Best Free Third-Person Shooter Games For Single-Player

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Summary

  • Free-to-play games are mostly multiplayer, but solo-friendly options like Warframe and Star Trek Online exist.
  • Warframe offers a welcoming onboarding process and a large amount of content to explore.
  • The First Descendant and Lego Fortnite offer solo experiences in the free-to-play looter shooter and survival genres.

As a seasoned gamer who’s spent countless hours navigating virtual worlds and battling digital foes, I can confidently say that these five games are absolute gems for solo players like myself.

These days, it feels like free-to-play games are abundant across various platforms. In fact, many game genres have had to abandon pay-to-play models to avoid backlash. Unfortunately, a majority of these free options tend to focus on multiplayer experiences, particularly in the shooter genre.

Locating a standalone third-person shooter with a wealth of activities is difficult, yet there are some available. Generally speaking, they’re worth investing time in and offer ample action. Fortunately, these free-to-play games don’t force players to spend money to advance, as the following options demonstrate.

1. Warframe

A Shooter That Never Stops Growing

The debut of the PS4 was quite unique, given that it didn’t support backward compatibility which meant its game library had to start afresh. Moreover, often the games people bought the system for hadn’t been released yet, being several months away. Fortunately, some games were provided free on the console at launch, helping to keep players entertained until other titles became available.

Warframe initially thrived due to being part of an exclusive group. Initially, it had limited content, but its gameplay mechanism was intriguing. Over time, as developers continued to enrich the gameplay dynamics, Warframe’s popularity surged. Now, the game offers an overwhelming abundance of content to delve into, making it barely recognizable compared to its 2013 version.

The game, Warframe, is designed in a way that you can complete missions and quests with friends, yet it also accommodates playing alone quite effectively. It might seem intimidating to start a game released over a decade ago, but Warframe offers a friendly and inviting introduction for new players.

2. APB Reloaded

Crimes Are A Lot More Fun In Video Games

Among all the games available, it’s likely that APB Reloaded offers the least amount of single-player content. This free-to-play third-person shooter is set in an open world and revolves around a cops and robbers theme. In this game, the two main groups are referred to as Enforcers and Criminals, and your choice of faction decides your role within the game.

Criminals do what criminals do best to accumulate cash. Once they have enough they become a target for the Enforcers on the server. When it comes to content one can do solo, players can engage in certain criminal activity outside missions to get cash.

Eventually, their presence may attract the Enforcers, as they tend to show up in the game over time, regardless if you enter a server without other players or not. The severity of this issue largely depends on the specific Enforcers who decide to participate in the game.

In 2016, the game APB Reloaded was released for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. However, support for these versions came to an end in 2024.

3. Star Trek Online

Boldly Go Where No Man Has Gone Before

Star Trek seems like an ideal intellectual property for developing into a Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG). The entire series revolves around exploring uncharted realms, navigating through the cosmos, and engaging in interstellar diplomacy. Star Trek Online represents a fantasy come true for fans, offering them the chance to command their own vessel and undertake diverse missions.

Initially, when it was released in 2010, the game functioned under a subscription system. However, only two years later, it transitioned to a free-to-play format. This change appears to have been successful, as “Star Trek Online” remains active till this day. Additionally, numerous expansions featuring narratives that connect to different elements of “Star Trek” mythos have kept players engaged with the game.

Certain references might be challenging for fans who aren’t deeply immersed in Star Trek lore, specifically those with ties to the Enterprise TV series from the 2000s. The gameplay is divided into various modes, such as space battles and third-person shooting missions on foot. Notably, these third-person missions can be completed individually, making it an engaging solo experience.

4. The First Descendant

A Looter Shooter One Can Take On Alone

Many loot shooter games exist today, such as Borderlands and The Division, along with Outriders. Unfortunately, these titles require payment. But don’t worry, there’s now a solution for those seeking free-to-play content – The First Descendant has arrived to scratch that looter shooter itch!

Similar to the other examples, “The First Descendant” can be comfortably played on its own. While the classes function harmoniously in cooperative mission play, each class is self-sufficient enough for solo gamers as well.

As a devoted fan, I’d say that while The First Descendant does encourage cooperation at times, it’s not a significant part of the overall gaming experience. Much like many free-to-play games, there’s a certain amount of grinding involved. This makes it an ideal game to enjoy alongside podcasts, transforming those lengthy play sessions into engaging listening experiences.

5. Fortnite

Survive In The Lego Wilderness Or Rock Out In The Fortnite Festival

The Battle Royale version of the game known as “Fortnite” is hugely popular and shows no signs of slowing down. Given its continuous growth and integration of other intellectual properties, it’s challenging to imagine another free-to-play game unseating it from its throne. Today, “Fortnite” offers a variety of gaming experiences beyond the traditional Battle Royale, including “Fortnite Rocket Racing,” “Fortnite Festival,” and even a collaboration with “Lego Fortnite.

In Fortnite, the Battle Royale mode doesn’t allow for a single-player experience, but there are still plenty of activities within the game that don’t require attacking other players. However, both the Fortnite Festival and Lego Fortnite can be played individually. The Fortnite Festival, developed by Harmonix, essentially combines elements of Rock Band with Fortnite.

Instruments from previous rhythm games can also be employed by players. The unique blend of “Lego Fortnite” offers a survival game experience with the distinctive Lego visual style. Although it’s more enjoyable to survive with companions, “Lego Fortnite” can still be effectively played alone.

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2024-12-17 14:35