Third-person ranged combat has improved with unprecedented realism in recent times. Playing from the third-person, you can more easily protect your character — with viewpoints covering all areas and camera angles that allow for much better situational awareness (or the ability to peek around corners without the associated risk of exposing oneself, if we're being brutally honest). Having an effective combat system is critical, especially in a third-person game.
Playing in the third-person perspective means that you see the character from over the shoulder, behind, or even in front of the character. Looking back at third-person games, only a handful had truly spectacular ranged combat. Would you like to wield a stellar hand cannon or draw arrows silently with a longbow? Third-person ranged combat games have got you covered.
9 Dead Space
Dead Space is a game that meshes the science fiction and horror genres, and can easily be counted among the greatest horror games of all time. This is a third-person game with combat inspired by games like Resident Evil 4 and the movie Event Horizon. The dark atmosphere of Dead Space is ominous and disheartening, but the ranged combat of the game is a smart blend of heart-pounding tension that requires third-person shooting expertise.
8 Warframe
From developer Digital Extremes, Warframe is strictly a third-person shooter and one of the most downloaded free-to-play games on Steam. The objective of the game is to build a character by collecting Warframe armor sets and weapons. One can also raise a pet, customize a personal spaceship, and join a clan that opens up a world of possibilities. The freedom of movement in this game is its strong suit. Third-person combat is seldom as smooth as it is in Warframe.
7 Shadow Of The Tomb Raider
It would be an understatement to say that Shadow of the Tomb Raider is an ambitious title. In addition to engaging in third-person ranged combat, Lara must use instincts to take down jungle predators.
Shadow of the Tomb Raider has an abundance of weapons to choose from. Play Shadow of the Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition to get more content, including additional ranged weapons. Lara Croft's journey to stop the Maya apocalypse is unforgettable and will leave you speechless.
6 Horizon Zero Dawn
It was evident before its launch that Horizon Zero Dawn would be a hit action RPG. What stood out the most is the game's art direction and the combat system. Putting aside its lackluster melee combat, Horizon Zero Dawn's ranged combat is intuitive and fun. One can wield bows, slings, ropecasters, and tripcasters. The sequel Horizon Forbidden West has the opportunity to improve on melee combat, but for now, we can appreciate Horizon Zero Dawn's ranged combat.
5 Sniper Elite 4
The fourth game to come from the Sniper Elite series is recognized for outstanding third-person gameplay. The view quickly changes from third-person to first-person when shooting particular weapons, but it is considered a third-person game. This combat system works well throughout. After you shoot a sniper rifle, the camera follows the bullet's exterior until it strikes the target. It's not surprising that Sniper Elite 4 was positively received by critics and the Sniper Elite community at large.
4 Fortnite
It's not by chance that Fortnite is one of the most-played free-to-play games out there. Developer Epic Games ensured that the third-person combat had lots of balancing to make competitive matches.
Fortnite is widely available on most platforms, including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Android, iOS, and PC. This battle royale game is strictly played in the third-person, which is fitting since enemies attack from all directions.
3 Remnant: From the Ashes
It's not very often we see a game as unique as Remnant: From the Ashes. This game's combat was inspired by Dark Souls, despite being a third-person shooter. If you're looking for something fresh and vibrant, Remnant: From the Ashes is a smart pick. Third-person ranged combat is an integral part of defeating bosses. Whether you work in cooperative or solo, having strong ranged skills is a must. It's a tactical shooter with a trial and error type of gameplay.
2 Gears 5
As a third-person shooting game, Gears 5 sticks out like a sore thumb in the best way possible. This is a game that's part of Xbox's most prominent franchise. Played in the third-person, Gears 5 was an instant masterpiece and a cult-classic. The enemy variety keeps players engaged, but it's the weapon variety and stealth cover system that rocks the most. Gears 5 has arguably the best third-person combat system on the Xbox One/Xbox Series X and S.
1 Resident Evil 2 And 3
Resident Evil 2 and 3 were released one after the other, bringing unparalleled gaming experiences in the third-person view. While sequel games like Resident Evil 6 failed to find their footing, Capcom has hit the mark with Resident Evil remakes. Resident Evil 2 and 3 place players in inhospitable circumstances that practically demand ranged attacks. The knife proves to be an ineffective tool throughout Resident Evil, but the ranged weapons are praiseworthy.