Trigger Happy: The Top 10 Console FPS Games You Can't Miss
- Senior Gen Z Reviewer
- Dec 30, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Jan 11
Over the past decade, console first-person shooters (FPS) have become more than just games—they’ve become immersive, unforgettable experiences. Whether through breathtaking graphics, innovative gameplay, or gripping narratives, these titles have pushed the boundaries of what shooters can be. From the frenetic combat of DOOM Eternal to the cooperative mayhem of Destiny 2, each game in this list has made its mark by offering something unique to players.
Platform: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S (Note: originally a console exclusive on PlayStation)
Price (Physical): ~$6.99–$10.99
Amazon Rating: 4.3/5
Developer: Activision
Since its launch in 2017, Destiny 2 has evolved into a juggernaut of multiplayer gaming, blending sci-fi narrative with RPG elements and online gameplay. While it initially had exclusive content on PlayStation consoles, the game is now cross-platform, but its PS4 and PS5 iterations still stand out for offering seamless integration with the PlayStation ecosystem.
Pros:
Expansive world-building with constant updates and seasonal content.
Excellent blend of FPS and RPG mechanics (loot, abilities, customization).
Engaging cooperative activities (Strikes, Raids) and PvP modes.
Cons:
Heavy reliance on grind, especially for high-level content.
Initially incomplete story at launch (fixed through expansions).
Requires online play, which can be frustrating for players with slower connections.
Platform: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Price: ~$26.95
Amazon Rating: 4.4/5
Developer: Bethesda Software
Following the success of DOOM (2016), DOOM Eternal refined its formula with even faster-paced combat, more elaborate level design, and a deeper lore. As a PlayStation and Xbox exclusive (for consoles), DOOM Eternal is one of the most exhilarating, gory shooters on the market. It remains an essential title for FPS enthusiasts.
Pros:
Intense, fast-paced combat with excellent level design.
Vibrant graphics and smooth, responsive controls.
Stellar soundtrack by Mick Gordon that complements the action.
Cons:
Combat can feel repetitive, especially on higher difficulties.
The platforming segments feel a bit out of place.
Story is minimal, with some parts feeling like filler.
Platform: PlayStation 5
Price: ~$47.90
Amazon Rating: 4.5/5
Developer: Housemarque
Returnal is a rogue-like, third-person shooter that combines challenging combat, atmospheric exploration, and a compelling narrative. As a PS5 exclusive, it takes full advantage of the new hardware, offering fast load times, stunning visuals, and immersive haptic feedback. Though not a traditional FPS, its first-person perspective during combat and relentless pacing make it an exhilarating experience for those who crave intensity.
Pros:
Stunning graphics and high-performance gameplay.
Unique time-loop mechanic that offers replayable challenges.
Excellent use of PS5 hardware, from the adaptive triggers to the 3D audio.
Cons:
Rogue-like elements may frustrate some players with difficulty spikes.
The story is fragmented, requiring attention to detail to understand fully.
Lack of an easy difficulty setting may be off-putting to some.
Platform: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Price: ~$33.47-40.72
Amazon Rating: 4.0/5
Developer: Respawn Entertainment
This battle royale set in the Titanfall universe made a huge impact on the genre by refining the formula with hero-based mechanics. Though Apex Legends is now available across multiple platforms, its console-specific optimizations (especially on PlayStation and Xbox) ensure that it remains a premier multiplayer FPS on these systems.
Pros:
Dynamic, character-driven combat with distinct abilities for each Legend.
Fast-paced, strategic gameplay with team-focused mechanics.
Regular updates with new Legends, maps, and limited-time events.
Cons:
Some of the microtransactions can feel intrusive.
Balancing issues occasionally arise with Legends and weapons.
Steep learning curve for new players, especially in competitive modes.
Platform: PlayStation 5
Price: ~$69.99
Amazon Rating: 4.8/5
Developer: Insomniac Games
While primarily an action-adventure platformer, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart delivers shooting mechanics with precision and flair that rival those of dedicated FPS titles. The game leverages the PS5’s SSD and DualSense features to create an immersive experience that feels both cinematic and interactive. It’s an absolute must-play for fans of high-energy combat and creativity.
Pros:
Mind-blowing visuals and fast-loading technology.
Highly creative weapons with fun, dynamic combat.
Seamless transitions between worlds, thanks to the PS5’s SSD.
Cons:
The shooting segments can sometimes feel too simple compared to other FPS games.
Story is aimed more at younger audiences, with a lighter tone.
Relatively short compared to other high-budget games.
Platform: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Price: ~$59.99–$69.99
Amazon Rating: 4.5/5 (over 2,500 reviews)
Developer: Infinity Ward
The 2022 release of Modern Warfare II brought a new level of realism to the Call of Duty franchise, with improved visuals, physics, and tactical mechanics. With a highly polished single-player campaign, along with revitalized multiplayer modes, this title reaffirmed CoD’s dominance in the FPS space. Although it’s available across platforms, the PS5 and Xbox Series X versions offer enhanced features and performance.
Pros:
Gorgeous graphics with dynamic lighting and realistic environments.
Engaging single-player campaign with high-stakes action and a gripping story.
Diverse multiplayer options with a focus on tactical gameplay.
Cons:
Over-saturated multiplayer modes, leading to a sense of repetition.
Can feel too similar to previous CoD titles, especially for long-time fans.
The battle pass system and microtransactions can detract from the core experience.
Platform: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Price: ~$31.42
Amazon Rating: 4.4/5
Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
Overwatch 2 takes the hero-based team shooter to new heights by introducing new maps, characters, and features while keeping the same core, fast-paced gameplay that made the original so successful. Although it’s technically a multi-platform release, its dedicated focus on console play and integration with services like PlayStation Plus makes it a standout on these systems.
Pros:
A constantly evolving roster of diverse heroes, each with unique abilities.
Fun and highly tactical team-based gameplay.
Frequent updates and events keep the community engaged.
Cons:
Balance issues between characters and meta shifts can be frustrating.
Frequent updates can break the balance or introduce bugs.
Microtransactions and cosmetics can be a turn-off for some players.
Platform: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
Price: ~$19.99
Amazon Rating: 4.4/5
Developer: Striking Distance Studios
From the creator of Dead Space, The Callisto Protocol blends survival horror with brutal combat. It stands out on consoles for its visceral, high-stakes action, making players fight not only to survive but also to understand the grim story behind their predicament. It’s not a traditional FPS, but its third-person combat feels intensely immersive, and its horror elements deliver a unique experience.
Pros:
Brutally intense combat and horror elements.
Amazing visuals that make the world feel alive and horrific.
Great atmospheric tension, perfect for fans of horror.
Cons:
Can be too difficult for casual players.
Combat mechanics can feel repetitive over time.
Story is somewhat predictable and underdeveloped.
Platform: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Price: ~$14.95–$19.99
Amazon Rating: 4.4/5 (over 2,000 reviews)
Developer: DICE
Battlefield 2042 aimed to bring the Battlefield series into the future with massive maps, chaotic battles, and an emphasis on teamplay. While it struggled at launch with bugs and balance issues, recent updates have improved the experience, especially on next-gen consoles. Its large-scale warfare, vehicular combat, and destructible environments offer a signature Battlefield experience.
Pros:
Massive battles with up to 128 players on new-generation consoles.
Rich environmental destruction and diverse tactical options.
Deep vehicle combat and specialized classes.
Cons:
Server and connection issues, especially early in the game’s lifecycle.
Multiplayer modes can feel unbalanced.
Lack of a strong narrative in the single-player experience.
Platform: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Price (Physical): ~$14.99–$24.99
Amazon Rating: 4.4/5
Developer: Ubisoft
As a series, Far Cry has always been synonymous with open-world chaos. Far Cry 6 continues the tradition, offering a beautiful, anarchic world filled with tactical combat and explosive action. As a console-exclusive experience for Xbox and PlayStation systems, this entry stands out for its story and the depth of customization it offers players.
Pros:
Vast open world with diverse environments.
Freedom of exploration and mission variety.
Well-designed characters and engaging narrative.
Cons:
Some gameplay elements feel repetitive.
AI behavior can be inconsistent.
The story sometimes gets lost in the chaos.
From the intense action of DOOM Eternal to the immersive environments of Returnal, the past decade has been a period of reinvention for the console FPS genre. Each game on this list represents a unique approach to what it means to be a shooter, from the gritty realism of Modern Warfare II to the innovative mechanics of Apex Legends. Whether you’re looking for tactical depth, creative combat, or just a good old-fashioned shootout, these titles remain essential to understanding where the FPS genre stands in 2024.
Comments