Anticipating the Future of First-Person Shooters: Unpacking the New FPS Games of 2023

Are you ready for an exhilarating year of digital firefights, tactical espionage, and cosmic horror? As the accompanying video highlights, 2023 promises an incredible lineup of new FPS games, catering to every conceivable preference within the first-person shooter genre. From innovative co-op experiences to deep narrative adventures and triumphant revivals, the gaming landscape is set to evolve dramatically. This year offers a compelling blend of familiar franchises returning with fresh perspectives and entirely new IPs striving to redefine what we expect from the best upcoming FPS games.

Redfall: Arkane’s Vampire Hunting Co-op Adventure

Kicking off the list of highly anticipated new FPS games 2023 brings is Redfall, the latest endeavor from the esteemed developers at Arkane Studios. Known for their meticulous world-building and innovative gameplay mechanics in titles such as Dishonored, Prey, and Deathloop, Arkane is venturing into a new direction with this cooperative monster shooter. Set in a charming yet blood-curdling New England town, players assume the roles of unique characters, each possessing distinct traits, skills, and supernatural abilities, as they hunt down vampires and other monstrous entities. Imagine if Arkane’s signature immersive design principles were applied to a four-player co-op experience; consequently, the potential for unexpected gameplay depth and creative combat scenarios becomes immensely exciting, even within a seemingly conventional genre.

IGI Origins: A Return to Tactical Stealth

Following in the footsteps of a cult classic, IGI Origins emerges as a prequel to the year 2000’s Project IGI. This tactical first-person shooter promises a return to stealth-focused gameplay, a niche often underserved in the modern gaming market. Developed by AntiMatter Games, known for their work on Rising Storm 2: Vietnam and contributions to the Killing Floor series, this title aims to deliver a robust military stealth experience. Players will likely find themselves navigating complex scenarios where careful planning and precision are paramount. While the approach allows for both covert infiltration and aggressive gunplay, the emphasis remains on strategic execution. Furthermore, for fans who appreciate the intricate planning of titles akin to Splinter Cell, this upcoming FPS game is certainly one to watch.

Ripout: Sci-Fi Horror with Reconfigurable Foes

Prepare for a harrowing journey aboard a derelict vessel with Ripout, a co-op horror shooter that introduces a uniquely unsettling twist to enemy design. Players battle their way through procedurally generated ships infested with grotesque mutants. What truly distinguishes Ripout is its innovative enemy mechanic: larger mutants possess the terrifying ability to attach smaller creatures to their bodies, thereby augmenting their power and capabilities in real-time. This dynamic system promises to create intelligent and unpredictable combat encounters, forcing players to constantly adapt their strategies. Published by 3D Realms, a company with a long-standing legacy in the gaming industry, Ripout epitomizes creative sci-fi horror, offering an intriguing spin on the classic monster-mashing formula.

Luna Abyss: A Narrative-Driven Bullet Hell Odyssey

Luna Abyss might not be on every radar, but its striking visual presentation and ambitious gameplay mechanics demand attention. Billed as a narrative-driven first-person action-adventure, this game immerses players in a world of trippy cosmic horror. The aesthetic is truly wild, featuring unsettling graphics, environments, and enemy designs that contribute to an overwhelmingly atmospheric experience. Beyond its stunning visuals, Luna Abyss is engineered as a fast-paced bullet-hell style game, suggesting intense, challenging combat sequences. Players can anticipate a plethora of cool guns and abilities to wield against enemies that hurl glowing projectiles. Imagine if Returnal was reimagined as a first-person shooter; this game encapsulates that thrilling, chaotic energy, promising both visual splendor and formidable gameplay.

Amnesia: The Bunker: A Series Shift into Armed Horror

A significant departure for a beloved horror franchise, Amnesia: The Bunker introduces a firearm into its terrifying formula. While previous Amnesia titles have masterfully leveraged psychological dread and helplessness, this installment offers players a means of defense. Although details remain scarce, the confirmation of a gun suggests a more action-oriented horror experience, blurring the lines for a classic series. Fans are eager to see how developer Frictional Games integrates a weapon without sacrificing the atmospheric tension and vulnerability synonymous with Amnesia. This brave new direction for one of the most iconic names in indie horror certainly qualifies it as an intriguing entry among the new FPS games 2023 is bringing, albeit with a slight twist on the traditional definition.

Destiny 2: Lightfall: The Next Chapter in the Epic Saga

For the dedicated Guardians of the universe, Destiny 2: Lightfall marks the next monumental expansion in Bungie’s enduring space opera. Set to launch on February 28th, 2023, this update is poised to deliver a substantial evolution, particularly in its visual presentation and narrative scope. Lightfall will introduce players to a new location, a novel subclass with unique abilities, and a wealth of additional content and coveted loot. The Destiny universe is renowned for its intricate lore and complex systems; consequently, this expansion promises to satisfy the fervent community that remains deeply invested in its evolving narrative and challenging gameplay. Expect further refinements to the gunplay and cooperative activities that have kept this live-service first-person shooter thriving for years.

Atomic Heart: BioShock Meets Soviet Sci-Fi

Atomic Heart has consistently garnered attention on numerous “most anticipated” lists, and for excellent reason. This open-environment first-person adventure blends the atmospheric narrative of BioShock with an alternate sci-fi Soviet aesthetic, resulting in a visually stunning and conceptually unique experience. Players confront an array of bizarre mechanical creatures using an arsenal of distinct firearms, strange otherworldly abilities, and potent melee weapons. The visual style is undeniably one-of-a-kind, serving as an immediate hook for many gamers. While its gameplay chops are still under scrutiny, the promise of a long-crafted, incredibly unique world makes Atomic Heart a standout among the new FPS games 2023 is offering. Imagine if the dystopian grandeur of Soviet architecture was infused with advanced, rogue AI – that is the tantalizing premise here.

Warhammer 40K Boltgun: Embracing Old-School Carnage

Warhammer 40K Boltgun is poised to inject pure, unadulterated fun back into the first-person shooter genre by channeling the spirit of classic 90s shooters. This title embraces an over-the-top, arcade-style approach, featuring cool retro-inspired graphics, copious amounts of gore, and a palpable sense of old-school sensibilities. Set within the grimdark Warhammer 40,000 universe, players wield iconic weapons against hordes of familiar enemies. The growing resurgence of ‘boomer shooters,’ spurred by games like Dusk, highlights a craving for intense, satisfying gunplay without modern complexities. Boltgun appears to perfectly capture this essence, promising a visceral and endlessly replayable experience for those who appreciate the foundational mechanics of the first-person shooter.

Payday 3: The Ultimate Heist Returns

Against all odds and delays, Payday 3 is officially slated for a 2023 release, much to the excitement of its dedicated fanbase. Developed once again by Starbreeze and published by Prime Matter, the game is confirmed to be set in a vibrant New York City. The Payday series has established a loyal following by delivering exhilarating cooperative heist experiences, where teamwork and strategy are crucial for successful execution. These games are known for their longevity, with players returning repeatedly to pull off intricate bank robberies and other criminal escapades. Consequently, the expectation is that developers will take their time to ensure a rock-solid, polished experience that lives up to the series’ reputation for compelling and replayable cooperative action within the world of FPS games.

Dead Island 2: Zombie Mayhem in Sunny California

After a famously protracted development cycle that began with its announcement in 2014, Dead Island 2 is finally nearing release. This zombie-slaying first-person shooter has navigated through multiple development studios, re-emerging with a distinct sense of style and a commitment to creative zombie dispatching. The setting moves to a sun-drenched, gore-filled California, allowing players to dispatch the undead amidst picturesque palm trees and serene beaches. In a genre often saturated with zombie titles, Dead Island 2 aims to differentiate itself through its unique setting, refined combat mechanics, and perhaps a touch of dark humor. For those who have patiently waited, this long-awaited FPS game promises a cathartic and visually appealing experience, hopefully proving that nearly a decade of anticipation was well worth it.

RoboCop: Rogue City: Upholding the Prime Directives

RoboCop: Rogue City offers a promising return for the iconic cyborg law enforcer, developed by the studio behind the recent Terminator: Resistance. That previous title demonstrated a commendable ability to faithfully adapt beloved source material, a quality many fans hope will translate to RoboCop. Players will assume the role of Alex Murphy, upholding the prime directives in a first-person perspective. The world of RoboCop is rich with unique satire and gritty action; moreover, integrating these elements into a compelling gameplay experience is crucial for success. Imagine if the game perfectly balanced robust shooting mechanics with an authentic exploration of RoboCop’s unique universe, delivering both brutal enforcement and sharp social commentary. This upcoming FPS game has the potential to be a nostalgic treat for long-time fans.

Crime Boss: Rockay City: 90s Heists and Star Power

Crime Boss: Rockay City is poised to be an explosive action movie-style first-person shooter, heavily focused on turf wars and cooperative gameplay. While a solo experience is available, the emphasis clearly lies on chaotic, multiplayer mayhem within a vibrant city. This title appears to blend elements of heist games with Grand Theft Auto-esque open-world activities, challenging players to become the ultimate Crime Boss. A notable highlight is its star-studded cast, featuring 90s icons like Michael Madsen and Chuck Norris, which further amplifies its commitment to 90s nostalgia. Set firmly in that decade, the game leverages both its period setting and celebrity talent to carve out a distinctive identity among the new FPS games 2023 has to offer, promising a blend of retro charm and modern blasting action.

Witchfire: Dark Fantasy, Guns, and Spells

Witchfire presents a captivating blend of dark fantasy and first-person shooter mechanics, where players wield both firearms and forbidden spells to hunt down the formidable Witch of the Black Sea. The narrative setup is notably compelling: the Vatican, embroiled in a desperate war against witches, resorts to pagan magic to create immortal witch hunters. This unique premise underpins what appears to be a visually stunning and mechanically tight experience. Developed by The Astronauts, the creative minds behind The Vanishing of Ethan Carter, and featuring leads from Painkiller and Bulletstorm, the game is expected to deliver incredibly satisfying gunplay and powerful, fun-to-cast spells. The fusion of medieval aesthetics with modern weaponry and magic positions Witchfire as a truly distinctive entry among the upcoming FPS games.

Starfield: Bethesda’s Ambitious Space RPG

Starfield stands as Bethesda’s next colossal first-person RPG, venturing into an entirely new, expansive space setting. While gameplay details remain somewhat under wraps, the potential for this title is simply staggering. Players will have the freedom to design custom starships, explore procedurally generated planets, establish bases, mine resources, and engage in classic Bethesda RPG elements such as quests, factions, and deep lore. This marks a significant departure from the studio’s long-standing Elder Scrolls and Fallout franchises, representing a bold new IP with its own universe and story. Despite previous delays, Starfield is anticipated to launch in the first half of 2023, offering a monumental new world for fans of science fiction and role-playing to immerse themselves in for hundreds of hours.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl: High-Tension Post-Apocalyptic Survival

Claiming the top spot in many anticipated lists, S.T.A.L.K.A.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl promises a return to the unique, high-tension world of its classic PC predecessors. This graphically incredible first-person shooter delivers a potent mix of mystery, science fiction, and brutal survival within a post-apocalyptic landscape. The game offers non-linear storytelling combined with immersive sim gameplay, suggesting a challenging and often spooky experience. The original S.T.A.L.K.A.R. games carved out a distinct niche with their unique atmosphere and unforgiving mechanics; consequently, the sequel is poised to elevate these qualities with cutting-edge visuals and an expanded scope. For fans of deep atmospheric horror and challenging survival mechanics, this is unquestionably one of the most exciting new FPS games 2023 will deliver.

Bonus Rounds: More FPS Excitement on the Horizon

Beyond the main fifteen, several other titles are generating significant buzz within the FPS community. Starship Troopers: Extermination aims to capture the chaotic, bug-blasting spirit of its cinematic inspiration, offering large-scale cooperative warfare. Furthermore, the System Shock Remake looks to revitalize a legendary sci-fi immersive sim, promising a faithful yet modernized experience for a new generation of players. Lastly, Outpost: Infinity Siege presents an ambitious hybrid of first-person shooter and real-time strategy, pushing the boundaries of genre fusion in a full sci-fi warfare setting. These additional titles further demonstrate the rich and diverse landscape of upcoming FPS games for 2023, ensuring that the year will be packed with innovative and exhilarating first-person shooter experiences across various platforms.