The Best First-Person Shooter Games Of 2022
Though the biggest video game releases of 2022 mostly landed in other genres, it was still a solid year for the first-person shooter. Games like "Elden Ring" and "God of War Ragnarok" have dominated conversations and "game of the year" lists, but if you're someone who simply enjoys classic FPS action, you're still in luck. In fact, 2022 saw one of the most diverse collections of first-person shooters in recent memory, ensuring that there's something for everyone to enjoy.
From traditional sci-fi and military shooters to co-op adventures, old-school "Doom" likes, comedy games, puzzle shooters, and battle royales, 2022 brought it all. And thanks to the capabilities of modern consoles and services like Xbox Game Pass, many of these games are more available and accessible than ever before. With that in mind, we've assembled a list of 2022's best games in the FPS genre. Live service models has kept older games like "Valorant" and "Apex Legends" exciting and relevant, but if you want something entirely new, check out one of these great first-person shooters that made a splash in 2022.
Neon White
Angel Matrix's "Neon White" is the kind of game we only get every once in a while — one so shockingly creative and well-executed that it opens up a whole new corner of its own genre. In the coming years, it wouldn't be at all surprising to see more games released in the same style. But for now, it's safe to say that "Neon White" is unlike any first-person shooter you've ever played before.
If you've ever wondered what "Super Meat Boy" would feel like as an FPS, then you might have a decent idea of how "Neon White" feels to play. Broken up into a series of short, focused levels, the game is all about finding the fastest route possible. Weapons are acquired in the form of consumable cards, which grant additional abilities if simply discarded. By streamlining your use of these cards and learning the layout of each level, you can reach new secrets and earn better times, which is what the game is really all about. There's also an NPC relationship component to the game that players can engage in between levels.
Just explaining "Neon White" is challenging; it has so few direct parallels, but the second you see it in motion, it all starts to make sense. It gives players who might have never felt any interest in speedrunning the same kind of sensation, with tight controls and butter-smooth mechanics that will quickly have you hooked.
Destiny 2: The Witch Queen
Bungie's "Destiny" franchise has been a staple of the FPS genre for close to a decade, and fans have been playing "Destiny 2" for more than half of that time. You'd think that after so long, the game would begin to lose some of its luster, but 2022 put a nix on that idea with "Destiny 2: The Witch Queen." This major expansion brought all kinds of new missions, modes, zones, loot, and action to the core game.
Yes, this is still just an expansion and not a full game, but "The Witch Queen" earns a spot on this list through its sheer amount of content. Virtually every aspect of the game gets big boosts here, from PvP options to a whole new weapon class, fresh abilities to level up and try out in combat, and new raid content. As noted by Game Informer, there's a ton of customizability in the "Witch Queen" add-ons, which offer a lot of new options for veteran players. In addition, the expansion pulls in a lot of interesting story elements from deep in the franchise's past, rewarding those who've kept up with the lore over the years.
To be fair, most of these additions will matter more to seasoned players than newcomers, but this deep into the "Destiny 2" life cycle, that's to be expected.
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Release Date: February 22, 2022
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Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
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Genre: First-Person Shooter
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Game Modes: Single-Player, Online Multiplayer
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Metacritic Score: 85 (PC), 87 (PS5), 85 (Xbox Series X|S)
Dying Light 2
Zombie games aren't quite in vogue the way they used to be, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. But if you're the kind of gamer who needs a constant undead-slaughtering fix, 2022 gave you a strong option in the form of "Dying Light 2 Stay Human." A sequel to Techland's 2015 parkour-centric zombie extravaganza, "Dying Light 2" delivers much of the same kind of action as its predecessor.
Controlling the character of Aiden Caldwell, who enters the zombie-infested city of Villedor in search of his sister, players engage in various missions and activities while freerunning their way around a dense open world. There are story missions and side quests to undertake, better weapons to find and craft, upgrades to locate, and plenty of distinct NPCs to get to know — the latter being a major highlight for some critics, such as Christopher Byrd of The Washington Post. Like in the first game, the main draw here is still the complex movement systems and other gameplay mechanics, which give a lot of freedom and player choice when it comes to engaging with the world.
If you're looking for a new first-person zombie game with tons of content and complexity, "Dying Light 2" delivers.
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Release Date: February 4, 2022
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Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
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Genre: First-Person Shooter, Open World, Survival Horror
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Game Modes: Single-Player, Four-Player Online Co-op
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Metacritic Score: 77 (PC), 76 (PS5), 77 (Xbox Series X|S)
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
Let's be honest for a second: If you've played a "Call of Duty" game in the last five years, you already know most of what "Modern Warfare 2" has to offer. It's not even the first game in the series to bear that subtitle. Regardless, the latest "Modern Warfare 2" may not be as influential or universally acclaimed as its namesake, but it's still modern "CoD" at the top of its game.
Sure, a lot of the territory here is familiar, but that's not to say that it's stale. "Modern Warfare 2" looks absolutely stunning, delivering some of the most tense action the series has seen to date. As noted by GamesRadar's Josh West, the game also takes a more methodical and character-driven approach in its single-player campaign than fans of the series may be used. In the end, that decision benefits the campaign greatly.
As for the multiplayer, there are all the offerings you're looking for, as usual (save for zombies at this point), and the slight tweaks to game balance and gunplay introduce a more deliberate quality to regular multiplayer. "Modern Warfare 2" also hit $1 billion in sales faster than any of its predecessors (per Forbes), proving that "Call of Duty" is still king for many FPS players.
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Release Date: October 27, 2022
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Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
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Genre: First-Person Shooter
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Game Modes: Single-Player, Online Multiplayer, Two-Player Local Multiplayer
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Metacritic Score: 79 (PC), 76 (PS5), 77 (Xbox Series X|S)
Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0
While "Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0" dropped part and parcel with "Modern Warfare 2," it's an entirely independent game that can be played (for free) without purchasing the mainline "CoD" title. Building on the years of development that made the original "Warzone" into a top-tier battle royale, "Warzone 2.0" delivers a complex gameplay experience with a ton of modes, player options, and high-intensity engagements.
The core of "Warzone 2.0" is the same as its predecessor, allowing players to jump into a map either solo, or with up to three teammates. However, a lot of the details around the edges have been modified to keep things fresh. The overhauled 2v2 Gulag is a nice change of pace, as is the new 3-player-team DMZ mode, which combines PvP and PvE concepts to create a unique, objective-focused mode. If you want the bite and excitement of a battle royale with a flavor that's fast but not too arcade-y, "Warzone 2.0" fits the bill perfectly. And as noted by Gaming Trend, the slight tweaks to gunplay and movement are just enough to make the whole experience feel like something new for experienced players.
Prodeus
Not every Kickstarter video game story gets a happy ending, but fortunately, "Prodeus" did. This crowdfunded FPS from indie dev team Bounding Box Software is a love letter to the genre's early years, and it pulls that retro style off to fantastic effect. If live service games and battle royales just aren't your cup of tea, "Prodeus" is the perfect first-person shooter for keeping things simply. It's fast, tight, and just flat-out fun, which is all you really need at the end of the day.
Just because the graphics skew old-school in their style, don't mistake "Prodeus" for an outdated game. As noted by critics like NME's Jake Tucker, the game owes as much to 2016's "Doom" and "Doom Eternal" as it does to the originals. The game features upgrades, secret stashes of in-game currency to find, and an overworld that brings these disparate gameplay elements together. But even with all of those neat bells and whistles, "Prodeus" is at its best when the music is bumpin' and the action is peaking. That alone is enough to justify the game's meager price tag for anyone who's a fan of retro first-person shooters.
Warhammer 40,000: Darktide
Swedish developer Fatshark has come a long way with its "Warhammer" entries since "Vermintide" was released back in 2015. That first game was comparable in most every way to the then-massively-popular "Left 4 Dead" franchise, more or less palette-swapped into the "Warhammer" universe. But now, with "Darktide" being the third entry in the series, Fatshark has firmly established its own take on the co-op FPS genre, while also launching the story into the "40K" universe.
Yes, the core gameplay will still be very familiar if you played the "Vermintide" games, but "Darktide" continues to expand the character customization options explored in earlier titles. There's a ton more versatility in how you build out your class, increased loot diversity, and a whole lot more going on in each level, including optional side quests. And as noted by IGN's review, you get to enjoy all that under the deliciously oppressive tone of the "Warhammer 40,000" world, one that fits perfectly with the game's frenetic action. The co-op shooter genre is thick with competition these days, but "Darktide" makes a strong case that Fatshark is still one of the best devs doing it.
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Release Date: November 30, 2022
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Platforms: PC
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Genre: First-Person Shooter
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Game Modes: Online Four-Player Co-op
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Metacritic Score: 74 (PC)
Overwatch 2
"Overwatch 2" had about the rockiest possible launch for a game of its caliber — and after extensive delays and numerous stories of horrid working conditions at Activision Blizzard, that was about the last thing the game needed. In spite of all that, "Overwatch 2" eventually emerged as a competent follow-up to one of the best competitive shooters ever made, as well a fun game in its own right.
At face value, "Overwatch 2" largely looks like a game you've played before. But in a lot of ways, that's not a bad thing. As noted by Game Informer, the sequel keeps the core foundation of its predecessor, to its benefit, while introducing just enough tweaks and changes to keep things interesting. Downsizing the matches from six-on-six to five-on-five is the most notable shift, which can give matches a more intimate feel. Not everyone is going to love the game's new free-to-play trappings, of course, but there is something positive to be said about increased accessibility to such a well-crafted game.
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Release Date: October 4, 2022
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Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
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Genre: First-Person Shooter, Hero Shooter
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Game Modes: Online Multiplayer, Online Co-op
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Metacritic Score: 79 (PC), 76 (PS5), 78 (Xbox Series X|S)
Tiny Tina's Wonderlands
The "Borderlands" franchise has been a staple of the first-person shooter genre since 2009, popularizing the "loot shooter" trend that helped lead to later games like "Destiny" and "The Division." The series has had its ups and downs over the years, with "Borderlands 3" in particular receiving high praise for its mechanics and also criticism for its juvenile humor.
Fortunately, "Tiny Tina's Wonderlands" is a positive mark for the series, incorporating a tabletop fantasy RPG aesthetic that makes the whole style of the game feel fresh. The same familiar quest structure and skill trees are here, along with the four-player co-op that's become a central component of the franchise. Still, there are smart changes in both look and feel of the title that make "Wonderlands" a unique entry. Class customization is far broader and more open than ever before, blowing open the number of gameplay possibilities for each player. The game also includes some fun new additions in the form of spell powers and extra item slots, all of which play into the fantasy theme.
As it turns out, Gearbox can still deliver in the sub-genre it helped popularize. If you still have a squad of friends ready to blow through some co-op FPS dungeons, "Tiny Tina's Wonderlands" is an easy recommendation.
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Release Date: March 25, 2022
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Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
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Genre: First-Person Shooter, Loot Shooter
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Game Modes: Single-Player, Local Co-op, Online Co-op
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Metacritic Score: 78 (PC), 76 (PS5), 77 (Xbox Series X|S)
Metal: Hellsinger
If you love "Doom Eternal," creative rhythm games, or heavy metal (or all three), you owe it to yourself to play "Metal: Hellsinger." The sophomore outing of Swedish developer The Outsiders takes the guitar-rippin' tone of the "Doom" franchise to the next level by making the music an integral part of the gameplay. Jumping, dashing, and blasting demons in time with the beat grants various bonuses, which play into the game's unique combo system in fun ways. "Metal: Hellsinger" has the '80s album cover art-style and Hell-escaping action you'd expect from this type of game, but with enough original ideas to make it stand apart.
Stylistically, "Metal: Hellsinger" evokes beloved shooters of old like "Painkiller" and "Quake." Mechanically, it's entirely modern, with a brilliant and booming soundtrack that's loud enough to make even the most squeamish music listeners headbang along. There's even enough of a story to keep players engaged on the narrative front, which is full of twists and betrayals. Critics like Game Informer's Wesley LeBlanc have already expressed excitement at what a sequel could bring, but even by itself, "Metal: Hellsinger" is one of the best (and most unique) first-person shooters of 2022.
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Release Date: September 15, 2022
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Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
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Genre: First-Person Shooter, Rhythm Game
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Game Modes: Single-Player Only
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Metacritic Score: 79 (PC), 78 (PS5), 79 (Xbox Series X|S)
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Extraction
Though its popularity has declined a bit more recently (per DualShockers), "Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege" has been a lasting hit for both esports fans and casual players. As such, it makes sense that Ubisoft decided to spin the game off into a separate, co-op-focused quasi-sequel: 2022's "Rainbow Six Extraction." Going for more of a sci-fi angle, this game pits you and up to two friends against a hoarder of alien invaders.
If you've played any "Siege," you'll be familiar with a lot of the playable character classes in "Extraction." Gameplay consists of objective-based missions completed on semi-randomized maps. "Extraction" also stays true to the series' origins by keeping gameplay methodical and tactical, often downright punishing players for just running and gunning too much. There are some technical issues, of course, and as critics like Destructoid's Chris Carter have noted, the game doesn't fully commit to any of its new ideas enough to feel like a complete step forward for the franchise. Even so, if you're already a fan of the modern "Rainbow Six" engine, "Extraction" offers a fun and distinct distraction that still has all the hallmarks of a AAA title.
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Release Date: January 20, 2022
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Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
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Genre: First-Person Shooter, Tactical Shooter
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Game Modes: Online Co-op, Single-Player
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Metacritic Score: 71 (PC), 73 (PS5), 71 (Xbox Series X|S)