The first-person shooter genre is probably one of the most popular when it comes to video games. There are so many different genres and sub-genres when it comes to FPS games, and the amount of tactical FPS games has been on the rise.
When you look at tactical FPS games, there are some titles that have dominated the market for years and quite a few newcomers. There have been some really fantastic titles that have been praised for their graphics and gameplay. While fast-paced high-action gaming will always be fun, a great slow-paced and tactical game can be just as engaging.
10 Zero Hour
Tactical games like Zero Hour have brought a fun and strategic style of gameplay to the FPS genre. This game is all about strategy and how to maneuver around a map in the most effective way. You can play both single player and online co-op.
Zero Hour brings online tactical team-based gameplay with real-life scale maps. There are two different modes, bomb defusal or hostage situation scenario and an extraction game mode that has a list of tasks needed to be completed before extracting. You can plan out strategies before getting in a match with a 3D model planning table. The game includes resource management and a variety of weapons and gadgets to use in close-quarter combat.
9 Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter
Tom Clancy's books have inspired a numbewr of video games, movies, and shows depicting military stories. Many of the video games named after his works have gone on to be massive successes, such as Ghost Recon, Rainbow Six, and Splinter Cell.
Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter is one of the best Ghost Recon game to date. This game takes you through various missions incolving eliminating hostile forces and rescuing hostages. Commanding a team in this game is necessary to keep your squad alive. Utilizing cover, planning strategic routes, and even communicating with other allied forces to help your squad play a heavy role in the success of your missions.
8 Hunt: Showdown
Online multiplayer extraction games have become popular for their strategic take on the PvPvE format. While some games can be on the hardcore side, Hunt: Showdown takes the PvPvE gameplay and adds a unique setting to it.
Set in an Infested Bayou, this game allows you to play against other teams of hunters all looking to take out monsters and bosses. Working as a team and planning out tactics are highly recommended in order to defeat the monsters and try to extract before other players kill you for the bounty. What really makes this game stand out is the Western aesthetic, since it is set in the year 1895.
7 Insurgency: Sandstorm
There are many team-based tactical FPS games. While a lot of them feel like they are catered to the hardcore gamer, there are a few that can be more forgiving. One of those games is Insurgency: Sandstorm.
This game delivers great modern close-quarter combat, with both fast-paced and slow tactical gameplay. Providing your team with information and managing ammo can be crucial when working towards an objective. There are quite a few large and small maps to play on, with plenty of tactical movements like breaching doors and calling in air support.
6 Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Vegas
It's unsurprising that there are multiple Tom Clancy games on this list. The Rainbow Six series started with the original in 1998, but it is 2006’s Rainbow Six Vegas that might be one of the best in the series.
Rainbow Six Vegas brought a whole new team to the games, along with special skills for each member. With all Tom Clancy games, tactics play a huge role when it comes to strategizing and going through your missions. Busting through walls, using snake cams, and mission briefings add to the immersion of the game.
5 Squad
If you’re looking to play a tactical game that is heavily dependent on team-based gameplay then Squad just might be the game you’re looking for. When it comes to massive multiplayer games, Squad brings the immersion of realistic military-style gameplay with an arcade feel.
Squad is heavily based on working as a team with communication and strategies. There are many servers to play on which can be new player friendly and for hardcore seasoned veterans. Planning out attacks and defenses with your squad leader and working toward a main goal with the commander helps out infantry, vehicle, and air support when playing this game.
4 Ground Branch
There are many games that try to recapture the feeling of the early tactical games like SWAT and Ghost Recon. One game that did, and brought a unique experience to the tactical FPS genre, is Ground Branch.
Developed by one of the original Ghost Recon and Rainbox Six devs, Ground Branch gives you the feel of a hardcore tactical military game. This game not only delivers quality gameplay and great graphics, but the weapon customization is phenomenal. Being able to fully kit out your weapon and gear gives you plenty of options for your play style. Even in gameplay, there are so many little factors, such as your foot sticking out from behind cover and weapon obstruction, that really add to the immersive feel.
3 Escape From Tarkov
Escape from Tarkov might not be the first extraction game, but is one of the most popular. This game is not for everyone, due to the extremely hardcore style of the game. What really makes this game stand out is its great graphics and tactical gameplay.
This game can be ruthless and unforgiving, but makes up for it in combat, weapon, and gear customization. There are many factors that go into this game when playing on its different PvPvE maps. Weapons, ammo, armor, utilities, weight, health, hunger, and thirst all play some important factors that make real-time decisions all the more important.
2 Ready Or Not
Many tactical games have spawned a whole new real-world approach, depicting real-life situations. Ready or Not delivers a truly intense experience while playing as a SWAT police unit. What really makes this game stand out is not only its gameplay but its attention to detail when recreating equipment.
There are plenty of scenarios you are put in which can be very unsettling due to the stealth and sporadic situations you are put in. Different scenarios see your team try to defuse bombs, or rescue hostages.
1 Arma 3
When it comes to tactical FPS games one of the biggest that might come to mind is Arma 3. There is a plethora of reasons that make this game one of the most wildly popular games of its kind. It might not be for everyone, but we can still appreciate what it’s done for the genre.
Arma 3 is a massive tactical military sandbox. This game is so huge and diverse, thanks to the many maps and mods that the community and game have created. You can play in single-player campaigns or through the vast multiplayer content that takes you on numerous missions. These can range from massive to small maps, each trying to complete objectives, take out enemy forces, and defend different objectives equipped with different weapons, gear, vehicles, and so much more.