The best shooters on PC: the choice of experts and real gamers

Home » Blog » The best shooters on PC: the choice of experts and real gamers

PC shooters have firmly established themselves as one of the most exciting genres in the world of computer games. They allow you to be in the very epicenter of battles, giving the opportunity not only to watch the process, but also to actively participate in it, making decisions and taking risks. Today’s technology allows us to create such realistic worlds that every shot and every step feels as if they are happening in reality. This is why shooters remain the center of attention for both beginners and seasoned gamers.

What are first-person shooters and why have they become iconic?

First-person shooters are a genre that gives a feeling of complete immersion in the game. The camera is installed so that the player looks at the world through the eyes of the character, which creates a presence effect that no other camera can offer. This genre has gained immense popularity due to the dynamics and unpredictability of what is happening. When computer games began to actively develop in the late 90s – early 2000s, first-person shooters were already capturing attention thanks to hits such as Doom and Half-Life. Playing them, gamers first realized that computer technology can not only entertain, but also really bring adrenaline into everyday life.

Modern first-person shooters have made a giant leap forward. Games have become more beautiful, complex and diverse. Projects such as Atomic Heart and S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 allow players to explore open worlds, modify weapons and build tactics against enemies with artificial intelligence, which changes its decisions every time. This is not just entertainment – an interactive story in which every player’s choice matters.

New games and key trends in the world of computer shooters

The latest new games in the shooter genre show that developers are constantly looking for new ways to improve gameplay. Virtual reality technologies allow you to further enhance the effect of presence, turning each battle into a real test of nerves and reactions.

Atomic Heart — an innovative approach to the classics

Atomic Heart offers players a mix of retro-futuristic technology and moral dilemmas. Players are forced to make not only combat decisions, but also moral ones, which adds depth to the game and makes you think. This trend towards plot complexity is one of the key trends that can be observed over the past few years.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II — teamwork at the highest level

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II emphasizes teamwork and interaction. Players strategize, cooperate, and work together to achieve success, which makes each mission truly unforgettable.

Metro Exodus — a post-apocalyptic atmosphere

Metro Exodus takes players to a post-apocalyptic world where atmosphere and survival are the main elements. Each battle is a fight for life, where every bullet and every minute counts.

Rating of the best PC shooters of all time

Which games are included in the rating of the best shooters on PC? The list starts with the classics and goes up to the latest projects, which are already played by millions of gamers. Call of Duty remains at the top thanks to its cinematic quality and well-developed multiplayer modes. Battlefield, on the contrary, is famous for its scale: battles involving dozens of players, equipment, destructible environment – all this makes each fight unforgettable.

Rating of the best shooters on PC:

Call of Duty
Battlefield
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.
Metro
DOOM

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. is more than a shooter. This is a game in which the atmosphere of the mysterious Chernobyl zone is combined with intense shooting and exploration. Gamers who are looking for something more than just shootouts often choose S.T.A.L.K.E.R., because this game offers a unique combination of genres. Metro continues the same theme, adding elements of survival and telling the story of the struggle for life in post-apocalyptic Moscow.

DOOM takes pride of place in this top PC shooters – a dynamic and uncompromising series that never gives up its positions. DOOM and DOOM Eternal force the player to constantly be on the move, plan every action and make sure that enemies cannot catch you off guard. These games are an example of how a classic shooter can be incredibly fresh and relevant if you add bright graphics and music.

Online or offline? The best PC shooters to choose from

The choice between online and offline shooters depends on what the player is looking for. The best online shooters are those in which interaction and teamwork play a key role. PUBG and Apex Legends are two examples where every second counts, and the outcome of the battle can depend on the decision of each team member. Here, not only shooting is important, but also tactics, the ability to communicate with allies and make lightning-fast decisions.

At the same time, the best offline shooters offer to enjoy the plot and atmosphere without worrying about online opponents. Metro Exodus and Wolfenstein are excellent examples of shooters where a well-developed world and an exciting story become the key element. These games allow you to immerse yourself in unique universes, where every action affects the development of the plot, and you can calmly explore the environment without looking back at the timer or other commands.

Shooters for weak PCs are a worthy choice for everyone

For those who do not have a powerful computer, there are many excellent shooters for low-performance PCs that are not inferior in interest to more demanding projects.

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO) is an ideal example of a game that runs even on budget computers and at the same time provides a high level of excitement. Simple but exciting gameplay that focuses on the player’s skills remains relevant even after decades.

Also in the category of shooters for weak PCs, you can include Left 4 Dead 2 – a cooperative shooter in which players fight against hordes of zombies. Ease of learning, minimal system requirements and the ability to play with friends make this game one of the most popular among those who want to play on old hardware.

Top shooters that are worth trying right now

Among the top shooters on PC that are worth trying are Apex Legends, DOOM Eternal and Overwatch. Apex Legends offers a unique approach to the royal battle, where each team consists of three characters, and each of them has their own unique abilities. This adds strategy and makes each game unique.

DOOM Eternal continues the best traditions of shooters, forcing the player to constantly move, attack and think several steps ahead. At the same time, Overwatch focuses on teamwork and character diversity. Each hero in Overwatch has his own abilities, and using them correctly in a team is the key to victory.

A selection that will not leave you indifferent

Games continue to delight with variety and quality. They are about strategy, tactics and incredible stories that you can live on your own or together with others. The best shooters on PC offer all this and more: a sense of real adventure, adrenaline and the thrill of victory. It’s time to dive into a world where every action counts and every shot is a step towards something more.

Arcades: features of the game genre, examples of games

The arcade genre is a cultural phenomenon that has survived several eras, adapted to technology and remains one of the most recognizable forms of entertainment. What makes these simple yet addictive projects unshakable in the world of video games? From retro machines in old arcades to modern gaming apps for smartphones, arcades continue to delight millions of users.

Arcade games: what makes the genre so unique

Let’s consider the features of the genre that make it unusual and popular among players.

Simplicity and speed are key elements

Arcades were created to give players instant pleasure. Simple mechanics, easy controls, short rounds – all this is ideal for short gaming sessions. The success of the genre largely depends on its ability to satisfy the desire for a quick reward.

While modern projects often require deep immersion in the plot, arcades offer pure gameplay, without the need to understand complex rules. This allows you to instantly get into the game without wasting time on training. Let’s remember at least the famous Pong and Space Invaders, where the player was immediately immersed in the action.

Dynamics and reflex challenge

The main strength of arcades is their dynamics. Constant movement and increasing complexity stimulate the player to maximum attention. Reflexes become the main tool for victory – no skills or knowledge will help if reflexes are not up to par. This feature makes arcades similar to sports: you have to fight your own reactions, which creates an atmosphere of competition in the game.

Classic arcades: a return to retro games

History is full of cult projects that have become symbols of entire decades. Classic versions came to homes and arcades in the 80s and 90s. Pac-Man, Space Invaders, Asteroids won millions of hearts and forever entrenched themselves in pop culture.

Pac-Man, for example, became not just a game, but a phenomenon: its yellow round hero inspired the creation of merchandise, TV shows and even cartoons. At the time, such entertainment was the pinnacle of technology, and its popularity remains strong thanks to reissues and nostalgia for the era of arcades.

Transforming the classics into digital format

The genre is currently experiencing a real renaissance. Developers are not only bringing back old hits, adapting them for modern devices, but also creating new projects in a retro style. This emphasizes how tenacious the arcade genre is: old mechanics are not outdated, they have only acquired a new form. Retro types find their place on PCs, consoles and mobile platforms, returning us to the golden age of video games.

Simple games for casual players: arcades for everyone

Casual players are an audience that appreciates the simplicity and ease of the gameplay. This genre is ideal for them. It does not require long training, complex strategies or deep immersion in the plot. Casual games, like arcades, are focused on instant pleasure.

Many modern versions are created with this audience in mind, offering simple mechanics that do not overload players. The important thing is that such simple games are available on almost all platforms, from PCs to mobile devices, which makes them accessible to a wide range of people.

Mobile devices have opened a new page in history. Players have the opportunity to enjoy their favorite entertainment anywhere and anytime. Arcade games for Android and iOS have become an integral part of modern life. Applications allow you to relax for a few minutes during a lunch break or while waiting in line. In addition, casual players can always find a project that suits their taste in the App Store or Google Play.

Arcade games for PC, consoles and mobile devices

Arcade games for PC are an opportunity to get acquainted with both the classics of the genre and modern projects. On Steam, you can find many arcades that will please both beginners and veterans of the genre. Many developers specially adapt their projects for computers, adding high-resolution support and additional features, which makes arcade games for PC as user-friendly as possible.

Eternal tandem

Walking hand in hand from the very beginning. With the advent of arcade games for consoles in the 80s, a real revolution began in the world of video games, and in modern times, platforms such as Nintendo Switch, PlayStation and Xbox continue to delight players with new projects adapted for large screens:

Nintendo Switch is one of the most popular platforms. The portability of the device makes it ideal for short gaming sessions, which arcade projects love so much.
PlayStation and Xbox offer a wide selection of both classic versions and modern ones that take full advantage of new technologies.

Mobile platforms

Applications for mobile devices have long since moved from the category of simple entertainment to full-fledged projects that can compete with console games. Many arcade projects are developed specifically for mobile devices, which allows them to occupy their niche in the market. Offers include both adaptations of classic hits and new projects aimed at casual players.

Conclusion: the genre is timeless

Arcade games have firmly taken their place in the history of video games and remain popular to this day. This genre managed to survive several decades and remain relevant thanks to its simplicity, speed and dynamics. New projects continue to delight players, and re-releases of classics remind of the golden era of arcades.

Despite all the changes in the industry, arcades prove that entertainment doesn’t have to be complex to be addictive. The genre is a living legend that continues to be loved by millions of players around the world.

March 27, 2025

The best arcades on PC: six masterpieces for endless fun

Greetings to all fans of nostalgia and digital excitement! Today we will dive into the world of the best arcades on PC, which have remained at the peak of popularity for decades. We will talk about arcade masterpieces that deserve attention – from cult classics to modern games with stunning graphics and unusual gameplay.

Pac-Man Championship Edition DX+: a legend in a new guise

The first of the best arcades on PC – Pac-Man Championship Edition DX+ – is a real ode to nostalgia. Here, the iconic mechanics of ghost traps return with new brilliance. The gameplay is built on the basic principles of the original Pac-Man, but new elements have been added, such as turbo mode and traps, making the game even more exciting.

You have to maneuver through the maze, collect dots, and avoid ghosts that are getting faster and faster. Turbo mode allows you to literally fly through the maze, creating incredible tension, especially at higher difficulty levels. Elements of tactics and thoughtful use of traps make each game unique. The creators of the project are Bandai Namco, which has given the world many legendary games.

Graphics and atmosphere

The concept has received a modern design with bright and contrasting graphics that are fascinating, but do not distract from the main thing – a dynamic and exciting process:

Color palettes: Each level has its own unique color scheme, which changes depending on the participant’s progress.
Character animation: The characters are drawn with high detail, which allows you to convey every emotion and reaction. Ghosts in the game have different facial expressions and movements that change depending on their state (for example, fear, or aggression).
Lighting effects: Glare lamps and light reflections add depth and visual richness to each game scene.
Turbo mode: When the turbo mode is activated, the graphics change – speed traces and special effects appear that create the impression of rapid movement.

This is the perfect choice for those looking for arcade games with good graphics. All elements are carefully drawn to preserve the atmosphere.

Cuphead: Retro Adventure at a New Level

Cuphead is the epitome of retro animation, inspired by cartoons from the 30s. Created by independent Studio MDHR, the concept amazed the world with its unique visual style and complexity. Each level is a real work of art, hand-drawn, the animation is done using old hand-by-hand technologies, and even the soundtrack consists of jazz compositions recorded specifically for the project. With its bright visual style and difficult bosses, the arcade presents interesting gameplay.

Creative Battles and Bosses

Each boss battle in Cuphead is a unique experience that requires reaction speed, precision, and a little luck. There are more than 20 bosses, each with several phases and unique attacks:

Grim Matchstick: a fire-breathing dragon that the player encounters on a moving platform. His attacks include fireballs and summoning fire minions.
Calamari: The siren attacks water streams and summons sea creatures. She has several phases, including turning into a jellyfish that can paralyze the player.
Baroness von Bon-Bon: The queen of sweets attacks with an army of living desserts. The platform moves, and the user must avoid attacks in the form of candies and cakes.
Dr. Kahl: A mad scientist who controls a giant robot. The robot shoots lasers, launches missiles, and uses magnetic attacks.

The game fits perfectly into the list of the best arcade games for parties – you can compete who can pass more bosses with fewer mistakes. The presence of a co-op mode is also ideal for playing together with a friend.

Geometry Wars 3: Dimensions – When Geometry Becomes Fun

One of the best examples of new arcade games on PC that impress and bring genuine joy to players of all ages. The concept was developed by Lucid Games and is the third part of the Geometry Wars series. Spectacular neon colors and explosions that turn each level into a dancing kaleidoscope are captivating from the first minutes. Each enemy has its own shape and behavior, and the task is to survive in this sea of geometric shapes.

Game mechanics

The gameplay combines shooter and puzzle elements, which is especially interesting. Control your geometric figure and destroy enemy shapes, avoiding traps and enemies. There are more than 50 levels, each of which presents a unique challenge. Some require you to destroy a certain number of enemies in a limited time, while others create unique puzzles that require strategic thinking.

Broforce: Patriotism with Explosions

A modern arcade game on PC with an emphasis on mass destruction and fun. Developed by Free Lives, the game is a true hymn to all the action that has ever been in movies and video games. Here you play as a “bro” – a parody of popular action heroes such as Rambo, Commando, and even Neo from The Matrix. Each has its own unique set of abilities and weapons. The gameplay is based on the destruction of everything that moves, the release of prisoners, and the destruction of enemy bases. Any press of the button causes an explosion or destruction.

Rayman Legends: Magic Platformer

Rayman Legends is undoubtedly one of the best arcades with good graphics on PC, which can amaze anyone. Ubisoft Montpellier did an incredible job creating a magical world filled with bright colors, detailed characters, and diverse levels. Each location is unique, from forests to underwater worlds and castles, and the dynamic elements of the levels add even more charm. Graphic details, animation, music, and sound immerse you in an amazing world of adventure.

Gameplay

The project is full of variety: you have to run, jump, slide, swim, and even sing! Levels include elements of rhythm games, where you need to synchronize your actions with the music to complete the level.

Stardew Valley: Time to Relax on the Farm

Although Stardew Valley is not exactly a classic arcade, its controls and unobtrusive rhythm are great for fans of free versions. The game was developed by one person – Eric Barone, also known as ConcernedApe. Manage your farm, fish, mine resources and enjoy simple but addictive gameplay. There are many different activities: from growing crops to building and upgrading buildings, which gives freedom of action and creates a sense of progress.

Cooperative game

Stardew Valley is great for spending time together:

Cooperative farm development: Participants can work on one farm, distributing tasks among themselves. One can grow crops, another – build and improve buildings, and the third – take care of animals.
Communication and interaction: The game provides a chat for communication, as well as the ability to give each other items, help in completing quests, and share resources, which creates an atmosphere of friendly support.
Minimum system requirements: Stardew Valley is ideal for those looking for the best arcade games for weak PCs, as it can be launched even on outdated computers.
Gameplay flexibility: Users can choose what to do at a particular moment – from fishing to crafting tools.

Conclusion

The list of the best arcade games on PC proves that arcade games are a whole art, combining dynamics, graphics, atmosphere, and great fun. Classic and modern, they are equally interesting and can surprise and entertain even the most sophisticated user. Try each of these masterpieces and find your favorite one that will give you unforgettable moments.

April 10, 2025