The Most Insane First-Person Shooter Games From the 2010s

The best first-person shooter titles were released in the 2010s and you cannot change my mind. Granted, we are barely 4 years into the new decade but the number of insane quality titles released during the last decade cannot be understated. Insane graphics, insane narratives, and insane mechanics. It truly felt like the 2010s were going to be a decade to remember. Today, most of these titles are very accessible for players who missed them on release for one reason or another. Here are some of the most insane FPS games of the 2010s.

10. Spec Ops: The Line

• Release Date — June 26, 2012
• Release Platform(s) —  PlayStation® 3, Windows, Xbox 360, MacOS, Linux
• Metacritic Score — 76 (Generally Favorable)

When reminiscing on one of the best decades for shooters, you cannot forget Spec Ops: The Line. This title was THE insane shooter of the 2010s when it was released. Spec Ops: The Line was developed by Yager Development and it’s the tenth title in the series. While 9 other games came before this one, this title is more of a reboot than a sequel. This game dives into the psychology of soldiers and how the stress of making morally gray, life-or-death situations constantly can cause one’s sanity to deteriorate. The game’s gameplay lacked polish and was a bit repetitive but the game had heart and had something to say.

9. Metro: Last Light

• Release Date — May 14, 2013
• Release Platform(s) — PlayStation® 3, Windows, Xbox 360, MacOS, Linux, PlayStation® 4, Nintendo Switch
• Metacritic Score — 82 (Generally Favorable)

Another phenomenal title, Metro: Last Light was developed by 4A Games and released early in the 2010s decade. The game is a post-apocalyptic shooter that pulls from the stealth and survival horror genres. Players will alternate between fighting humans and horrific mutant creatures. This title’s beautiful blend of narrative, action, and horror deserves to be studied especially with the Silent Hill 2 Remake on the horizon. Fans of the series love this entry while criticizing the fact it played a tiny bit too safe when compared to other titles released at the time. All in all, newcomers will be enthralled by the insane twists and turns in this game.

8. Far Cry 3

• Release Date — November 29, 2012
• Release Platform(s) —  PlayStation® 3, Windows, Xbox 360, PlayStation® 4
• Metacritic Score — 88 (Generally Favorable)

Far Cry 3 is my favorite first-person shooter, bar none. People who are looking for a more character-driven experience need to stop what they’re doing and go play this title. Far Cry 3 is so good that Ubisoft Montreal has been trying to recapture the magic and pure insanity of this title for 10 years. Ironically, insanity and Albert Einstein’s insanity quote are important to the themes of this title. Players will find themself obsessed with the crazy world and characters in this game. Still to this day there just isn’t anything like it. Gamers who are looking for a stylish, phenomenally written, character-driven shooter look no further.

7. Titanfall 2

• Release Date — October 28, 2016
• Release Platform(s) — PlayStation® 4, Windows, Xbox One
• Metacritic Score — 89 (Generally Favorable)

Before Respawn Entertainment kicked off their very successful battle royale, Apex Legends, they released this amazing title. Many fans of mechs and mech shooters have been begging Respawn to make a Titanfall 3 because this game was just that good. The title is heavily praised for its single-player campaign design as well as its great multiplayer. Titanfall 2 shows other developers that you don’t have to choose between a good campaign and a good multiplayer experience. It is possible to do both.

6. Destiny

• Release Date — September 9, 2014
• Release Platform(s) — PlayStation® 3, Windows, Xbox One, PlayStation® 4, PlayStation® 5
• Metacritic Score — 76 (Generally Favorable)

I can remember where I was when Bungie announced their Halo follow-up. Destiny‘s launch was one of those “you had to be there” moments in gaming. The game had its fair share of problems but it is undeniable the impact of this title in the 2010s. Destiny‘s maps are incredible and while its gameplay loop may be flawed the game was still enjoyable and very addicting. Hate it or love it, many insane experiences are to be had in Destiny‘s world.

5. Borderlands 2

• Release Date — September 18, 2012
• Release Platform(s) — PlayStation® 3, Windows, Xbox One, PlayStation® 4, PlayStation® Vita
• Metacritic Score — 89 (Generally Favorable)

In what other game can you shoot at a Minecraft monster with an assault rifle? Borderlands 2 is the pinnacle of insane fun and storytelling in a first-person shooter. Gearbox has mastered the balance between fun, seriousness, comedy, and insanity with their Borderlands franchise and Borderlands 2 best displays their design philosophy. This title was released to universal acclaim upon release and critics loved its visuals, writing, gun variety, and online multiplayer. Today you can find this game for a few dollars and I heavily recommend it for a fun time alone or with friends.

4. Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare

• Release Date — October 25, 2019
• Release Platform(s) — Windows, Xbox One, PlayStation® 4
• Metacritic Score — 80 (Generally Favorable)

You cannot talk about first-person shooters without mentioning Call of Duty. This 2019 remake of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare was released to tons of controversy. The game was criticized for its inclusion of white phosphorus as a killstreak in its multiplayer. The game was also review-bombed on release for how the developers depicted the Russian military as a bunch of savages. As horrible as these criticisms are, where there is controversy there is insanity and those looking for crazy missions and gameplay to lose themself in can find it here. Controversy aside, this game was received well and players still enjoy it today.

3. Wolfenstein: The New Order

• Release Date — May 20, 2014
• Release Platform(s) — Windows, Xbox One, PlayStation® 4, PlayStation® 3, Xbox 360
• Metacritic Score — 79 (Generally Favorable)

The entire Wolfenstein franchise is some of the most insane games I have ever played. Wolfenstein: The New Order has some of the most intense combat of all time. Even though the combat is great and deserves all the praise it gets, the story and character are where this game shines. Alternate history narratives are incredibly intriguing and with all of the conspiracies surrounding the Nazis and WW II, Bethesda took inspiration and ran with it. Fans of history and conspiracies will adore this game.

2. Bioshock Infinite

• Release Date — March 26, 2013
• Release Platform(s) — Windows, MacOS, Linux, PlayStation® 3, Xbox 360
• Metacritic Score — 94 (Universal Acclaim)

One of, if not the best first-person shooter narratives of all time. Bioshock Infinite is seen as one of the best games of the seventh generation and can even stand alongside other heavy hitters such as Grand Theft Auto V and The Last of Us. The title has some of the most insane visuals and narrative twists I’ve ever seen in a game and it seems the consensus feels the same way. The game tells an ugly story, and even a bit xenophobic but all of its literary devices work in tandem to tell a gripping story that continues to be talked about as years pass.

1. DOOM

• Release Date — May 13, 2016
• Release Platform(s) — Windows, MacOS, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation® 4, Xbox One
• Metacritic Score — 79 (Generally Favorable)

Doom (2016) has everything a first-person shooter fan could ever want in a game. The gameplay is frantic and incredibly fast-paced. Players are expected to constantly be killing enemies to recover health and replenish ammo. The single-player experience translated well to a multiplayer experience. Multiplayer matches are just as hectic and just as brutal. Who needs things like a riveting story and well-written thought-provoking characters? Sometimes all a gamer needs is a strong silent protagonist and endless targets to brutalize. It simply doesn’t get more insane than that.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Screenshot from BioShock Infinite.