Are you ready to dive headfirst into the next generation of visceral, heart-pounding action? The landscape of first-person shooter (FPS) games is constantly evolving, and 2023 promises an exhilarating lineup that pushes boundaries, revitalizes beloved franchises, and introduces bold new IPs. Above, you’ve seen a fantastic rundown of some of the most anticipated new FPS games of 2023, but let’s delve deeper into what makes these titles essential additions to your gaming radar.
From tactical stealth operations to cosmic horror bullet hells, the upcoming year is stacked with diverse experiences. We’re witnessing a renaissance in the genre, with developers leveraging advanced technology and innovative design to craft truly unforgettable virtual worlds. Let’s unpack the strategic depth, visual artistry, and raw excitement these upcoming FPS games are set to deliver.
Redfall: Arkane’s Unique Spin on Co-op Vampire Hunting
Arkane Studios has carved out a niche for itself with titles like Dishonored, Prey, and Deathloop, known for their intricate level design and emergent gameplay. Their latest venture, Redfall, takes a distinct turn into the realm of four-player cooperative action. Set in a quaint New England town overrun by vampires and their cultist followers, this title swaps solitary exploration for shared combat.
The premise of a co-op monster shooter might sound familiar, but Arkane’s involvement hints at something more. Imagine if the immersive simulation principles of Prey were applied to a squad-based vampire hunt; the possibilities for creative combat and environmental interaction are immense. Players will choose from a diverse cast of characters, each possessing unique traits, skills, and supernatural abilities, encouraging synergistic team play. This blend of Arkane’s signature design philosophy with a cooperative horror shooter framework is precisely why many genre enthusiasts are keenly watching Redfall’s development.
I.G.I. Origins: The Resurgence of Tactical Stealth FPS
For veterans of the early 2000s, the name “Project I.G.I.” evokes memories of methodical infiltration and high-stakes espionage. I.G.I. Origins serves as a prequel, transporting players back to the Cold War era for another dose of tactical first-person stealth action. Developed by Anti-Matter Games, known for their work on Rising Storm 2: Vietnam and contributions to the Killing Floor series, the studio brings a proven track record in realistic combat scenarios.
The game embraces the core tenets of the tactical military shooter genre: planning, precision, and the option for either surgical stealth or a more aggressive, ‘guns blazing’ approach. While the transcript acknowledges that it might not push the genre’s boundaries significantly, the scarcity of truly dedicated tactical stealth FPS titles makes its return welcome. Players can expect a sophisticated arsenal, intricate mission design, and a palpable sense of tension as they navigate perilous covert operations, reminiscent of classic stealth franchises.
Ripout: Evolving Horror Co-op with Reconfigurable Mutants
If cooperative horror and creative enemy design appeal to your sensibilities, then Ripout demands attention. This sci-fi co-op horror shooter plunges players into procedurally generated derelict spaceships, each teeming with grotesque, evolving mutants. The standout feature is the enemies themselves: larger abominations can dynamically attach smaller mutants to their bodies, augmenting their power and fundamentally altering combat encounters.
This “reconfigurable” enemy mechanic promises a dynamic and unpredictable experience, challenging players to adapt their strategies on the fly. As players cleanse these infested vessels, they’ll collect loot to customize their character and weapons, experimenting with different classes to optimize their playstyle. Published by industry veterans 3D Realms, Ripout positions itself as more than just another co-op shooter; it aims to innovate through intelligent enemy AI and a pervasive sense of dread, making it one of the more intriguing new FPS games of 2023.
Luna Abyss: A Trippy Descent into Cosmic Bullet Hell
Sometimes, a game’s aesthetic alone is enough to captivate, and Luna Abyss is a prime example. This narrative-driven first-person action-adventure blends unsettling sci-fi horror with a fast-paced bullet hell combat system. Its visuals are wild, featuring striking environmental and enemy designs that immerse players in a truly bizarre cosmic setting. The sheer intensity of the enemy encounters, where players must dodge barrages of glowing projectiles while returning fire, evokes comparisons to demanding titles like Returnal, but from a first-person perspective.
Beyond its visual spectacle, Luna Abyss promises substantive gameplay. Players will wield a variety of unique firearms and abilities, navigating treacherous environments while uncovering a deep, disturbing narrative. This blend of intense, reactive shooting and a rich storyline makes it an exciting prospect for those who crave both a challenging experience and a deeply atmospheric world. Despite lacking a firm release date, its potential for a visually stunning and mechanically demanding experience places it high on anticipation lists.
Amnesia: The Bunker: A Gun in the Darkness
The Amnesia series is synonymous with psychological horror, where evasion and environmental puzzle-solving trump direct confrontation. Amnesia: The Bunker marks a significant departure, hinting at the inclusion of a firearm. While the details remain scarce, the mere confirmation of a gun fundamentally shifts the established gameplay loop, potentially introducing elements of resource management and desperate defense against unseen horrors.
Set within a desolate WWI bunker, the game is expected to retain the series’ signature tension and atmospheric dread. The presence of a weapon could empower players, yet simultaneously intensify the terror by providing a false sense of security in a truly hostile environment. This bold deviation, even if “cheating a little bit” on the FPS classification, has fans speculating on how Frictional Games will integrate combat without compromising the series’ core identity. It presents a fascinating evolution for a horror franchise already renowned for its innovation.
Destiny 2: Lightfall: The Next Epic Saga in Bungie’s Universe
Bungie’s Destiny 2 continues to command a massive, dedicated player base, and Lightfall represents its latest monumental expansion. Slated for release on February 28th, 2023, Lightfall promises a dramatic visual overhaul and a substantial injection of new content. For veteran Guardians, this means a fresh destination to explore, a new subclass to master (likely Strand, offering novel movement and combat abilities), and a plethora of new gear and activities.
Even for those outside the ongoing narrative, the scope of a Destiny expansion is undeniable. Imagine if every major content drop reshaped a sprawling universe, introducing new lore fragments, powerful enemies, and unique environmental challenges. Lightfall aims to deliver just that, reinvigorating the sandbox and progressing the overarching Light and Darkness saga. It’s a testament to the game’s enduring appeal and Bungie’s commitment to continuous evolution that each expansion garners such fervent excitement, solidifying Destiny 2‘s position as a living, breathing FPS experience.
Atomic Heart: BioShock’s Soviet Sci-Fi Cousin
Long-awaited and visually arresting, Atomic Heart brings a unique blend of open-environment first-person shooter action and RPG elements, heavily inspired by the narrative and atmospheric prowess of BioShock. However, it distinctly carves its own identity with an alternate sci-fi Soviet Union aesthetic, where technology has run amok and bizarre mechanical creatures roam. The game’s visual style is undeniably one of its strongest selling points, offering an incredibly unique and striking world to explore.
Players will engage in combat using a diverse arsenal of cool guns, strange otherworldly abilities, and a heavy emphasis on visceral melee weapons. The potential for creative combat scenarios, combining these elements against a backdrop of surreal environments, is immense. Mundfish has been crafting this title for a considerable period, and the promise of its singular vision finally materializing makes it one of the most intriguing new FPS games of 2023, especially for those seeking a fresh narrative and aesthetic in the genre.
Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun: Retro FPS Mayhem in the Grimdark Future
For fans of classic ’90s shooters and the Warhammer 40,000 universe, Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun is a dream come true. This title unashamedly embraces old-school sensibilities, delivering an over-the-top, arcade-style FPS experience filled with glorious gore and explosive action. It channels the spirit of titles like Dusk and Quake, demonstrating a clear understanding of what made those retro shooters so endlessly satisfying.
Players step into the power armor of a Space Marine, wielding iconic Warhammer weaponry like the titular Boltgun, against hordes of Chaos Space Marines and daemons. The gunplay looks intense and incredibly gratifying, emphasizing movement, dodging, and unleashing devastating firepower. This isn’t about cover-based mechanics or intricate narratives; it’s about pure, unadulterated demon-slaying fun. Its dedication to the retro-FPS revival, combined with the rich lore of 40K, ensures it will resonate deeply with a specific, yet passionate, segment of the gaming community.
Payday 3: The Heist is Back in New York City
The thrill of orchestrating elaborate bank heists and daring robberies returns with Payday 3, slated for release in 2023. While concrete details are still scarce, the mere announcement has ignited excitement among fans of the cooperative shooter series. Starbreeze Studios, the original developers, are once again at the helm, ensuring continuity in design and mechanics. Prime Matter is publishing, and the setting is confirmed to be a vibrant, albeit dangerous, New York City.
The Payday games have always excelled at cooperative gameplay, demanding teamwork, strategy, and quick thinking to pull off objectives. Imagine if the intricate planning of a modern heist movie was transposed into a dynamic FPS environment, where every decision has immediate consequences. The long-term appeal of its predecessors, with players constantly returning for more intricate heists and character progression, bodes well for Payday 3. Fans anticipate robust gunplay, deep customization, and the exhilarating satisfaction of a perfectly executed score, making it a highly anticipated cooperative first-person shooter for 2023.
Dead Island 2: Zombie Slaying in Sunny California
After a famously protracted development cycle that began in 2014, saw multiple developer changes, and periods of radio silence, Dead Island 2 is finally upon us. This zombie-slaying FPS promises a vibrant, yet gore-filled, experience set against the picturesque backdrops of California. Players will wade through hordes of the undead amidst palm trees, sun-drenched beaches, and iconic Hollywood landmarks.
The game looks to deliver on the original’s promise of creative zombie dispatching, emphasizing brutal melee combat augmented by firearms and environmental interactions. It remains to be seen if it can truly stand out from the now crowded zombie survival genre, but early gameplay trailers suggest a high level of visceral satisfaction and a distinct, stylish approach to post-apocalyptic mayhem. The long wait for Dead Island 2 has built immense anticipation, and fans are hoping the final product delivers a truly fun and unique zombie experience.
RoboCop: Rogue City: Upholding Prime Directives
Teyon, the studio behind the surprisingly faithful Terminator: Resistance, is now tackling another beloved 80s action icon with RoboCop: Rogue City. This first-person shooter places players in the metallic boots of Alex Murphy, tasking them with upholding the prime directives in a crime-ridden Detroit. For die-hard RoboCop fans, the potential for a game that captures the unique blend of ultraviolence, dark satire, and compelling character drama is immense.
The challenge lies in faithfully translating the source material’s nuanced tone. RoboCop is more than just a cool robot shooting bad guys; it’s a commentary on corporate greed, media sensationalism, and the nature of humanity. If Teyon can integrate these thematic elements while delivering satisfying shooting mechanics that feel weighty and impactful, it could be a standout licensed title. The promise of embodying an iconic cybernetic law enforcer, complete with signature moves and powerful weaponry, is undoubtedly enticing for many seeking a nostalgic yet fresh FPS experience in 2023.
Crime Boss: Rockay City: ’90s Star-Studded Crime Mayhem
Crime Boss: Rockay City is a fascinating proposition: a first-person shooter that channels the high-octane energy of ’90s action movies, focusing on turf wars and cooperative gameplay. Set in a stylized 1990s Florida, the game aims to immerse players in a world of neon-soaked excess and criminal ambition. Its unique selling point is a star-studded cast, featuring actors like Michael Madsen, Chuck Norris, and Danny Trejo, leaning heavily into ’90s nostalgia.
While playable solo, the emphasis appears to be on chaotic co-op heists and turf battles, drawing comparisons to franchises like Grand Theft Auto and Payday. Players take on the role of a budding crime boss, battling rivals and expanding their empire through force and cunning. The game’s blend of over-the-top action, celebrity voice talent, and a distinct retro aesthetic positions it as a potentially fun and stylish entry in the cooperative crime shooter genre, set to drop in March 2023.
Witchfire: Dark Fantasy Gun & Spell Combat
From The Astronauts, the creative minds behind the visually stunning The Vanishing of Ethan Carter, comes Witchfire: a dark fantasy first-person shooter that combines visceral gunplay with powerful magic. The premise is compelling: players embody immortal witch hunters created by the Vatican using forbidden pagan magic, embroiled in a desperate war against formidable witches in a medieval world saturated with dark sorcery.
The gameplay looks incredibly tight, showcasing satisfying gun mechanics intertwined with spectacular spellcasting. Imagine if the intense shooting of Painkiller met the inventive abilities of Bulletstorm, all within a gothic fantasy setting. This fusion of firearms, magic, and a grim aesthetic promises a unique combat loop. The blend of medieval settings with modern firepower against supernatural foes offers a fresh take on the FPS genre, distinguishing Witchfire as a highly anticipated title for those seeking both magical spectacle and ballistic prowess.
Starfield: Bethesda’s Epic Space RPG
Bethesda Game Studios, renowned for their sprawling open-world RPGs like The Elder Scrolls and Fallout, ventures into uncharted territory with Starfield. This ambitious first-person RPG is set in space, offering players an unparalleled degree of freedom to explore, create, and forge their own destiny across a vast galaxy. The potential for a truly groundbreaking experience is immense, even as skepticism persists regarding its execution, particularly after several delays, now slated for the first half of 2023.
Players will be able to design their own starships, land on countless procedurally generated planets, establish bases, mine resources, and engage with diverse factions and quests across bustling cities and desolate worlds. This represents a monumental shift for Bethesda, developing an entirely new IP with its own deep lore and narrative. The sheer scale and freedom promised by Starfield position it as not just a major FPS release, but potentially one of the defining RPG experiences of the decade, allowing players to truly live out their space-faring fantasies.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl: The Return to The Zone
The original S.T.A.L.K.E.R. games cultivated a legendary status among PC gamers for their unique blend of oppressive atmosphere, challenging survival mechanics, and immersive simulation gameplay. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl aims to recapture that magic, leveraging cutting-edge graphics to render a brutally beautiful, non-linear post-apocalyptic world. This high-tension first-person shooter promises mystery, science fiction, and unrelenting brutality within the infamous Chornobyl Exclusion Zone.
From what’s been revealed, the game appears graphically incredible, designed to deliver a profoundly challenging yet rewarding experience. The emphasis on immersive sim elements means player choices will have tangible consequences, fostering deep engagement with the hazardous environment and its mutated inhabitants. Expect a demanding survival loop, intricate decision-making, and a pervasive sense of dread as players navigate anomalies, deadly factions, and the psychological toll of The Zone. For fans of hardcore survival and atmospheric horror, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is set to be a monumental first-person shooter release in 2023.
Bonus Rounds: More FPS Gems to Watch For
- Starship Troopers: Extermination: A co-op shooter aiming to capture the over-the-top action and satirical spirit of the cult classic film.
- System Shock Remake: A modern reimagining of the legendary sci-fi immersive sim hybrid, promising to revitalize a foundational FPS experience.
- Outpost: Infinity Siege: An ambitious blend of first-person shooter and real-time strategy, offering full sci-fi warfare on a grand scale.
These titles, alongside the 15 major releases discussed, underscore the incredible breadth and innovation we can anticipate from new FPS games of 2023. Be sure to keep an eye on official announcements for final release dates, as the gaming landscape is always subject to change.
