To see the complete ranking, visit our dedicated listing of the top third-person shooter pc games of all time.
25. Lost Planet: Extreme Conditions
One of the more polarizing series of the third-person shooter genres, Capcom's Lost Planet hasn't seen much in the way of positive critical reviews, often panned for their boring and unoriginal gameplay. Despite, thousands of their loyal fanbase continue to stand by it. With their arcade-style mechanics, it harkens back to the days of 2D shooters with a 3 dimensional twist.
And when they say extreme conditions, they weren't lying. Set in a newly discovered planet at the height of the ice age, get ready to brave the biting arctic temperatures as you fight against the alien Akrid. While it used to offer an enjoyable online multiplayer, we doubt it's still in use ten years after. It has a playscore of 7.25.
24. Fortified
Imagine a game where Ghostbusters meets Mars Attacks!, Clapfoot’s multiplayer indie game takes you to the shoes to a heroic bunch of heroes protecting their planet from a Martian attack. Set in the 1950’s, unleash your powerful experimental weapons and classic World War weapons to take contain these extraterrestrial mayhem.
The game combines third-person elements and tower defense, making it a completely different experience. It’s a genre-bending adventure that forces you to team up with your friends, or do it alone. Feel the retro-style action. How well can you defend Earth? It has a playscore of 7.30
23. Monday Night Combat
A game that suddenly came out on Steam charts. Mixing third person shooting and MOBA, prepare for a Monday Night filled with explosions and shenanigans. Unfortunately, the game has seen better days and it feels kinda dead right now.
Nevertheless, it’s a fun multiplayer action with your friends. Choose from a focused team of six unique classes and go in an objective-based battle with the enemy team. It’s 6 versus 6 action shares the similar vibrance to VALVE’s Team Fortress and Dota 2.
It’s such a shame no one plays it again. Well, might as well try. It has a playscore of 7.31
22. Binary Domain
SEGA has its fair share of hidden gems. This game is one of it. Released during 2012, this third-person shooter takes you to a futuristic Tokyo in the year 2080. Follow Dan Marshall as he regains control over a robot-controlled city.
Badass as he may be, this requires a team-effort. With the help of your friends, go on a co-op action-spree and tear these machines down with a huge armory of weapons. Be warned, the robots are adaptive and they change their weakness given the circumstances.
Additionally, its Consequence Sequence adds layers of cause and effect for your actions. It has a playscore of 7.37
21. Sniper Elite V2
One bullet is all it takes to change history. Be the best marksman in all Berlin in this second entry to Rebellion’s third-person sniper game. Set during the dark days of World War 2, follow US Sniper Kurt Fairburne as he prevents a powerful weapon from going into the wrong hands.
Returning to this entry is the iconic X-Ray Kill-cam. Embrace satisfying sound of balls exploding, head popping, bone snapping and more. Gory as it may be, at least you did your job right. Keep your head down low, and hide in plain sight.
Killing Nazi’s couldn’t be more fun. It has a playscore of 7.49.
20. Stranglehold
A decade old. This third-person shooter calls for John Woo’s aid to create an action-packed adventure worthy of Hollywood proportions. In this thrilling game, be a good-cop or a bad-cop as you play Inspector “Tequila” Yuen. This is a direct sequel to Woo’s Hard-Boiled and reprises Chow Yun-Fat’s role.
With Woo’s touch, expect a ton of guns-blazing action from top to bottom. Players can override time by entering a semi “bullet time” mode to take enemies with style. For a 2007 game, it was really ahead of its time. Too bad Midway has seen better days too. A sequel would be great.
It has a playscore of 7.51
19. Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare
As if PopCap’s army of badass plants and zombies are done. A huge upgrade from its tower defense original, Garden Warfare takes the battle to Krazy Dave’s entire neighborhood. Now set in a third-person over the shoulder fashion, choose from a wide selection of Plants vs. Zombies in fun objective-based gameplay.
The game takes backyard warfare to another degree. With over 24 players in multiplayer mode, customize your favorite botanical soldier and survive an onslaught of undead hijinks. The game also supports split-screen which is rare on most games.
We haven’t even started talking about its sequel yet. It has a playscore of 7.51
18. Tom Clancy’s: The Division
After a terrible smallpox epidemic, New York has crumbled into a barren city filled with rogue humans vying for survival. Players must lead their Division to investigate the source of the virus. Upon its release, it was met with positive acclaim. It shares the similar elements from Bungie’s Destiny which involves resource-collecting and world-sharing.
Aside from its single-player campaign, the game’s biggest selling point is its multiplayer option. Go with your squad and enter the Dark Zone, a competitive arena built for intense fighting action. Climb the leaderboards and prove your might to the desolate city of New York.
It has a playscore of 7.60
17. Loadout
The PC gained so many third-person shooters during its course and up until today, it’s still making more. Loadout was one of the most-played games during its time. Unfortunately, many games have overshadowed this third-person shooter and it failed to stand against the test of time.
It was a fast-paced shooter that could rival Team Fortress 2. Instead of Valve’s first-person mayhem, Loadout offers features to create a sense of competition to players. Customize your loadouts, upgrade your hero and step into the arena. It has a playscore of 7.62
16. Quantum Break
From the developers that gave us Alan Wake comes again for another exhilarating third-person adventure. Packed with a star-studded cast, follow X-Men’s Shawn Ashmore and Game of Thrones’ Aiden Gillen as they race against time. Packed with Remedy’s cinematic-action sequences, expect pulsating actions with time-bending capabilities.
A Microsoft exclusive, this game gained positive acclaim due to its fun combat and a thought-provoking story. However, the game’s combination of a Live Action show and cinematic cutscenes make it unappealing to most players. It has a playscore of 7.68
15. Warframe
Space ninjas. If there’s two words that sums the entire game in a nutshell, that’d be space ninjas. Digital Extremes’ ever-growing MMO Action Game takes you to the vast galaxy. Pick a frame, don it with cool weapons and travel planets after planets to cleanse the galaxy from evil. As Tenno, forge your own path.
Eliminate robotic threats, menacing humans and infested creatures in this fast-paced third-person action. With gun, magic, and sword, you are literally an overpowered being. However, it’s not easy. With the help of friends, scour the game’s huge content by raiding dungeons together and killing bosses. Just recently, they announced their new open-world feature.
The game keeps getting better and better. It has a playscore of 7.95
14. Earth Defense Force: Insect Armageddon
A cult-favorite, humanity is infested with huge-ass insects and it’s the job of Earth’s mighty Defense Force to tear them apart. With over 300 weapons to choose and collect, dismember each of their limbs in glorious arcade-style fashion. Wear the right armor, and experience the game’s massive replayability.
Originally a Japanese Arcade Game, it made its way to the PC. It was praised for its fun multiplayer feature that enables you and your friends to survive an onslaught of giant insects. Talk about the dream. It has a playscore of 7.95
13. Watch Dogs 2
San Francisco beckons in Ubisoft’s latest tech-fueled series. Step into the shoes of Marcus Holloway, a man part of a deadly hacking organization. Use your wide range of technological feats to infiltrate San Francisco’s cyber world. Hack anything from cellphones, cars, and more. It’s an open-world playground that redeems the first games’ mishaps.
Lauded for its graphical feat, the game is swirling with content. Explore the city and bask in Ubisoft’s attention to detail. It’s definitely a big step up compared to the first game. It has a playscore of 8.07
12. Resident Evil 5
CAPCOM’s seventh major installment of their acclaimed franchise takes you to the a fictional place in Africa. Follow BSAA Agent’s Chris Redfield and Sheva Alomar as they embark on a mission to investigate a mysterious new epidemic. It’s a story that weaves the series’ biggest villain and Chris’ former partner.
Continuing with its newfound third-person action similar to Resident Evil 4, players can engage the enemies with your weapons and Chris’ huge arms. It’s the first of the series to feature a co-op mode where players can use Sheva in split-screen.
It has a playscore of 8.10
11. Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine
Straying away from the series' usual real-time strategies, Space Marines brings you the thrill of real-time, third person combat. It's set in the same Warhammer 40k universe established by Games Workshopa, and even features the strongest and most honored Space Marines chapter, the UltraMarines.
As the second Company Commander, Captain Titus, help the world of Graia defend against the looming two-fold invasion. With your regenerative abilities and righteous fury, fight tooth and nail against the brutish Orks, and the demons of the Forces of Chaos. With its polished execution and faithfulness to the original lore, it's truly a worthy introduction to the world of Warhammer. It has a playscore of 8.11.
10. Red Faction: Guerilla
Before they decided to close their beloved company (May it rest in peace), THQ’s long list of memorable games remain a classic to veteran gamers. The Red Faction series, developed by Volition Inc., was among its iconic games. Set 50 years after the events of the original Red Faction, embrace the beauty of destruction in a game that redefines guerilla warfare.
This third-person open-world adventure takes you to the life of a resistant fighter as he opposes the oppressive Earth Defense Force on Mars. This science-fiction journey is fueled with emergent gameplay, making every encounter brimming with experimental delights. It’s your choice on how you take your enemies, sometimes smart, sometimes crazy.
It has a playscore of 8.20
9. Vanquish
Keep the adrenaline pumping in PC fastest third-person shooter. Developed by Platinum Games, Vanquish pioneered many of the innovations we now enjoy in the 3D shooting genres with its bullet hell inspirations, beat em up elements, and sliding boost mechanics.
Take on the role of American soldier, Sam Gideon, as he battles for the country's future. Using his state of the art Augemented Reaction Suit, the fast-paced world slows to a halt, giving you the opportunity to strike a deadly last blow. A heart-pumping delight, it has a playscore of 8.31.
8. Spec Ops: The Line
Yager’s third-person shooter hits all the right stuff. From narrative, action and character. It’s a game where substance meets form. After delays and delays, the game finally made it to the shelves. This serves as a reboot of the Spec Ops series.
Moral grounds aside, it’s gameplay was a stuff for criticism. Third-person combat may feel like it needs improvement, but Yager won’t be making a sequel anytime soon. Throughout the course of the game, choices will be made. Difficult as it may be, it stands as a clever groundwork for the endgame.
It has a playscore of 8.37
7. Mafia II
A game that's practically a love letter to the old souls out there. The second in a well-loved trilogy, it takes place in the fictional New York city called Empire Bay at the height of the Mafia takeover. This time, hitman Vito Scaletta takes center stage, chronicling his entrance to a life of crime.
Like Grand Theft Auto but set in the jazzy 1940s era, it's picturesque open world is a feast for the eyes. Steal some classic cars, appreciate the architecture, and take down goon after goon to tune of Chuck Berry, Bing Crosby, Buddy Holly and so much more. A little lacking in exection with its sparse interactions, but amazing nonetheless. It has a playscore of 8.42.
6. Gears of War
Epic Games and The Coalition have had a series of remarkable sequels since their debut in 2006. But, it's time go back to their roots, with their very first title. Headed by the hardy Marcus Fenix, help him and his part of Delta Squad members destroy the oncoming Locust Horde in a last ditch effort to save humanity.
Enjoy its lengthy five-act campaign along with a friend, or compete for victory in its four vs four competitive arena. Considered the pinnacle of cover-based shooters, Gears of War continues to stand against the test of time. It has a playscore of 8.43.
5. Transformers: Fall Of Cybertron
High Moon Studios’ very own Transformers game takes you to the epilogue of the war that started it all. Before humanity was a problem, Hasbro’s alien robots tells you the plight of their races. From the Decepticons, to the Autobots. It’s one big robotic skirmish that changes the franchise forever.
Divided into two separate campaigns, follow the story of the Decepticons under Megatron’s perspective and Autobots with Optimus’ and find out the aftermath of the war. Engage in fun third-person action with these transforming species.
The game has shown its age, and 2012 was a long time ago. But for the love of Transformers, roll out and play the game. It has a playscore of 8.46
4. Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne
They gave us Alan Wake and Quantum Break, and now, Remedy takes us on a compelling neo-noir tale with their highest-rated shooter. Play as detective Max Payne as he reunites with Mona Sax in the series' darkest tale of death and betrayal.
Known for its matrix-like bullet time mechanics, jump past doorways, ready your aim, and eliminate enemies lurking in every corner. With satisfying gun play, outstanding writing, and an amazing soundtrack, Max Payne was and still is one of the most entertaining shooters in recent history. It has a playscore of 8.64.
3. Grand Theft Auto V
Before Rockstar boomed with this fifth major GTA installment, there was Grand Theft Auto III. It shows how capable the third-person action genre is to the gamers. With today’s technological advancement, the third-person action and open-world element is greatly improved. Providing a fun playground for players who just wants to mess around.
Grand Theft Auto V stands as one of the greatest games in history. Explore Los Santos like never before and do anything at your heart's content. Shoot, ride, fly, solve alien conspiracies or whatever. This is Rockstar at its finest. It’s a shame they removed modding tools.
The game has a playscore of 8.69
2. Dead Space 2
Step into the suit of Isaac Clarke. A simple space engineer trying to find meaning in his life after a traumatic event during the first game. In this second installment, the horror continues as a new Necromorph threat rises from Saturn’s moon.
Using its signature over the shoulder camera, tear the limbs of these ugly creatures with the use of customizable plasma guns. With the help of Isaac’s space-suit or RIG, fend off these diabolical beasts with all your might.
Combat is enhanced immensely, making Isaac shoot deadly lasers at ease. Critics and fans loved how the game injects their usual survival-horror formula. It proves as a challenge for new players, and veterans.
It has a playscore of 8.70
1. Mass Effect 2
MBioWare outdid themselves in this sequel to the popular space-opera adventures of Commander Shepard. There’s no doubt Mass Effect 2 broke so many records including Game of the Year and of course, our top spot on this list.
After the events of the first game, follow Shepard and his crew stop a new threat from emerging. The Reapers are the least of their concerns at the moment. This 2nd entry of the trilogy packs a massive upgrade in terms of combat, storytelling and choices.
Other than that, its additional content adds more space flavour to the mix. Bringing in a whole new story for their third installment. It’s darker, deeper and full of replay value.
It has a playscore of 9.28