32 Brutal Games Like Doom You Need To Play (2025)

Since the widely acclaimed Doom was released in 1993, video games have based their design around the series. Doom is a sci-fi first-person shooter that is known for being the earliest to put the genre on the map. Someone was even audacious enough to get Doom running on a McDonald's cash register! Decades later, Doom continues to be relevant with a 2016 reboot.

In between entries of this legendary FPS franchise, players have time to try other first-person shooters along the lines of Doom. Doom (2016) has a story that deals with the afterlife and is complicated enough that it isn't convoluted or unnecessary. Set on the planet Mars, the protagonist Doom Slayer must endure an onslaught of demonic entities. There are many brutal games like Doom that fans of the franchise need to play.

Updated December 30, 2024, by Hamza Haq: If there is one game that can take the credit for influencing the FPS genre the most, it's the forever-classic 1993 title by id Software, Doom. A lot of games since—first-person shooters, in particular—have tried to recapture the same feeling to varying success. A title doesn't necessarily need to be based around killing demons and guns to be similar to Doom, though visceral gunplay is an absolute must.

34 Prodeus

A Boomer Shooter With Everything Fans Of Classic Doom Could Ask For

Prodeus

FPS

Systems

OpenCritic Reviews

Top Critic Rating: 82/100 Critics Recommend: 87%

Platform(s)

Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S

Released

September 23, 2022

Developer(s)

Bounding Box Software

Prodeus combines both the old and the new to make for a tantalizing combination of eras that fans of classic FPS games will have a great time with. It doesn't take an expert to see that this game is very much in the same vein as the original Doom, with its unique art style and brutal combat making it a perfect pick for fans of this genre-defining FPS.

The gameplay in Prodeus rewards mobility and ingenuity in combat. Players must be on their toes and not become a sitting duck for the many attacks aimed at their way, which can spell certain doom if they don't play the game as it should be.

Combines Rhythm Games And FPS Gameplay With Doom-Inspired Visuals

Metal: Hellsinger

FPS

Rhythm

Systems

OpenCritic Reviews

Top Critic Rating: 79/100 Critics Recommend: 76%

Platform(s)

PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S

Released

September 15, 2022

Developer(s)

The Outsiders

Indie gaming has been a breath of fresh air for an industry that has been mired in soulless cash grabs for quite some time now. The idea of combining the rhythm genre with a fast-paced first-person shooter is something that no one could've imagined.

Now, games like Metal: Hellsinger show just how viable this combination is. The hellish imagery is very much in line with Doom, and players will love the soundtrack as they blast their way through levels and take out enemies with great finesse.

32 BPM: Bullets Per Minute

Arguably Kickstarted The Rage For Rhythm-Action Hybrid Games

BPM: Bullets Per Minute

FPS

Rhythm

Systems

OpenCritic Reviews

Top Critic Rating: 74/100 Critics Recommend: 54%

Platform(s)

PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC, Switch

Released

September 15, 2020

Developer(s)

Playtonic Games, Just Add Water

A game that came out of nowhere and grabbed every player's attention from the get-go, BPM: Bullets Per Minute was a great showcase of how adhering to the rhythm of a beat could make something as simple as an FPS way more engaging.

The soundtrack is amazing and BPM's action places it a cut above most other FPS titles that aim to channel Doom's frenetic action. The gameplay loop is both unique and familiar at the same time, contributing to BPM's appeal as one of the best indie shooters fans can get their hands on.

31 F.E.A.R. First Encounter Assault Recon

Combines Action-Packed Shooting, Smart AI, And Horror Elements In A Riveting Package

See Also

12 Great Games Like Doom to Play11 Incredible Games Like Doom10 Best Games To Play If You Love Old-School Doom - Gameranx10 Best Games To Play After Beating Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

F.E.A.R.

FPS

Horror

Systems

Platform(s)

PC, PS3, Xbox 360

Released

October 18, 2005

Developer(s)

Monolith Productions

It's a shame that the F.E.A.R. series has become a fragment of the past, with this series being a technical marvel in its heyday. To this day, the AI of this game still wows players with how tactical enemies are, making sure to give players a hard time as they try to take out the many foes that stand in their way.

The atmosphere of F.E.A.R. is easily one of its best parts, and players who finish this game won't be forgetting Alma Wade anytime soon. The frenetic action of this title makes it a classic old-school FPS that fans of Doom should check out, as long as they don't get too scared by its underlying horror elements.

30 Wolfenstein: The New Order

A Return To Form For B.J. Blazkowicz With Amazing Shooting Action

Wolfenstein: The New Order

FPS

Stealth

Action

Adventure

Systems

OpenCritic Reviews

Top Critic Rating: 81/100 Critics Recommend: 81%

Platform(s)

PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PC

Released

May 20, 2014

Developer(s)

MachineGames

Another series that received a successful reboot just like Doom is Wolfenstein: The New Order. The last thing most people expected from a legendary video game series about killing Nazis was a story-driven experience, so it's genuinely impressive just how high-budget and exciting The New Order's narrative is.

The balance between story and gameplay was perfect, and many fans felt like the sequel put too much emphasis on the story while adding repetitive side missions that didn't feel all that fresh. Players who want to see what a good video game reboot is all about should play Wolfenstein: The New Order.

29 I Am Your Beast

FPS With The Most Satisfying Headshots In All Of Gaming

I Am Your Beast

Shooter

FPS

Systems

Platform(s)

PC

Released

September 10, 2024

Developer(s)

Strange Scaffold

I Am Your Beast is a level-based, fast-paced FPS where players assume the role of a special agent gone rogue, refusing to comply with his employer's demands for another assassination. In response, the company sends its goons to take him down, and the player's job is to turn these hunters into the hunted while escaping the predicament they find themselves in.

Gameplay is structured around short levels with a clear objective and a time limit, and the only obstacles in the way are the enemies with guns cocked. The only weapons on hand are the ones the players pick up off an enemy's dead body, ranging from pistols to knives. Headshots are the optimal way to blitz through a zone and are highlighted with a large, satisfying red X sign when achieved. The head hitbox is also extremely generous, with the clear aim of making the player feel like a badass if they put only a moderate amount of effort into getting good at the game—a Doom-esque philosophy that works wonderfully.

28 Dusk

An Ode To The Golden Age Of FPS Games, Including Doom

DUSK

FPS

Systems

OpenCritic Reviews

Top Critic Rating: 89/100 Critics Recommend: 100%

Platform(s)

PC, Switch

Released

December 10, 2018

Developer

David Szymanski

The rise of indie gaming has led to the development of several titles that have tried to capture the magic of retro FPS titles, with Dusk being one such game. It is developed by the man behind indie breakouts like Iron Lung and Rust, David Szymanski.

Dusk is a fun Lovecraftian-themed FPS where players battle several nightmarish horrors as they uncover the mystery surrounding the eponymous rural town. The gunplay is tough yet engaging, and players have to hone their skills to get through the tougher sections of this game unscathed.

27 Ion Fury

A Fast-Paced FPS With Shades Of Duke Nukem And Doom

Ion Fury

FPS

Systems

OpenCritic Reviews

Top Critic Rating: 77/100 Critics Recommend: 77%

Platform(s)

PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One

Released

August 15, 2019

Developer

Voidpoint

After Bombshell turned out to be a critical and commercial failure, it's genuinely impressive that the developers didn't give up on this IP, as is the norm with most other video game flops in gaming's modern era. This time, instead of a top-down shooter approach, Ion Fury took on a classic first-person approach that ended up paying dividends.

Ion Fury was a fun game in every way and a title that fans of Doom and Duke Nukem 3D should check out. The fact that the voice actor of Duke himself appears as the main villain is a testament to how well this title understands its target demographic.

26 Superhot

Fast-Paced Shooter With Time Freeze Mechanics

Superhot

See Also

10 Best Medieval Games To Play After Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

FPS

Systems

OpenCritic Reviews

Top Critic Rating: 82/100 Critics Recommend: 76%

Platform(s)

PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One

Released

February 25, 2016

Developer(s)

SUPERHOT Team

Superhot is a fast-paced shooter with a major focus on intense level design and satisfying gunplay. The game is level-based, with each level requiring the player to defeat a certain number of red enemies in a single room using various types of guns.

In Superhot, combat is blisteringly fast, with enemies coming at the player in a relentless assault that's impossible to react to, especially in later stages. This is where the game's unique freeze-time mechanic comes in. As long as the player stands still, time remains frozen, but as soon as they start moving, time does, too. This creates a tense gameplay loop where, despite the game's quick pace, players are given plenty of time to stop and strategize the best possible solution to the problem. Additionally, guns are not the only tools available to the player; everything in the environment can become a weapon.

25 Ghostrunner

Amazing Combination Of Platforming, Fast-Paced Action, And Brutal Difficulty

Ghostrunner

Action

Systems

OpenCritic Reviews

Top Critic Rating: 81/100 Critics Recommend: 82%

Platform(s)

PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC, Switch

Released

October 27, 2020

Developer(s)

One More Level, Slipgate Ironworks

Ghostrunner is a fast-paced first-person action-platformer hybrid that will scratch the itch of many players who love hardcore gameplay. Dodging attacks in midair and killing enemies in a cool and brutal manner is one of the biggest draws of this title that never ceases to be engaging.

While Ghostrunner doesn't feature any shooting gameplay, most fans of Doom won't mind after seeing just how cool this game is. Surpassing a challenge after struggling for ages makes for a great time indeed and is one of the biggest draws of this title's addictive gameplay loop.

24 Ultrakill

Adrenaline-Inducing FPS Gameplay

Ultrakill

FPS

Systems

Platform(s)

PC

Released

September 3, 2020

Developer(s)

Arsi "Hakita" Patala

While Ultrakill is still in Early Access, the game has still attracted many fans who love what's on offer in this title. The game's retro-inspired gameplay will be perfect for fans of Doom who want to enjoy an FPS in the same vein.

The two Acts of this game have been met with rave reviews, with both fans and critics loving the brutality of the gameplay on offer. The final release will feature the full campaign — something that ardent fans simply can't wait for.

23 Soldier Of Fortune 2

Brutal, Classic FPS Combat That Serves As A Great Throwback For Players

• Released: May 31, 2002
• Developer: Raven Software
• Platforms: PC, Xbox

For a game that was released in 2002, it's genuinely amazing to see just how fleshed out the gore systems of Soldier of Fortune 2 were. Players could shoot enemies at various parts of their bodies to kill them in a myriad of ways.

Some of these deaths were extremely brutal, with players being able to hit different parts of a dead body and watch these areas react realistically to the bullets being aimed their way. It was an extremely violent game that has become a cult classic of sorts nowadays.

22 Postal 2

A Satirical And Violent Take On America, Fueled By Demented FPS Combat

Postal 2

FPS

Open-World

Systems

Platform(s)

PC

Released

April 13, 2003

Developer

Running with Scissors

The phrase "going Postal" has become pretty popular, and fans have this game to thank for that. At a glance, Postal 2 doesn't seem like the most revolutionary game around, but it's when players start messing around in the game that they truly find out the depths of their character's depravity.

Postal 2 is a highly controversial game that doesn't shy away from violence. While the problematic nature of this game is up for debate, there's no denying that the game is extremely violent and lets players kill off enemies in the most creative — and sometimes hilarious — ways.

21 Hell Let Loose

A Fun FPS That Rewards Tactics With Some Brutal And Satisfying Victories

Hell Let Loose

First-Person Shooter

Systems

OpenCritic Reviews

Top Critic Rating: 76/100 Critics Recommend: 59%

Platform(s)

PS5, PC, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S

Released

July 27, 2021

Developer(s)

Black Matter

This multiplayer tactical first-person shooter might not let players run rampant with their guns, but the degree of violence in this game is pretty intense. This makes it a great candidate for brutal games like Doom.

Hell Let Loose might not be the most popular shooter around, but managing to play a single game will let players witness the true carnage of war. The gore here might be overt, but it's not for show and serves a purpose. The horrors of war are not something to be glorified, and Hell Let Loose personifies this statement to a T.

20 Unreal Tournament: Game Of The Year Edition

Arena Shooting At Its Best

Unreal Tournament

FOUR MAJOR GAME TYPESincludingDOMINATION. Your team earns points for controlling locations scattered on the map. Play team games insingle player modeby includingincredibly skilled virtual opponents or teammates ('bots')who know how to play the game and how to work for you or against you for an exciting single player contest like no other!

ASSAULT. It's all about teamwork as you and your team attack or defendgorgeously detailed bases.You'll get a clearlist of objectivesso you know exactly what to do. Seven exciting Assault environments including a high-speed train, a naval frigate, a futuristic station in the ocean floor, a D-Day like beachfront attack and more!

CAPTURE THE FLAG: just like you used to play as a kid...only now you have Rocket Launchers and ASMD Shockrifles.Give orders to your bots or human teammates(e.g. hold a position, cover me, get the flag, or defend).

DEFEND: Online or off, with bots or humans, this is adrenalized 3D action at its most pure. Taunt your opponents and cheer your team at the click of the mouse or by typing on a keyboard.

Spine-rattling action online or off. Team games can include any combination of bots or humans.Network or Internet games can be configured to start off with bots and remove them one by one as human opponents join in to ensure the action never stops. "Mutators" allow you to customize games to your own fragadelic taste! Whether you have 5 minutes to play or 5 hours...it's never the same game twice!Comprehensive tutorial levels.Never played a multiplayer game before? Too intimidated to go online? No problem. Every game type comes complete with a voice-narrated Tutorial Level to ensure you know what to do before you begin your blood ascent of the Tournament Ladder.

Single player modestarts you off customizing yourself and your bot team from one of300 possible combinations of skins, models, and skill levels.You and your team must fight your way through progressively harder competitions with different game types against the fiercest bots in the galaxy. Play practice sessions using any level in the game with up to 16 bots!

Rampage through50 levels with jaw-droppingly gorgeous graphics and high-resolution textures that set a new standard for 3D action games. Supports the latest 3D accelerators using Direct3D, OpenGL, Glide and S3 Textures Compression. Unreal Tournament features high-performance software rendering thatDOES NOT REQUIRE A 3D ACCELERATOR CARD.

Also includes3D audio supportusing EAX, A3D and DirectSound. A treat for your eyes and ears!

Detailed game statisticscan be viewed in your web browser after each match - whether single-player or multiplayer. See how you did against individual opponents, find your most efficient weapon, check category leaders, pick-ups utilized, and much more.Want to see how you rank against the world?Log your stats globally through NGWorldStats web site. Set your web browser to http://UT.ngworldstats.com for details.

Getting in the game is easy.The entire user interface is Windows-familiar and friendly. An Internet game is just a few mouse clicks away. Configuring Unreal Tournament to your exact personal specifications is a breeze.

More than 10 awesome weapons of destruction.Like theREDEEMER- your personal cruise missile launcher. Fire a missile and then guide it to your target through the missile's video eye. The hydraulic-poweredIMPACT HAMMERis great for pounding your enemies to mush. Try out theTRANSLOCATOR- great for telefragging opponents and teleporting to a new location. We've upped the boom factor on all the weapons to give you the maximum feel and firepower.

Shooter

Action

Systems

Platform(s)

Linux, PS2, PC, macOS, Sega Dreamcast

Released

November 30, 1999

Developer

Digital Extremes, Epic Games, Sega Studios San Francisco

Unreal Tournament is one of the most beloved and revolutionary first-person shooters. Racking up kills as the narrator commends the player at every step of the way is nothing short of an absolute blast.

The Game of the Year Edition is easily the best version of this game, featuring some amazing content and great gunplay that still holds up to this day. This fast-paced arena shooter was so popular that most people still don't think this game has been topped to this day.

19 Serious Sam 4

A Throwback To The Era Of Classic FPS Games Throwing As Many Enemies As Possible Towards A Player

• Released: September 24, 2020
• Developer: Croteam
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S

The Serious Sam series is one of the most underrated FPS franchises around, allowing players to adopt classic run-and-gun tactics as they shoot down wave upon wave of otherworldly enemies. For the longest time, players assumed that Serious Sam would end its legacy as a trilogy of games.

So, these people were pleasantly surprised to hear the announcement of a fourth game in the series. It's a great title that combines the old-school gameplay of the series with modern improvements to make for the best Serious Sam experience that longtime fans loved.

18 Bulletstorm

Encourages Stylish Combat That's As Engaging As It Gets

Bulletstorm

First-Person Shooter

Systems

Platform(s)

PS3, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC

Released

February 22, 2011

Developer(s)

People Can Fly

While Bulletstorm plays out closer to a modern military shooter than a classic '90s romp, it certainly does not hold back when it comes to creative kills. With an enjoyable over-the-top narrative that presents countless opportunities to tear enemies apart, Bulletstorm balances a decent selection of guns with an energy leash that is an absolute blast to use.

A downside to Bulletstorm is that it does not offer too great of a challenge, even at its highest difficulty. Therefore, this is one game that allows players to brutally demolish fodder enemies without the constant fear that the same will happen in reverse. Also, Duke Nukem is in some versions.

17 Devil Daggers

Fun Arena-Shooting Gameplay That Ramps Up The Challenge In Each Run

Devil Daggers

FPS

Survival Horror

Systems

OpenCritic Reviews

Top Critic Rating: 83/100 Critics Recommend: 82%

Platform(s)

PC

Released

February 18, 2016

Developer(s)

Sorath

This 2016 indie game strips down the classic FPS experience to its bare minimum. Dropped into an arena that forever fills with spawning mobs, the goal is to survive for as long as possible while taking out hundreds of enemies.

It is a simple concept that works brilliantly due to Devil Daggers' responsive and frantic gameplay. This is one of those titles that makes the basic acts of moving and shooting fun while ensuring players never have a moment's rest. Once a session is underway and a rhythm is established, Devil Daggers can be cathartic.

16 Blood

One Of The Many Games Inspired By Doom That Merged Its Frenetic Action With A Riveting Dark Fantasy Setting

Blood

First-Person Shooter

Systems

Platform(s)

PC

Released

June 20, 1997

Developer(s)

3D Realms, Monolith Productions

Anyone fond of Doom's earliest games should feel right at home with 1997's Blood, which was remastered in 2019 as Blood: Fresh Supply. Caleb is a gunslinger out for revenge against the god Tchernobog, and his quest involves plenty of gore, humor, and inventive weaponry.

Blood is one of the best shooters of the '90s, even if it never quite garnered the same reputation as Doom or Quake. As far as old-school shooters are concerned, this one is difficult to beat.

15 Hard Reset

Relentless Action Where Maintaining A Fast Pace Is Critical To One's Success

• Released: September 13, 2011
• Developer: Flying Wild Hog
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

Sometimes, there is nothing more satisfying than ceaseless carnage. Hard Reset does not pretend to be anything sophisticated or deep; the point is to simply destroy everything that moves en route to the end of a level. This proves to be rather difficult to accomplish as Hard Reset eventually begins to throw full armies at the player, crafting an energetic symphony of explosions, corpses, and electricity.

Hard Reset features a unique upgrade system revolving around two weapons, although everything else screams "'90s shooter."