Games

The Top Tactical Shooters You Need to Play

Discover the finest tactical shooters that demand strategy and teamwork for victory.
The Top Tactical Shooters You Need to Play

Highlights

  • Tactical shooters require communication and teamwork for online success
  • Escape from Tarkov's inventory management is a standout feature
  • Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege offers a smart blend of tactical gameplay and first-person shooting

If you're tired of mindless multiplayer FPS titles and want to engage in a gaming experience that demands strategy and teamwork, tactical shooters are the way to go. This subgenre continually evolves, offering progressive gameplay that involves using gadgets, breaching doors with a squad, and planning attack methods before a match begins. Communication is crucial in these games, making them stand out from run-of-the-mill FPS titles.

Even if you're new to tactical shooters, it's never too late to jump into the action. While these games can be challenging, especially if you're used to individual skill-focused FPS titles, taking the time to learn the gameplay mechanics will lead to a rewarding experience when everything falls into place.

Updated on January 2nd, 2024, by Ritwik Mitra: Tactical shooters have carved a niche for themselves in the gaming market. Given how mindless the majority of multiplayer FPS titles are right now, it's easy to see why players relish the idea of playing through a first-person shooter game that doesn't allow players to turn into a one-man army. Rather, tactics and teamwork are important to secure victory in these instances, letting players immerse themselves in a well-constructed game instead of constantly hurling insults at everyone in the game.

23 Escape From Tarkov

Metascore: N/A

Escape from Tarkov isn't widely available but for those who can access it, it's definitely worth a try. The game's unique inventory management system sets it apart, resembling survival games like PUBG and Z1 Battle Royale. Despite being in beta since July 2017, the game continues to captivate players with its tactical-based gameplay.

22 Operation Flashpoint: Cold War Crisis

Metascore: 64

  • Available Platforms: PC, Xbox
  • Release Date: August 30, 2001
  • Developer(s): Bohemia Interactive Studio

Operation Flashpoint: Cold War Crisis, developed by Bohemia Interactive Studio, emerged as a standout in 2001 with its team-based gameplay, plethora of drivable vehicles, and Real Time Tactics mechanics. Although legal disputes led to its decline, the game remains a significant contribution to the tactical shooter genre.

21 Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Wildlands

Metascore: 70

Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Wildlands, set in an open world environment, incorporates significant tactical elements. Whether engaging in online 4v4 tactical battles or preventing the rise of a cartel, the game offers diverse strategic gameplay options.

20 Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege

Metascore: 73

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege is a smart blend of tactical and first-person shooting. With a variety of gadgets at players' disposal, the game requires strategic planning to achieve objectives, making it a must-play for tactical shooting enthusiasts.

Rainbow Six Siege keeps players hooked, with its next-gen version enhancing the game's visuals and longevity, showcasing the enduring appeal of this title.

19 ARMA: Armed Assault

Metascore: 74

  • Available Platforms: PC
  • Release Date: May 4, 2007
  • Developer(s): Bohemia Interactive Studio

Released in 2006, ARMA: Armed Assault emphasized realism and authenticity, placing players in a realistic, harrowing conflict. The game's attention to detail, open-world gameplay, and modding support fostered a dedicated fanbase, underlining the appeal of tactical shooters.

18 Insurgency

Metascore: 74

  • Available Platforms: PC
  • Release Date: January 22, 2014
  • Developer(s): New World Interactive

Insurgency offers engaging street battles and close-quarter action, with a wide range of weapons and maps. The game is a testament to the thrilling and rewarding nature of tactical shooting gameplay.

17 ARMA 3

Metascore: 74

ARMA 3 unfolds in a vast military sandbox, offering a multitude of vehicles and weapons. With a strong emphasis on tactical-based combat, the game continues to attract a dedicated fanbase, illustrating the enduring appeal of the tactical shooter genre.

16 ARMA 2

Metascore: 77

  • Available Platforms: PC
  • Release Date: July 7, 2009
  • Developer(s): Bohemia Interactive Studio

ARMA 2 is a highly detailed sequel that continued the series' focus on simulating real-life combat encounters. The game's realism, comprehensive mission editor, and modding support have contributed to its enduring appeal within the tactical shooter community.

15 Star Wars: Republic Commando

Metascore: 78

Star Wars: Republic Commando, released in 2005, offers a unique tactical-based first-person shooter experience. Players command an elite squad to tactically eliminate enemies, presenting a compelling tactical gameplay experience within the Star Wars universe.

14 The Finals

Metascore: 79

The Finals is a new live-service shooter that combines refined movement mechanics and exciting shooting, setting the stage for potential success within the modern live-service market. Despite initial challenges, The Finals stands as a promising addition to the tactical shooter genre.

13 Payday 2

Metascore: 79

Payday 2, released in 2013, offers an enduring cooperative gameplay experience, allowing players to engage in heists with strategic elements. The game's longevity and engaging gameplay make it a must-play for tactical shooter enthusiasts.

12 Squad

Metascore: N/A (Average of 80 From Two Reviews)

  • Available Platforms: PC
  • Release Date: September 23, 2020
  • Developer(s): Offworld Industries

Squad, developed by Offworld Industries, offers gripping battles and immersive gameplay, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in its strategic combat encounters. The game's focus on communication and coordination presents a compelling experience for tactical shooter fans.

11 SWAT 3: Close Quarters Battle

Metascore: 81

  • Available Platforms: PC
  • Release Date: November 23, 1999
  • Developer(s): Sierra Northwest

SWAT 3: Close Quarters Battle, released in 1999, offers a realistic and detailed portrayal of SWAT tactics and missions. The game's emphasis on team coordination and communication sets a high bar for tactical shooter experiences.

10 Ready Or Not

Metascore: 82

Ready or Not presents a high-stakes SWAT experience, requiring players to approach hostage scenarios with precision and care. The game's tense atmosphere and strategic gameplay make it an ideal choice for tactical shooter enthusiasts.

9 Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Vegas 2

Metascore: 82

  • Available Platforms: PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
  • Release Date: March 18, 2008
  • Developer(s): Ubisoft Montreal

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Vegas 2 stands out as an exceptional tactical shooter, challenging players to thwart a terrorist organization in Sin City. With its impactful tactical-based combat, the game offers a compelling gameplay experience for tactical shooter enthusiasts.

8 Counter-Strike 2

Metascore: 83

Counter-Strike 2 continues to solidify the series' reputation for team cooperation and engaging gameplay. Despite early challenges, the game remains a compelling experience for tactical shooter enthusiasts, offering an engaging and enjoyable gameplay experience.

7 Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon (2001)

Metascore: 84

Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon (2001) stands as the first entry in a renowned tactical shooter series, offering a well-balanced and compelling tactical gameplay experience. Despite its age, the game remains a pioneer of the subgenre, making it a must-play for tactical shooter fans.

6 SWAT 4

Metascore: 85

  • Available Platforms: PC
  • Release Date: April 5, 2005
  • Developer(s): Irrational Games

SWAT 4, released in 2005, delivers a realistic SWAT experience, emphasizing the importance of precise tactics and efficient team coordination. With its comprehensive portrayal of SWAT operations, the game sets a high standard for tactical shooter experiences.

5 Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six (1998)

Metascore: 85

  • Available Platforms: PC, Nintendo 64, PlayStation 1, Game Boy Color, Dreamcast
  • Release Date: May 15, 1998
  • Developer(s): Red Storm Entertainment

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six (1998) lays the groundwork for a pioneering tactical shooter series. Its exceptional tactical gameplay mechanics set a high standard for the subgenre, making it a must-play for tactical shooter fans.

4 Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six 3: Raven Shield

Metascore: 86

  • Available Platforms: PC, Mobile
  • Release Date: October 29, 2003
  • Developer(s): Red Storm Entertainment

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six 3: Raven Shield, released in 2003, serves as a pivotal entry in the tactical shooter genre. With its meticulous tactical gameplay, the game stands out as an exceptional and enduring contribution to the genre.

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