What are the best PS Plus FPS games? Which shooters can Premium subscribers play? Let’s take a look at this genre’s standout titles on Sony’s service.
Deathloop
Arkane has grown into one of the FPS genre’s leading studios, and the company’s projects seem to build upon each other’s ideas regardless of whether they are set within the same universe or not. Deathloop has a stellar concept: players are stuck in a time loop where they have to execute a certain amount of targets within a day. As deciphering the characters’ patterns and figuring out the ideal order to eliminate them are crucial, the campaign plays like a puzzle that needs to be pieced together.
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Blending guns with unique powers, Deathloop’s gunplay is quick, versatile, and rewarding. The game grants players access to various tools and mechanics, permitting them to decide how they would prefer to approach most situations. Added to Sony’s subscription service on September 20, 2022, Deathloop is among the best shooter games on PS Plus.
Far Cry 4
Ever since PS Plus and PS Now fused to create Sony’s new and improved subscription model, Ubisoft has been steadily adding projects to the service’s library. A subscriber could easily spend half a year just playing through Extra’s Assassin’s Creed games; conversely, people searching for first-person shooters have a few Ubisoft titles that cater to them.
If someone prefers their FPSs to come with a side of mayhem, then they can turn to Far Cry. PS Plus Extra has Far Cry 3: Classic Edition, Blood Dragon, Far Cry 4, Far Cry 5, New Dawn, and Far Cry Primal. The former two are among the most beloved releases in Ubisoft’s history. Far Cry 3 was huge in 2012, and its island setting and villain still rank among the series’ best. Blood Dragon is an ideal pick for anyone short on time as the spin-off can be completed within a few hours. It is also a fun throwback to ’80s action movies.
Far Cry 4 is not as influential as Far Cry 3, and the sequel does stick a bit too close to its decorated predecessor. That said, the 2014 game has better gameplay, along with the introduction of a few mechanics that add more variety to the experience. Viewed in isolation, Far Cry 4 is arguably superior to Far Cry 3. Regardless of which game someone picks, they will be playing one of the greatest shooters on PS Plus.
Back 4 Blood
Back 4 Blood has found it difficult to escape the shadow of its obvious inspiration, Valve’s Left 4 Dead. The first-person shooter pits teams of four against the Ridden, which are basically zombies in every way besides their name. Solo players can team up with the AI to play through the campaign, but Back 4 Blood shines brighter when all the characters are controlled by humans. Teamwork is a big part of the experience, and the game should be regarded as a multiplayer title with a single-player option.
Gunplay-wise, Back 4 Blood is perfectly enjoyable, and the stages are typically fun and packed to the brim with action. Turtle Rock Studios shake things up by introducing some customization options; for one, the playable characters are not just reskins, as each one comes with unique abilities. The game also has a card system that permits players to customize their character’s performance, bringing a touch of nuance to loadouts. The AI can even pick cards that alter a mission’s difficulty, adding some variety to repeat runs.
Killzone: Shadow Fall
The PS2 and PS3 Killzone trilogy is not on PS Plus. Considering they were part of PS Now, this change is disappointing; hopefully, these games are added to the service sooner or later. At the moment, Shadow Fall is the only Killzone available to Premium and Extra subscribers, and this FPS is the definition of a mixed bag.
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Shadow Fall feels like a PS4 tech demo as its visuals are by far its greatest feature. Even close to a decade after its debut, the game still looks impressive. The gunplay is also solid and weighty, and the weapon selection is decent. Unfortunately, the campaign drags quite a bit in places, although it’s not without its moments
Doom (2016)
Those looking for some high-octane, demon-slaying fun should absolutely boot up the 2016 version of Doom. While most Doom titles offer up a lot of “mindless” fun, there is something truly special about the recent release. Beautiful visuals and an incredibly enthralling soundtrack mix together with some of the best gameplay the series has seen to date.
It’s all wrapped up and presented via an engaging storyline that will see the Doomslayer thrashing his way through demons in a variety of gothic-inspired and Sci-Fi-based locations. Anyone with the urge to rip and tear should put this gem at the top of their list.
Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands
This is a special case as Ghost Recon Wildlands is played in third-person, but the game provides players with the option to switch to a first-person angle during gunplay. Therefore, this Tom Clancy project can be recommended to players seeking either a third-person or first-person shooter. An open-world game set in Bolivia, Wildlands casts players as an agent seeking to take down a cartel in the country. This generally involves targeting specific locations that hinder the cartel’s business.
Wildlands got a mixed reception upon release, and Ghost Recon going open-world is still a contentious decision. However, the game’s strengths began to shine through after a while. While streamlined, the game still emphasizes bringing a tactical approach to missions, allowing players to plan how they would like to tackle most scenarios. Wildlands also has decent weapon customization.
Journey To The Savage Planet
A short but sweet sci-fi adventure game, Journey to the Savage Planet unleashes players on a colorful alien world and simply asks them to explore. That’s not to say the campaign is totally lacking in direction, only that it encourages freedom and discovery. Planet ARY-26 is filled with strange plants and creatures that might or might not be hostile, something players are encouraged to learn through direct contact.
Journey to the Savage Planet is a better adventure game than it is a first-person shooter as the gunplay does not rise above “average.” That said, the gameplay is just about solid enough to not detract from the overall experience.
Crysis Remastered
The PS4 version of this 2007 shooter gives the game a makeover, and while not everything looks amazing, Crysis is still visually impressive even after all these years.
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Gameplay-wise, Crysis is fine, if unspectacular. While the sequels outdo the original in most areas, Crysis Remastered still has moments of brilliance scattered throughout its reasonably sized campaign. While not the best FPS on PS Plus, Crysis Remastered has its charm, and that goes beyond just its meme-worthy graphics.
BioShock Remastered
Anyone who hasn’t experienced BioShock is definitely missing out on one of the best FPS ever made, with an engaging and twisting storyline littered with horror elements. Although the gameplay has changed a bit over the series, the core themes and entertaining gimmick of using “superhuman-like abilities” with Plasmids is a great hook for anyone looking for a little variety among their traditional FPS gameplay.
The first game is predominantly hailed for its narrative, which has aged splendidly since 2007. The setting, Rapture, is also spectacular, and it is filled with subtle touches that add to the storytelling. The gunplay is serviceable for a first-person shooter and takes nothing away from the overall package, and using plasmids can be a lot of fun.
BioShock 2 Remastered
BioShock 2 is the black sheep of the trilogy as it was developed by 2K Marin rather than Irrational Games (or 2K Boston). The sequel also feels like a bit of a retread as it uses the same setting as its predecessor while also revisiting a few of its themes. Consequently, this title can be seen as an unnecessary diversion between the first game and BioShock Infinite.
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Here is the thing, though, BioShock 2 has the most enjoyable gameplay in the series. This time around, players step into the shoes of a Big Daddy, and it is incredibly satisfying to use the same weapons that caused game-overs in the previous entry. Even if it is not the best overall experience in the franchise, BioShock 2 is a must-play for FPS fans.
Battlefield 1
Regardless of their chosen tier, any PS5 owner with a PS Plus subscription gains access to a plethora of PS4 titles, including games that are otherwise not part of the service’s library. When it comes to first-person shooters, this curated selection contains representatives of two of the genre’s heavyweight franchises: Battlefield and Call of Duty.
Set during World War 1, Battlefield 1 has a short but engaging campaign that focuses on a few key scenarios from the conflict. This mode tells meaningful stories while serving as an introductory course into the gameplay’s mechanics. Once newcomers blast through the campaign, they should feel more than ready to jump into the multiplayer, which is still quite active despite the releases of Battlefield 5 and Battlefield 2042.
Metro: Last Light Redux
All the Metro games are on PS Plus Premium, and the latest entry, Metro Exodus, is also part of the Extra tier. 4A Games has yet to produce an underwhelming project in this series, but while the trilogy flows naturally as a whole, each title is rather unique.
The original version of Metro 2033 is a straight-up survival horror game, but the Redux iteration on PS Plus tweaks the gameplay to be closer to Last Light. Although supporting its predecessor’s play style as an option, Metro: Last Light can be also experienced as a more conventional first-person shooter. This might sound like a dumbing down of Metro 2033, but Last Light is just as intense as the first game in the series. Metro Exodus blends the linear underground sections the series is known for with more open-ended areas that emphasize exploration.
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All three games have something to offer, but if forced to select the best of Metro, Last Light would have to get the nod. As Artyom, players head to the surface in search of the one remaining Dark One, an expedition that leads the protagonist to cross paths with various factions. Last Light mainly consists of claustrophobic tunnels stripped of light. Every move could result in death, but Artyom has enough resources to deal with most encounters.
Call Of Duty: Black Ops 3 – Zombies Chronicles Edition
The PS Plus Collection’s other major first-person shooter is Call Of Duty: Black Ops 3 – Zombies Chronicles Edition, which includes the base game and the Zombies expansion. While it fails to reach the heights of its predecessors, Black Ops 3 is a polished addition to a franchise that has largely perfected the corridor shooter gameplay loop. This entry does not shake things up all that much, opting to mostly deliver more of the same; consequently, the game’s core is strong.
Zombies Chronicles is also a great deal of fun and offers a fantastic selection of maps taken from an array of Call of Duty entries. The expansion might be more memorable than the primary game, but they are both enjoyable shooters.
Serious Sam Collection
Serious Sam is a straightforward run and gun shooter series that generally knows exactly what it wants to be. As the titular hero, players mow down huge hordes of monsters in reasonably large areas. At its best, the franchise’s gunplay is simplistic but satisfying, and this collection captures Serious Sam at the peak of its powers.
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All three games are fun, and there are just enough differences between them to keep things fresh. Serious Sam 3 is the most modern entry in the compilation, but its shift to a more linear level design might not hit home quite as much as the earlier games’ open zones.
Bulletstorm: Full Clip Edition
Bulletstorm is an over-the-top action romp about a space pirate with a whip that can tear enemies in half. It is awesome. A throwback to classic run and gun shooters without the back-breaking difficulty, this FPS originally came out in 2011 to a decent reception, and the Full Clip Edition provides a fresh coat of paint to ensure that the game delivers beautiful mayhem.
Utilizing a skill system reminiscent of hack and slash games like Devil May Cry, Bulletstorm wants players to experiment with all the tools available to them, and that extends to the environments. This is one of the most fun FPS games on PS Plus Premium, and fans of the genre who skipped out on this project should give the title a try while it is on Sony’s service.
Fallout 4
PS Now has all the 3D Fallout games, so picking the right one comes down to what a player wants. If they are specifically looking for an RPG, Fallout: New Vegas is the one to go for, with Fallout 3 coming in at a close second. However, neither of those games has particularly good gunplay; in fact, they are underwhelming in that area.
For all its flaws, Fallout 4 does significantly improve the first-person gameplay, which shouldn’t come as a surprise since id Software helped out in this department. Guns have more weight to them than in previous entries, making the minute-to-minute FPS combat considerably more engaging. Just to be clear, Fallout 4’s gunplay falls short of the standards set by the best FPS games on the market, but it stands out positively within its franchise.
F.E.A.R.
Although it was released back in 2005, F.E.A.R. still holds up exceedingly well in 2021 thanks to its impressive visuals for the time. Although F.E.A.R. was originally marketed as a “horror-themed FPS,” it gained a bit of a cult following thanks to its entertaining gameplay elements.
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The time-slowing effect is similar to a first-person Max Payne and the movement is pretty fluid. That said, there are still a lot of tense moments to be found sprinkled throughout the release. Players looking for chaotic gameplay will love F.E.A.R. but it should also appeal to those looking for something “scary” too.
Warhammer: Vermintide 2
Fatshark’s Warhammer: Vermintide 2 isn’t solely a first-person shooter as the multiplayer game combines melee and ranged weapons, with the five playable characters each having access to a plethora of both types. A co-op game, Vermintide 2 is all about players coming together to stave off wave after wave of enemies across the story’s 13 missions. Although repetitive in places, the game is elevated by a stellar combat system that feels suitably meaty considering the arsenal available to players.
Vermintide 2 is one of the better games associated with the Warhammer license, offering a satisfying experience that delivers immediately engaging gameplay along with a serviceable storyline. Familiarity with the franchise’s universe is not required to appreciate this first-person shooter.
Borderlands: The Handsome Collection
The title that started one of the most entertaining and beloved franchises to ever hit video games is a must-play for anyone who has yet to experience Borderlands’ unique and hilarious brand of FPS gameplay. Although Borderlands 3 offers an upgraded gameplay experience compared to the older games, the franchise is good enough in its own right to start from the first entry.
The original still stands the test of time as one of the finest FPS games ever released, with a colorful cast of characters, amazing voice acting, a unique and engaging soundtrack, and tons of comical quests to complete. Borderlands: The Handsome Collection contains Borderlands 2 and the Pre-Sequel, two entries that improve upon the original in a number of ways. Borderlands 2 is especially strong, boasting a fantastic story with an iconic villain, more variety in its missions, a diverse selection of Vault Hunters, and even more guns.
Space Junkies
For the most part, PS Plus has not put much effort into emphasizing Sony’s virtual reality hardware. Perhaps, this will change with the introduction of PS VR 2, but that remains to be seen. That said, the subscription service does not completely ignore the virtual realm. Space Junkies is an online-driven first-person shooter set in, well, space, and it is a fun arcade-style title for those who have the original PS VR.
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Now, the game is devoid of single-player content, so a person’s enjoyment is dependent on whether there are other people active at the time. In terms of modes, Space Junkies has FPS staples such as Deathmatch and Free-for-All, along with a few more intimate options like 1v1 and Duel.
Red Faction
One of the games included as part of Sony’s PS2 on PS4 movement, Red Faction is predominantly remembered for its destructible environments, a feature that would be expanded upon in subsequent entries such as 2009’s Guerrilla. The original game is a straightforward corridor shooter with serviceable gunplay and a fun setting. Red Faction’s destructible element was certainly innovative for its era, but otherwise, it is an above-average early 2000s first-person shooter.
While that description might not sound especially enticing, Red Faction has a certain charm to it that allows the FPS to still be enjoyable to play in this day and age. Permitting a player goes in expecting a few outdated elements, they should have a decent time with Red Faction.
Wolfenstein: The New Order
Doom wasn’t the only game to help shape the FPS genre during the “early years.” Wolfenstein used a similar formula and was much beloved by fans, even if its subject has seen a bit of scrutiny over the years. It’s been awesome to see how the series has evolved and Wolfenstein: The New Order stands out as one of the greatest games to ever grace the long-standing franchise.
It offers stellar gameplay, a robust and entertaining story, some great and varied level design, and some of the best gameplay for a Wolfenstein title so far.
Shadow Warrior 2
PS Plus Extra and Premium have Shadow Warrior 2, a run and gun shooter with fun melee combat. While the gunplay is quite typical for the genre, the game mixes things up with a robust loot system and a plethora of secondary content to complement the main storyline.
Shadow Warrior 2 is simply fun, nothing more and nothing less. While nothing to write home about, the story serves its purpose of guiding players from one level to the next so they can slaughter hundreds of demons along the way.
The Darkness
Superhero and comic fans will find a lot to love about The Darkness, an FPS that first dropped back in 2007. The Venom-like storyline follows an individual named Jackie Estacado that is “infected” by a powerful demonic entity known as “The Darkness,” which has been present within his family’s bloodline for generations.
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The hook gives players access to some amazing gameplay highlighted by shooting elements and engaging “darkness powers” that make Jackie feel like a one-man army at times. It’s a blast to play through even in 2021, and newcomers to the series should also make sure to play The Darkness 2. The sequel is also one of the best shooters on PS Plus Premium.
Resistance 3
Only the final entry of Insomniac’s Resistance PS3 trilogy is available on PS Plus Premium, which is a shame as all three games have something to offer. Newcomers might feel a touch lost jumping directly into Resistance 3, but the 2011 game holds up well in terms of its action and atmosphere.
Unlike its predecessors which play out more like military shooters, Resistance 3 adopts a horror tone, adding elements of survival along the way. Unfortunately, the game’s multiplayer is no longer available, however, the single-player is robust, visually pleasing, and captivating.
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege
Added to PS Plus Extra in November 2022, Rainbow Six Siege extends Ubisoft’s monthly releases for Sony’s subscription model. Unlike the publisher’s other first-person shooters on the service, this 2015 title does not take place in a vast open-world nor is it single-player. Rainbow Six Siege is an online shooter that pits two teams against each other in a terrorist situation, and the game blends tactical awareness with reasonably fast-paced gunplay for the Tom Clancy moniker.
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Rainbow Six Siege has cemented itself as one of the most popular FPS on the market, but the game’s longevity translates to a steep hill that newcomers will need to climb. Teamwork is the heart of Siege, and matches tend to be highly competitive.
Jumping Flash!
While the PlayStation 1 is not exactly known for first-person shooters, one of the console’s most iconic games qualifies for the genre. Technically, anyway. Jumping Flash! is extremely far removed from modern FPS projects, and the classic title should be regarded as a first-person platformer with lite shooter elements. As Robbit, players must jump their way through expansive (for the time) 3D stages in search of jet pods. Along the way, they collect power-ups and face off against a myriad of blocky enemies.
Robbit is armed with a gun so the robot can blast foes away. This mechanic is reasonably satisfying to use considering the game’s age; however, Jumping Flash!’s legacy is built on its platforming. Consequently, PS Plus Premium users searching for a traditional FPS experience will find this project lacking. Still, Jumping Flash! is considered a PlayStation classic for a reason, and the game is still surprisingly fun to play.
Payday 2: Crimewave Edition
Fans of Grand Theft Auto 5’s heisting mechanics will find a lot to love in Payday 2. The first-person release has everything players could want in a bank-robbing, heist “simulator.” Some missions can be completed in a variety of ways, with stealth and loud mechanics available.
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There are skill trees with unique abilities to unlock, a variety of weapons to try, and some of the best multiplayer gameplay under the sun. Payday 2 is a blast to play and is still very relevant with fans in 2021 thanks to a multitude of updates from developers.
RAGE
Like Homefront, RAGE wasn’t without its criticisms when it was released back in 2011. There were a handful of complaints that RAGE’s enemies felt like bullet sponges as the game progressed, but players shouldn’t let that unfortunate issue take away from the game’s core elements.
In its purest form, RAGE is a ton of fun to play, offering up a multitude of awesome weapons, some great gunplay, and some high-octane action that is sure to get any FPS fan’s blood pumping. RAGE may not have been one of the best adventures thanks to its $60 price tag in 2011, but it’s definitely a blast for those getting it on PS Plus Premium.
Far Cry Primal
Added to PS Plus Extra in December 2022, Far Cry Primal deserves a special mention as it shakes up the Ubisoft franchise’s formula more than any other post-Far Cry 3 entry. The spin-off is set during the prehistoric era, a period without any of the modern guns that define the mainline projects in the series.
Cast as a hunter, players have to make do with a limited selection of melee and ranged weapons. Furthermore, the former tends to take precedence over the latter, at least during the campaign’s opening hours. Despite sharing fundamentals with Far Cry 4 and so on, Primal very much feels like a different beast entirely. For instance, the setting pushes the game into survival territory.
Space Hulk: Deathwing - Enhanced Edition
This recommendation comes with the caveat that Space Hulk: Deathwing is likely only to keep the interest of die-hard Warhammer 40K fans, specifically people who can convince a few friends to tag along. Cast as Space Marines, players get to slaughter their way through corridors filled with familiar nods to the franchise. With weighty weapons and armor, the campaign produces a couple of exciting moments that capture the joy of the source material.
However, Deathwing’s single-player content leaves something to be desired since the game is quite rough around the edges. The co-op modes fare considerably better since coordination is a big component of the experience and the AI partners are not great. While Deathwing does not come close to Warhammer: Vermintide 2, the FPS is not without value.
Zombi
Originally released exclusively on the Wii U, ZombiU made inspired use of that console’s gamepad as players were forced to look away from the TV screen in order to manage their inventory. As the horror title transitioned to other platforms, Zombi had to abandon its most interesting feature, making it a less attractive prospect for players. That said, even without the gamepad, Ubisoft’s project is still an above-average experience.
Players find themselves running for their lives in a zombie-infested London, with their only companion being a mysterious voice known as the Prepper. In this universe, the undead are genuine threats, even when they are not overwhelming survivors through sheer numbers. Zombi gives players a bat and a very small number of bullets, and they will need to explore to expand their arsenal.
Prey
Dishonored shares several similarities with Deathloop, particularly its unlockable abilities, and is arguably Arkane’s most famous game. That said, Prey might be even better, and that’s a statement that is not made lightly.
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Set in a splendidly designed space station, Prey is an atmospheric Metroidvania that also incorporates RPG and horror elements. While not the sole focus of Prey, the game’s gunplay is precise and impactful, and a few abilities are even acquired along the way. Prey’s open-world is immaculately designed and detailed, one of the best in the FPS genre.
Resident Evil 7 Biohazard
Similar to Battlefield 1 and Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 – Zombies Chronicles Edition, Resident Evil 7 is part of the PS Plus collection. Therefore, PS5 owners can try their hands at one of the best first-person horror games of the eighth console generation. Capcom’s title introduces Ethan Winters, a relatively average guy who heads to a strange house after receiving a message from his missing wife. There, Ethan is introduced to the Baker family, a household that could even unsettle the Sawyers from Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
Resident Evil 7’s early hours prioritize atmosphere above gunplay, and Ethan spends this period with very little that he can use to defend himself. The campaign does eventually shift towards a more action-oriented rhythm, particularly once the story moves away from the Baker residence. While not a high-octane first-person shooter, RE7 is an intense and gripping ride for people who love a bit of horror.
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