Best Third-Person Shooters of the 2010s, Ranked

Summary

Third-person shooters like Resident Evil 4 revolutionized single-player games in the 2010s.
Control and Rise of the Tomb Raider offer unique and immersive experiences.
Games like Metal Gear Solid 5 and The Last of Us set benchmarks for narrative-driven gaming.

During the 2010s, video games took center stage as the preferred mode of entertainment, outpacing both movies and music significantly. This was primarily driven by massive multiplayer online games setting the pace, causing rapid technological and narrative growth in the industry. Notably, one type of game held sway over single-player experiences across the entire decade.

Third-person shooter games frequently blend various styles such as horror, stealth, adventure, and role-playing. The over-the-shoulder perspective, initially used in 2005’s Resident Evil 4, revolutionized not only the Resident Evil series but shaped single-player games for a decade to follow. This popular game viewpoint draws players into the character’s narrative, placing them right in the middle of the action, all while providing a broad viewing angle. This type of game enables developers to create memorable characters and deliver heart-pounding action to players.

10. Control

A Surreal & Stylish Shooter

Echoing the imaginative concept behind the SCP Foundation and linked to the Alan Wake gaming realm, Control stands out as an entertaining and fashionable third-person shooter. In this game, players assume control of Jesse Faden on her quest to find her missing brother within Oldest House, a nondescript corporate skyscraper that serves as headquarters for the Federal Bureau of Control.

The game offers a flexible, Metroidvania-inspired gameplay structure, where players acquire various skills such as telekinesis and flight capabilities as they advance, enabling them to explore more of the Oldest House. Control is an impressively designed and eerie game with engaging third-person action sequences and standout moments. Although Control may not receive as much critical acclaim as other games on this list, its fast-moving action, visually stunning art design, and engrossing storyline make it a somewhat overlooked shooter that is definitely worth playing.

9. Hitman (2016)

A Return to Form for the Long Running Series

Since 2000, the Hitman series, initially launched with “Hitman: Codename 47”, has been a consistent presence in the stealth genre. This collection of games centers around Agent 47, a suave assassin known for his shorn head. Each game requires you to take out specific targets discreetly, ensuring they never suspect a thing.

Back in 2016, I found myself immersed in the revamped Hitman series, known as the World of Assassination trilogy. The first chapter, simply titled Hitman, felt like a homecoming for the series, offering an engaging narrative spread across multiple episodes, each set in a vast, open-ended playground. Once again, I found myself stepping into the shoes of Agent 47, unraveling a string of peculiar assassinations. If you’re a fan of stealth gaming, Hitman is an experience you don’t want to miss. Despite the game’s constant online requirement, its entertaining gameplay and endless replay value make it a standout in this long-running franchise.

8. Rise of the Tomb Raider

The Highlight of the Survivor Trilogy

Without a doubt, Tomb Raider stands as one of the most renowned video game franchises ever created. Its charismatic protagonist, Lara Croft, has left an indelible mark on the gaming world, with countless games and movies revolving around this cherished figure.

In 2013, the tenth installment in the Tomb Raider series, simply known as Tomb Raider, was released and revamped the franchise into a more realistic survival-adventure game. Its impressive sequel, Rise of the Tomb Raider, which followed in 2015, significantly enhanced the original in almost every aspect. This game stands out for its captivating adventure storytelling, featuring top-notch combat and stealth systems, thrilling action sequences, and a compelling narrative. The players journey through semi-open world environments as they fight against Trinity in their search for the mythical city of Kitezh. For enthusiasts of solo cinematic adventure games, Rise of the Tomb Raider is undoubtedly one of the top choices currently on the market.

7. Dead Space 2

A Brilliant & Tense Horror Sequel

In the initial installment of Dead Space, players were thrust into the universe of the series, meeting the main character, Isaac Clarke, an engineer, and experiencing the terrifying and grisly setting. The story unfolds on a spaceship mining vessel known as the Ishimura, where a puzzling artifact is present that transforms individuals into gruesome, monster-like creatures called necromorphs. The unique combination of sci-fi adventure and chilling, gory horror quickly captured the hearts of fans within the genre.

In the first person, I’d say: “After finding myself captured on Saturn’s moon, Titan, in the continuation of the chilling tale from the original Dead Space, another Marker is created from my memories. It doesn’t take long for a Necromorph outbreak to ravage the facility where I am held. Dead Space 2 is an outstanding sequel to this horror masterpiece, offering enhanced gameplay and maintaining the same eerie and unsettling atmosphere as its predecessor. Although later games in the series didn’t live up to the mark (until the exceptional remake of Dead Space in 2023), Dead Space 2 remains a timeless sci-fi horror adventure.

6. Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain

One of the Best Stealth Shooters of all Time

The ninth edition of the renowned Metal Gear series presents an engaging, thrilling stealth experience, transporting gamers to the vast deserts of Afghanistan and treacherous jungles of Africa, set in 1984. In this installment, players assume control over Venom Snake, who, despite sustaining grievous injuries, persists in thwarting the Cipher organization’s plans to create a lethal Metal Gear system.

The thrilling action gameplay of Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain is hard to resist, offering a rewarding experience for those who value patience and strategy. Taking out enemies strategically across an area to complete the mission is incredibly gratifying, and the grandiose, unforgettable scenes make quite an impression. Upon its release, it was widely praised by critics and often referred to as one of the greatest stealth games ever created.

5. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End

A Fitting End to a Brilliant Series

The Uncharted series stands out as one of the finest single-player game franchises during this contemporary period. It drew clear inspiration from Lara Croft’s treasure-hunting escapades, and its breathtaking cinematic approach eventually served as a catalyst for the Tomb Raider reboot in 2013.

Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End serves as an emotional farewell to the series, wrapping up Nathan Drake’s journey with poignant storytelling, pulse-racing action, and breathtaking scenarios. In this installment, Drake embarks on a quest for a hidden treasure alongside his supposedly deceased brother, Samuel. Uncharted 4 showcases the semi-open world exploration and engaging gameplay that Naughty Dog studios have mastered throughout their career, making it a top choice for enthusiasts of single-player action-adventure games.

4. Mass Effect 2

A Classic Sci-Fi Adventure

The remarkable second installment in the Mass Effect series stands out among top-tier third-person shooters from that period. Enhancing nearly every aspect of the initial game, Mass Effect 2 seamlessly blends pulse-racing action with engaging role-playing game (RPG) elements. In this game, players embark on an exhilarating voyage through the cosmos, following Shepard and his crew as they uncover the enigma behind the vanishing of human colonies, orchestrated by the elusive Collectors.

In this sequel, the plot and character arcs progress significantly, skillfully laying the foundation for an emotionally charged climax. The game’s unique mix of captivating storytelling, compelling characters, and irresistible action makes Mass Effect 2 a standout in the series that every sci-fi enthusiast should experience.

3. Grand Theft Auto 5

One of the Best Open-World Experiences Ever

Grand Theft Auto is one of the most well-known video game series ever created. Each new installment sets a standard for open-world development and engaging gameplay. The latest addition to the primary series was no exception, transporting players to the expansive region of San Andreas and the bustling city of Los Santos. In this game, players assume the personas of three main characters in a thrilling, interconnected narrative that revolves around a sequence of daring heists.

Just like all previous Grand Theft Auto games, the fifth version combines thrilling high-speed chases, intense gunfights, a superb soundtrack, and Rockstar’s signature clever humor. Players encounter an eclectic mix of unusual and unforgettable characters while exploring the lively game world. Even after numerous re-releases throughout its lengthy existence, Grand Theft Auto 5 continues to be one of the top open-world, third-person gaming experiences available today.

2. The Last of Us

A Benchmark in Narrative-Led Video Games

The Last of Us represented a revolutionary launch for video games that prioritize narrative. By seamlessly blending suspenseful horror, strategic stealth gameplay, and demanding action sequences, this timeless game demonstrates excellence across all aspects. The narrative unfolds around Joel, a hardened and potentially dangerous individual, who is entrusted with escorting a young girl named Ellie through post-apocalyptic America in an attempt to save the world.

Through heartfelt narration, this game guides players on an indelible excursion, pitting them against hordes of marauders and the constant threat of the contaminated. Often praised as one of the best video games ever created, The Last of Us has also been succeeded by a compelling sequel and a widely acclaimed TV series adaptation.

1. Red Dead Redemption 2

A Deeply Immersive & Emotional Gaming Classic

One of the most remarkable milestones in video game history, Red Dead Redemption 2, is an engrossing open-world journey brimming with intricate details, captivating characters, and thought-provoking stories. Serving as a prequel to Red Dead Redemption, you assume the persona of Arthur Morgan, a faithful member of the Van Der Linde outlaw gang, who carry out tasks and dodge the authorities in an expansive open environment.

Red Dead Redemption 2 boasts an incredibly realistic and breathtaking open-world western landscape. Its slower pace compared to most third-person shooters enhances the game’s immersion, making you feel like you’re truly part of the old West. The game offers a compelling narrative that unfolds over its extensive playtime, complete with various side missions and unexpected interactions. Overall, Red Dead Redemption 2 provides an unparalleled experience of the American frontier, leaving players deeply moved even after finishing the game.

2025-07-04 12:35