The year 2020 delivered an exceptional lineup for fans of first-person shooter games, proving that the genre continues to evolve with innovative mechanics and breathtaking experiences. As you’ve seen in the video above, this period brought a surge of exciting titles, blending classic action with fresh perspectives. From rhythm-based combat to sprawling open-world adventures and groundbreaking virtual reality experiences, the landscape of first-person shooters truly diversified.
This article delves deeper into some of the most compelling new FPS games of 2020, providing more context and insights beyond their initial introductions. We explore the unique gameplay loops, the innovative designs, and why these titles captured the attention of gamers worldwide, solidifying 2020 as a standout year for the genre.
Unveiling the Top New FPS Games of 2020: A Deep Dive into First-Person Shooters
Rhythm, Roguelikes, and Retro Revivals: Unique FPS Experiences
The first-person shooter genre is renowned for its constant innovation, and 2020 certainly showcased this with several titles that boldly mixed established concepts. These games dared to redefine what players expect from an FPS, offering novel mechanics and nostalgic throwbacks.
BPM: Bullets Per Minute
Kicking off our list is BPM: Bullets Per Minute, a game that ingeniously fuses the high-octane action of an FPS with the rhythmic challenge of a music game and the unpredictable nature of a roguelike. Imagine navigating randomly generated dungeons, dodging enemy attacks, and unleashing your own arsenal, all perfectly synced to a thunderous rock-opera soundtrack. Every shot, dodge, and reload must align with the beat, adding a layer of strategic timing that transforms traditional gunplay into a ballet of bullets. This unique FPS game offers an unparalleled sense of flow and satisfaction. You can dive into this exhilarating experience for around $20 on Steam, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
Serious Sam 4
For those who crave unadulterated, over-the-top action reminiscent of the 90s, Serious Sam 4 delivered in spades. Developed by Croteam, this long-awaited sequel brought back the franchise’s signature horde-based combat, pushing the limits of on-screen enemies to absurd levels. Players confront thousands of monstrous foes simultaneously, requiring constant movement, strategic weapon switching, and an almost gleeful disregard for realism. Despite its “serious” moniker, the game maintains a wonderfully irreverent humor, making every chaotic encounter a source of amusement. While some players noted a slight departure in art style from earlier, more cartoony entries, Serious Sam 4 successfully modernized its core tenets without losing any of its explosive charm. It truly felt like a classic first-person shooter brought up to “11,” providing intense fun for genre veterans.
XIII Remake
A true blast from the past, the XIII Remake brought back the distinctive cel-shaded aesthetic and gripping comic book narrative of the 2003 original. This stylish new FPS plunges players into a conspiracy-laden murder mystery where they must uncover their identity and involvement in the assassination of the U.S. President. The remake meticulously recreated the iconic visual style, with onomatopoeic sound effects appearing on-screen during combat, making every firefight feel like a page from a graphic novel. The blend of a compelling story, stealth elements, and intense shooting mechanics makes it a standout. The XIII Remake launched on November 10th for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows, allowing a new generation to experience its unique charm.
Ultrakill
Ultrakill is a love letter to the fast-paced, high-mobility arena shooters of the mid-90s, particularly games like Quake and the original Doom. It marries retro-inspired graphics with the modern fluid combat of the latest Doom entries, then adds its own twist with enhanced movement mechanics. Players engage in relentless, high-speed combat, traversing arenas with dashes, wall-jumps, and an array of devastating weapons. The gameplay emphasizes maintaining momentum and chaining together stylish kills to restore health, creating an addictive feedback loop. Ultrakill is not just about shooting; it’s about mastering movement and weapon combos to navigate overwhelming enemy hordes. This brutally fast and satisfying FPS experience is available now on PC, offering pure, unadulterated arcade action.
Co-op and Competitive Arenas: Engaging Multiplayer FPS Titles
Multiplayer first-person shooter games continue to dominate the gaming landscape, and 2020 saw several strong contenders, from cooperative dungeon delves to tactical competitive showdowns and massive battle royales. These titles emphasize teamwork, strategic planning, or pure competitive prowess.
Deep Rock Galactic
Deep Rock Galactic carved out its own niche as an immensely fun four-player co-op FPS, affectionately described as “Left 4 Dead meets Minecraft.” Players assume the role of space dwarves, embarking on perilous mining expeditions through fully destructible, procedurally generated cave systems. Each of the four distinct classes (Driller, Engineer, Gunner, Scout) brings unique abilities vital for both resource extraction and fending off swarms of alien creatures. The game’s charm lies in its perfect blend of exploration, combat, and resource management, all wrapped in a quirky sci-fi aesthetic. Ghost Ship Games has consistently supported the title with new content and updates, fostering a vibrant community. Deep Rock Galactic is available on Xbox One and Windows, offering endless hours of cooperative fun.
Second Extinction
Second Extinction threw players into a thrilling three-player co-op experience against hordes of mutated dinosaurs. Set on a post-apocalyptic Earth reclaimed by prehistoric beasts, players work together to reclaim the planet. This arcadey shooter emphasizes large-scale enemies and intense firefights, where teamwork is essential to survive against the towering, biologically altered dinosaurs. A standout feature is the “War Effort” community battle system, where players’ actions contribute to a global threat level on different regions of the map. By clearing out dinosaur populations, the community actively influences the game world. Second Extinction hit early access on October 13th for Xbox Series X, Xbox One, and Microsoft Windows, promising expansive co-op dinosaur hunting.
Gunfire Reborn
Blending the best elements of FPS, roguelike, and RPG genres, Gunfire Reborn presented a uniquely engaging co-op experience. Up to four players choose from distinct animal-themed heroes, each with different abilities and skill trees, to navigate procedurally generated levels in a vibrant, magical world. The gameplay loop involves clearing rooms of enemies, collecting powerful weapons and scrolls, and constantly upgrading your character to tackle increasingly difficult challenges. Its distinctive art style and diverse character builds ensure that every run feels fresh and exciting. Gunfire Reborn offers a refreshing change of pace within the FPS landscape, inviting players to explore a truly imaginative world. It is available on Steam, offering endless co-op replayability.
Call of Duty: Warzone
Call of Duty: Warzone swiftly became one of the most popular free-to-play battle royale games, pushing the boundaries with its massive scale and innovative mechanics. Supporting up to 150 players (and sometimes 200 in limited-time modes) per match, Warzone combines Call of Duty’s signature tight gunplay and smooth movement with the intense last-person-standing format. A key innovation is the Gulag system, which offers players a unique chance to respawn by winning a 1v1 duel against another fallen player. This system adds an extra layer of strategy and excitement, mitigating the frustration of early eliminations. Warzone’s seamless integration with other Call of Duty titles and its constant evolution with new content ensures a dynamic and competitive experience. It is available on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, and continues to be a staple for multiplayer FPS enthusiasts.
Valorant
Riot Games entered the competitive FPS arena with Valorant, a tactical shooter that masterfully blends the precision gunplay of CS:GO with the character-based abilities of Overwatch. Players select from a roster of “Agents,” each equipped with unique skills that can turn the tide of a round, from setting up advantageous positions to disabling enemies or gathering intel. The core gameplay revolves around planting or defusing a bomb, demanding precise aiming, strategic ability usage, and impeccable teamwork. Valorant’s highly competitive nature and high skill ceiling have fostered a thriving esports scene. It’s a free-to-play title that has garnered immense popularity since its beta, though currently available exclusively on PC. For fans of tactical, round-based competitive shooters, Valorant is a must-play.
Immersive Worlds: VR and Story-Driven First-Person Shooters
The year 2020 also highlighted the genre’s capacity for deep immersion, whether through compelling narratives or cutting-edge virtual reality technology. These first-person shooter games offered rich worlds and impactful stories that pulled players directly into the action.
Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond
Marking the return of a legendary franchise after an eight-year hiatus (since 2012’s Warfighter), Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond stepped into the exciting realm of VR. Developed by Respawn Entertainment, this title aimed to deliver an authentic and immersive World War II experience, leveraging the unique capabilities of virtual reality to put players directly into the boots of an OSS operative. The game’s title itself, “Above and Beyond,” cleverly alludes to the famous “Call of Duty” adage, a subtle nod to Medal of Honor’s historical precedence in the military shooter genre. As VR technology continues to mature, games like Above and Beyond demonstrate the incredible potential for unparalleled immersion in FPS games. It launched on December 11th, 2020, offering a powerful new way to experience a classic war story.
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
The annual Call of Duty installment, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, transported players back to the politically charged 1980s. This entry focused heavily on its single-player campaign, weaving a compelling narrative steeped in Cold War espionage and historical events. The game provided players with choices that could alter mission outcomes and story progression, adding a layer of player agency previously unseen in the series. Beyond its campaign, Cold War also delivered robust multiplayer offerings and integrated with the popular Warzone. The developers expertly honed the franchise’s signature smooth gunplay and satisfying feedback, making it a polished experience across all modes. Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War landed on Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X on November 13th, inviting players to relive a turbulent era.
Half-Life: Alyx
Widely regarded as a landmark title for virtual reality, Half-Life: Alyx redefined what a VR first-person shooter could be. While serving as a prequel to Half-Life 2, it stood on its own as a masterclass in immersive gameplay and intricate environmental interaction. Players step into the shoes of Alyx Vance, navigating a richly detailed, physics-driven world with unparalleled freedom. The game meticulously leverages VR’s capabilities for reloading, manipulating objects, and engaging in intense combat. Every moment, from gravity-glove puzzles to tense encounters with headcrabs, feels incredibly tactile and present. Despite some traditional movement mechanisms (like teleportation) that might not appeal to all, its overall execution in narrative, atmosphere, and gameplay mechanics makes it an essential experience for anyone with a VR headset. Half-Life: Alyx proved the immense potential of VR for delivering truly groundbreaking FPS experiences.
Cyberpunk 2077
Though an ambitious RPG at its core, Cyberpunk 2077 featured a robust first-person combat system that felt like a powerful FPS game in its own right. Set in the sprawling, neon-drenched metropolis of Night City, the game allowed players to engage in combat with a vast array of futuristic weaponry, from smart guns to blades, alongside extensive cybernetic augmentations. The FPS elements included dynamic cover systems, partially destructible environments, and diverse enemy types, providing a satisfying and tactical shooting experience. The sheer depth of the world, the engaging narrative choices, and the highly customizable character builds ensured that even the shooting felt integrated into a larger, living ecosystem. Cyberpunk 2077 arrived later in the year for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, and Microsoft Windows, offering an expansive world to explore and dominate through its compelling first-person perspective.
Franchise Powerhouses: Call of Duty and Doom’s Latest Entries
No discussion of new FPS games of 2020 would be complete without acknowledging the titans of the genre. Both Call of Duty and Doom delivered highly anticipated installments, building upon their legacies with fresh takes and intensified action.
Doom Eternal
Doom Eternal, the direct sequel to the critically acclaimed Doom (2016), took everything that made its predecessor great and amplified it. The developers described it as “bigger, better, and more insane,” and it delivered. Players once again assume the role of the Doom Slayer, engaging in relentless, fast-paced combat against hordes of demons across multiple dimensions. The core gameplay loop was refined, emphasizing aggressive resource management: glory kills yield health, chainsaw kills provide ammo, and flamethrower attacks drop armor. New movement mechanics, including a grappling hook attached to the Super Shotgun and a double-dash, added unprecedented verticality and mobility to the combat. Doom Eternal is an exhilarating masterclass in power fantasy, pushing players to engage in a constant, brutal dance of destruction. If you enjoyed Doom (2016), Doom Eternal was an absolute must-play.
Superhot: Mind Control Delete
Building on its unique time-bending premise, Superhot: Mind Control Delete expanded the innovative FPS experience of the original. In this game, time only moves when you move, transforming every encounter into a dynamic puzzle. Players meticulously plan their actions, dodging a hail of slow-moving bullets, grabbing weapons from fallen enemies, and executing precise counter-attacks. This mechanic creates a strategic layer often absent in traditional first-person shooter games, where forethought and calculated movements are paramount. The “Mind Control Delete” iteration introduced roguelike elements, ensuring varied runs with different upgrades and challenges. Its stark, minimalist visual style further emphasizes the strategic gameplay, making every successful maneuver feel incredibly satisfying. Superhot: Mind Control Delete is a truly unique concept and highly addictive, available on PC for those ready to bend time to their will.
The year 2020 proved to be a diverse and exciting period for new FPS games. From groundbreaking VR experiences and innovative genre fusions to beloved franchise entries, the array of titles offered something for every type of player. These games pushed boundaries, refined existing formulas, and delivered countless hours of thrilling first-person action. Whether you preferred strategic co-op, intense competitive play, or immersive single-player campaigns, the first-person shooter landscape in 2020 showcased remarkable creativity and technological advancement.
