10 best shooters and action games of 2024

This year has been a true celebration for fans of shooters and action games. Developers have introduced projects that not only impressed with their graphics and gameplay but also set new standards for the genre. Here are the ten best shooters and action games released in 2024.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

Image: pubity.com 

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 was one of the most anticipated shooters of 2024, thanks to its innovative approaches to long-standing mechanics and its return to historical events. The game’s events unfold during the Gulf War, allowing the developers to present a unique setting and a variety of combat scenarios.

Overall, the game pleased its audience with a captivating story, dynamic battles, and surprisingly horror-like elements for the series. Innovative multiplayer mechanics, including the new Omnimovement system, brought fresh life to the familiar multiplayer gameplay. Although some players expressed dissatisfaction with the balance of the new perks in multiplayer, the game inevitably became a hit.

Helldivers 2

Image: gagadget.com 

This cooperative sensation rocked the industry at the start of the year but lost almost all of its suddenly acquired popularity due to a series of scandals. Did that make the game worse? Not at all! It’s still an amazing co-op experience with friends, leaving a lasting impression.

Battles against alien enemies, the need for tactical teamwork, and a huge selection of weapons make the game a brilliant example of a quality co-op shooter. Success in missions requires coordinated team efforts, because even with a powerful arsenal and strategic equipment, the opponents can be too strong without proper cooperation.

Players appreciated the project for its unique combination of humor, hardcore missions, and dynamic combat, making it an excellent choice for those looking for team-based games with a high level of emotional involvement. The game is still supported and waiting for new players!

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2

Image: youtube.com 

A return to the grim world of Warhammer 40,000 could not go unnoticed. In this sequel to the 2010 game, Captain Titus faces off against the Tyranids—a race of intergalactic predators. The Ultramarine seeks to prove his loyalty to humanity and contain the horrors of the universe in epic battles on distant planets, striving to halt the advance of eternal darkness.

The story campaign can be played solo or with friends.

The game also offers numerous cool multiplayer modes, making fighting shoulder-to-shoulder with a friend truly epic. Its deep storyline revealed new facets of the conflict between the Imperium and the forces of Chaos. Players especially appreciated the combat system and the spectacular battle scenes that amazed with their scale.

However, many noted that certain parts of the game lose momentum, especially after introducing a new enemy type. At these points, the combat scenes feel less intense, and the game as a whole loses some of its dynamism. Despite these issues, Space Marine 2 had a successful launch and did not disappoint longtime fans of the universe.

Black Myth: Wukong

Image: gadgetmatch.com 

This Chinese action RPG made a splash not only with its graphics and deeply crafted world but also with its record-breaking online player count for a single-player game. Black Myth: Wukong transports players into the mythological atmosphere of ancient China, offering challenging combat and a gripping story inspired by "Journey to the West". The game boasts incredible art design for its environments and characters. And while at times it may feel like a boss-rush, the unique abilities of both the hero and the enemies make each battle unforgettable.

Right after launch, the game quickly gained popularity, amassing millions of fans worldwide, especially in China. Additionally, it was praised for its artistic style and incredible character designs. The main criticism leveled at Wukong was its repetitiveness, but in the end, the pros outweighed the cons.

Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree

Image: vg247.com 

The expansion to the already iconic Elden Ring continues to broaden its rich universe. Shadow of the Erdtree adds new areas to explore, powerful enemies, and additional storylines. Players faced even more dangerous bosses requiring careful strategy and a deep understanding of the game’s mechanics.

The Shadowlands impressed with their scale and grim atmosphere, and the introduction of additional classes and weapons allowed players to rethink their playstyles. Known for their meticulous detail, FromSoftware once again demonstrated their mastery in creating breathtaking landscapes and levels.

Key features of the expansion include new combat mechanics that demand adaptation from players. For instance, old tactics don’t always work on the new bosses, forcing players to either change their approach or pick new gear to meet the challenge. The final boss set a new standard for difficulty and bone-crushing intensity typical of Souls-like enemies.

Shadow of the Erdtree received high marks, placing it among the best DLCs. This expansion was worth the wait, so it had to be included in this list.

Marvel Rivals

Image: thedirect.com 

The recently released free-to-play Marvel Rivals is a team-based hero shooter in which players fight for control of various objectives using well-known heroes and villains from the Marvel universe. Unlike other similar games, Marvel Rivals lets players combine character abilities with the assumption that they already know which heroes synergize well together since these characters and their powers are childhood favorites.

The game aims to redefine the hero shooter genre by introducing complex characters and unique synergies between them. However, it seems too enamored with trying to resemble Overwatch, causing it to lose some individuality.

One key issue players noted is the excessively large roster of characters in need of better balance and more variety. Some heroes are too similar to Blizzard’s characters, which reduces the project’s uniqueness at times.

While Marvel Rivals has potential due to its famous franchise and the concept of character interplay, it needs to focus more on its strengths to stand out among competitors. Still, Marvel Rivals has managed to freshen up the hero shooter genre.

Stellar Blade

Image: pslegends.com 

Featuring a stunning visual style, Stellar Blade offered players intense combat and a deep narrative. At the heart of the story is humanity’s struggle for survival in a world overtaken by machines. Detailed battle animations, a mix of melee and ranged combat, and emotionally charged storylines set this game apart. Well-rounded characters and a dramatic narrative make it not just a game, but a true interactive adventure.

Players highly praised the dynamic combat scenes, beautiful visuals, and musical score. Special attention was drawn to the characters, including the protagonist, Eve, though her appearance sparked mixed reactions related to the design and animation.

Additionally, the game was compared to NieR: Automata due to its similar style and atmospheric music. These comparisons even led to a collaboration between the projects. Overall, Stellar Blade was welcomed as an ambitious project with pleasant visuals that provides an interesting gaming experience, though it also has its weaknesses.

Mullet Madjack

Image: gog.com 

This simple yet addictive first-person shooter with a vibrant, stylized approach and thrilling gameplay managed to find a place in gamers’ hearts. The game seduces with its VHS-retro futurism atmosphere, great music, and insane dynamics. It may not blow your mind completely, but it will definitely let you feel like an ‘80s action hero at the peak of their career.

Mullet Madjack also brings a hint of humor to the boomer shooter genre. It stunned players with its visual style and frantic gameplay. The storyline is full of unexpected twists, and each mission presents new challenges and unconventional ways to solve them. Mullet Madjack is packed with bright special effects, comedic moments, and unforgettable action, making it a real find for those looking for something unusual.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2

Image: youtube.com 

The long-awaited sequel to the cult series once again transports players into the Zone, full of dangers and mysteries. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 offers improved graphics powered by Unreal Engine 5, greater freedom of action, and a deep atmosphere that fans have always loved. Many players highlighted its open world with horror elements and exploration, where it’s important not just to fight but also to think strategically, avoid threats, and solve puzzles.

However, the game doesn’t focus on RPG elements as much as expected, leaning more towards survival—perceived as both a positive and negative depending on player tastes. All this makes the game incredibly immersive, especially for those who value open worlds with a rich atmosphere and don’t fear complex game mechanics (or bugs).

Deadlock

Image: ixbt.com 

Legendary Valve hasn’t released many new games recently, aside from updates to their classic titles. Deadlock is the company’s attempt to reestablish itself as an innovative developer capable of creating world-class games. Given the high interest in the project and Valve’s attention to detail, Deadlock has every chance to become a key project for the entire industry. The game is currently in beta and available only by invitation, but it’s already become a sensation, earning it a spot on this list.

For those not in the know, the game is a unique multiplayer shooter combining elements of MOBA and hero shooters in a 6v6 format. The events take place in a fantasy setting with steampunk elements and unusual mechanics.

The year 2024 has been a real gift for lovers of shooters and action games. These ten titles represent the quintessence of quality, innovation, and engaging gameplay. Regardless of your preferences, every gamer can find something they enjoy in this list. We look forward to equally impressive releases in 2025!

Main image: wallpaperflare.com