Best FPS Games Ranked: 50 Shooter Reviews and Scores
This ranking covers 50 first-person shooters, from classic arena games to modern competitive titles. Each game has its own review with pros, cons and a score out of 10. The list is sorted by score, and ties are sorted alphabetically.
Our scores are editorial ratings out of 10, based on each game's design, reported features and critical reception. They are not a record of hands-on play sessions on this site. Scores can change as games receive updates, so check the individual review for the latest notes.
How we score
| Category | What we look at |
|---|---|
| Gameplay and shooting | Weapon feel, movement, hit feedback and enemy design |
| Visuals and sound | Art direction, lighting and audio quality |
| Content and modes | Campaign length, maps, modes and updates |
| Multiplayer and community | Matchmaking, balance and how active the player base is |
| Value for money | How much you get for the price, including free-to-play models |
Full ranking
Which shooter should you start with?
- Team tactics: Counter-Strike 2 or Valorant, both free to play.
- Single-player story: Half-Life 2, BioShock Infinite or Wolfenstein: The New Order.
- Co-op with friends: Left 4 Dead 2 or Borderlands 2.
- Retro classics: DOOM (1993), Quake III Arena or GoldenEye 007.
- Large battles: Battlefield 1 or Battlefield 4.
Frequently asked questions
Why are some older games rated highly?
Older games often set the standard that later games follow. A score reflects both how the game plays and how influential it was when it came out, so a classic can still rank high even when its graphics look dated.
Are free-to-play games included?
Yes, where they are well known. Free-to-play games are judged on value and on how fair their spending systems are.
Will the scores change?
Yes. Updates, new content and changes to multiplayer can shift our scores, so we review them when that happens.