay. Players follow Gordon Freeman’s journey through a diverse range of environments, engaging in combat, platforming, and puzzle-solving. The iconic Gravity Gun remains a joy to use, offering creative gameplay possibilities. Half-Life 2 is a must-play for any FPS enthusiast.
Apex Legends
alt text: Apex Legends gameplay screenshot displaying a squad of Legends engaging in a firefight amidst a vibrant map.
PC gamers have a plethora of battle royale choices, but Apex Legends stands out with its unique blend of fast-paced action and hero-shooter elements. Developed by the team behind Titanfall 2, Apex Legends incorporates fluid movement and parkour mechanics, creating a dynamic and exhilarating experience. Its unique blend of hero abilities and battle royale gameplay makes it a perfect fit for PC, allowing players to execute impressive trick shots and clutch plays. As a free-to-play title, Apex Legends offers an accessible entry point into the battle royale genre.
Titanfall 2
alt text: Titanfall 2 gameplay screenshot featuring a pilot leaping through the air with a Titan in the background.
Often hailed as a worthy successor to Half-Life 2, Titanfall 2 delivers an exceptional single-player campaign and a unique multiplayer experience. The campaign is a masterpiece of level design, featuring memorable set pieces and epic Titan battles. The fast-paced multiplayer, combining pilot combat and Titan engagements, offers a unique blend of action and strategy. Though underappreciated, Titanfall 2 remains a gem for FPS fans.
Halo: The Master Chief Collection
alt text: Halo: The Master Chief Collection screenshot showcasing a Spartan soldier in action during a classic Halo multiplayer match.
Halo: The Master Chief Collection brings the iconic Halo experience to PC, showcasing the series’ console origins in a new light. This collection bundles remastered versions of classic Halo titles, allowing PC players to experience the legendary campaigns and relive the glory days of Blood Gulch multiplayer. The enhanced precision offered by mouse and keyboard controls elevates the gameplay, while retaining the core Halo fun. This collection is a perfect entry point for those who missed out on the Halo phenomenon.
Doom Eternal
alt text: Doom Eternal gameplay screenshot depicting the Doom Slayer fighting a demonic horde in a fiery, hellish landscape.
Doom Eternal, a modern iteration of the genre-defining Doom series, offers a fast-paced and challenging FPS experience. Players become an unstoppable force, ripping and tearing through hordes of demons. The game’s complex combat system demands skillful weapon swapping, resource management, and acrobatic maneuvering. While the steep learning curve might intimidate some, mastering Doom Eternal’s mechanics is immensely satisfying.
Doom Eternal BATTLEMODE Teaser
Left 4 Dead 2
alt text: Left 4 Dead 2 gameplay screenshot showing a group of survivors battling zombies in a dark, abandoned street.
Left 4 Dead 2 remains the undisputed king of co-op zombie shooters. Its simple yet dynamic gameplay, combined with the unpredictable nature of each playthrough, makes it endlessly replayable. With a limited selection of weapons and enemy types, Left 4 Dead 2 focuses on teamwork and strategic survival against hordes of infected. The inclusion of the first game’s content and a thriving community creating custom campaigns ensures long-lasting enjoyment.
Left 4 Dead 2 Cinematic Trailer
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege
alt text: Rainbow Six Siege gameplay screenshot illustrating operators breaching a fortified room during a tense standoff.
Rainbow Six Siege combines tactical FPS gameplay with fully destructible environments and unique operator abilities. The game’s dynamic nature, allowing for creative destruction and strategic breaches, ensures that every match is unpredictable and intense. Though its initial release wasn’t a runaway success, Rainbow Six Siege has evolved through continuous updates and community feedback, becoming a popular and highly competitive esports title.
Rainbow Six Siege Launch Trailer
Team Fortress 2
alt text: Team Fortress 2 screenshot displaying a colorful cast of characters from different classes posing together.
Team Fortress 2 can be considered a precursor to modern hero shooters. Its diverse cast of characters, each with unique abilities and playstyles, allows players to find a role that suits their preferences. Despite its age, Team Fortress 2 remains visually appealing with its distinct cell-shaded art style. While facing bot issues and a complex item market, the core gameplay remains enjoyable, offering a fun and accessible team-based FPS experience.
