The third-person shooter game genre has a unique place in the history of gaming. While it's relatively young it has had its ups and downs in popularity. Compared to first-person shooter games it doesn't have the same level of mainstream recognition. Despite this the influence of these games can still be felt in many aspects of modern gaming.

The cinematic style and chaotic action of third-person shooters helped them stand out early on. Today many modern titles rely on their foundation and combat style. Although this genre may be complex to identify there are rules defining a third-person shooter game.

These are the rules we followed for the list of the 30 Best Third-Person Shooter Games Ever:

1. Only 3D games that offered a third-person perspective were considered.
2. Games with minor first-person moments like aiming down sights were eligible.
3. Only titles that emphasized combat as the main gameplay feature were selected.
4. Games without any or much shooting were not in contention.

50 Cent: Blood on the Sand

This game is a third-person shooter game where 50 Cent and his crew shoot their way across the Middle East because someone stole a gem-studded skull. Blood on the Sand mixes polished cover shooting with an arcade-style point system that rewards players for stylish kills and completing objectives.

Kill Switch

Kill Switch is sometimes credited with inventing cover-based third-person shooter gameplay. Though not entirely accurate it did lead the way for modern third-person shooter games. Kill Switch dared to see if an entire action gaming experience could be built that primarily relied on cover-based mechanics. It was groundbreaking and an incredibly entertaining action game in its own right.

Mercenaries: Playground of Destruction

Mercenaries remain the cure for the modern open-world game. It embraced the idea of causing as much third-person action chaos as possible in a sandbox environment. Mercenaries wanted you to feel like the star of your action movie. It was an eye-opening glimpse into the joyful possibilities of third-person shooting games.

Alan Wake

Alan Wake is a masterclass in design thanks to its uncanny ability to turn a welcoming Pacific Northwest town and its surrounding forests hostile with just a shift in lighting and atmosphere. It is a Metroidvania shooter that takes heavy inspiration from the fictional SCP Foundation an organization dedicated to securing containing and protecting various anomalies.

Ghostbusters: The Video Game

Ghostbusters: The Video Game excels in presentation. Not only does most of the Ghostbusters movie cast reprise their roles but the writers of the film Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis also penned the game’s script. The gameplay is fun on its own players fire proton wands at ghosts but the best part is that it feels like an interactive bona fide Ghostbusters movie.

Control

Control is a Metroidvania shooter that takes heavy inspiration from the fictional SCP Foundation. As players explore the winding and occasionally non-Euclidian corridors of Control’s world they obtain abilities and weapons that let them unlock previously inaccessible areas. The game excels at worldbuilding and making players feel like they are barely scratching the surface of an otherworldly setting and an equally otherworldly menace.

James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing

Everything or Nothing isn’t just an original Bond story; it’s practically a lost Bond film. Every element of this experience is designed to resemble the most elaborately cinematic aspects of a Bond movie and you get to play through the whole thing.

Resident Evil 4 (Remake)

Resident Evil 4 arrived at a particularly stagnant time for the survival horror genre. Capcom disrupted the survival horror industry once again by embracing both third-person shooter and horror aspects. This title is a classic and one of the most highly regarded of its kind.

Vanquish

This game is a fast-paced cover shooter that has unique abilities that set it apart from others in the genre. The game has a unique sliding mechanic that lets players evade danger while quickly repositioning themselves. The gameplay is incredibly fun and satisfying.

Warframe

Warframe is one of the best free-to-play games ever made. It’s a cooperative third-person shooter game that has evolved into a robust and varied experience with a rich story. Players take on the role of the Tenno a race of ancient warriors.

Binary Domain

Binary Domain’s gameplay mechanics are unique and incredibly fun. Players can command their team using voice recognition and the team members will react accordingly. Binary Domain's setting is futuristic Tokyo and the game features robots as enemies who exhibit human-like behavior.

The Division 2

The Division 2 is an action-packed game that puts you on the frontlines of a pandemic in D.C. It offers players an engaging multiplayer experience with a range of activities to partake in. The game contains great graphics and a unique world to explore.

Spec Ops: The Line

Spec Ops: The Line is a game that takes you to Dubai after a catastrophic sandstorm. It's a game that explores the effects of warfare on the psyche of those involved in it. The storyline is incredibly well-written and will keep you engaged throughout.

Gears of War

Gears of War is a game that introduced us to the third-person shooter mechanics. It's a game that will always have a special place in gamers' hearts. The game offers beautiful visuals intense combat and fantastic multiplayer gameplay.

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

This game is a rare treat that is action-packed and challenging. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order has a beautiful storyline that is set in the Star Wars universe. The game’s combat mechanics unique abilities and boss battles make for a truly unforgettable experience.

The Last of Us Part II

The Last of Us Part II is an intense harrowing and incredibly well-executed sequel. It's a game that sets new standards in storytelling within the medium. It has a rich character development that adds depth to the already-established characters of the first game.

Quantum Break

Quantum Break is a game that breaks new barriers in gaming storytelling. The game combines a TV series with a third-person shooter game to create a truly unique experience. Quantum Break is a game that serves as an example of how games can break new ground and create new experiences for players.

Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne

Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne is a game that is the epitome of film noir. The game is full of drama and action and tells a gripping story. The game introduces new mechanics that enhance gameplay such as new shoot-dodging techniques and improved AI.

Uncharted 4: A Thief's End

Uncharted 4: A Thief's End is the conclusion to Nathan Drake's story and it's a beautiful sendoff to beloved characters. The game offers stunning visuals intense combat and fantastic multiplayer gameplay. The game concludes the franchise in all sorts of ways bringing it to a satisfying and well-executed conclusion.

Max Payne

Max Payne is a game that set new standards for the third-person shooter genre. It introduces the slow-motion "bullet time" mechanic driving it into popular culture. Max Payne has a rich storyline and fantastic gameplay and sets the bar for the genre.

The Evil Within

The Evil Within is a survival horror game that has a unique take on the genre. It's an intensely atmospheric game that is full of suspense. The game will keep you on the edge of your seat with its nonlinear storyline and amazing gameplay mechanics.

Watch Dogs 2

Watch Dogs 2 is an open-world game set in San Francisco where players are given the power to hack the world. The game offers players a range of abilities that can be used to control the environment and manipulate the enemy. Watch Dogs 2 has stunning visuals an engaging storyline and an unforgettable multiplayer experience.

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

Uncharted 2 is a third-person shooter that stands out with its refined action and cinematic sequences. While it doesn't focus solely on shooting the shooting mechanics in this game are tight and impactful. It offers some of gaming's greatest setpiece shootouts.

Metal Wolf Chaos

Metal Wolf Chaos is a fun and over-the-top mech shooter where you play as the President of the United States. It's an arcade action game with comedic cutscenes. While it may not be for everyone it's a third-person shooter that you can enjoy if you're looking for mindless fun.

Psi-Ops: The Mindgate Conspiracy

Psi-Ops is an inventive and entertaining third-person shooter that often goes overlooked. It combines powerful psychic abilities with impressive shooting combat. Tossing enemies around and setting them on fire while engaging in intense firefights is a blast.

Returnal

Returnal is a surprising and impactful third-person shooter with a unique blend of bullet-hell gameplay and pure action. It challenges your reflexes and rewards your efforts. The combat in this game is nearly perfect and keeps you enthralled throughout.

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart



Rift Apart is a celebration of the Ratchet and Clank series offering a visually stunning and relentlessly entertaining third-person shooting experience. It captures the joyful chaos of running around beautiful environments and blowing up enemies with creative weapons.

Spec Ops: The Line

Spec Ops: The Line is a deconstruction of the military shooter genre. It starts as a normal squad-based shooter but delivers a poignant message about the cost of war and armed conflict. The game makes you feel the weight of every decision and is a unique experience.

Gears of War 2

Gears of War 2 builds upon its predecessor offering a larger more refined and ambitious experience. It delivers the fundamental pleasure of blasting away monsters from cover and introduces the popular Horde Mode. It's an incredibly enjoyable and satisfying third-person shooter.

Max Payne 2

Max Payne 2 is a perfect blend of stylistic innovation and refined gunplay. It offers visually and mechanically satisfying gunfights that rarely play out the same way twice. The level design is superb and the emotionally charged story sets it apart as one of the great games in any genre.