First-person shooter (FPS) games are often synonymous with one thrilling element: violence. Yet, there exists a category of FPS games that diverge from the typical reliance on bloodshed and destruction. These non-traditional shooters provide engaging experiences that focus on exploration, puzzle-solving, and unique gameplay mechanics, distancing themselves from mainstream titles like Call of Duty or Battlefield.
You may wonder how a shooter game can exist without conventional gunplay. Surprisingly, it is entirely possible. The following selection of innovative FPS titles demonstrates that thrilling gameplay doesn’t require bullets or explosive action. Here’s a closer look at ten enticing options that redefine what it means to be a shooter.
1. Portal
Portals for Puzzle-Solving
At the forefront of puzzle gaming, Portal is celebrated for its ingenuity. While it does include a gun, the focus is not on combat but rather on facilitating spatial navigation through innovative portal mechanics. Players create portals to traverse environments, solve intricate puzzles, and engage with the game’s witty narrative. The satisfaction derived from mastering its physics engine rewards players with memorable ‘A-ha’ moments, showcasing a delightful break from traditional shooting.
2. Boomerang X
Throwing Instead of Shooting
Though I wished to include titles like Neon White, the next best alternative is undeniably Boomerang X. This game blends FPS and platforming elements, where players wield boomerangs rather than traditional firearms. The unique mechanics enable players to tackle enemies, engage in time manipulation, and solve puzzles, making it an exhilarating experience that emphasizes skill and precision over typical shooting mechanics.
3. Horizon: Call of the Mountain
Archery in VR
While virtual reality (VR) continues to evolve, titles like Horizon: Call of the Mountain highlight the medium’s strengths in the shooter genre. Even without conventional guns, players engage in archery, employing physics-based mechanics and immersive climbing features. This game provides a robust FPS experience that captivates without relying solely on firearms, immersing players in a stunningly detailed world.
4. Cryptmaster
Typing as Defense
Cryptmaster stands out as a unique entry on this list, utilizing typing skills for combat. Players control fallen warriors, typing words related to their abilities to unleash attacks. The fast-paced, real-time gameplay requires quick thinking and dexterity, merging tactical thinking with engaging puzzles and witty writing. While challenging, it provides a refreshing twist for those seeking something different in an FPS-adjacent experience.
5. Hardspace: Shipbreaker
Engineering Instead of Shooting
In Hardspace: Shipbreaker, you trade your typical FPS arsenal for engineering tools, becoming an interstellar shipbreaker. Players navigate zero gravity to disassemble spaceships for parts while managing finances and hazards. The initial learning curve can be steep, but the immersive mechanics provide a satisfying progression as players work to pay off their debts while enjoying the intricacies of spaceship dismantling.
6. Ghostrunner
Ninja Skills Over Firearms
Set within a dystopian cyberpunk environment, Ghostrunner features guns, yet players rarely use them. Focused on parkour mechanics, players navigate through environments at breakneck speed and deflect bullets with a katana. The blend of movement and agility creates a captivating experience, steering the gameplay away from traditional firefights toward exhilarating action.
7. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Archery and Magic
In the realm of role-playing games, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim offers opportunities for FPS-style gameplay. Players often opt for stealth archery, eliminating enemies without drawing attention. The effective use of magic further diversifies the gameplay. Skyrim transforms the FPS landscape, providing an alternative where ranged combat can be strategically planned and executed.
8. Ghostwire: Tokyo
Spiritual Spellcasting
Ghostwire: Tokyo, created by Shinji Mikami, immerses players in a supernatural open-world, where magic takes the place of firearms. The game features unique spellcasting mechanics reminiscent of FPS titles, allowing players to engage in combat using ethereal abilities. Despite some flaws, the enchanting atmosphere and spell-casting mechanics make it a standout title worth exploring.
9. Powerwash Simulator
Cleaning is the New Combat
You might find it surprising to see Powerwash Simulator in this list, as it lacks any combat whatsoever. However, the act of wielding a power washer resembles the mechanics of a shooter. Players navigate through quirky, dirty environments, eliminating grime with precision and control. While more laid-back than typical FPS titles, it offers a satisfying experience for those looking for a calming yet engaging challenge.
10. Dishonored
Stealth Over Shootouts
While Dishonored features an arsenal of weapons and supernatural abilities, the game thrives on stealth and evasion. Players can complete missions without taking a single life, emphasizing strategy over brute force. With a plethora of options to distract or disable foes, players are encouraged to navigate the world unseen, creating a stealth experience within the FPS framework.
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