Top 20 best first-person shooters on PC: from classics to new favourites

Home » blog » Top 20 best first-person shooters on PC: from classics to new favourites

Anyone who has ever picked up a mouse and keyboard knows that the real thrill comes when the sight appears on the screen. The only question is: which are the best first-person shooters on PC worth trying? The market offers many options, and it is not always easy to choose those that are truly worthy of attention. Let’s consider the top projects.

How we compiled the rating of the 20 best shooters: selection criteria

The ones included in this top are not random. What criteria make a project worthy of attention?

Graphics. With good graphics, the game immerses you in a world where every detail, from the texture of the weapon to realistic shadows, enhances the experience.
Gameplay mechanics: it is important that the shooter is not only beautiful, but also interesting. Endless reloading and dozens of combinations of actions are what make the shooter exciting and addictive.
Multiplayer. Modern games often rely on teamwork, which not only increases the duration of interest, but also allows you to compete with other players, testing your skills in real combat conditions.

TOP-20 best first-person shooters on PC

We are sure that you will want to evaluate a couple (or maybe more) projects immediately after reading the article.

1. Half-Life 2 – an eternal classic of the genre

The plot, in which a scientist fights alien invaders, is still relevant and amazes with its scale. A deep world and interaction with the environment made the script a real masterpiece. Half-Life 2 set a new standard with a unique atmosphere and an excellent physical model. This classic shooter remains one of the best on PC, combining elements of dystopia and exciting shootouts.

2. DOOM Eternal – adrenaline and rage

DOOM Eternal is an incredible mix of rage, speed and endless action. Fighting demons, shot after shot, like a synchronized dance to burning metal. There is no time to think – only reaction and the desire to destroy everything that moves. This is one of the best first-person shooters on PC, which is perfect for professionals who are hungry for a real challenge.

3. Overwatch – team multiplayer for everyone

A team shooter with characters, each with unique abilities. Overwatch is more than just a shooter, it is a battle of wits and tactics. A team shooter with characters, each with unique abilities. Every second and every step counts here, especially in multiplayer battles, which makes it one of the most popular shooters.

4. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare – realistic and cinematic

Modern Warfare is a cinematic experience that can compete with Hollywood action films. War is presented here as a harsh reality, where every battle is a fight for survival.

5. Battlefield 1 — historical battles on a new level

The First World War in Battlefield 1 is revealed on a full screen: huge fields, horsemen, air battles and lots of vehicles. Each battle is a real historical event, experienced anew. The plot is breathtaking and reminds of the tragedies and heroism of the past years. Battlefield 1 is one of the best shooters for those who appreciate historical details.

6. Apex Legends — a battle royale for the brave

In Apex Legends, each hero is unique, each match is a challenge. Here, speed and accuracy decide everything, and the ability to work in a team becomes the key to victory. The game is one of the new ones that quickly gained popularity among beginners and professionals, and is included in the list of the best first-person shooters on PC.

7. Far Cry 5 — Open World and Freedom of Action

Hope County and its charismatic antagonists entice the player into a world where freedom of action is the main element of the gameplay. The open world allows you to solve problems at your own discretion, be it blowing up equipment or stealthy sabotage. Unique mechanics and variety make Far Cry 5 an excellent choice for those who want to get acquainted with the genre.

8. Destiny 2 — Space Battles and Co-op

A space adventure that cannot be missed. Destiny 2 allows you to fight an alien threat in the conditions of space. Co-op missions, a huge arsenal of weapons and missions where every moment matters – all this creates a unique experience. Destiny 2 offers an exciting space adventure that cannot be missed. This is one of the best free first-person shooters on PC, allowing you to enjoy large-scale space battles.

9. Metro Exodus — post-apocalypse in the best traditions

A journey through ruined Russia in a post-apocalyptic environment. Metro Exodus captivates with its atmosphere and dramatic story. Devastation, monsters and difficult decisions — all this immerses you in a story about survival in conditions of complete devastation. All this makes the project one of the oldest in the ranking of the best first-person shooters on PC.

10. Titanfall 2 — pilots and titans in perfect harmony

Titanfall 2 gives players not only dynamic battles, but also the opportunity to control huge robots – titans. The story combines acrobatic gameplay with the power of giant war machines, creating a unique feeling of control and power.

11. Borderlands 3 – a loot shooter with a crazy atmosphere

An incredible mix of humor and action. Borderlands 3 allows players to collect tons of weapons and explore strange worlds. A graphic style reminiscent of comics and unique characters. An incredible mix of humor and action. The crazy atmosphere of Borderlands 3 makes the game one of the most modern shooters that makes you laugh and explore every corner of it.

12. Quake Champions – a classic in a new shell

Quake Champions takes us back to the roots of the genre. Super speed, incredible jumps and arena battles are a real test of reaction. Every shot and every second counts here. Quake Champions returns to the roots of the genre and offers real tests of reaction: super speed, incredible jumps and battles in arenas.

13. Rainbow Six Siege – tactics and teamwork

A team game with a high level of tactical interaction. Siege requires precision and the ability to predict the enemy’s moves. Each attack and each defense is a test of skill and coordination.

14. Crysis Remastered – graphics that impress

Even after all these years, Crysis remains a benchmark for graphics. Every bush, every ray of light – everything looks real. The gameplay combines elements of survival and a real shooter, which makes the game special.

13. Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus – fight for freedom

A story in which players fight against the Nazis, giving the plot meaning and drama. Wolfenstein II combines an interesting story with amazing gameplay, where each enemy is a new challenge, and each victory is an achievement.

16. Valorant – a new era of tactical shooters

Valorant combines the precision of classic shooters with unique character abilities. Attention to detail and a high level of difficulty make it interesting for those looking for new challenges.

17. Escape from Tarkov – realism and survival

Immersion in harsh conditions, where every mistake costs lives. Escape from Tarkov is a real test of fortitude and attentiveness. A story about survival and tactics, offering true realism, and is one of the old shooters that require full dedication.

18. Team Fortress 2 – humor and teamwork

A legendary game with humor and unique characters. Team Fortress 2 remains one of the most popular free shooters, offering players fun battles and simple gameplay.

19. Left 4 Dead 2 — Co-op vs. Zombies

Zombie apocalypse in co-op mode, where each player is part of a team. Left 4 Dead 2 offers dynamic and intense missions, where survival depends on coherence.

20. Paladins — Fantasy Multiplayer Shooter

A game that combines fantasy and shooter elements. Paladins allows you to control unique heroes, each with their own abilities. Many modes and a variety of maps are interesting for both beginners and experienced players.

Conclusion

Each contender from the above is a unique experience that gives a completely different emotion. The best first-person shooters on PC continue to evolve and impress. Taking up arms and challenging yourself is what it means to be a part of this world of gaming.

English

January 24, 2025

World War II shooters: 5 best games

The war, which became the greatest catastrophe of the 20th century, changed not only world history but also the entire cultural landscape. The best World War II shooters immerse you in the historical atmosphere and allow you to experience moments that will forever remain in the history books.

Call of Duty: World War II: The Virtual World’s First Line of Defense

Call of Duty: World War II took the franchise back to its roots, featuring famous battles like the Normandy landings. The developers at Sledgehammer Games strove to achieve the most authentic presentation, creating a first-person shooter where players could feel as if they were part of real historical events. The war game recreates key battles with terrifying accuracy, paying attention to every detail.

Budget:

Release Date: 2017
Locations: Normandy, Ardennes, Paris
Heroes: Private Ronald Daniels, Sergeant William Pearson

The developers sought to reflect not only the battles but also the feelings of the fighters. Every decision on the battlefield matters, immersing you deeply in the atmosphere of war.

Graphics and Sound: Recreation of Real Combat Actions

Realism places the participant in the thick of the battle. The smoking ruins of the cities, the sounds of gunfire and explosions, and the realistic voices of the actors create a unique atmosphere. The shooter is distinguished by a high level of detail from World War II and stands out for its incredible work with sound and light. The lighting effects help convey the mood, whether it’s an early morning in Normandy or a night battle in the Ardennes.

Special attention is paid to sound. Every shot and explosion was recorded to capture the full force of what was happening. This creates a sense of presence and enhances immersion in the game.

Gameplay and Innovations

One of the key innovations is the absence of automatic health regeneration. Players must actively interact with medics and their teammates, making each mission more intense and forcing them to think carefully about their actions. In this way, the military shooter becomes a frontline survival simulator, where it’s important not only to shoot, but also to approach tasks strategically.

Battlefield V: The Beauty and Chaos of Historical Realism

Battlefield V is a visual poem about war, developed by DICE. The online shooter takes players back to lesser-known moments of World War II, allowing them to participate in events such as the Battle of Norway or the fighting in North Africa.

Facts:

Release Date: 2018
Locations: Norway, North Africa, France
Heroes: Hammarsen Company Private, Lewis Turner

The creators focused on true stories, showing that war is not just about battles, but also about human destinies. Missions include survival sequences in the cold Norwegian mountains, adding an element of drama and depth.

Destruction System and Interaction with the Environment

The main feature of Battlefield V is the destruction system. Buildings and objects can be destroyed, which adds an extra layer of strategy. It’s important to keep in mind that cover can be destroyed, which affects combat tactics.

Modes and Multiplayer

The multiplayer mode in Battlefield V is the heart of the game. Here, each player can choose their role: assault trooper, medic, scout, or support fighter. Each role is important for the team to win, and the correct distribution of responsibilities can decide the outcome of the battle. In Grand Operations mode, participants experience several days of battles, with each previous one influencing the current one.

Company of Heroes 2: Unrivaled Battlefield Strategy

Company of Heroes 2 is a unique take on World War II, combining elements of a shooter and strategy. Unlike standard projects, here the player controls not one soldier, but an entire army, solving logistical and tactical problems. The campaign focuses on the Eastern Front, and missions include the liberation of key points, defense, and management of large detachments.

Company:

Release date: 2013
Locations: Stalingrad, Moscow, Kursk
Graphics and interface

Graphics help create an atmosphere from a bird’s eye view. The visual style allows you to observe the fighting, making important decisions. The interface shows all the details necessary for managing the army: fuel reserves, ammunition, and the morale of the troops. The shooter is conceptually organized from a third-person perspective and turns the process into a strategy game, where every action has consequences. Particular attention is paid to details: from realistic soldier models to well-thought-out landscapes that affect the outcome of battles.

Multiplayer Features

Multiplayer offers unique opportunities for interaction and cooperation. It is important not only to attack, but also to hold supply points, protect key objects and plan your actions together with allies.

Features:

Cooperative modes: 2v2, 3v3
Modes: skirmish, team battle
Strategic elements: control of supply points

Medal of Honor: Allied Assault: immersion with maximum detail

Medal of Honor: Allied Assault is one of the most iconic shooters about World War II, which laid the foundation for many traditions of the genre. The developers worked closely with historians to convey the spirit of the time and the emotions of the combatants, focusing on historical accuracy:

Release date: 2002
Locations: Normandy, Ardennes, Africa
Heroes: Lieutenant Michael Powell

Users go through famous historical battles, including the landing on Omaha Beach. This was the first experience for many, when the project conveyed the horrors of war in such detail and powerfully.

Gameplay and mechanics

The gameplay of Medal of Honor: Allied Assault focuses on atmosphere and believability. It is necessary to use stealth tactics to complete tasks, as well as interact with various characters and use unique weapons.

Influence on the industry and player reviews

Medal of Honor: Allied Assault had a huge impact on the entire genre. Many mechanics first used here became the standard for subsequent concepts. Participants highly appreciated the authenticity and dynamics, which allowed this game to gain a foothold among the best WWII shooters.

Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30: the story of a small unit in a big war

Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30 is distinguished by its focus on the personal stories of soldiers, immersing them in the atmosphere of brotherhood at war. Unlike many others, the project places more emphasis on the interaction between characters. The main character, Sergeant Matt Baker, leads his team through difficult missions, where every decision can cost lives, and another loss is a personal tragedy.

The emotional component of the concept distinguishes it from other WWII shooters. Participants do not just shoot, they understand the motives and emotions of each character, which adds depth and realism.

Visual and audio factors

Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30 creates a unique atmosphere thanks to its visual style and soundtrack. All the sounds and camera movements help to create a complete picture of what was happening at that time. The use of a handheld camera and cinematic effects add atmosphere to the game.

World War II shooters: conclusion

World War II shooters give a unique opportunity to feel the atmosphere of that terrible era. Each game in our review allows you to immerse yourself in different points of the events – from the personal experiences of soldiers to grand battles and strategies. Choose yours and immerse yourself in history to understand what people went through in those difficult times.

April 7, 2025