Best Linear FPS Games For Players Exhausted Of Open-Worlds

Lately, many gamers have been saying they’re getting tired of certain types of video games, and open-world games are a frequent source of complaint. It’s understandable – constantly exploring huge game worlds can be draining, especially since it often takes dozens of hours just to experience a small part of them. That’s simply too time-consuming, even for dedicated players.

Many gamers are now looking for games they can finish quickly without sacrificing fun or a good story. Luckily, there’s a wealth of excellent linear games, especially in the first-person shooter (FPS) genre, that offer a perfect escape for players who are tired of sprawling open-world titles. These games provide a satisfying experience that can easily be completed in a weekend.

DOOM Eternal

As Good As A Boomer Shooter Can Get

Fast-paced and short levels loaded with secrets.
Constant motion and action.

Many fans consider DOOM Eternal the best game in the DOOM series, and one of the best first-person shooters ever made. The game is fast-paced and action-packed from the very beginning, constantly pushing players to move forward and dodge relentless waves of demons.

The game’s strength lies in its clever level design. Each area offers multiple ways to progress, even though the overall experience is fairly straightforward. Players who take the time to explore will be rewarded with hidden passages and alternate routes, leading to extra resources and collectibles.

BioShock Infinite

All In Due Time

Guided exploration through linear sections.
Strong story focus throughout, despite the frequent shooting arenas.

BioShock Infinite is a thrilling and mind-bending story that explores themes of the past, present, and future. It’s a game full of unexpected twists and turns, and quickly throws players into intense action. You’ll have access to a wide range of weapons, from pistols to rocket launchers, plus unique abilities to help you overcome challenges.

While the shooting is enjoyable, the game truly excels in its world and story. You’ll explore a stunning city in the clouds and unravel a captivating plot full of surprises. It’s ideal for players who love immersive, story-driven experiences and prefer to stay focused on the main quest without getting bogged down in lots of extra side missions.

Metro 2033

Claustrophobic In The Best Way

Tight environments create constant tension.
Meaningful locations rather than bloat.

Unlike many games, Metro 2033 focuses on creating intensely claustrophobic and tense experiences instead of a vast, open world. Whether you’re exploring dark tunnels or racing across the surface, you always feel vulnerable – a feeling that would be lost in a more expansive game.

The game challenges players to carefully manage their supplies and stay aware of their environment, because a single mistake can be fatal. While the game follows a set path, this isn’t restrictive – it actually builds suspense by creating a sense of claustrophobia. Even during calm moments, danger could be lurking nearby.

Wolfenstein: The New Order

Always Moving To The Next Objective

Insistence on moving forward.
Fast tempo shifts during combat.

Wolfenstein: The New Order keeps you constantly moving. Its levels are designed to propel you forward, seamlessly combining stealth and action while staying focused on the story. This keeps fights exciting and challenging, building tension without overwhelming you.

The game’s straightforward structure actually enhances its surprisingly touching story. Instead of exploring a vast world, players experience events in a focused way, making sure each key moment has a strong impact and the stakes of the story remain clear.

Half-Life 2

Still An FPS Titan 20 Years Later

Seamless transitions between levels.
No need for backtracking.

Half-Life 2 is considered one of the greatest video games of all time. It was amazing when it first came out, and it still holds up as a top-tier first-person shooter. A key to its success is its well-designed story and gameplay, which allows players to explore at their own speed. You’re not forced to rush through levels; you can take your time, strategically defeat enemies, and experiment with different approaches instead of just running and shooting.

The game gradually introduces new ways to interact with enemies and the environment. These additions feel natural and blend seamlessly into the gameplay, never disrupting the story’s momentum.

ULTRAKILL

Aggression On Another Level

Compat, challenge-driven stages.
No downtime or filler, just constant action.

ULTRAKILL takes the fast-paced shooter genre to the extreme. Players are immediately thrown into intense action, requiring quick reflexes and accuracy to defeat enemies at any range and achieve top scores.

Each stage feels like a challenge where players need to learn the best way to complete it and achieve the top score. It’s chaotic and difficult, but ultimately delivers classic shooting action in short, easily digestible levels – perfect for playing one at a time or binging all together.

Neon White

Chaining Jumps Into Shots At High Speed

Almost puzzle-style level design that rewards finding shortcuts.
Focuses on precision over excess.

Neon White is a game perfectly suited for players who love speedrunning. Instead of simply defeating all enemies, you’ll need to carefully manage your limited ammunition and use each weapon skillfully – both for moving around and for combat – to complete levels as fast as possible.

This game emphasizes quick reflexes, and players will need to be fast to earn the top rewards in each level. The later stages are challenging, demanding both a strong understanding of the game and skillful execution – a rare and satisfying combination that sets it apart.

Resident Evil Village

Never Far From Danger

Easily learnable locations.
Strong emphasis on suspense and fear.

Resident Evil 8 shifts its focus towards more action-packed gameplay compared to the previous installment, though it still delivers plenty of frightening moments for fans of the series. Instead of zombies, players now face terrifying werewolves and vampires, each requiring quick thinking and new strategies to overcome.

Beyond the main areas, you’ll find a few scattered buildings, mostly just there to be raided for items. Generally, you’ll follow a single route, trying to sneak past enemies and only shooting when you have to.

Titanfall 2

Every Section Has A Purpose

Constantly introduces new mechanics.
A quick story campaign with zero padding.

Many consider Titanfall 2 to have one of the best single-player FPS campaigns ever created. The game consistently introduces new gameplay ideas with each mission, fully develops them, and then moves on to the next, which keeps the experience exciting and makes you feel like you’re always moving forward.

Players feel a great sense of freedom thanks to the game’s movement, even though the levels aren’t huge. The levels are packed with action and excitement, making the game enjoyable for both experienced FPS players and those new to the genre.

Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun

Old-School Visuals, Modern Polish

Straightforward design philosophy makes it easy to get into.
Combat-first approach ups the entertainment value.

Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun expertly brings the grim darkness of the 40k universe to the fast-paced, retro style of classic ‘boomer shooters.’ It intentionally swaps realistic graphics for a nostalgic, old-school look, successfully recreating the feel of those classic first-person shooters while still feeling modern and polished – avoiding the pitfalls of feeling outdated or awkward.

Boltgun doesn’t offer complex levels, side missions, or in-depth character progression. It’s all about continuous action and moving forward to fight waves of enemies. While it doesn’t reinvent the shooter genre, Boltgun expertly blends familiar and enjoyable elements into a consistently fun and engaging experience from beginning to end.

2026-01-28 14:36