FPS Games With The Best Upgrade Systems

Key Takeaways

RPG-style upgrade systems have become popular in FPS games like
Fallout 4
and
Metro Exodus.
Unique upgrade systems in games like
Atomic Heart
and
Deathloop
offer character and weapon enhancements.
Far Cry 3
and
Wolfenstein 2
showcase upgrade systems that are effective yet simple in their implementation.

As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I must say that each one of these games has its unique charm and offers an upgrade system that caters to different playstyles. From the fast-paced action of Doom Eternal to the immersive world of Cyberpunk 2077, there’s something for everyone.

The growing interest in Role-Playing Games (RPGs) has led to an increase in other genres incorporating RPG-like progression mechanics, and this is particularly evident in first-person shooters (FPS). Nowadays, some of the best development in upgrade systems can be seen within well-known FPS series.

In contrast to traditional first-person shooter (FPS) games that may have limited weapon customization options, many modern FPS games now enable players to enhance not just their weapons but also their characters. This collection highlights some standout titles that let players upgrade their weapons and characters similar to role-playing games (RPGs), rather than merely swapping attachments as in games such as Escape from Tarkov or Call of Duty. This list will focus on authentic FPS games, excluding those that only adopt the FPS perspective.

8 Fallout 4

Character Perks And Extensive Weapon And Armor Upgrade Options

Unlike many games in this list that originate from first-person shooter (FPS) franchises and have gradually incorporated role-playing game (RPG) elements over time through their upgrade systems, the case is reversed for Fallout 4. The Fallout series initially began as a pure RPG, but since Fallout 3, it has moved closer to the FPS audience. To overcome Fallout 4’s toughest adversaries, players will need to enhance every facet of their character, not just their weapons.

In Fallout 4, enhancements come in two main categories. Initially, progressing through levels grants perk points to players. These points can be utilized to either directly boost one of the player’s SPECIAL attributes, such as Strength or Charisma, or to acquire/enhance Perks. Additionally, players can elevate their character using the game’s intricate crafting and modification systems. This allows weapons and armor to be upgraded with potent mods that may either increase stats or alter a weapon’s behavior altogether. Moreover, players have the ability to construct and develop settlements throughout the map. Robotic companions can also undergo significant upgrades by using the robot workbench from the Automatron expansion pack. Few first-person shooter games offer as many upgrade possibilities as Fallout 4.

7 Metro Exodus

Weapon, Armor, And Gear Upgrades Are Hidden Across The Game’s World

In their series, the Metro games have typically featured some form of upgrade system. However, Metro Exodus stands out with its particularly comprehensive upgrade mechanism. Fitting for one of the top post-apocalyptic horror games, the upgrade system in Metro Exodus primarily focuses on scavenging for equipment across different game zones. Artyom’s weapons, accessories, and armor can all be enhanced to boost his effectiveness against both human and mutant adversaries in the game.

In the realm of FPS games, most weapon enhancements are commonplace, offering improvements such as larger magazine capacities, better stocks, and enhanced sights. However, some are more unique and can significantly alter the weapons’ performance when implemented together. Conversely, armor upgrades primarily boost Artyom’s carrying capacity. The intriguing upgrades often fall under the gear category, granting Artyom capabilities like night vision, metal detection, and motion tracking, or new equipment such as an armored helmet and gas mask. Above all, the upgrade system aligns perfectly with the game’s scavenging theme.

6 Atomic Heart

Use Nora The Psychotic Fridge To Apply Upgrades

One of the most fascinating aspects of Atomic Heart lies in its unique approach to a typical upgrade system, imbuing it with an abundance of personality. The game’s upgrades can be broadly categorized into two main categories: Upgrades for protagonist P-3 and his Polymer Glove, as well as enhancements for his diverse collection of weapons. Among the most captivating upgrades are those for the Polymer Glove. A substance known as Neuropolymer serves as a means to upgrade not only P-3, offering benefits such as increased health, resistance to specific attacks, enhanced healing, and “second wind” capabilities, but also the Glove itself, greatly enhancing its Shok, Frostbite, Telekinesis, Shield, and Polymer Jet abilities.

The weapon enhancement system isn’t too shabby, either. By utilizing resources gathered from the environment and looted from enemies, all of P-3’s weapons can undergo significant enhancements. At first, these enhancements provide typical damage/accuracy boosts, but late-game upgrades grant weapons potent secondary attacks. The most intriguing aspect of this system is the method of application. As one of the standout atom punk games, Atomic Heart exhibits a whimsical sense of humor. To enhance their weapons and Glove, players interact with Nora, an AI-powered fridge that seems to be infatuated with P-3. It’s a recurring gag that never loses its charm.

5 Deathloop

The Perfect System For Deathloop’s Rogue-Lite Structure

In the game “Deathloop”, there’s an exceptional upgrade system that stands out, not just among first-person shooter games, but across various video games. As its title implies, “Deathloop” revolves around a time-loop mechanism; each time the player perishes, the loop resets. However, it’s important to note that while upgrades do get reset when the loop restarts, there’s a twist.

In this game, defeating specific characters called Visionaries grants the player access to Slabs, offering them remarkable supernatural talents such as teleportation and invisibility. Each Slab has its unique path for advancement, achieved by repeatedly eliminating these special foes. Weapons can be enhanced using Weapon Charms that function as add-ons, improving characteristics like recoil control and damage output. There are also Character Charms that provide the player with passive abilities. These enhancements can become quite endearing, making death a real letdown. However, on each playthrough or loop, the player can utilize a resource named Residuum to permanently unlock the game’s top weapons and upgrades. The more powerful the upgrade, the more Residium it requires to retain. This innovative upgrade system motivates players to frequently experiment with different character configurations and prevents them from becoming overpowered too swiftly.

4 Far Cry 3

An Oldie But A Goldie

The game Far Cry 3 is exceptionally well-regarded. It significantly advanced the open-world First-Person Shooter genre, and for many fans, it remains the top game in the Far Cry series. A large part of this acclaim can be attributed to its seamless upgrade systems, which continue to outshine Ubisoft’s subsequent attempts, even a decade after its release. In fact, it appears that with each new installment, the upgrade systems in Far Cry seem to deteriorate rather than improve. In Far Cry 3, upgrades were distributed across skill trees, crafting, and weapons. The protagonist, Jason Brody, could be upgraded by progressing along a skill tree that earned him skill points as he leveled up.

The skill structure was divided into three main paths: The Heron (specializing in long-range attacks and agility), The Shark (focusing on assault takedowns and healing), and The Spider (emphasizing stealth and survival). This setup could transform Jason into a formidable combatant. In an interesting detail, each path manifested as tattoos that spread across Jason’s arms as improvements were made. Meanwhile, the crafting system necessitated finding and skinning exotic creatures for materials. These skins were utilized to create items such as ammunition cases, weapon straps, and even a larger wallet. The larger wallet was essential because weapon enhancements were purchased with earned currency. Combined, these upgrade systems transformed Jason from a feeble character at the start of the game into a formidable adversary by the conclusion.

3 Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus

Weapon Upgrades Are Found, Player Perks Are Earned

Many contemporary games feature intricate upgrade systems that can be overly complex, but the elegance of Wolfenstein 2’s system lies in its simplicity. The main character, B.J., as well as his arsenal, can be upgraded, and enhancing Wolfenstein 2’s weapons couldn’t be more straightforward. Each level within the game contains Weapon Upgrade Kits, which players can collect. Once obtained, these kits allow for an upgrade to be applied to one of the player’s weapons, with each weapon having three possible upgrades. Typically, two of these upgrades boost stats like damage or rate of fire, while the third modification alters the weapon’s behavior. For instance, the pistol can receive a silencer attachment, and the assault rifle can be fitted with armor-piercing rounds.

In B.J.’s game, upgrades don’t follow the typical method. Instead, they are tied to a unique perk system divided into three categories: Stealth, Mayhem, and Tactical. Unlike most games where upgrades are earned through leveling up, these perks are unlocked based on how you play. For instance, executing stealth takedowns on enemy soldiers boosts your stealth movement speed. In contrast, killing enough enemies with grenades enhances B.J.’s carrying capacity. This system not only allows for exploring different playstyles but also rewards skillful gameplay. Lastly, the ultimate upgrades are Contraptions, special suits that grant B.J. new abilities. There are three contraptions in total, with one being free, and the other two obtained by completing Ubercommander missions.

2 Doom Eternal

A System Based Around Collectible Hunting

For a boomer shooter, Doom Eternal has a surprisingly complicated upgrade system. Pretty much every aspect of Doom Guy can be upgraded, but doing so takes a lot of patience and requires rummaging around each level for hidden collectibles. The simplest upgrades are for Doom Guy’s Praetor Suit. After finding a Praetor Token, the player can either upgrade one of Doom Guy’s resistances or his item magnetism. Neither is terribly exciting.

Sentinel Crystals are similar, and once found, can be used to increase health, armor, and ammo capacity. Runes, on the other hand, are unlocked by completing challenges and rewarding the player with passive abilities that can change gameplay significantly. The most complicated are the weapon upgrades. The first step is to find a weapon mod bot, which can be used to unlock one of each weapon’s two alternate firing modes (like a sticky bomb launcher for the Shotgun or heat blast for the Plasma Rifle). Each of these mods then has two potential stat upgrades, which are purchased with Weapon points the player earns in combat. Once both of these have been purchased, the player can complete a Mastery Task that gives the mod a powerful Mastery Skill. It’s a system that complements playing well and a completionist play style, and it’s this rewarding upgrade system that makes Doom Eternal one of the best Doom games.

1 Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberware, Skill Trees, And Weapon Mods Build The Ultimate V

In essence, Cyberpunk 2077 doesn’t just fall into the categories of Role-Playing Game (RPG) or First-Person Shooter (FPS). It seamlessly blends these genres, and this fusion is evident in its exceptional customization system. The game presents a variety of interconnected mechanisms that grant players an unparalleled freedom to tailor and enhance their character, V. Players can consult Ripperdocs to insert cybernetic implants, which range from boosting specific abilities and physical traits to bestowing new skills upon V. Each implant can then be further improved using the game’s crafting feature. Similarly, every weapon in the game can be enhanced through mods and attachments. Notably, iconic weapons, often tucked away in the game world or wielded by boss characters, can also be upgraded via crafting.

In Cyberpunk 2077, as your character V progresses, you accumulate Attribute and Perk points. Utilizing these points allows for enhancement of core stats and access to higher levels within the game’s skill trees. The skill trees offer unique abilities that can be activated by spending Perk points. It is essential to note that not every skill tree can be fully unlocked in a single playthrough, encouraging players to tailor their V according to their preferred playstyle.

2024-11-16 05:34