25 Westerns That Will Make You Feel Like a True Gunslinger

The life of a Gunslinger is simple, and its simplicity is one of the major things people enjoy about the Western genre. Westerns usually explore core values of balancing freedom with acting for the greater good. These themes are prevalent in gaming, and hundreds of games evoke that feeling of a good ol’ Western. But like any genre, some games evoke the vibe better than others, and with so many games to play and so little time, here are the 25 Westerns that will make you feel like a true gunslinger.

25. Wild Gunman

• Release Date — 1974
• Platforms — Famicom/NES, Arcade
• Publisher/Developer — Nintendo R&D1, Intelligent Systems, Nintendo
• Genre — Shooter
• Metacritic Score —N/A

Kicking off the list we have Wild Gunman, a very simple yet addictive Nintendo title from the late 1970s and 1980s. Its gameplay consists of the player engaging in a gun duel. Whenever the character on the screen’s eyes flash, the player must draw and fire their gun. If you’re fast enough, you’ll defeat the enemy, and if, not your character is shot. This gameplay loop is repeated across five enemies. Simple but fun nonetheless and is one of the most authentic Westerns.

24. West of Loathing

• Release Date — August 10, 2017
• Platforms — Linux, macOS, Windows, Nintendo Switch, Stadia, iOS
• Publisher/Developer — Asymmetric Publications
• Genre — Role-playing
• Metacritic Score —87 (Generally Favorable)

This title is a comedy adventure RPG that takes place in a fantasy Western setting. Upon release, it was seen as one of the best games of 2017. The game is a part of the Kingdom of Loathing franchise and is known for its stick figure art style. While it might not be as authentic as other games on the list, this is a great title for those just looking for more Western and Western adjacent media.

23. Wild Arms 3

• Release Date — March 14, 2002
• Platforms — PlayStation 2
• Publisher/Developer — Media.Vision, Sony Computer Entertainment / EU: Ubi Soft
• Genre — Role-playing
• Metacritic Score —78 (Generally Favorable)

Wild Arms 3 is a JRPG that takes place on the desert planet of Filgaia. This title is flooded with Western tropes and Wild West motifs. Its story starts with a train robbery, it doesn’t get more Western than that. The game was also received well, making it enjoyable just as an overall game experience instead of just being a good Western.

22. Fast Draw Showdown

• Release Date — 1994
• Platforms — Arcade, Wii (WiiWare), PlayStation 3 (PlayStation Network)
• Publisher/Developer — American Laser Games, Digital Leisure (Wii & PS3)
• Genre — Shooter
• Metacritic Score —N/A

Fast Draw Showdown is one of the most popular arcade games of the 1990s. Its gameplay is similar to that of Wild Gunman. The player must take part in gunfights by attempting to out-speed the draw of the enemies. This game requires you to practice proper timing as you are penalized for drawing the gun too soon. It is one of the most immersive Westerns on this list.

21. Laika: Aged Through Blood

• Release Date — October 19, 2023
• Platforms — Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S
• Publisher/Developer — Brainwash Gang / Headup Games
• Genre — Metroidvania, action-adventure
• Metacritic Score —83 (Generally Favorable)

This game takes place in a post-apocalyptic world and has an anthropomorphic animal cast. Laika‘s take on Western tropes is a bit different and out there, but Wild West motifs are present. On top of that, the game has a very interesting narrative and approach to immortality.

20. Weird West

• Release Date — March 31, 2022
• Platforms — Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S
• Publisher/Developer — WolfEye Studios / Devolver Digital
• Genre — Action role-playing
• Metacritic Score —76 (Generally Favorable)

Weird West is just that, weird. It’s a Western action role-playing game that inspiration for the Weird West genre of media. It follows heroes in the American frontier who encounter supernatural elements. If that piques your interest then give this odd title a try.

19. The Town with No Name

• Release Date — 1992
• Platforms — Commodore CDTV, MS-DOS
• Publisher/Developer — Delta 4, On-Line Entertainment
• Genre — Action-adventure, point-and-click
• Metacritic Score —N/A

Town With No Name was heavily inspired by John Wayne films from the golden age of Western films. It follows “the Man with No Name” arriving at the station outside the “Town with No Name”. The game is a point-and-click adventure game typical for the 1990s and has both that 90s PC game charm and the old-school Western vibe.

18. Samurai Western

• Release Date — January 1, 2005
• Platforms — PlayStation 2
• Publisher/Developer — Acquire, JP: Spike, NA: Atlus, EU: 505 Games
• Genre — Action-role-playing
• Metacritic Score —58 (Mixed or Average)

Now, this game is not as polished as other entries on this list but it has everything a good Western needs. The developers unfortunately just did not capitalize on its potential. Taking place in 1800s America, the player follows Gojiro Kiryu, a samurai on a revenge plot to kill his brother.

17. Blood West

• Release Date — February 10, 2022
• Platforms — GeForce Now, Microsoft Windows, Linux
• Publisher/Developer — Hyperstrange, Hyperstrange S.A.
• Genre — Shooter, Role-playing, Adventure, Fighting game
• Metacritic Score —80 (Generally Favorable)

Blood West is another Weird West title. The player is an undead gunslinger trying to purge their curse. This title is a strange cross-over of a Western and an eldritch horror game and is perfect if you’re looking for more horror in your Western experiences.

16. Desperados: Wanted Dead or Alive

• Release Date — April 18, 2001
• Platforms — Windows, OS X, Linux
• Publisher/Developer — Spellbound Entertainment / Infogrames
• Genre — Real-time tactics
• Metacritic Score —78 (Generally Favorable)

Desperados: Wanted Dead or Alive is a tactics game where the player controls six characters in an Old West setting. This game is the first in a series of games, making it perfect if you’re looking for a bunch of games to play in this style. Its gameplay is a bit on the niche side, but nothing beats trying to take down an Old West outlaw.

15. Mad Dog McCree

• Release Date — December 1990
• Platforms — Arcade, 3DO Interactive Multiplayer, DVD, iOS, Microsoft Windows, Nintendo 3DS, Philips CD-i, PlayStation Network, Sega CD, Wii
• Publisher/Developer — American Laser Games, CapDisc (CD-i), Digital Leisure (iOS/Windows/Wii), Engine Software (3DS)
• Genre — Interactive movie, light gun shooter
• Metacritic Score —N/A

Mad Dog McCree is perfect for those who want a more casual experience. The game uses a live-action video style, truly achieving that Hollywood Western film feel. While the game’s quality isn’t very good according to its review scores, it’s cheeky. Sometimes a lower-quality experience can be just as fun as a high-quality one, in the right context, of course.

14. Rosewater

• Release Date — Unreleased (2024)
• Platforms — Windows
• Publisher/Developer — Grundislav Games, Application Systems Heidelberg
• Genre — Adventure, Western, Point & Click
• Metacritic Score —N/A

Rosewater is an upcoming indie release that calls back to games like Town with No Name and other Western adventure games from the 1990s. Games like Rosewater want players to get lost in its setting and for those looking for immersive Westerns, it won’t get much better than Rosewater.

13. Hunt: Showdown

• Release Date — August 27, 2019
• Platforms — Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S
• Publisher/Developer — Crytek, Koch Media
• Genre — First-person shooter
• Metacritic Score —81 (Generally Favorable)

Want a Weird West title to enjoy with friends? Look no further than Hunt: Showdown. This title grants its players the role of bounty hunter. You must kill mythical monsters and claim their bounties while avoiding other bounty hunters. This game is really only a Western in aesthetic but it isn’t every day you get to be a cowboy with your buds.

12. Rango

• Release Date — February 25, 2011
• Platforms — Nintendo DS, PlayStation 3, Wii, Xbox 360
• Publisher/Developer — Crytek, Koch Media
• Genre — Action-adventure, platform
• Metacritic Score —68 (Mixed or Average)

It’s not often you play a movie tie-in game that’s good. Rango is a Western even your kid can play which earns it a spot on this list filled with adult-rated content. While it’s obviously meant for children, adults can also find enjoyment in this charming title.

11. Darkwatch

• Release Date — August 16, 2005
• Platforms — PlayStation 2, Xbox
• Publisher/Developer — High Moon Studios, NA: Capcom, EU: Ubisoft
• Genre — First-person shooter
• Metacritic Score —75 (Generally Favorable)

Darkwatch is another Western on the list that mixes in aspects of horror. This title is one many gamers are nostalgic for and many beg Capcom for a sequel. Today its setting is a bit more common but at the time mixing Horror, Steampunk, and Western aspects was groundbreaking. The game is worth your time for that alone.

10. Total Overdose: A Gunslinger’s Tale in Mexico

• Release Date — September 16, 2005
• Platforms — PlayStation 2, Xbox, Windows
• Publisher/Developer — Deadline Games, SCi Games
• Genre — Third-person shooter
• Metacritic Score —71 (Mixed or Average)

Total Overdose is nowhere near the greatest open-world Western on this list but it’s a fun time. A lot of gamers are nostalgic for that 2005 camp-filled video game era and this game is definitely that. Total Overdose is a product of 2005 and if you want a jarring blast from the past with a Western flair, this game is for you.

9. Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath

• Release Date — January 25, 2005
• Platforms — Xbox, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, OnLive, PlayStation Vita, iOS, Android, Ouya, macOS, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One
• Publisher/Developer — Oddworld Inhabitants, Just Add Water (PC/PlayStation 3), Square One (iOS/Android/BlackBerry), Ouya
• Genre — First-person, third-person shooter, action-adventure
• Metacritic Score —88 (Generally Favorable)

The Oddworld series is full of some of the more unique experiences in gaming. Who would’ve thought that there was a good Western experience in there as well? The developers of this title have a quirky approach to the Wild West and to shooters as a whole. The game is truly something special, give it a shot if you’re looking for something completely different.

8. Red Steel 2

• Release Date — March 23, 2010
• Platforms — Wii
• Publisher/Developer — Ubisoft Paris
• Genre — First-person shooter, hack and slash
• Metacritic Score —80 (Generally Favorable)

Red Steel 2 brings the list back to the combination of samurai and Wild West tropes. The game was compared to Samurai Western on release even though it reviewed much better. If you have access to a Wii and the Wii Motion Plus Accessory you probably know about this game already but thankfully it can be enjoyed by those without through emulation. Red Steel 2 should be experienced by all fans of the genre.

7. Call of Juarez: Gunslinger

• Release Date — May 22, 2013
• Platforms — PlayStation 3, Windows, Xbox 360, Nintendo Switch
• Publisher/Developer — Techland, Ubisoft
• Genre — First-person shooter
• Metacritic Score —76 (Generally Favorable)

When you think of Western video games then this franchise will probably cross your mind. The Call of Juarez franchise is praised for its authenticity for those looking for it. This title specifically has appearances from many Wild West legends. If you’re a nerd for history and the Wild West, this might be the best game on the list.

6. Evil West

• Release Date — November 22, 2022
• Platforms — PlayStation 3, Windows, Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S
• Publisher/Developer — Flying Wild Hog, Focus Entertainment
• Genre — Third-person shooter
• Metacritic Score —75 (Generally Favorable)

Evil West is a third-person shooter where you play as a vampire hunter. Technically this game fits into the Weird West genre but follows some Wild West cliches as well. The game received mixed reviews from critics which pretty much means that you will either love or hate it. Those who are just looking for more Western games to play will most likely enjoy it.

5. Gun

• Release Date — November 8, 2005
• Platforms — Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, Xbox 360, PlayStation Portable
• Publisher/Developer — Neversoft, Beenox (PC), Rebellion Developments (PSP)
• Genre — Action-adventure
• Metacritic Score —79 (Generally Favorable)

Gun is another modern Western classic in the gaming space. This game allows for players to travel between towns, fight bandits, hunt, and can even cause mayhem within communities. The game won many awards when it was released and still holds up even today. If you haven’t played this game you are missing out.

4. Red Dead Redemption

• Release Date — May 18, 2010
• Platforms — PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4
• Publisher/Developer — Rockstar San Diego, Rockstar Games
• Genre — Action-adventure
• Metacritic Score —95 (Universal Acclaim)

Red Dead Redemption is THE WESTERN game. Only one Western even comes close to the feel and authenticity found in this title. If you’re looking for more Westerns to play then I would guarantee that you’ve already played this one. If you haven’t played Red Dead Redemption and you’re a fan of Western media, you’re in for one of the best games the industry has to offer.

3. The Oregon Trail

• Release Date — December 3, 1971
• Platforms — Minicomputer (HP 2100), Mainframe (CDC Cyber 70/73-26), Apple II, Atari 8-bit, Commodore 64
• Publisher/Developer — Don Rawitsch, Bill Heinemann, and Paul Dillenberger
• Genre — Strategy
• Metacritic Score —N/A

A different take on a Western is the gaming classic, The Oregon Trail. At this point, who hasn’t played The Oregon Trail. It might not be as interesting as other entries on the list but for those looking for a more strategic Western, The Oregon Trail will scratch that itch. The original is a bit hard to find nowadays but there are many rereleases available for those interested.

2. Fallout: New Vegas

• Release Date — October 19, 2010
• Platforms — Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
• Publisher/Developer — Obsidian Entertainment, Bethesda Softworks
• Genre — Action role-playing
• Metacritic Score —84 (Generally Favorable)

You should play Fallout: New Vegas just because it’s a great game. The Western elements are on the lighter side but they’re present enough to justify calling the game a Western. Fallout: New Vegas is one of the better games of the last few decades and if you’re a Fallout fan, it’s the best game in the franchise.

1. Red Dead Redemption II

• Release Date — October 26, 2018
• Platforms — Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Stadia
• Publisher/Developer — Rockstar Games
• Genre — Action-adventure
• Metacritic Score —97 (Universal Acclaim)

The best Western game of all time is Red Dead Redemption 2. No other game comes close when it comes to really putting the player into the shoes of a Wild West cowboy. You can engage in shootouts, robberies, and even hunting. It’s the perfect game for those wanting to live out their cowboy fantasies. If there was the perfect game to make you feel like a Westerner, it would be Red Dead Redemption 2.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©CheatCC/Jazz Stewart.