The “First-Person Adventure” genre has been gaining ground among games by putting players directly in the perspective of the main character. Amidst a veritable array of memorable titles, check out the best FPA games of all time.
The ability of these games to immerse players in richly detailed worlds and tell stories makes them a popular choice among gamers.
Players are challenged to immerse themselves in fictional worlds, while unraveling mysteries and facing adversity. By reminiscing with the group about the best of the best, you realize how the genre has an impact and an ability to involve and thrill.
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The best FPA games of all time
Half-Life 2 (2004)
In this iconic science fiction game, players take on the role of Gordon Freeman, a scientist who finds himself in a dystopian world after the events of the first Half-Life. He joins the human resistance against an invading alien race known as the Combine. Half-Life 2 is widely considered to be one of the best FPA games of all time, setting standards for the genre.
Portal 2 (2011)
Continuing the story of the first game, Portal 2 introduces players to the protagonist Chell, who faces a series of challenges in an Aperture Science testing laboratory. Using the “Portal Gun”, players manipulate portals to solve challenging puzzles. In addition to its innovative gameplay, Portal 2 is praised for its clever script, quirky humor and creative level design, solidifying its place as one of the best FPA games of all time.
BioShock (2007)
Set in the underwater city of Rapture, BioShock offers a unique and immersive atmosphere. Players take control of Jack, who finds himself caught in the middle of a conflict between the inhabitants of Rapture. It is hailed as one of the best FPA games of all time due to its originality and thematic depth.
Dishonored (2012)
Set in a steampunk city called Dunwall, Dishonored puts players in the role of Corvo Attano, a bodyguard wrongly accused of murder. Supernatural abilities and a variety of approaches to completing missions lead players to choose between being stealthy ghosts or brutal predators. In addition to its flexible gameplay system, Dishonored is praised for its richly detailed world, complex level design and engaging narrative.
Deus Ex (2000)
Set in a dystopian cyberpunk future, Deus Ex follows agent JC Denton as he investigates a global conspiracy involving governments and corporations. With meaningful choices that affect the plot and the world around them, players explore interactive environments and have the freedom to approach objectives in a variety of ways.
System Shock 2 (1999)
On an abandoned spaceship, players find themselves as the sole survivor of an experiment gone horribly wrong. In their quest to unravel the mystery behind the disaster, players face cybernetic enemies and psychological horrors. System Shock 2 is revered as one of the best FPA games of all time, influencing many subsequent titles in the genre.
Prey (2017)
In Prey, players take on the role of Morgan Yu, who wakes up on board the Talos I space station and discovers that it has been invaded by an alien threat. With a complex narrative full of twists and turns, non-linear exploration gameplay and a variety of skills to acquire, Prey offers an immersive and challenging experience that continues to surprise players.
Metroid Prime (2002)
As one of the first FPA games to bring the legendary Metroid series to the 3D format, Metroid Prime is a milestone in the genre. Players take on the role of bounty hunter Samus Aran as they explore alien planets, solve puzzles and face enemies in an epic adventure. Easily considered one of the best FPA games of all time.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011)
Skyrim offers players an unprecedented open-world experience, allowing them to explore a vast fantasy region as they wish. The game captivates players with its world rich in detail and possibilities. What’s more, mods created by the community extend the game’s lifespan, ensuring that Skyrim remains one of the best FPA games to date.
Far Cry 3 (2012)
Set on a tropical island infested with criminals, Far Cry 3 puts players in the shoes of Jason Brody, who finds himself in a fight for survival and revenge. Far Cry 3 stands out as one of the best FPA games of all time due to its freedom and immersion.
Alien: Isolation (2014)
Based on the iconic film franchise, Alien: Isolation puts players in the shoes of Amanda Ripley as she tries to survive a single, terrifying xenomorph aboard an abandoned space station. The tense atmosphere, stealth gameplay and advanced AI mechanics lead the game to perfectly capture the terror of the original movie.
Amnesia: The Dark Descent (2010)
Amnesia: The Dark Descent is a psychological horror game that places players in a gloomy mansion with no memory of how they got there. With an oppressive atmosphere, exploration-based gameplay and a mysterious story, the game challenges players to face their fears as they try to uncover the mansion’s dark secrets. Widely regarded as one of the best FPA games of all time.
Firewatch (2016)
Firewatch tells the story of Henry, a lone ranger tasked with watching over a national park in Wyoming. As he becomes involved in a series of mysterious and intriguing events, Henry develops a relationship with his supervisor Delilah through a radio. Firewatch stands out as one of the best FPA games of all time because of its gripping narrative and ability to evoke a wide range of emotions in players.
The Stanley Parable (2013)
The Stanley Parable is a unique narrative experience that challenges the conventions of modern gaming. Players take control of Stanley, an office worker who finds himself following (or defying) the instructions of a mysterious narrator. It is acclaimed for its ability to subvert player expectations.
Titanfall 2 (2016)
As pilots of a giant combat robot, or “Titan”, players embark on a thrilling journey full of action and camaraderie in Titanfall 2. The game features a thrilling solo campaign that combines epic moments of scale with fluid parkour mechanics and frantic shootouts.
Metro Exodus (2019)
In Metro Exodus, players are transported to a post-apocalyptic world devastated by a nuclear war. As Artyom, players embark on an epic journey across desolate landscapes, facing mutated creatures and hostile factions. Metro Exodus takes the series to new heights, offering a thrilling and unforgettable FPA experience.
Soma (2015)
Soma immerses players in a sci-fi horror narrative that explores deep questions about the nature of consciousness and identity. Set in an isolated underwater research station, the game challenges players to face not only physical threats, but also existential dilemmas. It stands out as one of the best FPA games of all time, especially for those looking for an intellectually stimulating experience.
The Talos Principle (2014)
The Talos Principle is a philosophical puzzle game that challenges players to explore a series of complex environments and solve logical challenges. At the same time, the game presents an intriguing narrative that addresses questions about the nature of consciousness, existence and morality. It offers an FPA experience that captivates both players’ minds and hearts.
Myst (1993)
Myst is a milestone in the history of computer games, presenting players with an immersive and mysterious world to explore. As a traveler on a desert island, players solve a series of environmental puzzles and discover the history behind the place. Myst set a new standard for first-person adventure games and remains an unforgettable experience for many players to this day.
Outer Wilds (2019)
In Outer Wilds, players take on the role of a space explorer in a unique and dynamic solar system. Armed with a homemade rocket and a scanner, the player sets out to discover the secrets of the universe before a supernova destroys everything. It’s a truly unique experience and a refreshing addition to the FPA genre.
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007)
Modern Warfare revolutionized the Call of Duty series by taking players to modern battlefields, abandoning World War II scenarios. It follows a tense storyline full of twists and turns, as well as a revolutionary multiplayer mode that set the standard for online shooters, and is considered one of the best FPA games of all time for its lasting influence on the industry and innovative approach to the genre.
F.E.A.R. (2005)
F.E.A.R. immerses players in a supernatural horror story combined with intense first-person shootouts. As a member of a special forces team, players face a paranormal entity known as Alma while investigating a corrupt corporation.
No One Lives Forever (2000)
As one of the first heroines of first-person shooters, Cate Archer takes on spies and villains in a series of thrilling, action-packed missions. With a unique blend of espionage elements, humor and dynamic gameplay, No One Lives Forever is remembered as one of the best FPA games due to its creative approach to the genre and its charismatic protagonist.
The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay (2004)
The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay is a unique experience that combines elements of action, stealth and storytelling in a brutal space prison. Players take on the role of Riddick, a wanted criminal looking to escape from prison. It is considered one of the best FPA games of all time for its immersive atmosphere.
Halo: Combat Evolved (2001)
As the first game in the legendary Halo series, Combat Evolved set the standards for first-person shooters on Xbox and beyond. Players take on the role of the Master Chief as they battle an alien alliance known as the Covenant in a mysterious alien ring. It is revered as one of the best FPA games of all time and a milestone in video game history.
Thief: The Dark Project (1998)
Thief: The Dark Project is one of the pioneers of the FPA genre, introducing players to a stealthy approach in a dark and atmospheric medieval setting. As the master thief Garrett, players explore intricate levels, steal valuable treasures and avoid direct confrontations with guards.
Condemned: Criminal Origins (2005)
Condemned: Criminal Origins plunges players into a dark and disturbing world, where they take on the role of a detective investigating a series of brutal murders. The game offers a unique experience that challenges players to face their deepest fears while unraveling the secrets behind the horrors that surround them.
Mirror’s Edge (2008)
In Mirror’s Edge, players take control of Faith, a skilled courier who uses parkour to navigate the rooftops of a dystopian city. The non-violent, movement-focused approach makes Mirror’s Edge one of the best FPA games of all time for those looking for something different in the genre.
Bioshock Infinite (2013)
Bioshock Infinite transports players to the floating city of Columbia, where they take on the role of Booker DeWitt on a mission to rescue Elizabeth, a woman with mysterious powers. It is acclaimed for its thematic depth, solidifying its place as one of the best FPA games of all time.
Borderlands 2 (2012)
Borderlands 2 takes players to the vibrant and chaotic world of Pandora, where they assume the role of treasure hunters in search of fame, fortune and revenge against the villainous Handsome Jack. Distinctive graphic style, addictive gameplay and tons of content bring Borderlands 2 to the list of best FPA games of all time.
List: the 30 best FPA games of all time
- Half-Life 2 (2004)
- Portal 2 (2011)
- BioShock (2007)
- Dishonored (2012)
- Deus Ex (2000)
- System Shock 2 (1999)
- Prey (2017)
- Metroid Prime (2002)
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011)
- Far Cry 3 (2012)
- Alien: Isolation (2014)
- Amnesia: The Dark Descent (2010)
- Firewatch (2016)
- The Stanley Parable (2013)
- Titanfall 2 (2016)
- Metro Exodus (2019)
- Soma (2015)
- The Talos Principle (2014)
- Myst (1993)
- Outer Wilds (2019)
- Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007)
- F.E.A.R. (2005)
- No One Lives Forever (2000)
- The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay (2004)
- Halo: Combat Evolved (2001)
- Thief: The Dark Project (1998)
- Condemned: Criminal Origins (2005)
- Mirror’s Edge (2008)
- Bioshock Infinite (2013)
- Borderlands 2 (2012)
The genre continues to play a fundamental role in the industry, offering experiences that go beyond simple digital interaction: a unique opportunity to connect with stories and characters. And since you’ve followed our list of the best FPA games of all time, stay on our website to keep up to date with the gaming universe:
