The Best Tactical Shooters Of All Time, Ranked

Highlights

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

The tactical-based shooter subgenre contains progressive gameplay that is continually developing. The genre often involves using multiple gadgets, breaching doors with a squad, or planning the attack method before a match starts. Routinely found in online tactical-based games is a need for communication.

Regardless of a player’s experience level with tactical shooter games, it’s never too late to delve into one of these hit games. It can be quite challenging to get into these titles (especially if players are too used to FPS titles where individual skill is more important than teamwork), but patient players who take their time to learn how the game works will be more than pleased with what these games have to offer when everything finally clicks into place.

Updated on May 7, 2024, by Ritwik Mitra: Tactical shooters occupy a niche that compels many players to check out games in a genre that actually promotes realism and stops players from becoming a one-man army. This power fantasy is engaging in its own right, but players who want this gameplay to emulate what would actually happen in a real-life combat scenario will love tactical shooters that bring something new to the table and force players to seek out alternate strategies to ensure that their enemies bite the dust, instead of the other way around.

26 Escape From Tarkov

Metascore: N/A

It’s worth noting that Escape from Tarkov isn’t widely available. It uses a unique launcher explicitly made for the game, along the lines of Fortnite. However, for those who can do so, it’s worth trying out.

The inventory management of Escape from Tarkov is one of its highlights. While the game is tactical-based, it has an inventory system similar to survival games like PUBG and Z1 Battle Royale. The game is still in its beta stage, which has been active since July 2017.

25 Operation Flashpoint: Cold War Crisis

Metascore: 64

Operation Flashpoint: Cold War Crisis was developed by Bohemia Interactive Studio and was first released in 2001 before being re-released in 2011 under the name ARMA: Cold War Assault. Bohemia Interactive Studio’s tactical shooter was the first in the Operation Flashpoint series and was considered to be a spiritual successor to Suma’s 1995 release Gravon: Real Virtuality, which was ported to PC by Bohemia Interactive.

Operation Flashpoint: Cold War Crisis stood out in 2001 with its team-based gameplay, an abundance of drivable vehicles, and games/”>Real Time Tactics mechanics. It’s a shame that Bohemia Interactive and Codemasters ended up in legal battles over this IP, leading to the series slowly becoming less and less relevant over time as other better tactical shooters came to take its place.

24 Project I.G.I.: I’m Going In

Metascore: 70

• Available Platforms: PC
• Release Date: December 8, 2000
• Developer(s): Innerloop Studios

A unique tactical shooter that promotes stealth more than outright combat, Project I.G.I. is a game where a covert approach and sneaking into bases make for a tense time as players try not to mess up while using the wealth of tools in their arsenal. It’s a unique title that more people need to check out if they like tactical shooters and don’t mind something that feels more retro.

A single mistake can lead to catastrophic results, and full-on combat should be left for desperate situations and the like. It’ll take a few failures for players to get into the groove of the game, but Project I.G.I. can captivate tactical shooter fans in no time.

23 Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands

Metascore: 70

Although most of its content takes place in an open world, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands contains a significant tactical component. The player’s objective is to prevent the rise of the Santa Blanca Cartel, which seeks to create a Narco-State.

For those who merely want strategic gameplay, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands contains online 4v4 tactical fights called Ghost War. The close-quarters of Ghost War’s maps are ideal for using tactics.

22 Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege

Metascore: 73

When it comes to tactical-based shooting games, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege takes the cake. It’s a smart blend of tactical and first-person shooting. In Rainbow Six Siege, players can use a host of gadgets to achieve objectives, usually involving defusing bombs or rescuing hostages.

Rainbow Six Siege is one of those games players can’t put down. games-classic-replay-ps5-backwards-compatible/”>The next-gen version of this title improves the game’s graphics and helps extend the game’s longevity even more.

21 ARMA: Armed Assault

Metascore: 74

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

ARMA: Armed Assault was released in 2006 and was the first game in the ARMA series, serving as a spiritual successor to Operation Flashpoint: Cold War Crisis. The game emphasized realism and authenticity, with players taking on the role of soldiers in a fictional conflict set in a realistic, harrowing world.

The game featured a vast range of vehicles, weapons, and equipment, as well as a mission editor that allowed players to create their custom scenarios. The game was praised for its attention to detail, open-world gameplay, and modding support, which helped to foster a strong and active community of fans.

20 Insurgency

Metascore: 74

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

The tactical-based first-person shooter game Insurgency lets players engage in street battles or find themselves caught in close-quarter Action. It takes plenty of different tactics to achieve objectives like securing strongholds.

Insurgency boasts an abundance of weapons to choose from and 16 playable maps with day and night options for each. There’s a ton of content in the game, so it’s always a great time to hop into the Action and have a great time as players engage in some tight and rewarding tactical shooting gameplay.

19 ARMA 3

Metascore: 74

ARMA 3 takes place in a vast military sandbox. It contains over 20 vehicles and 40 weapons, providing a wealth of opportunities on how to approach the game. Using tactical-based combat is highly recommended in ARMA 3, although it can be played in single-player or multiplayer.

The game is a wonderful display of what a good military simulation can achieve, with ARMA 3 attracting a loyal fanbase courtesy of its malleable engine. Many fully-fledged games like DayZ and PUBG started out as mods in the ARMA 3 engine.

18 Hidden & Dangerous 2: Courage Under Fire

Metascore: 75

• Available Platforms: PC
• Release Date: October 23, 2003
• Developer(s): Illusion Softworks

Most tactical shooters let players approach enemies from the shadows instead of going all out with the shooting, which is why Hidden & Dangerous 2 is a gem that more players need to check out. Serving as an operative behind enemy lines is as tense as they come, and a single mistake can have horrid consequences for the player.

It’s important to be as covert as possible and not attract any unwanted attention. With the extensive suite of options, players have to accomplish their objectives, it’s easy to see why fans of tactical shooters will love what Hidden & Dangerous 2 brings to the table.

17 ARMA 2

Metascore: 77

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

ARMA 2, released in 2009, is a great sequel that continued the series’ focus on simulating real-life combat encounters. The game featured a new, highly detailed game engine and a wide range of new vehicles, weapons, and equipment. The mere fact that footage from ARMA 2 has been mistaken to be real military footage is a testament to how realistic this video game is.

It also added new features such as a day/night cycle and improved AI, as well as a comprehensive mission editor and modding support. ARMA 2 was praised for its attention to detail, complex gameplay, and highly immersive environments. It also had a dedicated multiplayer community, with players competing in large-scale battles and missions that are still a blast to get through to this day.

16 Insurgency: Sandstorm

Metascore: 78

One of the most engaging tactical shooters around that will feel right at home for fans of Counter-Strike, Insurgency: Sandstorm lets players join one of two groups and complete an objective while taking out the opposing squad. This makes for a great time as players coordinate their assault to ensure that the second team never even gets a chance.

Rounds are short and tense, forcing players to really hone their placement, shooting skills, and teamwork if they want to string together a bunch of wins. Trying to be a solo hero in Insurgency: Sandstorm is strongly discouraged and will end a player’s winning streak in no time.

15 Star Wars: Republic Commando

Metascore: 78

When Star Wars: Republic Commando was released back in 2005, it was considered ahead of its time. Fast-forward to now, and the game is beginning to show age. This tactical-based first-person shooter deserves a remaster or remake from the ground up.

Players take on the role of a Republic commando, the leader of his elite squad. They can control party members to tactfully annihilate enemies. Despite its age, Star Wars: Republic Commando is an exceptionally unique Star Wars game worth playing for tactical-based game fanatics.

14 The Finals

Metascore: 79

The newest live-service shooter on the market right now, The Finals combines everything that has worked well in this department to make for a shooting experience that is refined, competitive, and exciting. Made by several ex-DICE developers, The Finals does a great job of combining the great movement from Mirror’s Edge with the impeccable shooting of the Battlefield series.

Given how early the game is in its life cycle, some problems still hold The Finals back from reaching its true potential. Thankfully, given how positive people are about this game, it’ll take a spectacular catastrophe to stop this game from becoming one of the biggest successes in the modern live service market.

13 Payday 2

Metascore: 79

For players who enjoyed Grand Theft Auto 5‘s heist content and would like to play new heists over and over, Payday 2 fits the description. This game was released in 2013 and can be purchased for a bargain on the Steam Store. The gameplay has hardly aged, so there’s little reason not to get into this games-better-coop-wouldnt/”>four-player cooperative game.

Players step into the shoes of the original crew from the first Payday, using tactics to achieve unlawful objectives. Expect to visit Washington DC on a crime spree unlike any other game. Given how disastrous the launch of Payday 3 has been, fans are more than happy to stick with what works.

12 Squad

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

Squad was developed by Offworld Industries and first released in early access back in 2015 before being fully released in September 2020. The game separates players into two teams of 50 (which are divided into 9-person squads with 1 commander role) and gives them a handful of classes to choose from.

Like any great multiplayer tactical shooter, the game emphasizes the necessity of communication between teammates, leading to some gripping and immersive battles. Without adequate teamwork, it’s not surprising that these players are blamed by their team members for ruining the game before eventually being kicked out if they fail to understand how this game works.

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 is a tactical shooter released in 1999 by Sierra Studios. games-best-shooters-long-campaigns/”>The game is set in Los Angeles and allows players to control the Los Angeles Police Department Metropolitan Division SWAT team as they conduct a variety of missions, such as rescuing hostages, disarming bombs, and arresting suspects.

The game was praised for its realism and attention to detail, including accurate depictions of real-world SWAT tactics and equipment. It also featured a strong emphasis on team coordination and communication, with players needing to work together to complete their objectives, as every tactical shooter should.

10 Ready Or Not

Metascore: 82

Taking on the role of a member of a SWAT team, players in Ready or Not need to be tactical and careful about their approach across a wealth of hostage scenarios. It’s important to be quiet and minimize casualties, with the act of killing innocents considered an instant failure.

The tense atmosphere and high-stakes gameplay of Ready or Not make it a great tactical shooter for fans to sink their teeth into. Fans who loved the SWAT games and are missing this franchise in gaming’s modern landscape will find Ready or Not to be an absolute blast.

9 Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Vegas 2

Metascore: 82

In the world of tactical first-person shooters, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Vegas 2 stands out as one of the best games of all time. The game places players in a squad leader’s shoes who must prevent a terrorist organization from taking over Sin City.

The gameplay of Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Vegas 2 was a significant step up over its predecessor. Merely rushing to a firefight is ill-advised. Using the game’s groundbreaking tactical-based combat is recommended.

8 Counter-Strike 2

Metascore: 83

Counter-Strike 2 is the latest entry in a series recognized for team cooperation. The series is going strong even now, with dedicated fans loving the sudden nature of this upgrade and how much fun the game is to play.

The game was lambasted at launch by fans for feeling like a step down in some ways, and the de-listing of CS:GO didn’t help things. Thankfully, it didn’t take too long for Valve to fix things and turn it into an excellent game where cheaters are the only thing stopping fans from truly enjoying the game.

7 Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon (2001)

Metascore: 84

Much like Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon is the first entry in a well-known tactical shooter IP that would receive numerous releases throughout the 2000s. Unlike Brothers in Arms, the Ghost Recon series is still going strong today.

For those who want to relive the series’s glory days, the first entry is a great starting point. It doesn’t have the visuals or gameplay depth of some of the latest entries; however, its tactical gameplay is extremely well-balanced, which made the game a pioneer of the subgenre.