The 26 Best Third-Person Shooters To Play In 2023

The third-person shooter (TPS) genre has been a staple in video games for many years, providing players with exciting, action-packed gameplay and immersive storylines. In recent years, the TPS genre has seen a surge in popularity, with developers pushing the boundaries of what's possible in terms of graphics, gameplay mechanics, and overall game design.

As we head into 2023, the TPS genre shows no signs of slowing down, and it's more important than ever for gamers to stay up-to-date with the best TPS games available. With so many new titles released yearly, it can be overwhelming to track them all. That's why we've put together a list of the best TPS games to play in 2023, so you can be sure you're playing the cream of the crop. From classic franchises to brand-new IPs, these games are sure to provide you with hours of entertainment and adrenaline-fueled action.

When compiling a list of the top TPS games, Argentics took various game development elements into account.

• The first aspect that was evaluated was the gameplay mechanics, which encompassed the game's controls, level design, AI, and overall player experience.
• Graphics and visual quality played a significant role as they influenced the game's immersion and overall aesthetic appeal.
• Story and narrative were also considered critical, as TPS games that offer a compelling and engaging story can enhance the player's emotional investment in the game.
• Lastly, user reviews and ratings were analyzed as they provided valuable insights into the game's reception by the gaming community.

By considering these essential criteria, a well-rounded and comprehensive list of the best TPS games 2023 is provided. So, without further ado, let's dive into the world of TPS games and see what the future holds for this exciting genre.

Alan Wake 2 is an upcoming survival horror game that has been highly anticipated by gamers. Developed by Remedy Entertainment and published by Epic Games Publishing, it is the sequel to the acclaimed Alan Wake (2010). Set to release in 2023 for PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S, Alan Wake 2 is expected to be a visually stunning game with even more horror elements than its predecessor. The original Alan Wake game captivated players with its chilling storyline of an author investigating a terrifying mystery, and the upcoming sequel promises to be just as enthralling. Creative director Sam Lake has revealed that the team at Remedy Entertainment has worked for years to make Alan Wake 2 "more ambitious and more unique," raising anticipation levels even higher. As one of the most highly-anticipated horror games of 2023, Alan Wake 2 is set to make a big impact on the gaming world.

ARC Raiders

ARC Raiders is a cooperative shooter that revolves around teamwork and survival. Set on a planet plagued by an incessant robotic invasion, you must band together with your fellow raiders to fight off the constant threat of destruction. Players must stay close and work together, using an arsenal of weapons and gadgets, as well as traversal tools like jetpacks and grenade launchers, to take on the menacing robotic foes. The game also includes a physics system that allows you to use the environment to your advantage. In addition to combat, players can explore the world and gather loot and artifacts to aid in their battle. The success of your raiding team depends on your ability to work together and outlast the robotic menace.

Ark 2

Ark 2 is an upcoming sequel to the popular sandbox survival game, Ark: Survival Evolved, from Studio Wildcard. This time, the game promises to take a huge leap forward in terms of gameplay and story, with a Souls-like third-person melee combat system and an expanded narrative led by Vin Diesel, who also serves as the President of Creative Convergence on the project. While the game has been delayed until 2024, it is set to release on PC, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Game Pass with cross-platform modding and multiplayer gameplay. The game is set in a new alien environment and features a heavy focus on primitive-only weaponry, strict third-person mechanics, and character traversal systems, such as sliding, swinging, free-climbing, mantling, parkour, and more. You'll be able to craft weapons and tools from various modules to design their look and functionality, making for millions of possible combos. While we are yet to see direct gameplay, Ark 2's promises are exciting and may deliver a massive change to the survival game formula.

Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon

FromSoftware, the developer behind the critically acclaimed Souls-like titles, surprised everyone when they revealed they were returning to the mech franchise with Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon. While there isn't much information on the game, we do know it will feature intense mech action and a deep storyline. It's exciting to see what FromSoftware can do with the dormant franchise and how they will blend in what they've learned from their Souls-like titles. In a follow-up interview, FromSoftware's president confirmed that Fires of Rubicon would retain the challenging boss battles the studio is known for, without turning Armored Core into a Soulsborne game. The reveal trailer showcased giant robots in explosive combat, and we can't wait to see what else FromSoftware has in store for this highly anticipated game. Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon will be the series' first new entry since 2012, and we're excited to see what they have in store for us.

Bleak Faith: Forsaken

Bleak Faith: Forsaken invites players into the daunting world of the Omnisphere, where civilization is on the brink of collapse. Exploring this interconnected place will uncover the secrets of its creation, expansion, and inhabitants, while also encountering a variety of monsters that must be defeated in intense combat. The bosses, in particular, will prove to be formidable challenges. With a vast, unforgiving, and interconnected world, players are urged to take care in their exploration and to learn what is left of civilization's history. Despite the bleakness, pockets of natural life can be discovered within the ever-expanding Omnistructure. Bleak Faith: Forsaken offers a unique journey with the potential to uncover a purpose in this dystopian world.

Control 2

Remedy Entertainment has officially confirmed that Control 2 is currently in development, co-developed and co-published by Remedy and 505 Games. The game will be launched for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows PC, and will be built on Remedy's proprietary Northlight engine, previously used for the original Control. A press release stated a development budget of EUR 50 million, with 505 and Remedy sharing post-development investments. Tero Virtala, CEO of Remedy, confirmed that the previously announced "Project Heron" is actually Control 2. The news is exciting for fans of the original game, which gained a large and dedicated following, thanks to its unique blend of surrealism, storytelling, and gameplay. With the confirmed development of a major sequel, the expectation is high that Control 2 will be just as engaging, if not more so, than its predecessor.

Daymare: 1994 Sandcastle

Daymare: 1994 Sandcastle is an upcoming third-person story-driven survival horror game that serves as a prequel to the acclaimed Daymare: 1998. Set for release on August 30, 2023, players will step into the shoes of special agent Dalila Reyes, as she infiltrates an experimental research center for the Hexacore Advanced Division for Extraction and Search. Brace yourself for a mix of hardcore action game mechanics, environmental puzzles, exploration, and concentrated horror that will keep you on the edge of your seat. With updated graphics, a more intuitive inventory system, new enemies, weapons, and characters, Daymare: 1994 Sandcastle promises to be a worthy addition to the planned Daymare trilogy. Get ready to face your nightmares in this intense prequel to the Daymare series.

Dead Fury

Dead Fury is a thrilling action-adventure game set in a post-apocalyptic New Zealand, where a virus from Mars has unleashed a zombie apocalypse. In this game, a native blossom holds the last hope for humanity. Players can enjoy two different game modes: Story Mode and Horde Mode. The Story Mode follows Jaxon, the protagonist, as he navigates a linear narrative-driven journey, surviving the chaos unleashed by his gang camp leader Daylin. On the other hand, the Horde Mode puts players in an all-out survival arcade mode battle, where they must fight off increasing waves of hordes until their last breath. With realistic weapons and upgrades, immersive gameplay, unlockable levels, and the rapid access to huge hordes battles, Dead Fury offers an exciting and challenging experience that will keep players on the edge of their seats. In this game, each day could be your last, so prepare to descend into hell and fight for your survival!

Dead Space

Dead Space, the 2023 survival horror game developed by Motive Studio and published by Electronic Arts, is a remake of the 2008 game of the same name developed by EA Redwood Shores. The game is set on a mining spaceship overrun by deadly monsters called Necromorphs following the discovery of an artifact called the Marker, and players control engineer Isaac Clarke as he navigates the spaceship and fights the Necromorphs while struggling with growing psychosis.

Dead Space features various changes from the original game. Isaac now has voice lines of his own and engages in discussions with other characters. The game also features more gore than the original, introducing a "peeling" system where the player can tear and destroy the bodies of the Necromorphs. Additionally, the zero gravity element has been improved with Isaac being provided with thrusters to freely move across designated areas of the Ishimura.

Exoprimal

Exoprimal is an upcoming multiplayer action game that promises to deliver a thrilling experience for fans of third-person competitive shooters. Developed and published by Capcom, the game is set to release on multiple platforms, including PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S on July 14, 2023. In Exoprimal, players take on the role of an Exofighter, battling massive hordes of dinosaurs and mutated prehistoric creatures in a player-versus-player-versus environment. With multiple exosuit armor to choose from, each with its own unique weapons and abilities, players can customize their playstyle to fit their preferences. The game also features a Survival Pass that rewards players with new skins and cosmetic items as they progress through the game. With challenging combat scenarios and a mysterious storyline involving a sinister AI named Leviathan, Exoprimal is shaping up to be an exciting addition to the third-person shooter genre.

Gangs of Sherwood

Gangs of Sherwood is a cooperative action game that takes players to a reimagined world of Robin Hood. The game allows 1 to 4 players to take on the roles of Robin, Marian, Friar Tuck or Little John, each with unique, fully customizable gameplay styles. In search of riches to plunder and give to the poor, players journey through Sherwood Forest to the Sheriff's flying castle, battling hordes of enemies and formidable bosses. The game's reputation system rewards players for saving innocent lives and giving their loot to the people, which unlocks new upgrades and combos. The game's co-op mode allows players to land impressive combos and strategize with their friends before setting off on missions. Gangs of Sherwood is an exciting game that offers plenty of fun and challenge for those who enjoy cooperative gameplay.

Greedfall 2: The Dying World

GreedFall 2: The Dying World is an upcoming colonial fantasy RPG by Spiders, set to release on the latest generation of consoles. As a prequel to GreedFall, the game will explore an old world consumed by war and disease. The first game was praised for its captivating quests and diverse companions, which delved into the deeper themes behind the game's island setting. Although GreedFall had some technical issues and a limited scope, it showed potential for an expanded storytelling experience in a BioWare-style adventure. Spiders is known for creating unique stories with a lack of polish, but GreedFall was a pleasant surprise, showcasing the studio's ability to present creative scenarios in original worlds. While a release date is yet to be confirmed, the game has the potential to impress fans of the genre and keep them entertained until the highly anticipated Dragon Age 4 arrives.

Off The Grid

Off The Grid is a cyberpunk Battle Royale 2.0 game developed in collaboration with Neill Blomkamp, featuring a covert corporate war set on a dystopian tropical island. The game offers an immersive experience that allows players to shape the story and gameplay through head-spinning assassination and sabotage missions to gain market share for their chosen faction. Developed with a strong emphasis on narrative progression, Off The Grid has successfully evolved the genre by integrating both PvP skirmishes and PvE storyline missions on the same map inhabited by other players in real time. Tool up in 2023 and get ready to experience the heat of the battle in this thrilling, action-packed game.

Project Buramato

Project Buramato is a visually stunning semi-open-world 3D Action-Adventure game set in a traditional Bornean folktale high fantasy setting. Traverse the ancient lands of old lords and absorb the power of gigantic beasts in fast-paced battles that are both exhilarating and strategic. With a focus on exploration and subliminal storytelling, the game offers a rich and immersive experience that draws inspiration from the works of Team ICO and the anime series Made in Abyss. Despite a year of radio silence after the initial gameplay reveal, the well-stocked Steam page for Project Buramato promises a colorful RPG experience that is both captivating and challenging.

Remnant II

Remnant II is a highly anticipated sequel to the successful game Remnant: From the Ashes. The game features challenging gameplay with new deadly creatures and god-like bosses across terrifying worlds. Players can play alone or co-op with friends to explore the depths of the unknown to prevent an evil from destroying reality itself. The game offers a mix of methodical and frenetic ranged/melee combat with cunning enemies and large-scale boss battles. Players can choose specific gear and weapons to optimize for different biomes and battles ahead. The game features multiple worlds to explore with different types of creatures, weapons, and items. The branching quest lines, augments, crafting, and loot rewards provide a challenging, varied, and rewarding experience for players. The expanded Archetype system provides unique passive bonuses and stunning powers that can be unlocked, leveled up, and equipped together for a variety of play styles. With dynamically generated dungeons and areas, Remnant II offers endless gameplay possibilities, encouraging exploration and multiple revisits.

Resident Evil 4 Remake

Resident Evil 4 returns as a thrilling remake that builds upon the original game with new visuals, characters, and an improved gameplay experience. Players once again control Leon S. Kennedy as he tries to save Ashley Graham from the Los Illuminados cult. The game was released in March 2023 and has already received critical acclaim, with four million copies sold within the first two weeks. The remake introduces a crafting system that allows players to create items and ammunition using resources collected throughout the game. The Merchant also returns, offering players the chance to buy, upgrade, and trade items while providing new side quests to complete. Combat has been improved, with Leon now able to move and use weapons at the same time, as well as utilize melee attacks and a new parrying mechanic that allows him to block, counterattack, and kill downed enemies with his knife. With multiple types of knives with various attributes to carry, players will find themselves immersed in a new and exciting Resident Evil 4 experience.

Spine

Spine is an action-packed, story-rich game that takes players on an adrenaline-fueled journey through a dystopian world. Developed by Banzai Games and published by Nekki, Spine offers an immersive and exciting single-player experience. With Spine augmentation, players can boost their reflexes and take on hordes of enemies using choreographic moves and intense gun fights. The game features a range of unique heroes, each with their own abilities, and allows players to choose their own path in the global conflict between two powerful factions. The game's unique camera-work provides players with a cinematic experience that enhances the thrill of each in-game moment. The game also includes a player-versus-player mode, where players can prove their skills against others. Overall, Spine is an exhilarating action game that will satisfy fans of intense combat and cinematic storytelling.

Starfield

Starfield is a highly anticipated action role-playing game developed by Bethesda Game Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks. As the first new intellectual property developed by Bethesda in over twenty-five years, the game takes place in a space-themed setting and is set to be released on September 6, 2023, for Windows and Xbox Series X/S. Starfield is set in an area called The Settled Systems, which extends outward from the Solar System for about 50 light-years. The game's storyline is set 20 years after a conflict called the Colony War, which involved the two largest factions in the game: the United Colonies and Freestar Collective. In the game, the player takes on the role of a customizable character who is a member of Constellation, an organization of space explorers. The game can be played from either a first- or third-person perspective. Bethesda's team has put a lot of thought into the game's development and has come up with a unique theme dubbed "NASA punk," which allows players to trace the game's technology back to NASA's space missions. The game's narrative is designed to explore what it means for humanity to live amongst the stars, and it promises to be an immersive and unforgettable gaming experience.

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League is an upcoming online looter shooter game that promises to deliver an exhilarating experience. Developed by Rocksteady Studios and published by Warner Bros. Games, the game takes place five years after the events of Batman: Arkham Knight and introduces the Suicide Squad as the main protagonists. The team of super-criminals, including Captain Boomerang, Deadshot, Harley Quinn, and King Shark, is assembled by Amanda Waller and sent to Metropolis to stop the alien invader Brainiac and save the brainwashed members of the Justice League. The game features an open world based in Metropolis, and players can switch between characters at will when playing solo, while the other characters are controlled by the AI. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League is scheduled to be released on February 2, 2024, for PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S. With its genre-bending action-adventure gameplay and cooperative multiplayer gameplay mode, this game is one to look out for.

Synduality

Synduality is an exciting new sci-fi third-person shooter from Bandai Namco Entertainment that immerses players in the world of Amasia, where humans and artificial intelligence coexist. In this game, players take on the role of "Drifters," who collect the rare resource known as AO Crystals. The game's central mechanic revolves around piloting the "Cradle Coffin," an armed vehicle that takes players on dangerous expeditions into hazardous environments to retrieve the valuable crystals. Along the way, players will encounter hostile alien creatures known as "Enders" that must be overcome in order to safely return to home base. In Synduality, players have the freedom to customize their Cradle Coffin to fit their own playstyle, allowing for a more personalized experience. The game promises to deliver an exciting, action-packed adventure that combines thrilling combat with a deep, immersive sci-fi world.

The Day Before

The Day Before is an upcoming open world survival horror game developed by Fntastic and published by Mytona. Set in a post-apocalyptic United States ravaged by a zombie pandemic, players must fight for their survival in a world overrun by the undead. The game was initially set to release in June 2022 but was delayed due to the developers' decision to switch from Unreal Engine 4 to Unreal Engine 5. Subsequently, the game faced additional delays due to trademark issues and was eventually rescheduled to be released on November 10, 2023. Despite accusations of being a scam, the developers maintained that they were being backed by Mytona and were being regularly evaluated for progress. Fntastic also released raw gameplay footage in February 2023 to address concerns about the game's status.

The First Descendant

The First Descendant is a new looter shooter game that combines RPG gameplay with third-person shooter combat. The game has a beautiful sci-fi style and features unique characters based in a player vs. environment worldview. You play as a Descendant, an individual with inherited unknown powers, whose mission is to fight against alien invaders and protect humanity. While the game can be played alone, it is best experienced in co-op mode. The game is free-to-play but includes micropayments. The First Descendant is similar to Destiny 2 and Outriders, and during my preview playthrough, I found the similarities striking. The game's mechanics and gunplay feel like a new update to Outriders, while the art style and gameplay mechanics borrow heavily from Destiny 2. Overall, The First Descendant looks promising, with its beautiful visuals, unique characters, and the thrill of the looter shooter genre.

Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Remake

Ubisoft is currently working on a remake of the original Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell game, as announced by creative director Chris Auty in a video celebrating the franchise’s 20th anniversary. While the game is still in its early stages, the development team has teased new features and concept art. The team plans to improve certain aspects of the original game that may not have aged well while maintaining its core story and experience. Technical director Christian Carriere highlighted the advancements in AI that will simulate various behaviors and reactions from enemies, while senior game designer Andy Schmoll stated that the cat-and-mouse gameplay between Sam and enemies will be improved. Additionally, audiovisual updates such as ray-traced global illumination will create more detailed settings with more realistic lighting effects and better audio simulations. Although the game is still in the early stages of production, these improvements show a lot of promise for the future of the series.

Vigilance 2099

Envoidant Studios has unveiled a new trailer for its upcoming third-person cyberpunk shooter, Vigilancer 2099, which has been in development since 2017. Set in a mega-building closed by the government, players assume the role of a bounty hunter with a large price on their head. In order to redeem their life, the player must quickly collect the necessary bounty by hunting down other criminals throughout the mega-building. The developers promise an advanced mission generator that creates unique hunts, a hand-crafted mega-building that tells stories through its surroundings, and various character customization options. Inspired by Blade Runner and the prototype Prey 2, Vigilancer 2099's prototype uses Unreal Engine 5 and looks promising. However, with no approximate release date announced, there is a possibility that it could suffer the same fate as Prey 2. Nevertheless, Vigilancer 2099 is worth keeping an eye on for fans of cyberpunk and third-person shooters.

Warhammer 40000: Space Marines II

Fans of Warhammer 40K: Space Marine have eagerly awaited a sequel to the beloved game, and while there is no official release date, we do know that Warhammer Space Marine 2 is set to drop sometime in 2023. The game is expected to be available on PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC, but it doesn't appear that it will be released on previous generation consoles or the Nintendo Switch. Despite the lack of official information, fans can still look forward to the brutal superpowered soldier gameplay that made the original game so popular. So keep an eye out for updates on Warhammer Space Marine 2 and get ready to return to the Warhammer 40K universe.

Wild Hearts

Wild Hearts, published under the EA Originals label and developed by Omega Force, is an action role-playing game that takes place in Azuma, a fantasy world inspired by feudal Japan. The game challenges players to hunt massive monsters known as Kemono in several large areas of Azuma. Released on February 17, 2023, the game is available on PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S. Players take on the role of a nameless hunter and use eight different weapon types, including wagasa and katana, to defeat their enemies. They can also build items through the Karakuri mechanic that can be combined to form larger machines, such as a bulwark that blocks the enemy's path. The game has a campaign that takes approximately 30 hours to complete, and players can team up with two other players as they progress. As players progress, they unlock new weapons and armor, which allows them to hunt more challenging monsters. Wild Hearts is an exciting game for those who enjoy action role-playing games set in a fantasy world.

2023 looks to be an exciting year for fans of third-person competitive shooters. With a variety of highly anticipated titles set to release, such as Warhammer Space Marine 2, Alan Wake 2, and Vigilancer 2099, gamers will have plenty of options to choose from. Each of these games promises unique gameplay mechanics, engaging storylines, and immersive worlds to explore. It remains to be seen which title will come out on top, but one thing is certain: fans of the genre will have a lot to look forward to in the coming year. As the release dates draw closer, it will be interesting to see how each game shapes up and whether they live up to the hype. Overall, 2023 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for third-person shooters, and fans can't wait to see what the future holds.