The 24 Best RPG Shooters

There have been a plethora of gripping RPGs and heart-pumping shooters over the decades. Various studios have explored the concept of overlapping these two rewarding genres by sprinkling light RPG elements into shooting games and vice-versa.

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Yet, the true RPG-shooter hybrid has just fairly recently begun to be fully explored. Franchises like Fallout really helped popularize this style. They added scale and intricate progression while keeping the run-and-gun gameplay accessible and appealing. This list will draw from a small but growing pool of RPG shooters and highlight some of the all-time best.

Updated September 5, 2024 by Jacob Whaling: We've updated this list to add more images and details to entries where we could.

24 Outriders

Outriders

Third-Person Shooter Systems

OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Rating:73/100 Critics Recommend:53% Platform(s) PC , Stadia , PS4 , PS5 , Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S Released April 1, 2021 Developer(s) People Can Fly Publisher(s) Square Enix Multiplayer Online Co-Op Engine Unreal Engine 4 ESRB M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes Platforms That Support Crossplay PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S Number of Players 1-3 PS Plus Availability Extra & Premium Cross-Platform Play PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S Expand See at Playstation Store

Outriders could be described as a Mass Effect-esque RPG with a dash of Everquest. Crafted by Warsaw-based studio People Can Fly — of Bulletstorm and Gears of War: Judgment fame — Outriders shines as an alluring, frenzied ARPG. The online focus adds to the impressive onslaught of fun action, while the backdrop brings a cool blend of fantasy and sci-fi.

Fighters can assume the role of a time-bending Trickster, a powerful Devastator, a gadget-whiz Technomancer, or a fiery Pyromancer. As one might expect from a shooter, an arsenal of potent weapons take center stage, making for a truly chaotic showdown as you fend off humanoids and creatures alike.

23 Far Cry New Dawn

Far Cry New Dawn

First-Person Shooter Systems

Franchise Far Cry Platform(s) PS4 , PC , Xbox One Released February 15, 2019 Developer(s) Ubisoft Publisher(s) Ubisoft Multiplayer Online Co-Op Engine Dunia 2 ESRB M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Intense Violence, Mild Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Alcohol How Long To Beat 12 Hours Expand See at Amazon

While it may be a stretch to tag this as a true role-playing game, New Dawn marks an appealing RPG direction for the Far Cry series. The game comes on the heels of the Montana-based Far Cry 5, playing in the same universe post-devastation. In the wake of that game's "explosive" ending comes a post-apocalyptic setting bringing shades of a Fallout game; albeit a more colorful and vibrant one.

New Dawn runs with the same rewarding, epic gameplay of its predecessor; retaining neat functions like Companions and Prepper Stashes — now 'Treasure Hunts'. At the same time, some elements are retooled and added; stressing crafting, enemy ranks, and settlement upgrades. Some memorable new characters (and a few familiar ones), along with a new enemy faction to deal with, called the Highwaymen, add life to this ruined landscape.

22 Tiny Tina's Wonderlands

Tiny Tina's Wonderlands

Action RPGFPS Systems

OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Rating:78/100 Critics Recommend:76% Franchise Borderlands Platform(s) PS5 , PS4 , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , Xbox One , PC Released March 25, 2022 Developer(s) Gearbox Software Publisher(s) 2K Multiplayer Online Multiplayer , Local Co-Op Engine Unreal Engine 4 ESRB T For Teen due to Blood, Crude, Humor, Language, Partial Nudity, Suggestive Themes, Violence How Long To Beat 16 Hours Metascore 76 Platforms That Support Crossplay PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S Split Screen Orientation Vertical or Horizontal Number of Players 1-4 PS Plus Availability N/A Local Co-Op Support 1-4 Players Cross-Platform Play PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S Expand

This spinoff is as much a deep, entertaining Borderlands game as it is a wacky homage and spoof of fantasy RPG tropes. And Wonderlands delivers on both fronts. Building on the foundation of the fan-favorite DLC, Assault on Dragon's Keep, Gearbox strengthens the formula by using the smoother, sleeker BL3 engine, while retaining Dragon Keep's zany spirit and premise.

The silly banter and quips are abundant as you embark on this colorful quest through the tabletop game "Bunkers and Badasses", filtered through the warped mind of anarchist Tina. And of course, an assortment of distinct guns is also in large supply. This time, the weapons accompany a slew of cool spells and melee weapons.

21 Warframe

Warframe

Third-Person Shooter Systems

OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Rating:74/100 Critics Recommend:53% Platform(s) PC , PS4 , PS5 , Xbox One , Xbox Series S , Xbox Series X , Switch Released March 25, 2013 Developer(s) Digital Extremes Publisher(s) Digital Extremes Multiplayer Online Multiplayer Engine Evolution Engine ESRB M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Violence How Long To Beat 100+ Hours Metascore 85 Platforms That Support Crossplay PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S Cross-Platform Play PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S Expand See at Playstation Store

Now over a decade old, studio Digital Extremes has had much time to refine and flesh out its thrilling free-to-play shooter; and have done so emphatically. Players enter the fray as 'Tenno' fighters; an ancient warrior tribe awoken and spurred to action after centuries of stasis. This sci-fi premise sets the stage for several super-human abilities and powers, along with plenty of flashy visuals.

The game allows you to zip about and unleash devastation as a sort of supersoldier that would even make Master Chief blush, bringing a sense of freedom and exhilaration. With PvP and PvE content, various unique quests, and loads of loot, there's no shortage of fun activities to engage in here.

20 Remnant: From The Ashes

Remnant: From the Ashes

Action RPG Systems

OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Rating:78/100 Critics Recommend:70% Platform(s) PS5 , PS4 , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , PC , Xbox One Released August 20, 2019 Developer(s) Gunfire Games Publisher(s) Perfect World Entertainment Multiplayer Online Multiplayer Engine Unreal Engine 4 ESRB M for Mature: Blood, Strong Language, Violence How Long To Beat 13 Hours File Size Xbox Series 35 GB (December 2023) Platforms That Support Crossplay PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S Cross-Platform Play PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S Expand

Remnant: From the Ashes keeps players on the edge of their seat with a grand, darkly-tinged aura. The plot involves evil, interdimensional forces, which have brought doom to the earth. As a rare survivor of this reckoning, players must traverse the wasteland and rendezvous with other humans holed up inside an underground bunker. But that's only where this action-hero journey begins.

The game incorporates third-person shooting mechanics along with tough-but-rewarding Soulslike gameplay. This all serves to round out an intense experience throughout a 14-hour campaign. Cool world-building, lush biomes, wild boss fights and a roguelike survival add-on keep gamers engaged.

19 Deus Ex: Human Revolution

Deus Ex: Human Revolution

FPS Systems

Franchise Deus Ex Platform(s) PS3 , Xbox 360 , Nintendo Wii U , PC Released August 23, 2011 Developer(s) Eidos Montreal Publisher(s) Square Enix Engine Crystal Engine ESRB M for Mature: Blood, Drug Reference, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Alcohol How Long To Beat 22 Hours Expand

Deus Ex once stood at the vanguard when it came to in-depth role-playing shooters. This 2011 rendition, still a fan favorite, reminds players just why that is. The game draws from traits that made the original so compelling — amping it up with cinematic flair and even deeper gameplay.

Human Revolution is an exciting cyberpunk-infused prequel that keeps gamers locked in across its 21-hour campaign. While many years old, the title feels very modern, with its wealth of customizations and organic progression system. Stylish, satisfying, and well-crafted, Edios Montreal's ARPG is a must-play for fans of the genre.

18 Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

RPG Systems

OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Rating:84/100 Critics Recommend:85% Franchise Star Wars Platform(s) Xbox (Original) , iOS , Android , Switch , PC , macOS Released July 15, 2003 Developer(s) BioWare Publisher(s) LucasArts Engine Odyssey Engine ESRB T for Teen: Violence How Long To Beat 30 Hours Metascore 94 Expand

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is perhaps one of the first examples of Lucas' epic space fantasy seeing a worthy gaming effort. Released in '03, KOTOR dazzled gamers and moviegoers alike, with its attention to detail and narrative arcs that let players carve their own path of good or evil.

Being set in the Republic's heyday, the stage is set for rich, compelling world-building and lore. The real power of this gaming force, however, is its combat, which balances action and round-based tactics. Despite being released "a long, long time ago," this epic from a virtual galaxy far, far away has aged nicely. Sure, this might not apply to its presentation, though the much-hyped remake should take care of that, should it ever be released.

17 Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberpunk 2077

RPGAction Systems

OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Rating:76/100 Critics Recommend:65% Franchise Cyberpunk Platform(s) PC , Xbox One , Stadia , PS4 , PS5 , Xbox Series S , Xbox Series X Released December 10, 2020 Developer(s) CD Projekt Red Publisher(s) CD Projekt Red Engine REDengine 4 ESRB M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol How Long To Beat 25 Hours Metascore 75 Steam Deck Compatibility yes Cross Save yes Cross-Platform Play ps, xbox, pc Expand See at Best Buy

Cyberpunk 2077 may have gotten off to a rough start with its slew of bugs and performance issues, to be sure. Still, The Witcher creators CD Projekt Red have since ironed out many of these issues. And while still far from flawless, the game's stellar blend of shooting, driving, and RPG depth has increasingly shone through; not as bogged down by these issues as before.

When unhindered, this epic really does have the potential to captivate, even beyond its cinematic flair and Keanu Reeves appearances. The game entices with its onslaught of fun action via shooting, driving, and explosions as players traverse the dense Night City. This is strengthened by a fun cyberpunk premise, and clever use of technology; like hacking and customizable "Cyberdecks".

16 Black Ice

A lot of the more interesting and colorful games (quite literally in this case) have been coming from the indie scene. This retro trip by Super Duper Garrett Cooper drops players into an obscure world of vibrant polygons, laced with open-world shooting and arcade sensibilities.

Self-described as "Borderlands-meets-Tron," the experience is dripping with 80s technological flair. This is enhanced by its unique hacking gameplay and RPG elements of progression. Though it currently resides in "early access" status, Black Ice is brimming with appealing FPS gameplay.

15 Alpha Protocol

Alpha Protocol

Action RPG Systems

Platform(s) PS3 , Xbox 360 , PC Released June 1, 2010 Developer(s) Obsidian Entertainment Publisher(s) Sega Engine Unreal Engine 3 ESRB m How Long To Beat 13 Hours Metascore 63 Expand

There are few developers more practiced in the art of RPG-shooter fusions than Obsidian. This stealth RPG is another shining example of its dominance in this area.

While it's now a decade old, Alpha Protocol enthralls with cinematic greatness. This is thanks to its gritty, realistic visuals, epic cinematics, and a gripping narrative. The game draws from spy romps like the Bourne films and James Bond. This is laced with Splinter Cell-esque gameplay and what Obsidian describes as "espionage RPG" concepts.

14 The Outer Worlds

The Outer Worlds

RPG Systems

OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Rating:83/100 Critics Recommend:83% Franchise The Outer Worlds Platform(s) Switch , Xbox One , PS4 , PC Released October 25, 2019 Developer(s) Obsidian Entertainment Publisher(s) Private Division Engine Unreal Engine 4 ESRB M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language How Long To Beat 13 Hours File Size Xbox Series 53 GB (December 2023) Expand

The Fallout inspiration is apparent in this gritty, retro-future RPG. This connection makes sense, given the directors' role in the creation of that series. At the same time, The Outer Worlds takes a more colorful, zany approach in terms of style and content.

The player is in for an epic, memorable experience when embarking on their quest and unlocking their ship; the game's main hub. The game integrates arcade action and RPG depth with its progression system and satisfying shooter mechanics.

13 Fallout: New Vegas

Fallout: New Vegas

RPG Systems

Franchise Fallout Platform(s) PS3 , Xbox 360 , PC Released October 19, 2010 Developer(s) Obsidian Entertainment Publisher(s) Bethesda Engine Gamebryo ESRB M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Use of Drugs How Long To Beat 28 Hours Metascore 84 PS Plus Availability Premium Expand

While it wasn't looked at as favorably by most fans compared to the likes of Fallout 3, Obsidian brought a fun new sensibility to this epic series. Roaming the gritty remains of post-apocalyptic Vegas makes for some captivating exploration. Even if it's a tad on the buggier side, New Vegas also introduces some new elements, fleshing out and refining this solid foundation set by Bethesda.

Featured here is an improved V.A.T.S system, additional perks, awesome new weapons, and as a fun bonus—a gambling feature. This game has been in the rearview mirror now for nearly a decade, but it feels as rich and grandiose as ever.

12 System Shock

System Shock (2023)

Sci-FiFPS Systems

OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Rating:77/100 Critics Recommend:70% Franchise System Shock Platform(s) PC Released May 30, 2023 Developer(s) NightDive Studios Publisher(s) Prime Matter Engine Unreal Engine 4 ESRB m Metascore 78 Expand

Though this game might look crude to modern eyes, the '94 shooter from LookingGlass Technologies was groundbreaking for the time. In an era where 3D first-person games were still in their infancy, System Shock shocked the gaming world with a dynamic and wild trip.

Not only does it contain a range of weapons, skills, and progression elements, but it also features the neat ability to enter "Cyberspace." This is a free-roaming mode that allows the player to drift weightlessly through a 3D space while getting data and dismantling security programs. The best part is that there is a complete remake of the game, released in 2023, that greatly improves on the original.

11 Vampire: The Masquerade — Bloodlines

Vampire: The Masquerade — Bloodlines

Action RPG Systems

Franchise Vampire: The Masquerade Platform(s) PC Released November 16, 2004 Developer(s) Troika Games Publisher(s) Activision Engine Source ESRB M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language How Long To Beat 23 Hours Metascore 80 Expand

This thriller by Troika takes the vampiric motifs and premise of a tabletop RPG by (mostly) the same name and amps it up with thrilling action and FPS gameplay.

Despite its 2004 release, the game's aged pretty well, thanks to its sleek, cinematic presentation and deep gameplay. The game is wrought with werewolves, demons, and other things that go bump in the night, keeping players on their toes. It mixes a variety of unique quests and progression elements that allow the vampire antihero to choose their own path.

10 Resonance Of Fate

Resonance Of Fate

JRPGFantasyNarrative Systems

Platform(s) PlayStation 3 , PlayStation 4 , Xbox 360 , PC Released January 28, 2010 Developer(s) Tri-Ace Publisher(s) Tri-Ace , Sega Engine Proprietary Engine ESRB t How Long To Beat 51 hours Expand

Despite studio tri-Ace's Japanese origins, this game feels very Western with its inclusion of gritty settings and action-tinged shooter mechanics. At the same time, there's a tinge of JRPG nuance and majesty.

The game shines with its unique blend of strategy and TPS elements, providing a slew of tactics to gun down one's foes. These PS3 and 360 titles fell under the radar amidst heavy-hitting shooters and RPGs after its 2010 launch. Regardless, Resonance of Fate still stands as a rich, satisfying thrill ride that deserves a second look.

9 BioShock: Infinite

BioShock: Infinite

Shooter Systems

Franchise BioShock Platform(s) PS3 , Xbox 360 , PC , macOS , Linux Released March 26, 2013 Developer(s) Irrational Games Publisher(s) 2K Engine Unreal Engine 3 ESRB M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Language, Mild Sexual Themes, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco How Long To Beat 12 Hours Metascore 94 PS Plus Availability Premium (Complete Edition) Expand

The third time is certainly a charm with this epic follow-up to Bioshock 2. That's not to (unjustly) discredit its predecessors, but the 2013 installment just has a little something extra.

The game runs with the same solid system of weapons and psychokinetic powers, laced with in-depth FPS gameplay. At the same time, Irrational Games ups the ante with cool steampunk themes and a majestic setting of retro-futuristic Columbia. There's a degree more variety and depth to the combat in addition to an exhilarating rail-transport system.

8 Borderlands 3

Borderlands 3

First-Person ShooterActionRPG Systems

OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Rating:81/100 Critics Recommend:78% Franchise Borderlands Platform(s) Nintendo Switch , PC , PlayStation 4 , PlayStation 5 , Stadia , Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S Released September 13, 2019 Developer(s) Gearbox Software Publisher(s) 2K Games Multiplayer Online Multiplayer , Online Co-Op , Local Co-Op Engine Unreal Engine 4 ESRB M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language How Long To Beat 25 Hours Metascore 91 Platforms That Support Crossplay PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S Split Screen Orientation Vertical or Horizontal Number of Players 1-4 PS Plus Availability N/A Steam Deck Compatibility yes Local Co-Op Support 1-4 Players Cross Save yes Cross-Platform Play PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S Expand See at Amazon

The third game in this awesomely zany trilogy was a long time coming, as fans had to wait several years for a new mainline game, satiated just by smaller spinoffs and DLC packs. And not as universally renowned as BL2, this follow-up holds that same thrilling Borderlands experience—and in more bombastic form than ever.

Deep, reworked classes and skill trees, colorful characters, and rich interplanetary settings await the Vault Hunters this time. Even more so than its predecessors, BL3 is brimming with fun loot and tons of insane new weaponry to play around with.

7 Mass Effect 2

Mass Effect 2

Action RPGThird-Person Shooter Systems

Franchise Mass Effect Platform(s) PS3 , Xbox 360 , PC Released January 26, 2010 Developer(s) BioWare Publisher(s) Electronic Arts Engine Unreal Engine 3 ESRB M for Mature: Blood, Language, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, Violence How Long To Beat 25 Hours File Size Xbox Series 13 GB (December 2023) Expand

While Bioware's space adventure has seen its ups and downs, this second installment is often viewed as the peak. In fact, the 360 version sits at a stellar 96 out of 100 on Metacritic. Like Star Wars (in more ways than one), this second act is the franchise at its deepest and most emotional. It smooths out the blemishes of the 2007 hit while building on the already solid foundation.

The game doesn't compromise in terms of its cinematics, choice-making plotlines, or exhilarating combat. The freedom in exploration, dense role-playing, and fun gunplay make for a memorable sci-fi odyssey.

6 Destiny 2

Destiny 2

FPS Systems

OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Rating:84/100 Critics Recommend:88% Franchise Destiny Platform(s) PS5 , PS4 , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , Xbox One , PC , Stadia Released August 28, 2017 Developer(s) Bungie Publisher(s) Bungie Multiplayer Online Multiplayer , Online Co-Op Engine Tiger Engine ESRB T For TEEN for Blood, Language, and Violence Expansions Destiny 2: Forsaken , Destiny 2: Shadowkeep , Destiny 2: Beyond Light , Destiny 2: The Witch Queen , Destiny 2: Lightfall How Long To Beat 100+ Metascore 85 Platforms That Support Crossplay PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S Number of Players 1-6 (Co-Op) PS Plus Availability Essential, Extra, & Premium (The Witch Queen) Steam Deck Compatibility no Cross Save yes Cross-Platform Play PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S Expand See at Xbox Games StoreSee at Steam$4 at Amazon$40 at Walmart

While stressing shooter elements more than some of its ilk, Destiny 2 provides a deep MMORPG-style experience with the thrills of FPS gameplay. Given Bungie's pedigree with great, renowned shooters, it's not surprising that this run-and-gun romp is both mechanically solid and fun.

Gamers will have no shortage of exciting moments as the Light-wielding protectors of Earth known as Guardians. The game rounds things out with gripping cinematics, refined social elements, and a range of unique side quests that add dozens of hours to the fold.

5 Deus Ex

Deus Ex

Action RPGFPSStealth Systems

Franchise Deus Ex Platform(s) PC , PS2 Released June 23, 2000 Developer(s) Ion Storm Publisher(s) Eidos Interactive Multiplayer Local Multiplayer Engine Unreal Engine 1 ESRB M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Violence How Long To Beat 23 Hours Metascore 90 Expand

This flashy romp from 2000 is still regarded by some gaming pundits as one of the best PC titles ever. It's easy to understand why, given the gripping conspiracy plot and unique, immersive gameplay. It's easy to get lost in the lavish sci-fi settings, enhanced with the dynamic Unreal Engine.

This groundbreaking game has since spawned a number of sequels/prequels, but it's tough to match the iconic status of this originator. Like Doom before it, Ion Storm's Deus Ex feels like a true evolutionary step in shooters, with its blend of RPG elements and a nuanced augmentation system.