Key Takeaways: The Modern FPS Landscape

  • The FPS genre is currently a vibrant mix, delivering both innovative new IPs and revitalized veteran franchises.
  • Handheld compatibility is no longer a niche, with top-tier shooters performing exceptionally well on Steam Deck, Asus ROG Ally, and Nintendo Switch.
  • From destructible environments in The Finals to military realism in Battlefield 6 and the narrative mastery of Metroid Prime Remastered, diversity is the name of the game.
  • Indie studios are making significant waves, proving they can go toe-to-toe with AAA titles in impact and unique gameplay.

Alright, gamers, let's cut through the noise. The days of sweating 1v1 fights on Rust or yeeting your friends with an Energy Sword in Valhalla might feel like a distant memory, but let's be real: the FPS genre is absolutely thriving. We've been deep in the trenches, testing the current crop of shooters, and we're here to lay down the definitive list of what's truly worthy of your time. Whether it's fresh talent coming straight from Sweden or genre veterans delivering fresh takes on old favorites, every game here fought tooth and nail for its spot. You can trust us when we say these aren't just good; they're essential. And because we know you're always on the go, we're even telling you how well they run on your Steam Deck, Asus ROG Ally, Nintendo Switch, or even your mobile device.

The Finals

Embark Studios might be the new kid on the block, but their debut, The Finals, is an absolute game-changer. This isn't just another shooter; it's a statement. Set 70 years in the future, it throws you into a virtual reality game show where vault heists and Cash Out station defense are spectator sports. With former EA DICE talent at the helm, you'll feel that familiar, tight gunplay reminiscent of Battlefield, all wrapped in dazzling visuals that evoke Mirror's Edge. But don't get it twisted—The Finals stands on its own. Its incredible destruction physics are the real star. You can literally reshape the map on the fly, breaking down entire structures and walls to gain an advantage. Every match is fresh, dynamic, and unpredictable. Add to that some of the slickest cosmetics on the market, allowing for genuine self-expression in the arena. And here's the kicker for our handheld enthusiasts: The Finals' Steam Deck performance is superb. You can jump into this chaotic spectacle for free on Steam Deck and Windows handhelds.

Battlefield 6

If you're like us, pining for a true military-sim experience in an age where Call of Duty has, let's say, diverse character rosters, then Battlefield 6 is exactly what you've been waiting for. We know this series has had its share of fumbles, with Battlefield 2042 being a particularly rough patch for many. But the developers have clearly put in the groundwork to reclaim what makes Battlefield great. This marks a significant collaborative effort, with Ripple Effect, EA DICE, Criterion Studios, and Motive Studios all pooling resources. The campaign delivers your standard blockbuster 'save the world' moments, but let's be honest, the multiplayer is the true meat of any Battlefield experience—and it's sublime here. Classic modes like Conquest and Breakthrough are back, alongside the fresh challenge of Escalation. And for those who disliked 2042's open-class system, fear not; there's a dedicated playlist for closed-class purists. What's more, through a bit of developer magic, Battlefield 6's Asus ROG Ally performance isn't just 'not awful'—it's actually pretty great. Check prices on Steam Deck and Windows handhelds.

Destiny Rising

Destiny Rising marks a bold new chapter for Bungie's enduring franchise, with NetEase Games taking over the reins for the small screen. After countless expansions and evolving lore, this installment feels like a genuine clean slate, perfectly capturing the heart of what made Destiny iconic. Expect the same razor-sharp combat and breathtaking sci-fi backdrops you know and love, complete with dense lore to dive into. The Light and Darkness conflict takes center stage again, bringing new planets, powers, and enemy factions to dethrone. While Bungie has a more hands-off approach here, NetEase has meticulously tuned everything from ability cooldowns to loot progression, resulting in a faster, smoother, and arguably more enjoyable experience than the current state of Destiny 2. Our own Kayleigh Partleton backs this up in her review, stating that "Destiny Rising is shaping up to be a good experience for both new and old fans, with it rekindling my love for the series in such a way that I installed Destiny 2 on my PS5 once more." This feels like the comeback moment we've been waiting for: confident, cinematic, and pure joy to play. Get ready for battle; you can play for free on Android and iOS.

Metroid Prime Remastered

It would be a cardinal sin not to include a classic Samus tale on this list. Metroid Prime Remastered joins the wave of remasters and remakes, but let us be clear: this is no lazy rehash or cynical cash grab. Among all the classic overhauls on the market, Metroid Prime Remastered stands tall as a generational FPS, proving that this GameCube classic absolutely stands the test of time. You need proof? Our Pocket Tactics review gave it a rare, perfect 10/10. We called it "one of the best games in action history, and now it gets an upgraded release that sets a new high-water mark for remasters across the industry." It's genuinely that good. With significantly improved visuals, essential Quality-of-Life upgrades, and modern controls, Metroid Prime Remastered is nothing short of a masterpiece. Do yourself a favor and play one of the best Switch games. Check for prices on Nintendo Switch.

Delta Force

Keep Delta Force firmly on your radar. Developed by Team Jade, this tactical shooter breathes new life into the series with a modern twist that expertly balances grounded realism and large-scale warfare. Built in Unreal Engine 5, it takes everything fans loved about the classic games—open maps, strategic freedom, gritty military ops—and supercharges it for a new generation. Yes, it borrows a lot from Battlefield's playbook, but we'll forgive it when it's this decent. Think of it as the ultimate blend of tactical precision and glorious chaos. You're getting massive, sandbox-style battlefields complete with vehicles, helicopters, and coordinated squad play, all centered around a reimagined Black Hawk Down campaign (available on console and PC). Our glowing 9/10 review put it perfectly: "with the freedom to tackle skirmishes with a robust arsenal and vehicles to cause chaos in, Team Jade gives us a premium experience that sets a new bar for free-to-play shooters on iPhone and Android." Even if tactical shooters aren't usually your jam, Delta Force feels surprisingly accessible. Drop in solo or with friends, experiment with operators, and you'll always feel like you're making an impact. Best of all, it's completely free on Android, iOS, and Windows handhelds.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 sees Treyarch pulling no punches. After years of experiments and shifting tones, this entry feels like a triumphant return to the series' roots: a fast-paced, cinematic thrill ride packed with twists and turns. It's easily the strongest entry in recent Call of Duty history, making up for the woeful duds that were Modern Warfare 3 or Call of Duty: Vanguard. Set in the early 1990s, Black Ops 6 picks up threads from Black Ops Cold War, bringing back fan-favorites like Woods and Adler. Beyond the gripping campaign, multiplayer is genuinely fantastic, with progression tied to every facet of the game—meaning you can grind XP in Zombies while ranking up your prestige levels and weapons simultaneously. Expect a solid mix of classic maps, reimagined favorites, and new arenas designed for maximum chaos. And Zombies? That might just be the biggest surprise here. Despite some mixed early reception around Liberty Falls, a small-scale Americana map, Black Ops 6 Zombies manages to retain what makes the mode so addictive, while adding intriguing new mechanics. We're still debating some of the Dark Aether Saga's lore decisions, but it certainly tees up an intriguing premise for Black Ops 7. If nothing else, the Easter Egg quests are worth playing for, with Terminus being a particular highlight. And yes, there's even a way to get Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Steam Deck action on the go. Check prices on Steam Deck and Windows handhelds.

I Am Your Beast

If you're looking for one of the greatest shooters you've never heard of, look no further than I Am Your Beast. Strange Scaffold, the brilliant minds behind El Paso, Elsewhere, have taken the over-the-top energy of classic 1980s action flicks and cranked it into something brutal, stylish, and utterly chaotic. You step into the shoes of a retired government assassin dragged back into the field, and what ensues is a violent ballet of bullets, blood, and vengeance, all seasoned with a dash of dark humor for a truly wicked time. What truly makes I Am Your Beast stand out isn't just its visceral violence; it's the intentionality behind every single action. Every shot, every movement, every takedown oozes purpose and confidence, all backed by a slick comic book art style and a pounding synth score. The gameplay feels like Hotline Miami met Superhot in a fever dream, with fast-paced levels that demand precision and reward aggression in equal measure, even throwing in a dash of Mirror's Edge fluidity. There's no hand-holding here—just pure, kinetic intensity that grabs you from the first trigger pull. Each map is designed for replayability, pushing you to chase better scores, more efficient kills, or the fastest objective completion. If you crave something sharp, stylish, and unapologetically violent, I Am Your Beast delivers. It's definitive proof that indie studios can go toe-to-toe with the big names when it comes to sheer impact. There's even an iPhone port! Check prices on Steam Deck and Windows handhelds.

Call of Duty: Mobile

Call of Duty: Mobile continues to prove that you don't need a console or PC to experience the full Call of Duty thrill. After countless updates, collaborations, and seasonal drops, it's fair to say that CODM has evolved far beyond a simple mobile spinoff. Each new season brings a fresh wave of content, from new weapons and maps to limited-time events ripe for XP farming. Of course, the gunplay remains fast, fluid, and endlessly satisfying, serving as a testament to how well Activision and TiMi Studios have refined the formula over the years. Plus, full controller support means you can hook up your PlayStation 5 DualSense or a trusty Backbone Pro to get the job done. Whether you're grinding battle royale or climbing the multiplayer ladder, the Draws offer a shot at extremely rare weapon skins. Zombies is present, albeit a much more scaled-down experience. We wish this aspect were a lot stronger, but playing Shi No Numa is still a joy to this day. Who knows, maybe we'll see a few more maps added to this mode down the line?

Doom Eternal

While Doom Eternal made our list of best FPS games, the provided source data does not offer specific details or a description for this title. Rest assured, its inclusion is a nod to its legendary status, but for this report, we're sticking strictly to the intel we've got.