There are a lot of exciting first-person shooters coming out in
2022! Our list reveals which ones you should definitely keep an eye on.
Whether for multiplayer or solo fans: 2022 has plenty of exciting first-person shooters in store! There are sequels and remakes of popular brands such as S.T.A.L.K.E.R., which finally gets a proper successor in 2022, and also completely new and unusual shooter approaches, such as the bizarre Atomic Heart.
And co-op players also get a lot on offer: From Warhammer Darktide to Rainbow Six Extraction, there will also be plenty of shooting in teams! In our overview you’ll find all the important candidates, including release dates and classification – so let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Instinction
(Genre: Survival Shooter – Developer: Hashbane Interactive – Platforms: PC, Stadia, (unspecified) Consoles – Release: September 2022)
What’s it about? Dinos! Lots of dinos, in fact: according to the developers, you’ll meet over 25 different species in 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 days of Turok or Dino Crisis will probably be wide-eyed at Instinction. But the graphic quality of the game in the first videos also leaves a powerful impression! 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!
Dino-Shooter Instinction: What kind of game is behind the grandiose graphics? (UPDATE)
When’s it coming? According to the manufacturer, the prehistoric adventure is set to launch in September 2022, with a release via Steam planned on PC. Since there are few images or information and hardly any gameplay so far, the launch could well be delayed.
Ripout
(Genre: Co-op horror shooter – Developer: Pet Project – Platforms: PC – Release: Summer/Fall 2022)
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 we actually wanted to escape from have made it onto the ship and are out to get us. The monsters’ special feature: 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 primarily on a gritty sci-fi atmosphere, so if you’re a sucker for games like Alien Isolation, GTFO or Dead Space, this is the game for you. 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 enables solo or duo runs.
When is it coming? The developers of Ripout have not yet given a concrete date, but they are talking about a release in 2022. We assume that the title will still be released in the second half of the year. A teaser from 3D Realms had originally indicated that it should have been ready in February.
WW1: Isonzo
(Genre: Multiplayer Shooter – Developer: M2H/Blackmill – Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Series X/S – Release: Summer 2022)
What’s it about? The third part of the hardcore shooter series in the First World War is all about the Italian front and alpine warfare. In Isonzo, you fight massive multiplayer battles in rocky cliffs, mountain villages and river valleys. Authentic war equipment such as mortars, sniper rifles and machine guns are used, which are modelled on their historical counterparts down to the smallest detail.
Suitable for whom? Is coordinated action and realism more important to you than fast action? Then the WW1 series is just right for you. The two predecessors Verdun and Tannenberg already proved how merciless the action is here: between artillery and barbed wire, a single hit is usually enough to send a player to the respawn menu. But those who work their way through the challenging entry level will be rewarded with an absolutely brilliant battlefield atmosphere here!
When is it coming? According to the developers, Isonzo will be released in spring 2022, an exact date has not yet been announced. If you want a chance to play it before then, you can register for the (Beta).
Boundary
(Genre: Multiplayer Shooter – Developer: Surgical Scalpels – Platforms: PC, PS4 – Release: expected summer 2022)
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, as we all know, there is no wind in space). Instead of moving forward on foot, players use the propulsion of their spacesuits and grappling hooks to fight enemies in and around space stations with high-tech weapons.
Suitable for whom? With its tactical gadgets, a variety of ammo types for the weapons and compact 5vs5 alignment, 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 coming? After missing the planned release in 2020, the beta was announced in January 2021 with a trailer. The developers later only gave 2021 as the general timeframe, but fans now assume a release in mid-2022.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2
(Genre: First-person shooter – Developer: GSC Gameworld – Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S – Release: 8 December 2022)
What’s it about? Stalker 2 sends us back to where the series began in 2007: The contaminated exclusion zone around the former Chernobyl nuclear power plant. There, a gloomy open world full of hostile factions, physical anomalies, evil mutants and gruesome experiments awaits us. We are on the road as the soldier of fortune Skif, who is searching for treasures and answers in the radioactive no-man’s land – but exactly which questions are not entirely clear.
Suitable for whom? Stalker has always stood for an atmospheric mix of first-person shooter and role-playing game with survival elements. For example, you have to collect equipment, trade with NPCs and complete side quests in order to survive in the zone. Shootouts with bandits and monsters are of course also on the agenda in Stalker 2. The non-linear story can lead to different endings.
When is it coming? Originally it was announced that Stalker 2 would be released on 28 April 2022 (in partnership with Microsoft) for Xbox Series consoles and PC. But we rejoiced too soon: more time for testing and final polishing led to a postponement to 8 December. Following the outbreak of the Ukraine war, the development of Stalker 2 has been put on hold for the time being, with the Kiev-based developers focusing on the safety of their families, according to the studio.
Stalker 2: Everything you need to know about Heart of Chernobyl (UPDATE)
Marauders
(Genre: Raid/Survival Shooter – Developer: Small Impact Games – Platforms: PC – Release: 2022)
What’s it about? Marauders takes the gameplay of Escape from Tarkov or Hunt Showdown and ships it to a – and now brace yourselves – retrofuturistic dieselpunk future where the First World War never ended. At least the developers can claim not to serve a hackneyed setting! As mercenaries and space pirates, you are on the move in Marauders by spaceship and also on foot in PvPvE raids to make fat loot. At least more than the competition!
Suitable for whom? Marauders sees itself as a hardcore shooter and draws you into a relentlessly gritty sci-fi world! While navigating through asteroid fields, boarding enemy ships or raiding colony bases, you’ll have to cope with realistic weapon handling with lots of recoil, lack of oxygen and a barely existent HUD. If you die, you lose valuable loot and equipment! As if that wasn’t exciting (and complex) enough, there’s also crafting, ship upgrades and a talent tree on top.
When is it coming out? While on (Steam) you can still read a non-committal “Coming Soon!”, we have learned from the developer that the Early Access release is still planned for 2022 (via Steam and as a preview version in the PC Game Pass). We expect the launch towards the end of the year, the final version should be ready at the end of 2023 or early 2024 at the earliest.
Ghost Recon Frontline
(Genre: Raid Shooter – Developer: Ubisoft Bucharest – Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Series X/S – Release: 2022)
What’s it about? In October 2021, Ubisoft revealed Ghost Recon Frontline, a new title in the Tom Clancy universe. And it specifically attacks the burgeoning raid shooter genre, which includes Hunt Showdown, Escape from Tarkov or the Hazard Zone mode from Battlefield 2042. As a squad of elite soldiers (Contractor), the objective is to recover certain mission targets on a large map and disappear from the map, while other squads are after the same loot.
Suitable for whom? Unlike CoD Warzone, for example, Ghost Recon Frontline is supposed to reward tactics and good strategies above all, for example by the three players of a squad cleverly combining their class skills: The scout marks enemies for his colleagues, the support sets up guns or mobile cover, and so on. With its modern-military setting, Frontline also feels more grounded and relies on authentic weapons and a believable look for the Contractor.
When is it coming? Actually, there should have been an opportunity to try out Ghost Recon Frontline in a beta at the end of 2021. But nothing was to come of it for the time being, the beta was postponed indefinitely and the release date was narrowed down no further than a vague 2022.
Ghost Recon Frontline revealed: All info on the new multiplayer shooter (UPDATE)
IGI Origins
(Genre: First-person shooter – Developer: Antimatter Games – Platforms: PC – Release: 2022)
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 bells and whistles, 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. So 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, only talking about the year 2022. On (Twitter), however, there are regular updates and talk rounds with the creators, so you’ll find out there immediately if there’s anything new.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
(Genre: First-person shooter – Developer: Infinity Ward – Platforms: PC, Xbox One/Series X, PS5, PS4 – Release: Late 2022)
The new era of Call of Duty is coming. ModernWarfare2 pic.twitter.com/HMtv2S6Nlz
– Call of Duty (@CallofDuty) April 28, 2022
What’s it about? A new year, a new Call of Duty! But Modern Warfare 2 will be the last instalment to follow this unwritten law and is to be given more than a year’s worth of content (for the first time in many years) and rebuilt into a true service game. Meanwhile, it is clear that the new CoD will be the successor to the MW reboot of 2019. Accordingly, you can expect modern weapons, anti-terror missions and a return of Task Force 141.
Suitable for whom? CoD Modern Warfare 2 will almost certainly return to brisk and action-packed run&gun. Insiders reveal that the setting revolves around the fight against drug cartels in Latin America. In addition, there will be extremely drastic scenes of violence with screaming and bleeding enemies. The scenario is said to be inspired by the Sicario films. In addition, a whole new Warzone game is to be released!
When is it coming? Like every year, Call of Duty will be released in 2022 in the autumn or Christmas period. We’re assuming a late October or early November launch. The MW2 reveal has already started at the end of April. As things stand, MW2 includes a single-player campaign, classic multiplayer, a raid game mode DMZ (in the style of Hunt & Tarkov) with Open World and Warzone 2.
Redfall
(Genre: Co-op Shooter – Developer: Arkane – Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S – Release: Summer 2022)
What’s it about? Redfall is a co-op shooter that sends four heroes into battle against vampires that threaten to overrun an entire region. Equipped with class abilities and an arsenal of wacky weapons (UV light cannons or stake guns are at the start), bosses want to be killed, side quests completed and loot collected. By the way, the whole thing is being developed by Arkane, who have proven their knack for clever first-person action with Prey, Deathloop and Dishonored.
Suitable for whom? You can play Redfall in single player, but the shooter is designed for co-op and feels like a mix of Borderlands and The Division. With XP and level-ups for completed missions and loot ranging from common to epic, Redfall apparently wants to stimulate a powerful addiction spiral in which all we want to do at four o’clock in the morning is “quickly do that one final boss”. According to a leak, the open world will be about as big as Ghost of Tsushima or Fallout 76.
When is it coming? Since the E3 announcement at the Microsoft show in the summer of 2021, nothing has been seen or heard of Redfall. At the time, however, a rough date was revealed: The shooter is scheduled for release between July and September 2022 – and for PC and Xbox Series consoles.
Witchfire
(Genre: First-person shooter – Developer: The Astronauts – Platforms: PC – Release: (Early Access) late 2022)
What’s it about? The makers of The Vanishing of Ethan Carter return to their roots with Witchfire. Because before their foray into the adventure genre, they proved a real knack for straightforward 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.
Who is it for? Witchfire is clearly aimed at fans of fast (and dark) 90s shooters such as Quake, Hexen, Blood or Painkiller – but it doesn’t rely on the oldschool pixel look, but on cutting-edge graphics and even photogrammetry. The style is not entirely coincidentally reminiscent of Dark Souls and Bloodborne.
When is it coming? For a long time, the developers of Witchfire refused to be pinned down to a concrete release date – after all, there were always new gameplay snippets to see. Finally, the studio agreed on an Early Access launch for PC in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Warhammer 40K Darktide
(Genre: Co-op Shooter – Developer: Fathsark – Platforms: PC – Release: August 13, 2022)
What’s it about? The makers of Warhammer: Vermintide take their tried and tested concept (four players cooperatively butchering their way through hordes of enemies in the style of Left 4 Dead) and transport it from the fantasy world into the dark sci-fi universe of Warhammer 40k and there you have it, Darktide. On the side of the Empire, we eradicate demonic forces from a mega-metropolis in the name of the Inquisition.
Suitable for whom? Those who like games like Vermintide or Left 4 Dead should definitely make a note of Darktide. From experience, such games are of course the most fun when you go out with friends and don’t have to rely on random fellow players from the far reaches of the internet.
When is it coming? Fatshark had actually planned a release for the end of 2021, but as with so many other titles, it was then postponed to 2022. In March 2022, the new date was announced with a gameplay trailer: 13 September 2022 is the launch date of Darktide on (Steam)!
Atomic Heart
(Genre:First-person shooter – Developer: Mundfish – Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X – Release: End 2022)
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!
Who is it for? 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 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 long been a big mystery. In July 2020, it was said that the game had been programmed and was now being fine-tuned. In January 2021, the system requirements were published. But there is still no concrete date. Since the beginning of 2022, the developers have been indicating the fourth quarter on (Steam).
Scorn
(Genre: First-person shooter – Developer: Ebb Software – Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X – Release: October 2022)
What’s it about? In Scorn, the particularly striking design immediately jumps out at you: levels, weapons and almost everything else seems organic and as if made of flesh and blood – a nightmarish world clearly inspired by HR Giger and his Alien design. We are stranded in this alien world and must now fight our way through bizarre environments by learning skills, fighting (or avoiding) enemies, collecting items and solving puzzles.
Suitable for whom? Scorn is definitely different. If you don’t fancy the next 0815 baller or just have a soft spot for gritty designs that could be straight out of Alien, Species or Prometheus, Scorn is one to keep an eye on. In the sea of hero- and military shooters, Scorn definitely stands out with its daring concept. At the end of 2020, the developers showed 13 minutes of gameplay in one piece for the first time.
When is it coming? Scorn was announced for Steam and GOG back in 2016. In May 2020, it was announced that it would also be released for Xbox Series X in Game Pass and the Windows Store through a deal with Microsoft, but there was still no sign of a launch date. Then, at the end of 2021, the information: October 2022 is finally here. Yeah!
