The best Switch FPS games may not offer the same sort of competitiveness you may find on home consoles or PC, but there are still plenty of high-octane titles with solid gunplay and robust mechanics to find.
While there aren’t many FPS games on our list of the best Switch games overall, that doesn’t mean the platform is lacking in options. A number of multiplayer options and even more single-player games mean there’s something for everyone.
Here are the best Switch FPS games:
- Doom Eternal
- Superhot
- Overwatch 2
- Dusk
- Metro 2033 Redux
- Apex Legends
- Bulletstorm: Duke of Switch Edition
- Borderlands Legendary Collection
- Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus
- Screencheat: Unplugged
1. Doom Eternal
An absolute classic of the FPS genre – and arguably one of the best FPS games of all time, the Doom reboot in 2016 took the pioneering demon-slaying romp and modernised it, with more gore than ever before. However, on Switch, there were a couple of performance issues – Doom Eternal improves on everything its predecessor did and more, fixing frame-rate stutters and ramping up the carnage.
Expect a heavy metal soundtrack as you use explosive weaponry to dispose of all manner of demons in hell, playing as the Doomslayer, one of the most badass protagonists in videogame history.
2. Superhot
Superhot is phenomenal, and while it’s certainly a first person shooter that requires a steady aim, it’s just as much of a puzzle game too. You’re plunged into increasingly difficult scenarios facing off against enemies with no discernible features, where one bullet – or thrown item – kills them, but it also kills you too. The catch is that time only moves when you do.
Some mind-bending fourth-wall manipulation comes into play later down the line, which makes the narrative to this unique shooter another element that elevates this into all-time great status when it comes to indie games.
3. Overwatch 2
While Overwatch 2 may seem overly familiar to anyone who played a lot of the first game, there’s no denying that the free-to-play hero shooter takes everything the first did well, and makes it better. A roster of 35 heroes and counting means there’s a character and playstyle for everyone, often more than one, in this fast-paced multiplayer FPS game.
What’s even better is that there’s a PvE story mode coming to Overwatch 2 later this year, so if you’re jumping into the multiplayer for the first time to prepare, our Overwatch 2 tier list explains which characters you should be using and why.
4. Dusk
Doom Eternal a little too… modern, for you? Then check out Dusk, which is essentially the original Doom if it was launched today, complete with the jagged, retro aesthetic of FPS games from days gone by.
Another game with a metal soundtrack where you slay demonic foes, Dusk is fast-paced, non-stop action, with an armoury ranging from swords and sickles to double-barreled shotguns and rocket launchers. It’s also one of the best performing games on this list, with frame rates as smooth as butter.
5. Metro 2033 Redux
Metro 2033 Redux is the “definitive version” of the first instalment in the Metro series, of which the sequel, Last Light, is also on Switch. We’d recommend starting with the first game though as it’s the beginning of Artyom’s journey in the Moscow underground after an apocalyptic event leaves the surface uninhabitable.
Metro 2033 isn’t for the lighthearted as you’ll face off against many monstrous foes – brace yourself for the librarians – and humans alike who want to stop Artyom’s journey to freedom. While it is a linear shooter, there are elements of survival too, as you conserve ammo and gas mask supplies, so there’s never a moment to relax.
6. Apex Legends
Perhaps the most competitive FPS on the Switch, Apex Legends is a battle royale that feels as smooth as Call of Duty to play (which makes sense given that Respawn Entertainment was founded by some of the old Modern Warfare team), but introduces heroes and character abilities into the mix.
If the building aspect of Fortnite doesn’t take your fancy, then hop into one of the Apex Legends maps and choose from the 20+ strong character roster. Not sure who to play as? Our Apex Legends tier list outlines the best legends and why.
7. Bulletstorm: Duke of Switch Edition
If you like your FPS games with a side of hilarity and over-the-top action, Bulletstorm is the game you’re looking for. You play as Grayson Hunt, a foul-mouthed assassin fighting to escape a planet full of monsters and less-than-welcoming humans.
A vast array of weapons are waiting for you, including a homing sniper rifle and a quad-barreled shotgun. What’s even better is that the Switch version of the game, as implied by the name, introduces the original voice actor for Duke Nukem to take the place of Grayson. Something about chewing ass and kicking bubblegum, I think?
8. Borderlands Legendary Collection
The Borderlands Legendary Collection contains three games from the wild and wacky looter shooter series; the original, its sequel, and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel. This is the perfect introduction to the series and has hundreds of hours of gameplay here, including co-op if you want to bring in a pal.
With Borderlands, you know what you’re getting as soon as you’ve played the first half an hour: characters like Claptrap you’ll either love or hate, constant loot to find and weapons to upgrade, and a completely nonsensical story. If you fall in love with the universe, then you can also pick up the narrative-focused Tales from the Borderlands and its sequel on Nintendo Switch too.
9. Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus
Much like Doom, Wolfenstein is another classic FPS game that truly pioneered the genre. While the first game in the rebooted series isn’t on Switch for some reason, the second is, and within you’ll find a robust single player campaign set during an alternate history timeline where Germany won the Second World War.
You play as BJ Blazkowicz, also known as ‘Terror Billy’ to the Nazis, leading a team of freedom fighters to rebel against the oppressive regime. Expect a thrilling story with epic set pieces and tough boss battles, along with explosive weaponry and all manner of environments to fight in.
10. Screencheat: Unplugged
Screencheat: Unplugged is something considerably different from everything else on this list, because it is a multiplayer shooter that is split-screen only. Grab three friends and fight to the death, but the catch is that while you’d usually refrain from looking at the screens of your foes, in Screencheat, you’re encouraged to do exactly that.
It’s a party game at heart, and one that has plenty of options for customisation and different game modes. Each map is bold and colourful, and it’s suitable for all the family, although having used a controller before is definitely a plus because your gran won’t fare too well if she can’t shoot straight.
There we have it, our top picks for the best Switch FPS games. While you’re with us, why not take a look at the best free Switch games, which includes a couple of FPS games among others, and then there’s also our free shooting games guide, which is exclusively shooter-focused (but without the Nintendo angle).
