In the world of gaming, the first-person shooter (FPS) genre has long been dominated by iconic titles like Call of Duty. These games offer intense action, thrilling gunfights, and a competitive edge that keeps players coming back for more. However, as the gaming industry continues to evolve, so does the landscape of competitive FPS games. In 2023, we find ourselves amidst a sea of exciting alternatives that capture the essence of Call of Duty while offering their unique twists and experiences. Let’s dive into the world of FPS gaming and explore the 10 best competitive FPS games like Call of Duty that you should be playing right now.
Battlefield 2042 – Immersive Warfare on an Epic Scale
Release Date: November 19, 2021
If you’re seeking a grand-scale FPS experience, Battlefield 2042 is your ticket to all-out warfare. Developed by DICE and published by Electronic Arts, this game raises the bar for immersive multiplayer battles.
What Sets Battlefield 2042 Apart?
Massive Maps: In Battlefield 2042, you’ll engage in epic battles across vast maps, ranging from urban cities to desert landscapes. The scale of these environments is truly awe-inspiring.
Destructible Environments: One of the defining features of the Battlefield series is the destructible environment. Buildings crumble, and cover disappears as the battle rages on, adding a layer of strategy.
Dynamic Weather: Weather events can dramatically change the course of battle. From sandstorms to tornados, adaptability is key.
Variety of Weapons and Vehicles: Choose from a vast arsenal of weapons and hop into a range of vehicles, from tanks to helicopters.
Battlefield 2042 offers a sandbox of destruction where your tactics and teamwork are the keys to victory.
Apex Legends – The Battle Royale Phenomenon
Release Date: February 4, 2019
Apex Legends burst onto the gaming scene with a bang, revolutionizing the battle royale genre. Developed by Respawn Entertainment and published by Electronic Arts, this game offers fast-paced, squad-based action.
What Sets Apex Legends Apart?
Unique Characters: Apex Legends introduces a diverse cast of “Legends,” each with their distinct abilities. This adds a layer of strategy and teamwork beyond traditional FPS gameplay.
Ping System: The game’s intuitive ping system allows for seamless communication with your squad, even without using voice chat.
Fluid Movement: Apex Legends features fluid and responsive movement mechanics, including parkour-style abilities that make traversing the map a breeze.
Regular Updates: Respawn Entertainment regularly updates the game with new content, keeping the player base engaged and excited.
In Apex Legends, your squad’s coordination and the unique abilities of your chosen Legend can make all the difference in the quest for victory.
Rainbow Six Siege – Tactical Excellence
elease Date: December 1, 2015
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege, developed and published by Ubisoft, focuses on tactical, team-based gameplay. This game has garnered a dedicated player base thanks to its emphasis on strategy and destructible environments.
What Sets Rainbow Six Siege Apart?
Operators: In Rainbow Six Siege, you step into the shoes of “Operators,” each with their unique gadgets and abilities. This deepens the tactical aspect of the game.
Destructible Environments: Much like Battlefield, Rainbow Six Siege features destructible environments that open up new tactical possibilities.
Reinforcements and Breaches: The game revolves around breaching and reinforcing structures, leading to intense, close-quarters battles.
Regular Updates: Ubisoft continues to support Rainbow Six Siege with new Operators, maps, and balance changes, ensuring the game’s longevity.
Rainbow Six Siege is a thinking player’s FPS, where a well-coordinated team can outmaneuver and outsmart the opposition.
Halo Infinite – A Return to Sci-Fi Greatness
Release Date: December 8, 2021
The Halo franchise is legendary in the world of FPS gaming, and Halo Infinite marks its return. Developed by 343 Industries and published by Xbox Game Studios, this game combines a gripping single-player campaign with multiplayer action.
What Sets Halo Infinite Apart?
Master Chief Returns: The iconic Master Chief is back, and players are treated to an engaging single-player story as they unravel the mysteries of the Halo ring.
Classic Multiplayer: Halo Infinite’s multiplayer harkens back to the series’ roots, offering arena-style combat, a variety of weapons, and intense battles.
Sandbox Experience: The game embraces a “sandbox” philosophy, allowing players to approach encounters in creative ways.
Stunning Graphics: Powered by the new Slipstream engine, Halo Infinite boasts breathtaking visuals and expansive maps.
Whether you’re a fan of the single-player narrative or the classic multiplayer action, Halo Infinite offers an authentic Halo experience.
Destiny 2 – FPS Meets RPG
Release Date: September 6, 2017
Destiny 2, developed by Bungie and published by Bungie and Activision (now independent), is a unique blend of FPS and RPG elements. Set in a rich sci-fi universe, it offers both PvE and PvP experiences.
What Sets Destiny 2 Apart?
Guardians and Classes: Players become Guardians, choosing from classes like Titan, Hunter, and Warlock, each with their abilities and supers.
Raids and Strikes: Destiny 2 offers challenging raids and strikes, requiring coordination and teamwork to conquer.
Regular Expansions: Bungie consistently releases expansions that introduce new content, including planets, weapons, and raids.
Crucible PvP: In the Crucible, Destiny 2’s PvP arena, players test their skills in modes like Control and Clash.
Destiny 2 bridges the gap between traditional FPS and the depth of an RPG, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a hybrid experience.
Overwatch 2 – Heroes Never Die
Overwatch 2 builds on the success of the original game, introducing new heroes, maps, and game modes. The focus remains on team-based action and objective-based gameplay. Whether you’re a tank, support, or damage hero, there’s a role for you in Overwatch 2.
Splitgate: Arena Warfare – Portals and Precision
Release Date: July 27, 2021
Splitgate: Arena Warfare, developed by 1047 Games, is a unique FPS that combines traditional shooting with portal mechanics, reminiscent of the iconic game Portal.
What Sets Splitgate: Arena Warfare Apart?
Portal Gameplay: Players can create portals on the map, allowing for creative flanking, teleportation, and strategic plays.
Classic Arena Shooting: The game embraces classic arena shooter gameplay with a variety of weapons and fast-paced action.
Regular Updates: The developers actively update the game, introducing new maps and features.
Community Engagement: The Splitgate community is active and engaged, making it easy to find friends and opponents.
Splitgate: Arena Warfare offers a fresh take on the FPS genre, blending elements of classic shooters with mind-bending portal mechanics.
Titanfall 2 – Epic Parkour and Titan Battles
Release Date: October 28, 2016
Titanfall 2, developed by Respawn Entertainment and published by Electronic Arts, may not be the newest game on this list, but it remains a beloved title known for its exceptional parkour mechanics and epic Titan battles.
What Sets Titanfall 2 Apart?
Fluid Movement: The game’s movement mechanics are unmatched, allowing players to wall-run, slide, and execute parkour-style maneuvers effortlessly.
Titan Warfare: Pilots can call in massive Titans, adding another layer of strategy and firepower to the battlefield.
Engaging Single-Player Campaign: Titanfall 2’s single-player campaign is lauded for its storytelling and inventive level design.
Player Base: Despite its age, Titanfall 2 maintains an active player base, ensuring you’ll find matches quickly.
Titanfall 2 offers a perfect blend of fast-paced action, parkour movement, and Titan warfare, making it a timeless classic.
Paladins – The Free Hero Shooter
Release Date: September 16, 2016
Paladins, developed by Hi-Rez Studios, is a free-to-play hero-based shooter that often draws comparisons to Overwatch. It features a diverse roster of champions and customizable loadouts.
What Sets Paladins Apart?
Champion Variety: Paladins boasts a wide array of champions, each with their abilities and playstyles.
Customizable Loadouts: Players can create custom loadouts to tailor their champion to their preferred style.
Regular Updates: Hi-Rez Studios regularly releases updates, adding new champions and balance changes.
Free-to-Play: Paladins is free to play, making it accessible to a broad audience.
Paladins offers a hero shooter experience that’s both accessible and deep, perfect for players looking to dive into the genre without breaking the bank.
Valorant – Precision and Strategy
Release Date: June 2, 2020
Developed by Riot Games, Valorant combines precise gunplay with unique character abilities, creating a tactical FPS experience that demands both precision and strategy.
What Sets Valorant Apart?
Agent Abilities: Each agent in Valorant has a set of unique abilities, adding a layer of strategy to gunfights.
Bomb Defusal: The game mode revolves around bomb defusal, requiring teamwork and coordination.
Regular Balance Updates: Riot Games actively maintains the game’s balance and introduces new agents.
Esports Scene: Valorant has quickly established itself as a prominent esports title, with competitive tournaments and a dedicated player base.
Valorant caters to players seeking a tactical, team-based FPS experience that rewards precise aiming and strategic thinking.
The competitive FPS genre continues to thrive with an array of exceptional titles. Each of these games offers its unique flavor of action, strategy, and excitement. Whether you’re a fan of large-scale battles, tactical gameplay, or hero-based shooters, there’s something on this list to satisfy your craving for intense FPS action. So, gear up, assemble your team, and prepare for epic battles in the world of competitive FPS gaming!
