The Top 10 FPS Games of 2024 (So Far)

From next-gen shooters to indie breakthroughs, we rank the best first-person shooters that have defined gaming in 2024.

Top FPS Games 2024

First-person shooters continue to be one of gaming's most popular genres, and 2024 has already delivered some incredible experiences. From revolutionary AAA blockbusters to innovative indie gems, we've spent countless hours testing every major FPS release this year to bring you our definitive ranking. These games represent the best of what the genre has to offer in terms of gameplay innovation, visual fidelity, and pure adrenaline-pumping action.

10
Orbital Decay

Orbital Decay

PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S February 2024
7.8/10

This indie zero-gravity shooter from newcomer Neutron Studios offers a fresh take on the FPS genre with its unique orbital combat mechanics. Set aboard a deteriorating space station, Orbital Decay combines tactical shooting with physics-based movement that rewards creative thinking.

While the campaign is relatively short at around 6 hours, the multiplayer mode has developed a dedicated community thanks to its distinct gameplay. The zero-G combat takes some getting used to, but mastering the movement system is incredibly satisfying.

Pros

  • Innovative zero-gravity combat
  • Stunning visually with ray-traced reflections
  • Creative weapons designed for space combat

Cons

  • Steep learning curve
  • Short campaign
  • Limited map variety in multiplayer
9
Cybernetic Horizon

Cybernetic Horizon

PC, PS5 March 2024
8.0/10

This cyberpunk-themed FPS from Vertex Games combines slick gunplay with an innovative augmentation system that lets you customize your playstyle to an impressive degree. The neo-noir aesthetic is gorgeously realized, with a neon-drenched city that feels alive and responsive to your actions.

The narrative tackles themes of transhumanism and corporate exploitation with surprising nuance, though the story does lose focus in its final act. What keeps Cybernetic Horizon compelling is its deeply customizable combat—with over 50 different cybernetic upgrades that can dramatically alter how you approach each encounter.

Pros

  • Extensive cybernetic customization
  • Atmospheric world design
  • Responsive gunplay with satisfying feedback

Cons

  • Story loses momentum in final act
  • Some performance issues on PS5
  • Hacking minigames become repetitive
8
Warzone Evolution

Warzone Evolution

PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S January 2024
8.2/10

The latest entry in the long-running Warzone franchise builds upon its predecessor's successful formula while adding new environmental destruction mechanics that dynamically change the battlefield. The campaign follows a special forces team tracking a terrorist organization across global hotspots.

While the story is fairly standard military thriller fare, the set pieces are spectacular, and the refined gunplay feels better than ever. Multiplayer remains the main attraction, with 16 well-designed launch maps and a revamped progression system that's less grindy than previous entries.

Pros

  • Refined, responsive gunplay
  • Impressive environmental destruction
  • Strong selection of multiplayer maps

Cons

  • Formulaic campaign narrative
  • Some recycled assets from previous games
  • Battle pass still feels overpriced
7
Specter Ops

Specter Ops

PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S April 2024
8.4/10

Specter Ops revitalizes the tactical shooter genre with its focus on stealth, gadgets, and team coordination. Developed by former Rainbow Six devs at Phantom Studios, the game emphasizes methodical planning over run-and-gun action.

What sets Specter Ops apart is its asymmetrical multiplayer mode, where one team plays as high-tech operatives while the other controls nearly-invisible specter entities with supernatural abilities. This creates a tense cat-and-mouse dynamic unlike anything else on the market. The single-player campaign serves as an extended tutorial for the multiplayer, but still offers some memorable missions.

Pros

  • Innovative asymmetrical multiplayer
  • Deep tactical gameplay
  • Excellent sound design for tracking enemies

Cons

  • Steep learning curve for new players
  • Some balance issues between factions
  • Campaign feels like an afterthought
6
Extinction Protocol

Extinction Protocol

PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S March 2024
8.5/10

This co-op shooter from the creators of Left 4 Dead takes the "survive together" formula to new heights. Set in a world where an alien parasite has infected most of humanity, players work together in teams of four to complete objectives while facing waves of unique enemy types.

What elevates Extinction Protocol above similar games is its dynamic director AI that adjusts difficulty on the fly and its deep progression system that meaningfully changes how each character class plays. The game launched with 8 campaigns, each offering multiple routes and secrets to discover.

Pros

  • Excellent co-op gameplay
  • Smart AI Director creates high replayability
  • Distinct character classes that complement each other

Cons

  • Somewhat lackluster when played solo
  • Monetization of cosmetics feels aggressive
  • Connection issues at launch (mostly resolved now)
Top 5
5
Quantum Break 2

Timeshift 2

PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S February 2024
8.7/10

This sequel to the cult classic time-manipulation shooter expands on the original's concept with new abilities and a more open-ended level design. Timeshift 2 puts players in control of Dr. Aiden Cole, a physicist who gains the ability to manipulate time after a quantum experiment goes wrong.

The narrative explores fascinating sci-fi concepts around causality and parallel timelines, but it's the gameplay that truly shines. The ability to slow, stop, or reverse time creates spectacular combat scenarios and clever environmental puzzles. The addition of a multiplayer mode where each player has different time powers leads to some of the most creative FPS moments of the year.

Pros

  • Creative time-manipulation mechanics
  • Visually striking time effects
  • Innovative multiplayer implementation

Cons

  • Story can be confusing to follow
  • Some abilities feel overpowered
  • Performance dips during complex time effects
4
Bioshock 4

Dead Echo

PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S April 2024
9.0/10

From the creators of Prey comes this atmospheric horror FPS set aboard an abandoned space station where reality itself seems to be breaking down. Dead Echo combines tight gunplay with supernatural abilities that let you manipulate gravity, phase through walls, and tap into the memories of the dead.

The game's semi-open structure allows players to explore the station at their own pace, uncovering the mystery of what happened to the crew through environmental storytelling and fragmented audio logs. The "Echo" system, which allows you to witness past events and interact with them in limited ways, creates some of the most memorable puzzle-solving in recent FPS history.

Pros

  • Unparalleled atmosphere and tension
  • Creative abilities that evolve gameplay
  • Excellent environmental storytelling

Cons

  • Combat can feel secondary to exploration
  • Some backtracking required
  • Final act rushes to conclusion
3
Dusk 2

Dusk 2

PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch March 2024
9.2/10

The sequel to the retro FPS masterpiece, Dusk 2 doubles down on everything that made the original great: lightning-fast movement, creative level design, and eldritch horror aesthetics. While maintaining the look and feel of 90s shooters, the game incorporates modern game design principles and a surprising amount of narrative depth.

Developer New Blood Interactive has crafted some of the most inventive FPS levels in years, with each new area introducing fresh mechanics and horrifying enemy types. The game's structure gradually evolves from straightforward corridors to mind-bending impossible spaces that challenge your perception as much as your reflexes.

Pros

  • Perfect blend of retro aesthetics and modern design
  • Incredibly fast, fluid movement
  • Brilliant level design that constantly surprises

Cons

  • Some may find the retro graphics off-putting
  • Difficulty spikes can be frustrating
  • Multiplayer feels underdeveloped
2
Titanfall 3

Titanfall 3

PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S April 2024
9.5/10

After years of waiting, Titanfall 3 has finally arrived, and it was worth every second of anticipation. Respawn Entertainment has created the perfect evolution of their pilot-and-mech formula, with unprecedented mobility options for pilots and a dramatically expanded range of Titans to control.

The campaign is a genuine highlight, telling a personal story about a pilot and her Titan stranded behind enemy lines, forced to adapt and upgrade with scavenged parts. Multiplayer is nothing short of revolutionary, with 12 maps at launch that perfectly balance pilot parkour routes with Titan combat zones. The new "Evolving Battlefield" system, where map elements change mid-match based on team performance, ensures no two games ever feel the same.

Pros

  • Unmatched movement mechanics
  • Perfect balance between pilot and Titan gameplay
  • Dynamic maps that evolve during matches

Cons

  • Steep learning curve for new players
  • Some campaign missions feel like filler
  • Battle pass progression is somewhat slow
1
Half-Life: Alyx 2

Desolation

PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S February 2024
9.8/10

In a stunning achievement of game design, art direction, and technical innovation, Desolation has redefined what's possible in the FPS genre. This debut title from Horizon Studios (formed by former Valve and Naughty Dog developers) takes place in a post-apocalyptic Pacific Northwest where reality-warping "anomaly zones" have transformed sections of the landscape.

What makes Desolation revolutionary is its "Fractured Reality" system, where parts of the environment operate under different physical rules and time flows. Moving between these zones creates gameplay possibilities never before seen in an FPS. One moment you're in a normal forest, the next you're in an area where gravity shifts direction every 30 seconds, or where time moves backward, forcing you to think about combat and traversal in entirely new ways.

The narrative follows park ranger Maya Chen as she searches for her missing brother while uncovering the truth behind the anomalies. The story is told with remarkable restraint, allowing environmental storytelling to carry much of the emotional weight. The performance capture and voice acting are on par with the best in the industry.

Beyond its single-player campaign, Desolation offers an "Expedition" mode where teams of players can explore procedurally generated anomaly zones with varying effects, creating nearly limitless replayability. The developer's commitment to releasing all DLC and maps for free has also set a new standard for player-friendly practices.

Pros

  • Revolutionary "Fractured Reality" gameplay
  • Breathtaking visual design and environments
  • Emotionally resonant storytelling
  • Excellent post-launch support promised

Cons

  • Demanding hardware requirements on PC
  • Some reality-shifting effects can initially cause disorientation

Honorable Mentions

These titles didn't quite make our top 10 but are still worth your attention:

  • Metro: Wasteland - The latest in the Metro series offers more open environments but less narrative focus.
  • Gunmetal - This indie roguelike FPS features procedurally generated weapons with millions of combinations.
  • Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 - A solid but safe entry in the franchise that doesn't take many risks.

What's Coming Next?

The second half of 2024 looks equally promising for FPS fans, with these highly anticipated titles on the horizon:

  • DOOM: The Dark Ages (August 2024)
  • Perfect Dark Reboot (October 2024)
  • Overwatch 3 (November 2024)
  • Boundary 2 (December 2024)
Sarah Chen

Sarah Chen

Senior Games Critic at GameForge with a particular focus on first-person shooters and immersive sims. Previously wrote for GameSpot and PC Gamer.

Comments (36)

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FragMaster2000

5 hours ago

No way Titanfall 3 shouldn't be #1! The movement system alone makes it the best FPS in years. Desolation is innovative for sure, but TF3's multiplayer is just unmatched.

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HeadshotQueen

7 hours ago

Really glad to see Dusk 2 getting the recognition it deserves. It might look like a retro throwback, but the level design is more innovative than 99% of modern shooters.

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RetroGamerX

4 hours ago

Totally agree! That level where the architecture keeps changing as you walk through it completely blew my mind. Haven't seen anything like that since Portal 2.

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