8 Best FPS Games That Started As PC Exclusives

Key Takeaways

Wolfenstein 3D, a classic, introduced 3D graphics and a great franchise.
Unreal Tournament is a cornerstone for Epic Games, full of fast-paced action.
DOOM set the stage for FPS titles and is a timeless classic with various iterations.

As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the vibrant world of video games, I must say that these three FPS classics are not only etched into the annals of gaming history but also hold a special place in my heart. Each one of them offers a unique experience, and they all have contributed significantly to shaping the genre we know today.

FPS games are among the most popular in the gaming universe and with good reason. While other genres are great at delivering enjoyable experiences, few can match the adrenaline-rushing action that FPS titles offer, setting them apart in more than one way. Frequently, FPS games are released for many platforms to cover an audience as wide as possible, but this isn’t always the case, at least not at first.

In certain situations, First-Person Shooter (FPS) video games initially debut on personal computers before appearing on other gaming systems. At times, they don’t even expand to other platforms at all, keeping them unique to the world of PC gaming. Regardless of the circumstances, there is no denying that numerous enduring classics exist. Here are some top-notch FPS games that were exclusive to the PC platform when they first came out.

8 Wolfenstein 3D

A Great Title That Inspired Many Future Sequels

Rudimentary 3D graphics
Part of a great franchise that spans decades

Back in the day, I found myself captivated by the groundbreaking 3D world of Wolfenstein 3D. Although today’s graphics have come a long way, it managed to deliver an unforgettable gaming experience, even in 1992. The game was divided into numerous levels filled with intricate rooms and challenges like pillars and relentless Nazi foes. It was a thrilling ride that not only kept me on the edge of my seat but also played a significant role in carrying the First-Person Shooter (FPS) genre well into the mid-90s.

The classic video game, “Wolfenstein 3D,” is a significant installment in a long-running series that revolves around the theme of pursuing Nazis. The more recent “Wolfenstein” titles from the last decade have also been thrilling and engaging, delving into the narrative of protagonist B.J. Blazkowicz.

7 Unreal Tournament

Epic Games’ Classic FPS Competitive Shooter

One of the most important titles in Epic Games’ history
Fast-paced action with tons of items to make combat more exciting

Unreal Tournament significantly contributed to Epic Games’ growth into a gaming giant, thanks to its intense arena-style deathmatches and thrilling first-person shooter gameplay. While it didn’t introduce anything revolutionary, it was incredibly enjoyable for players. In the campaign mode, gamers battled against AI opponents, aiming to climb the tournament ranks and eventually challenge the champion, Xan Kriegor.

This title showcased gear such as health boosters, protective vests, and power-ups that intensified and complicated the gaming adventure.

6 S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow Of Chernobyl

A Thrilling Experience In An Eerie Setting

The game takes inspiration from real-life Chernobyl
Players can find various items by exploring

In the haunting expanse dubbed the Zone, I found myself immersed in the gripping world of S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl. The game draws its eerie authenticity from the actual Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, making every step feel like a walk through real-life horror. As I delved deeper into the Zone, I stumbled upon an array of items that allowed me to tailor my gaming experience to suit my playstyle.

Within the game, players have the opportunity to discover human settlements, fortified outposts, and other captivating locations worth investigating from every angle. To summarize, this first-person shooter survival game promises an exhilarating journey for those who appreciate bleak, unforgiving landscapes.

5 DOOM (1993)

The One That Kicked Off The Franchise

One of the most important FPS titles in history
Ported in 1994 to other consoles

DOOM, undoubtedly, holds a significant place in the annals of first-person shooter (FPS) games. It played a pivotal role in boosting its developer’s reputation to legendary status and paving the way for future FPS titles. Despite being overshadowed by modern mechanics and graphics, or even the numerous DOOM remakes that have emerged in recent years, it continues to be hailed as an enduring classic.

Back in the day, I got my hands on DOOM when it initially dropped for PC. Later on, it found its way onto other consoles of the time, like the Atari Jaguar and SNES. That expanded its reach and gave countless more gamers a chance to join forces and fight off those pesky demons.

4 Escape From Tarkov

An Exciting Title Revolving Around Combat, Survival, And International Conflict

Two opposing factions find themselves in conflict with one another
The game is a PC exclusive

In the period spanning 2015 to 2026, the narrative unfolds in the imaginary metropolis of Tarkov. The game, titled “Escape From Tarkov“, immerses players into a series of high-stakes survival scenarios demanding strategic thinking, cautious decision-making, and swift reactions. The players are given the option to align themselves with two distinct factions: United Security (USEC), or BEAR, a government-backed organization established to scrutinize USEC’s illicit activities.

Unlike many of the games listed here, Escape From Tarkov is exclusive to PC and isn’t offered on other gaming platforms. It’s uncertain if this will ever change, but it seems quite improbable for now.

3 Battlefield 1942

A Strong Member Of The Battlefield Franchise

Players can choose between five different categories
An Xbox version was in development at some point but was canceled soon after

Instead of other Battlefield titles that emphasize a detailed narrative, Battlefield 1942 primarily concentrates on multiplayer action and the struggle for survival amidst constant gunfire. Throughout the game, numerous battles unfold across multiple maps, providing a variety of playgrounds. Players can assume one of five roles: Anti-Tank, Scout, Medic, Engineer, or Assault. Each role is distinct, offering unique strengths and weaknesses.

Although it may not surpass all other Battlefield games, Battlefield 1942 is a thrilling play and provides an engaging FPS adventure for both franchise veterans and newcomers. Initially launched in 2002 exclusively for Windows systems, the game eventually made its way to Mac OS X, bypassing console versions altogether.

2 Far Cry

The First Installment Of The Massive FPS Universe That Would Come Later

Set in a mysterious South Pacific archipelago
Players can use a wide variety of weapons

The Far Cry series has experienced phenomenal growth throughout its history, emerging as one of the most sought-after first-person shooter (FPS) worlds within contemporary video games. This remarkable expansion wasn’t simply due to chance, but rather a product of numerous trials and errors, and a great deal of innovative tinkering with gameplay mechanics, storylines, and crucial aspects.

The game, Far Cry, is set in a mysterious archipelago somewhere in the South Pacific. This action-adventure game lets players utilize the lush tropical landscape to hide during stealth maneuvers and launch ambushes. It offers a wide range of weapons for players to make use of, helping them advance through the narrative and stay alive. Although some aspects of Far Cry may not be as polished as its successors, it still stands as a timeless classic, having been around for nearly two decades at the time this article was written. Originally released on PC in 2004, Far Cry was later brought to the PS3 and Xbox 360 platforms in 2014.

1 Half-Life

A 1998 Classic That Millions Still Talk About Today

One of the most influential FPS of all time
Dr. Gordon Freeman must escape a research facility when things go wrong

Half-Life” is likely to be one of the FPS games that will continue to be revered for many years following its debut. Currently, as this article is being written, “Half-Life” has just turned 26 and there are still numerous gamers discussing it enthusiastically and regularly playing it. The game narrates the story of Dr. Gordon Freeman, who must navigate his way out of a covert research facility immediately after a teleportation experiment malfunctions.

The game Half-Life achieved incredible popularity, leading to multiple sequels and offshoots which significantly expanded the fictional world it was based on to unprecedented heights.

2024-11-07 06:34