The Best Third-Person Shooters For Fast-Paced Gameplay

by

Summary

  • Third-person shooters combine intense action with fast-paced traversal mechanics, including dashes and jumps, for a dynamic gameplay experience.
  • Popular live-service shooters like Helldivers 2, Fortnite, and Warframe are celebrated for their high-octane and ever-evolving gameplay.
  • Single-player shooters such as Control, Returnal, and Armored Core 6 elevate the genre with intense, engaging combat and innovative mechanics.

As a lifelong gaming enthusiast who has spent countless hours honing my skills across various titles, I can confidently say that the top three third-person shooters of 2024 have left me absolutely spellbound! Having grown up with classics like Halo and Gears of War, I’ve developed a keen eye for fast-paced action, immersive storytelling, and engaging cooperative experiences.

Firstly, “Returnal” caught my attention with its gripping narrative and innovative roguelike mechanics that kept me hooked for hours on end. The seamless integration of third-person shooting and exploration was a masterstroke, allowing me to truly feel like an astronaut lost in deep space.

Next up, “Helldivers 2” took the cooperative action genre by storm, offering memorable moments, stunning visuals, and a steady stream of content updates that kept me coming back for more. I’ve always been a fan of games with a strong sense of community, so the live service aspect really resonated with me.

Finally, “Fortnite” continues to reign supreme as the unshaken king of live-service shooters. Its ever-evolving content and high-profile collaborations have kept it fresh and exciting, even after all these years. As someone who’s been playing since its Battle Royale days, I’ve seen the game grow from a simple concept into an entertainment powerhouse that’s as thrilling to watch as it is to play.

And let’s not forget the hilarious moments – like the time I got eliminated by a giant chicken or when a friend and I accidentally built our way into oblivion during a competitive match. Those memories are just as valuable as the victories themselves!

Third-person action games continue to be among the most enjoyed genres, offering an exhilarating blend of intense shooting scenarios and quick maneuvers such as swift dashes or leaps. This fusion results in a heart-pounding amalgamation of adrenaline-fueled action and memorable gameplay instances. Modern third-person shooters often include captivating multiplayer options or are specifically tailored for cooperative PvE or PvP gaming. Yet, enthusiasts of solo, high-speed adventures can still find numerous top-tier titles to savor.

Over the last year, a number of third-person shooter games with thrilling gameplay have been released, ranging from moderate to great success. Among them are “Helldivers 2”, “Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League”, “The First Descendant”, and “Marvel Rivals” (even though the latter isn’t strictly a shooter). To assist enthusiasts of this genre in finding exceptional games, let’s highlight some of the most distinguished third-person shooters from recent times, known for their intense action, speed, and engaging gameplay.

7. Outriders

An Underappreciated High-Octane Looter Shooter With Explosive Gameplay

Outriders can be described as an underrated gem in the looter-shooter genre, providing exceptional gameplay dynamics and rapid action. Although its setting tends towards typical sci-fi themes, the story may not stand out significantly, but the gameplay more than makes up for it by offering a thrilling shooter experience combined with supernatural powers. The game’s weapon collection is equally impressive, showcasing an extensive array of weapons, each equipped with unique and potent combat enhancements. As players become proficient with the game mechanics, they can create devastating loadouts that transform every encounter into a chaotic orchestra of destruction – filled with blood splatters, exploding heads, elemental effects, and breathtaking abilities.

The unique feature that sets Outriders apart is its adaptability. Gamers can choose to play the entire game independently or join forces with companions in co-op mode for an even more exhilarating adventure. Interestingly, this game wasn’t designed as a live-service project, meaning players have immediate access to a rich variety of content from the get-go. This extensive collection is bolstered by the substantial Worldslayer expansion, making Outriders an essential choice for enthusiasts who enjoy fast-paced, action-packed gameplay.

6. Warframe

A Decade-Long Evolution That Shows No Signs Of Slowing Down

As a dedicated gamer, it’s rare not to encounter someone who hasn’t at least heard whispers about Warframe, an iconic figure in the realm of third-person action shooters that’s been gracing our screens for over a decade. Despite some elements of the game showing their age, the unceasing flow of substantial updates – like the latest 1999 expansion – keeps Warframe feeling new and vital, hinting at a long and enduring presence in our gaming landscape.

In a nutshell, Warframe combines rapid-fire shooting mechanics, smooth hand-to-hand combat, and exclusive powers, making it one of the quickest third-person games in circulation today. With an abundance of content, it offers endless entertainment for players. Since it’s free-to-play, entry into this game is as straightforward as can be, allowing players to judge if the game appeals to them. However, much like other long-running live-service titles, Warframe might seem daunting for newbies due to its extensive, intricate systems. But fear not! There are numerous tutorials available online and a supportive community ready to assist newcomers on their journey.

5. Control

The Pinnacle Of Remedy’s Signature High-Octane Action Gameplay

Since the release of Max Payne, Remedy Entertainment has become well-known for creating outstanding third-person single-player shooter games, a reputation reinforced by Quantum Break with its groundbreaking time-manipulation combat mechanics. In Control, they surpassed themselves by offering an engaging action gameplay that seamlessly combines swift movement, supernatural powers like telekinesis, and enjoyable gunplay into a one-of-a-kind gaming experience.

Offering exceptional, fast-paced gameplay filled with destructive physics, the game “Control” is highly recommended for enthusiasts of third-person shooting games. Apart from its thrilling battles, the game’s captivating and enigmatic universe, integral to the Remedy Connected Universe, presents a thought-provoking storyline drenched in supernatural suspense. Therefore, “Control” is still an engaging experience for players who usually avoid intense gunfights.

4. Returnal

The Fastest And Most Dynamic PlayStation Game Of The Generation

Returnal stands out as the most captivating shooter game on PlayStation this generation, offering an exhilarating mix of gratifying weaponry, exhilarating movement, and immersive enemy interactions. The unique time-loop mechanics from the roguelike genre add another layer to its appeal. Even those who usually avoid games where progress can be lost upon death might find themselves drawn in by Returnal‘s intense, pulse-pounding battles.

Initially, the game “Returnal” delivers intense action encounters, however, these moments seem tame when compared to its later phases. As players get accustomed to the jetpack movement system and customize their preferred loadouts, the difficulty spikes significantly with hordes of aggressive, swift-moving enemies attacking. At certain points, “Returnal” becomes a true bullet hell game, requiring precise maneuvers through a barrage of projectiles and strategic strikes to endure another grueling minute.

3. Armored Core 6: Fires Of Rubicon

Raising Third-Person Shooter Intensity To A Whole New Level

Stepping beyond the soulslike game structure they’ve been known for for over ten years, FromSoftware created one of the fastest, most intense third-person shooters to date. Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon is a remarkable action game that embodies the ideology “gameplay is paramount,” offering thrilling, multi-directional fights in expansive open arenas filled with enemy mechs and towering, formidable bosses.

One standout characteristic of Armored Core 6 is its extraordinary mobility in both ground and air combat, outmatching even the fastest shooter games and earning it comparisons to Vanquish. Furthermore, its extensive customization features allow players to fine-tune their mechs according to their preferred battle styles, creating a rich strategic depth amidst the fast-paced action. Even if mecha games aren’t usually your cup of tea, Armored Core 6 is a game worth trying for its seamless action and pure gaming satisfaction.

2. Helldivers 2

2024’s Star Of The Co-Operative Shooter Genre Still Has Loads Of Potential

As a devoted cinephile of gaming, I never expected that “Helldivers 2” would skyrocket to fame, but it certainly has, becoming one of the most buzzed-about action games in 2024. And rightfully so! With its polished shooting mechanics and breathtaking visuals, this game consistently serves up thrilling, impactful, and cinematic experiences that resonate profoundly with each individual player. Moreover, “Helldivers 2” is a rare gem – an instance of a successful live-service launch offering engaging post-launch content, although not every decision made by Arrowhead and Sony entirely aligns with the expectations of its dedicated fanbase.

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that Helldivers 2 has truly filled a void in the cooperative action genre. The thrill of blasting hordes of nasty bugs and robots is something that never gets old for me, especially when it’s done with friends. With its constant updates introducing new content such as features, enemies, weapons, and even vehicles, I can see myself playing this game well into 2025 and beyond. It’s one of the best third-person shooters I’ve played in recent memory and is definitely a strong contender for Game of the Year. As someone who has played countless games over the years, I can say without a doubt that Helldivers 2 is a must-play for any action gaming enthusiast.

1. Fortnite

The Unshaken King Of Fast-Paced Live-Service Shooters

Besides Warframe, Fortnite is widely recognized – not just among action-shooter enthusiasts, but across the global gaming community. Moving beyond its initial Battle Royale game format, Fortnite has transformed into a dynamic entertainment hub, recognized for its high-profile partnerships with influential gaming and film franchises, in addition to epic live events headlined by internationally famous celebrities. Currently leading the pack of live-service games, Fortnite offers diverse game modes that can be played from third-person or first-person perspectives, consistently pushing boundaries and captivating players worldwide.

Fundamentally, Fortnite continues to be a refined, swift-moving third-person shooter with significant esports allure, delivering a game that’s equally exciting to participate in as it is to spectate. The competitive environment remains dynamic, boasting top players such as Peterbot, Pollo, Swizzy, Merstach, and others, who demonstrate the pinnacle of skill and creativity achievable in Fortnite during 2024.

Read More

2024-12-30 09:34