In 2023, rapper Drake surprised fans with his track “First Person Shooter,” turning the gaming term into a cultural lyric. But beyond the charts, the First Person Shooter remains one of the most dominant and innovative video game genres ever created.
From immersive campaigns to high-stakes online matches, First Person Shooter games continue to define the competitive gaming landscape. To enhance your experience and reduce lag or ping issues in these fast-paced titles, consider using tools like ExitLag to optimize your connection.
Whether you’re a longtime PC gamer or new to console, this guide dives deep into the meaning of the First Person Shooter genre, its history, and the best titles you can play today.
What Is a FPS?
A FPS is a type of video game where gameplay is experienced through the eyes of the character you’re controlling. The perspective places the camera inside the character’s head, simulating what they see hence, “first person.”
The primary gameplay mechanic? Shooting enemies using guns or projectile weapons, often in fast-paced, skill-based environments.
Key Characteristics of FPS Games
- First-person perspective: Your viewpoint matches the eyes of the protagonist.
- Combat-driven gameplay: Guns, grenades, and gadgets are typically core tools.
- Reflex-based mechanics: Aiming accuracy and quick reaction times are essential
- Single-player and multiplayer options: Story-driven campaigns or online modes.
- HUD Elements: Ammunition count, crosshairs, minimaps, and health bars.
FPS vs TPS: What’s the Difference?
- FPS (First Person Shooter): You see through your character’s eyes.
- TPS (Third Person Shooter): You see your character from behind or over-the-shoulder.
The difference affects how players interact with the environment, peek around corners, and feel immersed. First person shooters are often more intense and direct, making them ideal for competitive play.
Subgenres of First Person Shooters
- FPS has evolved into multiple subcategories, including:
- Realistic First Person Shooter: Games like Escape from Tarkov or Insurgency, with heavy emphasis on realism, ballistics, and survival.
- Hero Shooters: Overwatch and Apex Legends focus on unique characters with specific abilities.
- Sci-fi/Futuristic: Halo, Destiny 2, and Titanfall offer advanced weaponry and settings. Military Simulation (MilSim): Arma series, Squad designed for coordination and large-scale combat.
A Brief History of First Person Shooters
The first person shooter genre has deep roots in gaming history, evolving from simple 2D shooters to global esports platforms.
Key Milestones
| Year | Milestone Game | Contribution |
| 1992 | Wolfenstein 3D | Defined the first person shooter format |
| 1993 | Doom | Popularized FPS with mod support and LAN play |
| 1996 | Quake | Introduced full 3D rendering |
| 2000 | Counter-Strike | Set the standard for team-based online shooters |
| 2007 | Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare | Revolutionized console FPS and story pacing |
| 2017 | PUBG | Merged FPS mechanics with battle royale |
| 2020 | Valorant | Blended CS-style shooting with hero mechanics |
The First FPS Ever Made
While Wolfenstein 3D is often credited, the actual title of the first first person shooter game ever goes to Maze War (1973) or Spasim (1974) — early networked games with wireframe visuals on academic computers.
Best FPS Games by Category
With hundreds of FPS titles available, we’ve organized them by platform and playstyle to help you find the right fit.
Best Free FPS Games (2025)
- Valorant
- Apex Legends
- Call of Duty: Warzone
- The Finals
- XDefiant
Best First Person Shooter PC Games
- Counter-Strike 2
- Escape from Tarkov
- Battlefield 2042
- Doom Eternal
- Overwatch 2
Best First Person Shooter PS5 Titles
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III
- Rainbow Six Siege
- Far Cry 6
- Metro Exodus
- Deathloop
Best VR First Person Shooters
- Half-Life: Alyx
- Pavlov VR
- Boneworks
- Contractors VR
- Population: One
Best Multiplayer First Person Shooter Games
- CS2
- Valorant
- Overwatch 2
- Rainbow Six Siege
- Apex Legends
The Role of FPS in Today’s Gaming Landscape
The first person shooter genre has gone far beyond single-player campaigns and LAN parties. In 2025, FPS games are at the forefront of competitive gaming, cross-platform ecosystems, and technological innovation.
Esports and Competitive Play
FPS titles dominate esports with fast pace, mechanical skill, and tactical depth. Major franchises with professional circuits include Counter-Strike 2, Valorant, Call of Duty League, and Rainbow Six Siege.
Crossplay and Cloud Gaming
Modern FPS games support crossplay across platforms and cloud services, making it easier than ever to access high-end shooters without expensive hardware.
The Future of FPS: What to Expect
More realism, better AI, VR/AR expansion, and randomized arenas are just some of the innovations expected to shape the future of first person shooter experiences.
FAQ: First Person Shooter Explained
A first person shooter (FPS) is a game where players see the action through the protagonist’s eyes and primarily engage in combat using firearms and projectiles.
Maze War (1973) and Spasim (1974) are considered the earliest FPS titles. However, Wolfenstein 3D (1992) popularized the genre for mainstream gaming.
No. Fortnite is a third-person shooter with battle royale mechanics. While there are rumors of a first-person mode, it’s not classified as an FPS by default.
Yes. Call of Duty is one of the most iconic and successful first person shooter franchises in gaming history, known for its realism and multiplayer modes.
They are games that feature combat from a first-person perspective, such as Call of Duty, Counter-Strike, Valorant, Halo, and Overwatch.
The very first was likely Maze War, released in 1973 on early networked computers. It used basic wireframe visuals and player vs. player movement.
Spasim (1974) is often credited alongside Maze War as the first. It allowed 3D movement in a simulated space combat environment.
A shooter where the viewpoint mimics the character’s line of sight, enhancing immersion and intensity in both single-player and multiplayer combat.
Yes. Overwatch is a hero-based FPS, blending first-person shooting with class roles, team synergy, and character abilities.
Conclusion: The First Person Shooter Is Just Getting Started
From humble beginnings in wireframe mazes to the dazzling visuals and fierce global tournaments of today, the first person shooter genre has continually reinvented itself, and shows no sign of slowing down.
Whether you’re into realistic military sims, sci-fi arena shooters, or free-to-play multiplayer giants, there’s a First Person Shooter out there for every player type and skill level. Now we want to hear from you: What’s your favorite first person shooter of all time? Drop your answer in the comments and tell us why it deserves the top spot.
