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While first-person shooters (FPS) are typically viewed as multiplayer games and are judged on how strong the gameplay and controls are, there have been quite a few FPS titles with excellent plots. Games like BioShock and Cyberpunk 2077 show us that FPS games can be a very immersive way to enjoy a good storyline.

Unlike traditional third-person games, FPS titles put players in a more head-first scenario where it’s usually just them and their arsenal of weapons and explosives against the world. This can lead to many exciting, engaging moments that greatly complement the fast-paced storylines in such games.

Here are the first-person games with the best storylines.

First-Person Shooter Games with the Best Storylines:

BioShock

Bioshock

Kicking off is 2K Games’ atmospheric title from 2007, BioShock. In many ways, a revolutionary game, Bioshock, with its disturbing dystopian setting, superb writing style and flawless gameplay, showed fans how FPS titles can rival even the biggest third-person campaigns in terms of writing.

You play as Jack, a survivor of a plane crash who ends up in what became the underwater city of Rapture. Destined for greatness, the city was struck by madness and civil war, ending in ruins. The game is an essay on greed, capitalism and human morality. The fusion of the survival horror and dystopian genres is done in a way that remains unparalleled. The gameplay is tense and each area has a dark and disturbing atmosphere that compliments the plot immensely.

Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberpunk 2077

Despite its controversial release, Cyberpunk 2077 is now in a playable state, and it’s safe to say that Cyberpunk 2077 is one of the best story-rich FPS games due to its strong storyline, side missions, and RPG elements.

Cyberpunk 2077 tells the story of a person who stands up to the biggest company in the world, and it is executed perfectly. With the multiple choices affecting the campaign and the many side missions that could ultimately affect your ending, Cyberpunk 2077 has all the qualities of a solid RPG storyline while being a first-person shooter.

halo 3

halo 3

While any of the first three Halo titles could have made this list, Halo 3 has arguably the best storyline in the series. Halo 3 is where the Master Chief and Arbiter finally join forces, resulting in one of the most iconic duos in gaming. The two come together to fight the Covenant with the mounting threat of the Flood in the background.

In addition to the strong writing style, Halo 3 had some of the best moments in FPS games, Halo’s near-perfect controls, and music that will make anyone’s heart beat. All this comes together to form a masterpiece of a title.

Wolfenstein: The New Order

Wolfenstein the new order

Wolfenstein: The New Order was one of the first major releases for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox one. The game has all the elements that make an FPS good, from fast gameplay to good enemy AI, to many options that add to the versatility of the gameplay, such as two wielding weapons of the same class and a wide variety of weapons to choose from from . In addition, the strong storyline gave us an alternative view of the end of World War II, a feat that is not easy to achieve.

Full of intense sequences and moments that often make you feel like you’re watching a movie, Wolfenstein: The New Order remains a fantastic title even after all those years have passed.

Metro Exodus

Metro Exodus

4A’s Metro Exodus is one of the most underrated story-based FPS games. Set in post-apocalyptic Russia, Exodus takes the linear approach of previous titles and introduces smaller open-world sandbox areas full of discovery and danger. Set in the underground Metro area, a place that people believe is humanity’s last straw, Metro Exodus tells the story of Artyom as he searches for other human settlements.

Metro Exodus features the stunning graphics of the current generation, a beautiful world filled with relics of the past and a story centered on betrayal, hope and tragedy. The gameplay loop revolves around a train that stops at areas where you can explore and develop the story further. Each area is a mini open world adventure with tons of RPG elements and lots to explore. All in all, Metro Exodus is an excellent FPS title with a strong story that every fan of the genre should give at least one chance.

Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2

Modern Warfare 2

COD: Modern Warfare 2 is known as one of the best Call of Duty titles to date, and for good reason. Modern Warfare 2 took Modern Warfare’s revolutionary gameplay and level design and took it all up a notch.

The story is exceptional, with an excellent cast of characters and nail-biting, thrilling missions. While the premise is simple and predictable at times, the execution was nearly flawless and the campaign still stands as one of the most iconic COD campaigns of all time.

Far Cry 3

Far Cry 3

There’s a reason every Far Cry game after Far Cry 3 has tried to follow its formulas. Far Cry 3 is a masterpiece of a first-person shooter with some of the best storytelling in the genre.

Set on a fictional island overrun by modern day pirates, Far Cry 3 offers lush green landscapes and is very picturesque throughout. The antagonist, Vaas (played by Michael Mando), is known as one of gaming’s greatest villains and is always mentioned in a discussion of gaming’s most vicious and horrific villains. You play as a tourist who, after escaping a kidnapping from Vaas, sets out to take him and his organization down. What follows is a gripping tale of revenge and anger.

Titanfall 2

Titanfall 2

The whole world looked forward to Titanfall because of the impressive, fast-paced multiplayer of the original, and then the game came out and gave us an impeccable story that no one expected.

Despite being known for its unique, fast-paced gameplay and multiplayer, Titanfall 2 has a story that all fans of the genre will enjoy. The story revolves around Jack Cooper and his Titan, BT. Without wanting too many spoilers, it can be said that this is an exceptional, emotional journey exploring the developing bond between Cooper and BT, despite the highly hostile environment they find themselves in. Titanfall 2 pleased even the toughest critics and is a game that everyone should play at least once.

This concludes our list of the best FPS storylines. This is by no means an exhaustive list, and we’d love to see your favorite FPS storylines in the comments below!