First-person shooters are a hot commodity in the gaming industry, with each passing year featuring at least a handful of standout releases within the genre. From annual series like Call of Duty, to original IP's like Bulletstorm, there has been no shortage of games that provide the player with big guns to blow stuff up.
With the next generation of gaming well underway with the launch of the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, many gamers are looking to the upcoming release schedule for games to see what is on the horizon. In the first-person shooter department specifically, 2021 seems stacked with releases that are sure to please players with an itchy trigger finger. Considering many months remain in the year, there is still time for even further reveals to top off the already large list of confirmed games.
Far Cry 6
Ubisoft's open-world first-person shooter series continues with the upcoming Far Cry 6, the first release in the franchise for the next generation of systems. Very little is know about the game outside of a stunning CG reveal trailer for Far Cry 6, but anticipation is already rising for what the improved technology can bring to the chaotic gameplay the series is known for.
Narratively speaking as well, Far Cry 6 looks to change up the formula for the series, potentially with an even more grim tone than prior releases. With the game scheduled for sometime this year, fans are hoping for great things to come.
Deathloop
For shooter fans that enjoy a twist to the more traditional action-based gameplay, Deathloop is setting itself up to be one of the more original releases of the year, first-person shooter or otherwise. Armed with supernatural abilities and wrapped up in a James Bond themed style, this title is proving to be wonderfully wacky as it is a heart pounding thrill ride.
Developed by the team over at Arkane Studios, who are well known for the Dishonored franchise, many players are unique and satisfying gameplay mechanics that the team has become known for. With Deathloop launching as a timed PlayStation 5 exclusive, players don't need to wait much longer as the May 2021 release date just around the corner.
Back 4 Blood
First-person shooters are very commonly associated with multiplayer gaming, so its no surprise that 2021 has its own share of release that fit both categories. Back 4 Blood is even more special because it also serves as a spiritual successor to the Left 4 Dead franchise, Valve's iconic four player co-op shooter from over a decade ago.
Like other games on this list, information for Back 4 Blood is sparse, but if it shapes up to be anything like the aforementioned Left 4 Dead series, it is sure to quickly amass a dedicated fanbase in the years to come. Developer Turtle Rock Studios seems prepped for the future, already setting up post-launch content for Back 4 Blood.
Shadow Warrior 3
Gamers hooked to the relentlessly brutal gameplay in Doom Eternal should definitely keep an eye on this promising third installment of the Shadow Warrior franchise. Based on the stunning gameplay trailer for Shadow Warrior 3, the game aims to blend the savage combat of Doom with the fast paced momentum of Ghostrunner to achieve an experience that is both fast and ferocious.
The gameplay footage released for Shadow Warrior 3 looks to be incredibly fast paced and varied: combining swords, guns and platforming combat for a completely unique experience. Shooter fans that prefer a rhythmic, reflex-based experience would be wise to keep a steady watch on this rapidly approaching title.
Halo Infinite
Despite an unfortune delay for Halo Infinite late last year, anticipation for the flagship Xbox exclusive hasn't dampened much, with fans still counting the days to be able to jump into action. Master Chief once again returns, ushering the long standing series into a new generation of gaming with an ambitious project that aims to be the biggest release yet for the Halo franchise.
There's still a long road ahead for the game's development but should all go smoothly, Halo Infinite has a chance to shape into something truly special, as well as being a prime showcase for the raw horsepower inside the Xbox Series X.