The competitive first person shooter genre is hot right now, with games like CoD and Apex Legends packing crowds and twitch chats.
From arena shooters and battle royales, hero FPS and military sims, there’s something for every type of gamer. We’ve compiled a list of some of the slightly lesser known games for 2024, along with some upcoming ones that should be on your radar.
Hunt: Showdown
Hunt: Showdown puts players into the savage world of a late 19th century Louisiana bayou, where you must compete to track gruesome monsters and claim bounties in this PvPvE first-person shooter. Developed by Crytek, Hunt: Showdown packs survival horror intensity into quick match-based gameplay.
Twisted Horror in the Bayou
The year is 1895. Unnatural beasts born of vile mysticism roam the swamps of Louisiana. Bounty Hunt Missions allow 12 players (either playing as a solo or in teams of two or three) to compete to kill beasts for a Bounty, then successfully extract from the map. Those who escape with the bounty can live to hunt another day.
Hardcore Bounty Hunting
Missions throw you into expansive open map bayous filled with deadly AI and the looming threat of rival players. Missions require locating the monster lair, banishing the beast, and safely carrying the bounty to your extraction point. You’ll need to master movement, stealth, and combat techniques if you hope to survive.
Advance audio design means listening closely is key. The higher the risk, the greater the reward – if you live. The game also offers ongoing events that will add more content and new challenges into the mix.
Developed by Crytek
Crytek pushes cutting edge gameplay with the CryEngine and Hunt: Showdown represents their foray into the competitive PvP genre, expanding beyond their single player roots in their Far Cry and Crysis series.
The game is currently available on Xbox and PlayStation consoles as well as PC on Steam or directly through the Crytek Steam Key Shop.
The Finals
In THE FINALS, players battle as colorful contestants through destructible arenas inspired by real-world locations like Las Vegas, Monaco, and Seoul. It’s an over-the-top setting and story reminiscent of films like “The Hunger Games,” providing an engaging backdrop for the team-based combat.
Strategic Squad-Based Gameplay
Gameplay is tactical and team-focused, with players able to choose from unique playable characters with diverse weapons and abilities to complement their squad. Stealthy ninjas, sword-wielding ballerinas, and pandas with rocket launchers are among the eclectic mix, leading to chaotic and thrilling confrontations.
Combined with destructible environments, matches become dynamic and unpredictable. Strategy and coordination with teammates is key to emerging victorious.
Created by Embark Studios
Stockholm-based Embark Studios, comprised of former Battlefield and Call of Duty developers, sought to reinvent team shooters with THE FINALS. Their goal was to create something familiar yet very different – and so far players have been enthusiastic, with a mostly positive reviews on Steam.
The Finals Platforms
After gaining traction in its open beta, THE FINALS is now available as a free-to-play title on Steam, Xbox Series X|S consoles via the Xbox Games Store, and PlayStation 5 via PlayStation Store.
Titanfall 2
Yes, it’s back.
Respawn’s Titanfall 2, originally released in 2016, suffered from a poor release and marketing campaign. However, it is back and it still has some of the best gameplay and one of the greatest communities in FPS history.
After having some server issues for a few years, the community has developed the Northstar client – a community game browser and hub which sees very strong player counts over a long period of time.
Innovative PVP Gameplay
Titanfall 2 has an outstanding singleplayer campaign, with amazing set-piece moments and narrative design. On the multiplayer side, Titanfall 2 introduces a variety of new customization options, gameplay modes, and maps while preserving the speed and fluidity of the original’s Pilot/Titan dynamic.
There is something for all playstyles, whether you prefer going toe-to-toe in a roaring Titan or using a Pilot’s agility to swiftly flank opponents. Adrenaline-fueled combat and slick movement creates heart-pounding action every minute. A great levelling system also allows for deeper player investment and progression as well. Check Titanfall 2 out on Steam, the Xbox Games store, the Playstation store, or visit the website for more information.
Escape From Tarkov: Arena
Escape From Tarkov: Arena is a new standalone competitive shooter experience based on the popular hardcore tactical shooter Escape From Tarkov. Developed by Russian studio Battlestate Games, Arena utilizes Tarkov’s signature realistic gun mechanics and gameplay for heart-pounding PvP and PvE matches.
Fight for Glory in Various Action-Packed Modes
Arena features several adrenaline-fueled multiplayer modes including ranked and unranked matches, tournaments, team battles and custom games. PvE Overrun mode pits teams of players against endless waves of AI enemies for co-op action. Fight solo in Last Hero mode, with the last fighter standing winning the match.
Rank Up Through Ranks for Bragging Rights
Put your skills to the test and climb the competitive ladder, progressing from Marauder (D) up to the prestigious Whisper of Death (S+) rank. Ranks will reset every few months, so competition will be fierce.
Utilizes Tarkov’s Iconic Gameplay with Arenas Twist
Veterans will feel right at home with Arena’s realistic gun mechanics while newcomers can also jump in with curated presets like the well-rounded Plaintain loadout. Expect quick and intense CQB battles across specially designed Arena maps.
Escape From Tarkov: Arena Release Date
Escape From Tarkov: Arena entered early access in December 2023 as DLC for EFT owners. After this closed, invite-only Beta, the game is now available for purchase. The full standalone release is expected sometime in 2024. For more information, visit the Tarkov: Arena website.
Gray Zone Warfare
Gray Zone Warfare is an upcoming tactical FPS game focusing on realism, open-world gameplay, and environmental storytelling. Developed by a small independent studio, this ambitious title aims to provide a fresh take on the popular FPS genre.
An Immersive Storyline Shrouded in Mystery
The game is set in Lamang, a fictional former British colony with a dark history. Players take on the role of mercenaries working for PMCs sent to explore and secure valuable assets after an enigmatic disaster. However, you soon uncover that there is more happening behind the scenes.
As you complete missions and interact with the world, you will unravel the secrets behind the mysterious disaster. With three different PMC factions in Lamang, you have to decide whether to follow orders or dig deeper to find the truth. This creates an engaging storyline with complex characters and moral dilemmas.
Tactical Gameplay Within Sprawling Environments
In terms of gameplay, Gray Zone Warfare focuses on tactical FPS mechanics within an open world. Exploration is a key element, with the developers promising sprawling and dynamically generated environments. Players can tackle objectives alone or in squads, using teamwork and strategy to succeed.
The game also promises dense forests, abandoned towns, and underground cave systems to discover. Realistic ballistics and weapon handling should satisfy hardcore FPS fans craving an immersive experience. Ongoing content updates will also expand the world over time, providing fresh challenges.
Created by Passionate FPS Fans
While details on specific features are still sparse, the game’s website conveys the team’s ambition and passion. The lead developers come from a modding background, having worked on popular tactical shooters like ArmA. They are building Gray Zone Warfare from scratch to create their dream FPS game.
The team aims to foster a strong community, promising transparency via development blogs and updates. There will also be exclusive content for supporters.
Gray Zone Warfare Release Date
Gray Zone Warfare will launch on PC, with its Steam storefront already live. The developers are targeting an Early Access release at some point in 2024. This means that players can experience the game before it is content-complete, providing crucial feedback to the team. We’ll keep you posted as soon as we know more details about the game’s release date.
XDefiant
XDefiant is an upcoming free-to-play first-person shooter being developed by Ubisoft San Francisco and published by Ubisoft.
The game will feature fast-paced, team-based multiplayer matches across various maps and modes. Early reviews of the game have suggested the game may well compete with Call of Duty – in our playthrough of the Beta it was decent, but unpolished, and definitely had potential.
XDefiant Story
The game is set in a near-future United States where civil unrest has led to factions battling for control. Players can join different factions like Wolves, Echelon, Outcasts, and Cleaners – all factions from different Ubisoft games like Far Cry, Ghost Recon and The Division – each with their own sets of abilities and weapons. The story promises high stakes missions full of twists and betrayals.
Gameplay and Features
XDefiant features 6v6 PvP modes like ‘Domination’ and ‘Escort‘. Players can customize their own unique ‘Defiants‘ from available abilities, weapons and items. Traits allow for different playstyles like assault, support and tank roles. The game promises high mobility and a level playing field for all.
XDefiant Developers
XDefiant is being developed by Ubisoft San Francisco, who have worked on popular titles like Rocksmith and South Park games. They aim to leverage their FPS expertise into creating an accessible and immersive F2P shooter.
XDefiant Platforms and Release Date
The game will be coming to PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and Windows PC. The release date is yet to be announced after being delayed from an earlier 2023 schedule, but it’s looking likely early in 2024. It will be free-to-play with planned post-launch content and battle passes.
Ascendant Infinity
Ascendant Infinity is an upcoming squad-based tactical FPS – billed as the world’s first adaption shooter – that promises intense firefights and ever-changing battlegrounds.
Developed by Priton Studio, this game transports players to a tumultuous retro-futuristic setting shaped by a mysterious biological event known as the Cascade.
Survive a Volatile Landscape in Shifting Matches
In the world of Ascendant Infinity, biotechnology has taken a massive leap forward, with corporations vying for control over limited biocores.
As the leader of a squad, you must navigate violently morphing extraction points, strategies, roles and weapons.
The lobby area offers opportunities to craft weapons, train skills and form alliances. But collaboration will be key in the heat of battle, as four teams compete to secure resources and come out alive.
Tactical Squad Gameplay with Dynamic Elements
Gameplay is tactical, testing your squad’s adaptability and teamwork. The battles themselves play out differently each time, with dynamic elements like airstrikes, a burrowing creature called the Burrower and the formidable Deathbringer assault vehicle.
The world seems to be alive and against you, wanting to snuff out your squad in an instant. Careful planning, quick reflexes and trust in your teammates will be required to survive.
Extensive Customization and Social Elements
Players can deeply customize weapons, gear and aesthetics to match their preferred playstyle and show off their personality.
The lobby area also features mini-games and opportunities to socialize and form strategic alliances. No two matches will ever play out the same way.
Ascendant Infinity Release Date
With its emphasis on adaptability, collaboration and ever-changing battle dynamics, Ascendant Infinity is shaping up to be a groundbreaking competitive FPS. The game will be released on PC sometime this year. Check the game out Steam, X or the official website.
Marathon
Bungie, creators of Halo and Destiny, are working on a reboot of their classic 90s first-person shooter series Marathon. The new Marathon will be a multiplayer extraction shooter set in the same universe as the original games.
Marathon Story and Setting
Marathon will take place on the deserted alien planet of Tau Ceti IV. Players will take on the role of competing factions fighting to survive and control valuable resources.
The world will evolve over time and feature persistent zones that change with each match. Alien artifacts and lore from the single-player Marathon games will be scattered across the planet for fans to discover.
Marathon Gameplay and Features
As an extraction shooter, the core gameplay loop focuses on securing resources from the planet and successfully extracting them to score points and achievements. Players will encounter AI enemies, but the main threat comes from rival players in the hostile environment.
The game will launch with robust PvP modes supporting up to 16 players. Gameplay is built around short sessions focused on strategy, teamwork and quick decision making. Players will be able to join matches solo or in squads. Bungie have announced that the full game will have cross-play and cross-progression across PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X.
No official release date has been announced, but a beta test is expected in 2024. We’ll keep you posted on any news as we get it.
