2023! Our list reveals which ones you should definitely keep an eye on.
Whether for multiplayer or solo fans: 2023 has a lot of exciting first-person shooters in store! Among them are sequels and remakes of popular brands, but also completely new and unusual shooter approaches. In our overview you’ll find all the important candidates including release date and classification – so let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Trepang2
(Genre: Single player shooter – Developer: Trepang Studios – Platforms: PC – Release: 2023)
What’s it about? Trepang2 is (contrary to what the name might suggest) not a sequel, but the debut title of the indie developer Trepang Studios, who describe their game as a “gun-fu shooter”. The focus is clearly on brutal shootouts, which are spectacularly staged thanks to bullet time and ragdoll physics. In addition to firearms, fists, kicks and slides are also used, which can be strung together to form deadly combos. Enemies can even be used as human shields!
For whom? Trepang2 makes no secret of the fact that games like F.E.A.R. or Max Payne and the Matrix films are the big models. You will search in vain for a complex plot or deep characters, but the pure action is really more than worth seeing. As in F.E.A.R., the enemies usually act cleverly, shouting orders to each other, looking for cover and retreating. Those looking for some real shooter fireworks for solo players should keep an eye on Trepang2.
When is it coming? If you are curious, you can test Trepang2 for free at any time: The demo is available on Steam for an unlimited time. So far, the developers have completed 5 main missions, 6 side missions and 8 weapons. There is hardly any reliable information about the final release of the campaign – there is only talk of the year 2023.
Instinction
(Genre: Co-op Shooter – Developer: Hashbane – Platforms: PC – Release: 2023)
What’s it about? Dinos! Lots of dinos, in fact: according to the developer, you will meet over 25 different species in Instinction Instinction. An interesting trick: not all dinosaurs are hostile, some can even be tamed and used as companions. But not only do the giant lizards look fantastic, the nature and lighting atmosphere of the shooter are also on an absolute blockbuster level thanks to the latest Unreal Engine 5. Little is known about the plot and setting, but the story revolves around a supposedly extinct people deep in the jungle.
Suitable for whom? Dino fans who miss the times of Turok or Dino Crisis should be very interested in Instinction. But also otherwise the graphic quality of the game leaves a powerful impression in the first videos! Instinction is to be playable solo or in co-op with four participants and offer various quests in a semi-open world that dynamically changes times of day and weather. Instead of hard survival mechanics, the makers are focusing on puzzles and extensive weapon modding – read more in our overview of the Instinction features known so far!
When is it coming? The prehistoric adventure was originally supposed to start in the third quarter of 2022. According to an investment, however, the developers want to take things up a notch, which is why the release has been pushed back. Hashbane wants to communicate when this will happen soon. We expect a launch towards the end of 2023.
Ripout
(Genre: Co-op Shooter – Developer: Pet Project – Platforms: PC – Release: 1st Quarter 2023)
What’s it about? (Ripout) is a co-op-focused horror shooter set in the year 2084 on a space shuttle of the last surviving humans. The genetically modified monsters, from which we actually wanted to flee, have made it onto the ship and want to get at us. The special feature of the monsters: they can change their bodies dynamically. Thus, several small mutants suddenly become a colossus with completely new attack patterns in the middle of the fight! As a small co-op team, the players fight back with high-tech weapons: The so-called pet gun, for example, fires a robot companion that taps into the biotech abilities of our opponents and uses them for us.
Suitable for whom? Ripout focuses on a dark sci-fi atmosphere, so if you have a weakness for games like Alien Isolation, GTFO or Dead Space, you’re in the right place. In addition, Ripout is supposed to be perfect for short rounds in between, as the missions only last ten to 20 minutes each. So that it doesn’t get boring, the spaceship levels of each mission are randomly generated. The AI adapts dynamically to the number of players, which also makes solo or duo runs possible.
When is it coming? The developers of Ripout have not yet given a concrete date, but for a long time there was talk of a release towards the end of 2022. At gamescom, however, the postponement to early 2023 was announced. Now Ripout is to be released in the first quarter for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series S/X.
Boundary
(Genre: Multiplayer Shooter – Developer: Surgical Scalpels – Platforms: PC, PS4 – Release: 2023)
What’s it about? Only 14 developers are working on the ambitious sci-fi shooter Boundary, which wants to bring a breath of fresh air to the genre with battles in complete weightlessness (although there is no wind in space, as we all know). Instead of moving forward on foot, players use the propulsion of their spacesuits and grappling hooks and fight enemies in and around space stations with high-tech weapons.
Suitable for whom? With its tactical gadgets, a variety of ammunition types for the weapons and the compact 5vs5 orientation, Boundary is reminiscent of a Rainbow Six: Siege in space. Boundary should be particularly challenging simply because you move completely freely in three-dimensional space and danger can come from anywhere. So instead of wild shooting, teamwork and calculation are called for.
When is it coming? After missing the planned release in 2020, the beta was announced with a trailer in January 2021. The developers later only gave 2021 as the general timeframe, but in the meantime the Steam page refers to 2023. At least there are (on Twitter) always updates and new visuals to see.
IGI Origins
(Genre: Stealth-Shooter – Developer: Antimatter Games – Platforms: PC – Release: 2023)
What’s it about? The older shooter fans among you may still be familiar with Project IGI : In the 2000s, the shooter series stood for tough stealth missions in enemy territory with a James Bond feeling. IGI Origins sees itself as a prequel to the tactical shooter series and focuses on an agent setting during the Cold War. Highly secured military bases, spy gadgets, weapons of mass destruction – the whole nine yards. No multiplayer frills, it’s all about the story.
Suitable for whom? IGI Origins basically wants to give you the choice: Open combat or sneaking around undetected? As a lone MI6 operator, however, you can hardly take on an entire army, so planning and smart action are pretty much a must again. Fans of Hitman or Metal Gear might get their money’s worth just as much as Rainbow Six fans.
When is it coming? So far the developers have kept quiet about the exact date, but the project’s switch to Unreal Engine 5 has definitely delayed the launch to 2023. (On Twitter) there are regular updates and talk rounds with the creators, so you will find out there immediately if there is anything new.
Witchfire
(Genre: Roguelite shooter – Developer: The Astronauts – Platforms: PC – Release: 1st Quarter 2023 (Early Access)
What’s it about? The makers of The Vanishing of Ethan Carter return to their roots with Witchfire . Because before their excursion into the adventure genre, they showed a real knack for shooter action with Painkiller and Bulletstorm. Witchfire puts us in a dark fantasy universe full of gruesome creatures that we tackle with revolver, shotgun and spells. As a veteran shooter, GlobalESportNews writer Kevin sees Witchfire not only as a modern first-person shooter, but also as an emotional journey into the past.
For whom? Witchfire is clearly aimed at fans of fast (and gritty) 90s shooters such as Quake, Hexen, Blood or Painkiller – but it doesn’t rely on the oldschool pixel look, but on cutting-edge graphics including photogrammetry. As is typical for roguelikes, you explore more of the interconnected, open areas with each run. The style is not entirely coincidentally reminiscent of Dark Souls and Bloodborne.
When is it coming? For a long time, the makers didn’t want to be pinned down to a concrete release date – but now it’s certain: Witchfire will launch exclusively as an Early Access title in the first quarter of 2023 (in the Epic Store). However, the final version will then also come to other PC shops, according to the studio.
Atomic Heart
(Genre:Singleplayer shooter – Developer: Mundfish – Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S – Release: Feb 21, 2023)
What’s it about? In an alternate version of the Soviet Union, we are sent as a special agent to a top secret research lab where a dangerous experiment has gone wrong. Once there, the hero is confronted with strange traps, physical anomalies, zombies and out-of-control robots. You still don’t understand a thing? Then check out the bizarre trailer for Atomic Heart!
For whom? Atomic Heart looks like a wild mix of Bioshock and Fallout in a retro-futuristic USSR setting. So if you’re not only into shooting, but also into story, exploration and a somewhat bizarre premise, Atomic Heart might be a real insider tip for you. At E3 2021, we finally got to see some promising gameplay scenes again.
When is it coming? The release of Atomic Heart has been a big mystery for a long time. Back in January 2021, the system requirements were released. In February 2022, the developers announced that Atomic Heart would be released in the fourth quarter of 2022, i.e. between October and December. But then there was another postponement to 21 February 2023.
STALKER 2
(Genre:Survival Shooter – Developer: GSC Gameworld – Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S – Release: 2nd Quarter 2023)
What’s it about? S.T.A.L.K.E.R., Since the release of the first part in 2007, the name has stood for a dense end-time atmosphere, plenty of freedom of action and clever resource management. Part 2 sends us back to the contaminated zone around the Chernobyl reactor, where we have to complete quests for various factions, take on bandits and mutants, avoid anomalies and manage our inventory. Only this time in a real open world.
For whom? S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl should appeal to all those who enjoy end-time survival alone instead of online and want to lose themselves in a detailed world where NPCs follow their own daily routines. Stalker 2 is part shooter, part role-playing game and part survival simulation, with the story always in the foreground. Find out more in our big S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 overview!
When will it be released? The release of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 has been surrounded by myths and legends for many years, the development history has been riddled with all kinds of imponderables, developer changes and financial problems. And just when things seemed to be moving forward, development had to be stopped for the time being because of the Ukraine war. The current target is a launch between April and June 2023.
Dead Island 2
(Genre:Coop Shooter – Developer: GSC Gameworld – Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S – Release: April 28, 2023)
What’s it about? Let’s break it down very crudely: In Dead Island 2 it’s almost solely about expertly dismantling zombies into their individual parts. And this is done in greater detail (and bloodier) than ever before: with swords, hammers, shotguns or, thanks to the crafting system, improvised chainsaw lances, the undead spawn are beaten until there is nothing left. In Germany, the game may be released anyway, but not completely uncut.
Suitable for whom? Dead Island 2 is clearly aimed at (adult) splatter fans who want to literally let the shreds fly for a few evenings alone or together in co-op. The focus is clearly on the combat system and the satisfyingly fat weapon selection, but those looking for deep decisions, role-playing or epic storytelling are probably better off elsewhere.
When is it coming? Few games have been delayed as often as Dead Island 2. Since the announcement in 2014 (!), the studio responsible has changed a whopping four times and for a long time it seemed as if the shooter would never come. Now it’s certain: It really is coming out after all, Heiko had a surprising amount of fun playing it and it will be released on 28 April 2023.
Redfall
(Genre:Coop Shooter – Developer: GSC Gameworld – Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S – Release: 2023)
What’s it about? Four heroes go into battle in co-op against hordes of vampires terrorising a small town – that’s the premise of the hero shooter Redfall. To survive in the bloodsucker-infested open world, you have to cleverly combine the abilities and gadgets of your characters, collect loot and level up skills. You can choose from telekinesis powers, robots, protective shields and so on.
For whom? The developer studio Arkane is known for its creative action-stealth sandboxes like Dishonored or Deathloop and wants to play to their strengths in Redfall: You can secretly infiltrate enemy fortresses or shoot out loud, discover alternative routes and solutions, and influence the course of the branching story campaign by making decisions – either solo or with friends.
When is it coming? After the first announcement at E3 2021, it was quiet about the vampire shooter for a while, publisher Bethesda does not want to comment on a concrete date. The only thing that is certain is that Redfall should be released in the course of 2023.
Meet Your Maker
(Genre:Base-building shooter – Developer: Behaviour Interactive – Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S – Release: April 4, 2023)
What’s it about? Strictly speaking Meet Your Maker is not a pure first-person shooter, but a base-building simulation on the other half. The aim is to build an end-time fortress full of nasty traps, enemies and obstacles and, in return, to storm the bases of other players in raids. The classic first-person view is used for fighting, climbing and jumping until the treasure inside the level is recovered.
Suitable for whom? Meet Your Maker appeals to the diabolical builder in every shooter gamer. The thieving joy of building diabolical networks of booby traps and cyborg enemies, won us over right from the first playthrough! But the shooter part doesn’t come up short either: those who take on the community’s creations alone or in two-player co-op should always experience new challenges.
When is it coming? The post-apocalyptic mix of base-building and raid shooter will be launched on 4 April 2023, but that’s not the end of the story: according to developer Behaviour (Dead by Daylight), Meet Your Maker will continue in the form of seasons and content updates.
Starship Troopers: Extermination
(Genre:Coop Shooter – Developer: Offworld Industries – Platforms: PC – Release: 2023)
What’s it about? The Mobile Infantry is ordered back into battle – true to the motto “Only a dead bug is a good bug.” Starship Troopers: Extermination relies on mass in co-op: Up to 12 players reach defensive lines together, collect resources, conquer alien breeding grounds and of course kill hordes of bugs. In between, the equipment of the three playable classes Assault, Support and Defence is levelled up.
For whom? If you like games like Aliens: Fireteam Elite or The Division 2, but you’re in the mood for much larger battles, then Starship Troopers: Extermination is worth a look. Teamwork is the key: only those who ping dangers for their colleagues, build walls and turrets and supply their comrades with ammunition stand a chance.
When is it coming? The (Early Access on Steam) is supposed to start sometime in 2023 and last about a year. Meanwhile, boss fights, new planets, side quests, vehicles and more are to be added.
RoboCop: Rogue City
(Genre:Singleplayer shooter – Developer: Tyeon – Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S – Release: June 2023)
What’s it about? The most legendary cyborg cop of the 80s returns – but not as a movie, but as a game: In Robocop Rogue City you slip into the heavy metal shoes of the titular hero and clean up crime in dystopian Detroit. As in Terminator: Resistance from the same developer studio, smaller story decisions, as well as puzzles and stealth sections lighten up the gunplay.
Suitable for whom? As with Terminator: Resistance, which was realised with great attention to detail, loyal fans of the original will be hoping for a worthy conversion. And the makers are very faithful to the original – even the original Robocop actor Peter Weller, who is 86 years old, is back! So the next pearl for film lovers could well be lying dormant here.
When is it coming? The single-player shooter is scheduled for release in June 2023 and, like the Terminator adaptation, does not offer an open world, but semi-open levels that invite exploration. Publisher is Nacon (Blood Bowl, Steelrising, Mordheim).
