Summary
Third-personshootersremain one of the most popularaction game genres, blending the high intensity of a shooter with fast-paced traversal mechanics like rapid dashes or jumps. This combination delivers a thrilling mix of adrenaline-pumping action and unforgettable gameplay moments. Many of today’s third-person shooters feature exciting multiplayer modes or are designed entirely around co-op PvE or PvP gameplay. However, fans of fast-paced, single-player experiences still have plenty of excellent titles to enjoy.
Over the past year, several new third-person shooters with high-energy gameplay have launched to varying degrees of success. These includeHelldivers 2,Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League,The First Descendant, andMarvel Rivals(though the latter isn’t exclusively a shooter). To help fans of the genre discover standout titles, let’s spotlight some of themost notable third-person shooters from recent years, renowned for their intense, fast-paced actionand dynamic gameplay.
Outridersis a somewhat underappreciated looter-shooter gem, offering unparalleled dynamics and fast-paced gameplay. While its premise leans towards generic sci-fi, and its story isn’t particularly memorable,the gameplay more than compensates, delivering an adrenaline-filled shooter experience infused with supernatural abilities. Its arsenal of weapons is equally impressive, featuring a rich variety of guns, each packed with unique and powerful combat perks. Once players master the game’s mechanics, they can craft devastating loadouts that turn every battlefield encounter into a chaotic symphony of destruction — complete with bursts of blood, exploding heads, elemental effects, and awe-inspiring abilities.
What makesOutridersstand out is its flexibility; players can tackle the entire game solo or team up with friends in co-op for an even more electrifying experience. Moreover, the game was never intended as a live-service project, ensuring a wealth of content is available right from the start. This robust offering is further expanded by the sizableWorldslayerexpansion, makingOutridersa must-play for fans of fast-paced, high-octane action.
It’s hard to find gamers who haven’t at least heard ofWarframe, a staple of third-person action shooters for over a decade. While some aspects of the game show their age, the constant stream of meaningful updates,including the recent1999expansion, ensures thatWarframeremains fresh and relevant, and promises to stay with us for many years to come.
Blending high-energy shooter mechanics with fluid melee combat and unique abilities,Warframeis one of the fastest-paced third-person games available today. With a staggering amount of content, it can keep players entertained for months on end. Being entirely free-to-play, it’s as easy as ever to dive in and decide if the game suits their taste. However, as is often the case with long-running live-service titles,Warframecan feel overwhelming for newcomers trying to navigate its vast, complex systems, but there are plenty of tutorials out there and some extremely helpful community members to guide newcomers along.
Ever sinceMax Payne, Remedy Entertainment has been synonymous with some of the best third-person single-player shooters, a reputation further cemented byQuantum Breakand its innovative time-manipulation combat. WithControl, the studio reached new heights, delivering fast-paced action gameplay that masterfully blends rapid movement, supernatural abilities like telekinesis, and satisfying gunplay into a truly unique experience.
Featuring standout, highly dynamic gameplay brimming with physics-based destruction,Controlis a must-play for fans of third-person shooters. Beyond its exhilarating combat, the game’s fascinating and mysterious universe, which serves as the foundation of the Remedy Connected Universe, offers an intriguing narrative steeped in paranormal intrigue. ThismakesControla worthwhile endeavoreven for players who don’t typically gravitate toward intense shootouts.
Returnalis arguably the most dynamic PlayStation shooter of this generation, delivering a thrilling blend of satisfying weaponry, exhilarating traversal, and engaging enemy encounters — all wrapped in the innovative time-loop mechanics of the roguelike genre. Even for players who typically shy away from games where progress can be lost on death,Returnalis worth playing for its fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled combat alone.
From the outset,Returnaloffers intense action encounters, but thesepale in comparison to the game’s later stages. As players master the jetpack traversal mechanics and refine their favorite loadouts, the game ramps up the challenge with waves of aggressive, fast-moving enemies. At times,Returnaltransforms into a full-on bullet hell experience, demanding precise maneuvering through a storm of projectiles while landing calculated strikes to survive another grueling minute.
Breaking away from the soulslike formula that has defined FromSoftware for over a decade, the studio delivered one of the most fast-paced and intense third-person shooters ever creaed.Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubiconis a standout action title that exemplifies the philosophy of “gameplay comes first,” featuring dynamic, omni-directional battles set in massive open arenas filled with enemy mechs and towering, powerful bosses.
A defining feature ofArmored Core 6is its exceptional mech mobility, both on land and in the air, which sets it apart even among other fast-paced shooters, drawing comparisons toVanquish.Coupled withdeep customization options, players can tailor their mechs to fit their personal combat preferences, adding layers of strategy to the breakneck action. Even for those who aren’t typically fans of the mecha genre,Armored Core 6is a must-try for its flawless action and pure gameplay enjoyment.
Few anticipatedHelldivers 2would become a breakout hit, but it has quickly cemented itself as one of the most popular and talked-about action games of 2024 — and deservedly so. With its refined shooting mechanics and stunning visuals, the game consistently delivers fast-paced, memorable, and cinematic moments that feel uniquely personal to each player. Moreover,Helldivers 2stands as a rare example of a successful live-service launch, complete with exciting post-launch support, even if not every decision by Arrowhead and Sony resonates perfectly with the fanbase.
Filling the void in the cooperative action genre,Helldivers 2proves there’s still a strong demand for simple, explosive fun — especially when it involves blasting waves of nasty bugs and robots. With a steady stream of content updates introducing new features, enemies, weapons, and even vehicles, the game seems poised toremain relevant well into 2025 and beyond. It’s easily one of the best third-person shooters in recent memory and a strong contender for Game of the Year.
AlongsideWarframe,Fortniteneeds little introduction — not just for action-shooter fans, but for gamers worldwide. Far surpassing its origins as a Battle Royale game,Fortnitehas evolved into anever-expanding entertainment platform, celebrated for its high-profile collaborations with major gaming and movie franchises, as well as unforgettable live events featuring world-renowned celebrities. As the reigning king of live-service games,Fortniteincludes a variety of game modules with third-person and first-person perspectives, continuing to evolve in ways that most companies can only dream of, maintaining an unparalleled level of popularity.
At its core, however,Fortniteremains a polished, fast-paced third-person shooter with immense esports appeal, offering a game that’s as thrilling to play as it is to watch. The competitive scene is as vibrant as ever, with top players like Peterbot, Pollo, Swizzy, Merstach, and others showcasing the heights of skill and creativity possible inFortnitein 2024.
