The term 'shlooter,' coined by Giant Bomb's Alex Navarro, perfectly encapsulates the essence of looter shooter games. As the most prominent franchise in the subgenre releases its third installment, it's the perfect time to explore the best looter shooters available today.
Looter shooter games are still relatively young in the gaming world, and there isn't a definitive definition for the genre. Generally, they are first-person or third-person shooters with progression tied to acquiring better guns and equipment. While some isometric action RPGs share similarities with looter shooters, the focus on ranged combat sets them apart.
So, what are the best looter shooter games out there?
Updated December 29, 2023 by Mark Sammut: Looter shooter games are not as common, but the successful ones tend to remain popular for years. 2023 saw the arrival of several noteworthy entries in this subgenre, including a well-received sequel and a game that transitioned from early access to a full release.
12 Outriders
Metascore: 73
Designed by the team behind Bulletstorm and Painkiller, People Can Fly's Outriders had a mixed reception due to inconsistent marketing and frustrating systems. Despite having endgame content and sharing similarities with live-service projects, Outriders plays more like a single-player third-person shooter. The endgame revolves around grinding loot to craft more powerful builds, but the game can feel slow and unrewarding. However, the campaign offers an enjoyable, if unremarkable, looter shooter experience.
11 Shadow Warrior 2
Metascore: 78
Flying Wild Hog took a different approach with the sequel, creating a hub area for various missions. With over 70 weapons, including katanas and rocket launchers, Shadow Warrior 2 delivers a looter shooter experience with a nostalgic nod to classic shooters.
10 Alienation
Metascore: 79
Most isometric RPGs don't qualify as shooters, but Alienation breaks that mold with its focus on guns. Set in an alternate reality overrun by aliens, the game offers a wide array of weapons obtained through random drops and a unique upgrade system.
9 Gunfire Reborn
Metascore: 75
A roguelite game, Gunfire Reborn challenges players to navigate multiple zones, collecting various weapons and modifiers to customize their playstyle. With smooth gunplay and creative weaponry, it's a pick-up-and-play game ideal for short sessions.
8 Roboquest
Metascore: 85
Roboquest has evolved into a highly entertaining first-person shooter with five playable classes, nine maps, and an impressive selection of weapons, making it a thrilling experience for players.
7 Remnant 2
Metascore: 85
Gunfire's Remnant series stands out with large-scale boss fights and smart procedural generation to enhance replayability. The sequel introduces new features and improvements that elevate its gameplay and customization options.
6 Tom Clancy’s The Division 2
Metascore: 84
Building on its predecessor's strengths, The Division 2 delivers improved combat, a varied loot system, and a rich endgame, offering players plenty of content and challenges.
5 Deep Rock Galactic
Metascore: 85
With randomized resources and diverse missions, Deep Rock Galactic provides a unique co-op experience, offering quantity and quality in its gameplay and level design.
4 Destiny 2
Metascore: 85
Destiny 2 impresses with its first-person shooter gameplay, offering a wealth of customization and unlockable content that keeps players engaged and invested in their characters.
3 Risk Of Rain 2
Metascore: 85
A popular roguelike, Risk of Rain 2 offers addictive gameplay and thrilling combat, with randomized loot boxes adding an element of excitement to the game's progression system.
2 Warframe
Metascore: 86
Initially met with mixed reactions, Warframe has evolved into a cornerstone of multiplayer gaming, offering diverse gameplay, rich lore, and hundreds of hours of content for players to enjoy.
1 Borderlands Franchise
Metascore: 89 (Borderlands 2)
As the defining franchise in the looter shooter genre, Borderlands offers a timeless experience filled with engaging gameplay, endless loot, and stylish visuals that have set the standard for the genre.