The PS5 library of first-person shooters is impressive. There is a plethora of games available, making it difficult to zero in on the one that is best for you. Naturally, you want to make sure your money goes toward a game you’ll really love playing.
Don’t worry; we’ll help you narrow down your options. You’re sure to discover your new gaming addiction as you read on: here are the best PlayStation 5 shooter games.
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War: Navigating the Shadows of Espionage
While Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is mostly seen as a safe evolution in Activision’s powerful first-person shooter franchise, it does provide a few novel features that add depth to the game. This new version adds an exciting element by letting you control the story’s development. More freedom of choice has been included into the gameplay, making it seem more tailored to the individual. One particularly memorable mission has you working covertly within the KGB’s headquarters, which is a marked departure from the game’s usual style and more in line with Hitman’s stealth and strategy than the typical Call of Duty approach.
The game’s story campaign is an engaging adventure that vividly recreates the tense atmosphere of the Cold War. Player and conversation options provide further nuance to the campaign, bolstering role-playing elements and making the story seem more personal. The inclusion of accommodating gender choices is only one of several measures used to broaden access and enrich the individualized experience. However, the game does not skimp on the big set pieces that have been a trademark of the Call of Duty series. The game’s iconic combination of action and horror continues to fascinate players, and the Zombies mode is as rich and amazing as ever.
The multiplayer mode is an essential part of each Call of Duty game. Black Ops Cold War has a number of well created maps, one of which is a precise depiction of a ’80s mall that contributes to the game’s nostalgic atmosphere. Although the multiplayer features are generally acceptable, some players may feel they fall short of their expectations. There is need for improvement in many areas, such as the few maps accessible at launch and the narrative options that don’t matter much. Despite these issues, the game’s PS5 visuals are excellent, and the game’s optimal use of the DualSense controller further enhances the immersive experience. Overall, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War offers a fun combination of spying, player choice, and classic CoD combat.
Deep Rock Galactic: Intergalactic Thrills
Dive into the perilous and exciting universe of Deep Rock Galactic in the sixth installment of the Intergalactic Thrills series. Players will explore a perilous planet full of underground tunnels and exotic critters in this action RPG.
Pick one of four classes and travel the globe by yourself or with a maximum of three companions. Deep Rock Galactic’s co-op mode is its greatest strength, making even the most menial tasks very satisfying.
This game is a real pleasure for fans of first-person shooters because to its humorous and lighthearted tone and the constant excitement of discovering new caves and difficulties.
Apex Legends, the Ultimate Battle Royale Game
Since Fortnite’s meteoric rise to prominence, battle royale games have been more popular; Apex Legends combines this genre with a gripping, first-person shooting experience. It immediately rose to prominence as one of the best first-person shooters on the market because to its distinctive visuals, wealth of features, and frenetic action.
Apex Legends is a squad-based battle royale game where you and two teammates take control of one of 21 unique characters, each with their own set of skills and play style. While there is no typical single-player narrative, fans of classic first-person shooters will enjoy the game’s intense 3v3 deathmatch in the Arena.
While Apex Legends’ PS5 optimization is still under progress, the console version already offers improved visuals and faster loading times. Since new seasons are added on a regular basis, there is always something new to discover in this game, and it doesn’t cost a dime to play.
Far Cry 6: An Island of Rebellion
If you’ve enjoyed the riveting stories and engrossing settings of previous Far Cry games, you’re sure to like the newest installment in this popular series. The game drops players into the thick of a revolution on the made-up island of Yara, where they must topple the dictatorship of Anton Castillo. To do this, you may use any one of many potent weapons at your disposal.
The breathtaking visuals in Far Cry 6 are only one of the game’s many selling points. The game’s environments, from teeming rainforests to busy cities, are rich in detail, making for a stunning visual journey. The game’s designers have put in a lot of time and thought into every detail.
However, Far Cry 6’s fascination does not stop with its fighting. The game’s emphasis on exploration and discovery complements its focus on combat well. Far Cry 6 is a shining example of the PS5 first-person shooter genre, with its smooth and satisfying action and compelling single-player story.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II: A Defining Legacy
Since its start in 2003, Call of Duty has become a gaming sensation that shows no signs of slowing down. Modern Warfare II, the newest installment in the series, confirms the series’ standing as one of the best first-person shooters on the market. Indicative of the buzz around its release, the film earned $800 million in only its first weekend, making it the most successful opening in the series’ history.
In 2019, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare received a sequel titled Modern Warfare II. It has a well constructed campaign, refined targeting mechanics, and top-notch visuals. Obviously, it maintains and improves upon the already high bar established by the previous games in the Call of Duty series.
The campaign is fun, but that’s not where Call of Duty’s true charm lies. The game’s online multiplayer elements provide a fun change of pace from the single-player story. Fans of the franchise won’t want to miss out on this entry, as the designers spared no expense in making it competitive with the finest first-person shooters on the PlayStation 5.
DOOM Eternal: Hellish Fervor
From its opening moments to its final credits, DOOM Eternal is an adrenaline rush, capturing the series’ signature style of nonstop action to perfection. The spectacular blend of speed, strategy, and mayhem in Eternal, the fifth major installment in the DOOM series, takes the franchise’s exhilarating first-person shooter action to new heights.
You take on the role of the Doom Slayer and battle demons in this game. You have been entrusted with a huge collection of lethal weapons and the mission of annihilating your demon foes in the most original and cruel methods imaginable. DOOM Eternal doesn’t only promote hostility; it requires it to succeed. Killing enemies rewards you with supplies that may help you maintain your offensive pressure.
DOOM Eternal adds additional features to the gameplay to make the fight interesting and exciting, such as a shoulder-mounted flamethrower and a retractable arm-blade. Meanwhile, the game’s open layout gives you lots of room to roam and discover its many mysteries and unlockables.
Returnal: A Battle Against Time
The first-person shooter action in Returnal is both tough and rewarding, thanks to the game’s unique blend of bullet-hell gameplay and roguelike elements. You play as Selene, a time-trapped astronaut on a violent alien world where the landscape and its inhabitants are constantly changing.
Each new cycle in Returnal brings a sense of anticipation, despite the game’s apparently insurmountable challenges. Thanks to its roguelike design, the game’s universe resets after each death, making each playthrough seem unique. What is around the next bend may be a rare upgrade to increase your firepower, or it could be a deadly new adversary.
Returnal’s dedication to narrative is another feature that sets it different from other first-person shooters. You’ll learn more about Selene’s history as you explore the strange realm and put together the puzzle that is the game’s plot. This feeling of development, along with the fierce fighting and gorgeous alien locations, makes Returnal a one-of-a-kind PlayStation 5 title.
Metro Exodus: Post-Apocalyptic Peril
The only thing that matters in Metro Exodus is staying alive in the harsh post-apocalyptic planet. You play the role of Artyom, a hardy Russian survivor who must face threats ranging from mutant animals to hostile forces. This is more than a first-person shooter; it’s a true test of your tactical acumen and will to live in a world where every shot matters.
The game’s setting is as dangerous as it is realistic. Metro Exodus has four distinct seasons, each with its own unique set of obstacles. Navigating these environmental dangers is just as engaging as fighting the enemies inside them, which is a tribute to the game’s detailed world design.
The smooth transitions between action and stealth are one of Metro Exodus’s many qualities. You may go in guns blazing or utilize the cover of darkness to your advantage and avoid needless fighting with your foes. In any case, you’ll discover that Metro Exodus provides a satisfying first-person shooter experience that encourages and rewards strategic thinking and preparation.
Borderlands 3: A Rollicking Rampage
Borderlands 3 is a must-have for every fan of first-person shooters thanks to its trademark mix of crude comedy, explosive action, and gorgeous 4K graphics. Massive firearms, rapid-fire battle, and an endless parade of wacky protagonists and terrifying foes are the hallmarks of this anarchic adventure.
In this third part of the Borderlands series, you’ll go beyond the desolate landscapes of Pandora to discover a wide variety of other planets, each with its own unique challenges and rewards. As one of four “Vault Hunters,” you take control of a character with their own set of skills and abilities. Part of what makes Borderlands 3 so entertaining is the pleasure of discovering new, weird weaponry and the satisfaction of blasting away adversaries with them.
Cooperative play has always been a highlight of the Borderlands franchise, and that trend continues with Borderlands 3. The game encourages players to work together, either locally or remotely, to complete the many missions and other tasks it offers. Even if your buddy is farther along in the game than you are, the “level scaling” function will adjust the difficulty so that you both have an equally demanding time.
Back 4 Blood: Blood-Curdling Zombie Adventure
From the same team that brought you the critically acclaimed Left 4 Dead series comes Back 4 Blood, a thrilling adventure set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by the living dead. You and the other survivors are under constant threat from the Ridden, a horde of flesh-eating zombies that were once human.
The core of Back 4 Blood is its ability to be played with others. Up to three players may band together to take on the game’s gripping campaign, where they’ll have to make tactical choices, construct defensive structures, and work together to defeat the Ridden. Your chances of completing each assignment successfully increase with the quality of your collaboration. The game’s intensity and thrill are amped up considerably because to the emphasis on teamwork.
But that’s not the end of the story. The multiplayer option in Back 4 Blood is competitive, allowing you to assume the role of the Ridden and fight against other players. The game’s richness is increased by the fact that various Ridden have varying skills, so each battle has to be approached differently.
Rainbow Six Siege: A Symphony of Tactics and Destruction
Ubisoft’s Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege is a game that exemplifies the appeal of online tactical shooters. After debuting in December 2015 on PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One, the game was eventually made available for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S a full five years later. Rainbow Six Siege is a first-person shooter video game developed and published by Ubisoft and released in 2015 with a focus on environmental devastation and collaboration across many game types. The game lacks a typical campaign in favor of a series of brief offline missions called “situations” that serve as practice against the menacing “White Masks.”
Siege is the sequel to Tom Clancy’s Rainbow 6: Patriots, another game in the Rainbow Six series, and it is renowned for its narrative-driven tactical gameplay. After abandoning development on Patriots owing to technological difficulties, Ubisoft rethought the series with an eye toward creating a game that more accurately reflected the work of the world’s elite counterterrorist organizations. The game’s development team looked to real-world siege circumstances, such as the 1980 Iranian Embassy siege, for inspiration, and the result is a game that successfully simulates high-stakes tactical situations. Ubisoft’s RealBlast technology and the AnvilNext 2.0 engine allow for unprecedented destruction in this game.
Rainbow Six Siege has received a lot of praise for its frantic multiplayer dynamics and focus on tactics, but the game has also received some criticism for its advancement system and early content scarcity. Even while Ubisoft’s sales were modest at first, the company eventually saw a huge increase after switching to a “games as a service” strategy. Updates and patches have made Siege a mainstay of the current multiplayer industry, and the game has even come to be regarded as one of the greatest of its kind. Over 70 million players have signed up for Siege across all platforms as of December 2020, and the game’s popularity led to a collaboration with ESL to take it to the esports level. In 2022, a spin-off starring characters from Siege called Rainbow Six Extraction was published, bringing the total number of games in this compelling tactical series to four.
We did our own review of Rainbow Six Siege here. PlayStation Store Link
For PlayStation VR2
After the Fall: fend off the undead
The new first-person shooter for PSVR2, After the Fall, takes gamers on an exciting journey through a dystopian setting where they must tactically confront zombie-like animals. The game was built with online cooperative play in mind, with the intention of recreating the classic squad dynamics seen in games like Left 4 Dead. Players in teams of four fight together, using their weapons and skills to advance through more dangerous levels filled with zombies. The game’s progressive gameplay, in which you may continuously improve your weapons and armor to face more difficult foes, is encouraging. After the Fall stands out because to its great gunplay, many game modes, and alluring treasure system, despite a story that may seem familiar to players of other games of the genre.
The game’s appeal lies mostly in its customization options and its multiplayer mode. Players will never get bored with the gaming because to the wide variety of modes available. The multiplayer component of After the Fall is just as strong as the game’s gratifying single-player campaign. Left 4 Dead’s interesting premise is brought to life in this virtual reality adaptation, creating a fully immersive experience that transcends the constraints of conventional gaming play. The game’s lucrative treasure system also makes it fun to play, which encourages players to keep going.
Nonetheless, After the Fall contains flaws just like every other video game. Some gamers may have trouble targeting far-off foes, which might disrupt an otherwise enjoyable gaming experience. Furthermore, certain item interactions might seem clumsy, suggesting space for improvement in future patches. Despite these small issues, After the Fall provides any VR fan with an engaging combination of horror, survival, and cooperative action. The Line, the game’s multiplayer center, increases immersion by letting players celebrate their victories with their fellow survivors. After the Fall is a significant step forward for virtual reality gaming because to its innovative usage of controllers and compelling combination of gameplay components.
Zombieland Headshot Fever Reloaded: Arcade-style Zombie Slaughter
For PSVR2 owners looking for a tasty treat in the on-rails shooting genre, go no further than Zombieland Headshot Fever Reloaded. The game captures the excitement of destroying waves of zombies over simple levels. The game’s simple but engaging architecture encourages a rewarding cycle of continuous progress as you seek to increase your score and decrease your run time with each new attempt.
Each level in Zombieland Headshot Fever Reloaded retains the essence of the arcade genre, with the promise of hooking players with its short length and high intensity. The game’s appeal lies in its ability to keep you coming back for more bloodshed thanks to the “just one more go” mechanic. The shooter Zombieland Headshot Fever Reloaded advertises itself as being stripped down to the basics. It’s a way to take a break from thinking critically and kill zombies without guilt or remorse.
The game is quite enjoyable for short bursts of time, but it may not satisfy those who are hoping for something more original and fresh. The game follows the standard concept for on-rails shooters and doesn’t do anything new or innovative. In addition, the game doesn’t fully incorporate the Zombieland source material into its gameplay or story, which may disappoint fans of the series. However, at its core, Zombieland Headshot Fever Reloaded provides a fast, enjoyable shooting experience, making it a great entry point for VR beginners.
The Light Brigade: Stellar Execution of Classic Roguelike Mechanics in VR
Despite the genre’s popularity, roguelike titles are still uncommon in the virtual reality space. The Light Brigade, however, shatters this pattern, proving without any reasonable doubt that the roguelike genre can be successfully integrated into the PSVR2 environment. The Light Brigade is an almost ideal shooter experience full of compelling gameplay and an engrossing reward loop because it stays on course rather than trying to innovate the genre’s tried-and-true formula.
The Light Brigade’s impressive class system is a lot of fun and adds a lot of variety and complexity to the game. The game’s superb gunplay mechanics are at the heart of the action, delivering intense, heart-pounding engagements that will have you on the tip of your seat. The game’s stunning visuals are matched with equally amazing sound design and music, making for a truly immersive virtual reality experience.
Nonetheless, there are a few areas where The Light Brigade fails to live up to its potential. The game is missing a melee feature that would have given combat more variety. Long load times are another issue that might slow down the action. While the virtual reality setting is impressive, the game’s lack of interactive environments and repetitive enemy character designs may detract from the experience. Despite these issues, The Light Brigade stands out as a leading VR roguelike, providing a thrilling experience that will appeal to players who enjoy both virtual reality and roguelikes.
