Some games just know how to give that much-needed adrenaline kick. These run-and-gun titles feature fast-paced gameplay generally accompanied by a healthy dose of ranged combat, making for a hectic and great time. It was a genre that was mainly dominant in the golden years of gaming before modern innovations led to other genres taking over the limelight.
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However, a wave of indie gaming and expanding ideas means that run-and-gun gameplay is making a comeback once again. Players need only check out the following modern games on this list to see how these games have evolved and how they will continue to make a name for themselves in the industry with their exciting gameplay.
Updated on October 26, 2022, by Ritwik Mitra: With the advent of cover mechanics in most shooter titles, it's easy to see why some people might assume that running and gunning has become a thing of the past in most titles. However, that couldn't be further from the truth, with many run-and-gun titles coming out in modern times that are an absolute blast to play. The are a plethora of fantastic modern run and gun games available, with the best of the bunch mentioned below.
While Doom 3 was a great game in its own right, many people weren't huge fans of the game's slower pace. It was clear that fans wanted a proper modern entry in the Doom series, and the 2016 reboot more than satisfied players in this regard.
Running and gunning isn't just a viable strategy in Doom but downright required to survive some of the game's toughest shooting sequences. Suffice it to say, Doom (2016) is an incredible game where every single shootout is bound to send adrenaline coursing through the player with every bullet they fire.
There's been a modern trend of combining run-and-gun gameplay with rhythm mechanics. While this might seem like nothing more than a gimmick, players need only check out games like BPM: Bullets per Minute to see the true potential of this genre combination.
BPM is an excellent game where players need to time the rhythm of their gunshots with the beat to hit for the highest damage possible. Failing to adhere to the beat will lead to the player getting a lower score and misfiring their guns as well.
Speaking of run-and-gun games that incorporate rhythm-based gameplay, another title that comes to mind is Metal: Hellsinger. This short yet sweet title is one of the more recent releases on this list and is a cathartic experience that fans of fast-paced shooters will have a great time with.
Metal: Hellsinger rewards players for sticking to the beat, with the music turning into a full-blown metal orchestra when players have the best and most satisfying combos going on. It's a shame that the game is a bit too short for players to truly enjoy the entire experience.
Quake Champions was a valiant attempt by id Software to bring back the arena shooter genre that was so popular back in the day. While the game might not be a rampant success, it still accrued a pretty sizeable fanbase that loved the fast-paced nature of this title.
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The fact that Quake Champions is free to play will definitely entice more audiences to check this game out. While the game might have its fair share of issues, a few rounds of multiplayer in this game will be enough to prove why fast-paced arena shooter gameplay still has a place in the multiplayer market.
Only PlatinumGames could make something as simple as third-person shooting gameplay into a visual treat. Vanquish is one of the hardest and most rewarding games on this list, with players sliding and running all over the map as they defeat enemies.
Vanquish forces players to adhere to the run-and-gun mechanics of this title. Failing to do so will lead to a frustrating experience where players are bombarded by enemy attacks without any mode of defense over and over again.
DOOM (2016) was one of the most important FPS releases in the modern era. It showed once and for all that not every first-person shooter needed to be a gritty and realistic military shooter with bombastic set-pieces.
Instead, games should focus on their core gameplay, and both DOOM (2016) and its sequel exemplify this to a T. Eternal definitely knocks it out of the park when it comes to the gameplay improvements it brings across the board, although it might get somewhat overwhelming at times.
The art style of Cuphead is the first thing that players will notice about this amazing game. Of course, it'll only take a few levels for players to realize that this game will be anything but easy.
Cuphead is a rigorous run-and-gun title that will keep players on their toes every step of the way. Players need to quickly learn the mechanics of Cuphead; otherwise, they might find themselves getting frustrated more often than not.
Furi isn't a run-and-gun per se, but the sheer amount of dodging and shooting that happens in the game makes it a worthier option for this list than others. This ranged combat, coupled with some amazing swordplay, makes for one of the best indie action games of all time.
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Furi might seem like nothing more than a boss rush, but it's the act of learning how the boss works and adapting to their strategies that make this game so special. It's a brilliant experience that's short yet sweet, with Furier Mode adding a massive helping of increased challenge to make players struggle all over again.
My Friend Pedro is a short yet sweet indie game that is a ton of fun to play. Controlling an acrobatic and stylish maniac as he shoots his way through some amazing levels never ceases to be entertaining.
The game is genuinely a blast to play through... quite literally at times! The title's levels feel grounded in reality until an amazing ending catapults the ridiculousness of this game to the very stratosphere.
The reboot of Shadow Warrior has always gone under the light with each release. However, hardcore fans of run-and-gun first-person shooters know what this game is all about.
Shadow Warrior doesn't need a great story or amazing visuals — the combat speaks for itself instead. The entire experience is an adrenaline joyride that never lets up at any step of the way.
The new Wolfenstein reboot was another great revival of a classic FPS that deserved its time in the limelight once again. While most people are split down the line when it comes to The New Colossus, the first game in this reboot was universally acclaimed by critics and fans alike.
The gameplay of The New Order was a ton of fun, and it helped that the story was told brilliantly as well. It's a great title and an amazing way to jump into another great series.
Ghosts 'n Goblins is a classic run-and-gun title that was legendary for its high difficulty and endearing charm. After a long time in the shadows, a new title was revealed in the series that took everyone by surprise.
Ghosts 'n Goblins Resurrection is a fitting entry in the series...and an extremely challenging one at that. Players need to master the mechanics of the game before even thinking about playing this tough game.
Roguelike games have become all the rage in the indie scene. The sheer number of ways developers have added a unique spin to this kind of game is simply incredible.
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Enter the Gungeon is one such title that deserves all the praise in the world. It's an incredible title that players will have a great time with due to its amazing art style, fast-paced combat, and satisfying sense of progression.
It's a shame that Bulletstorm went under the radar when it was released for the first time. The game's fast-paced combat and addictive points system made each combat encounter absolutely brilliant.
With the Full Clip edition, more people could get into this title and understand why Bulletstorm was such a unique and engaging shooter. It wouldn't be a stretch to say that a sequel for this game is bound to raise a few eyebrows.
Earthworm Jim is a classic run-and-gun title that players adored for its charming art style and tough combat. While this is more of a remaster, the sheer amount of love put into this re-release should be appreciated.
Fans who haven't experienced the goodness of this game now have the best game to start off from. The mechanics might be dated, but the game's unique vibe is still palpable even today.
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