The first-person shooter genre has always been synonymous with bullets, explosions, and military chaos, but not every FPS needs a gun to be fun. Some of the most creative and memorable first-person experiences have ditched traditional firearms entirely, focusing instead on melee combat, magic, and movement-based mechanics that challenge the conventions of what an FPS can be.
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Across a range of settings, times, and styles, there are quite a few great games out there that prove that guns aren't integral to the FPS experience. From prehistoric adventures that send players back to the Stone Age to pixelated fortresses full of magic and demons, for players looking for something a bit different, the gaming world has plenty of titles to scratch that itch.
Far Cry Primal
Going Back To A Simpler Time
Far Cry Primal
- Released
- February 23, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Sexual Content
- Developer(s)
- Ubisoft Montreal
- Genre(s)
- Open-World, Action
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Far Cry Primal takes the open-world chaos of Ubisoft’s shooter series and drops it 12,000 years into the past. Gone are the assault rifles and grenades, and in their place are spears, bows, and primitive clubs. Players take on the role of Takkar, a hunter struggling to unite tribes and survive in a brutal world dominated by mammoths, sabertooths, and rival clans.
Combat is visceral and personal, demanding precision, timing, and resourcefulness instead of modern weaponry. With its hunting mechanics, survival elements, and dynamic wildlife, the game demonstrates that even with some sticks and stones, the first-person combat can be just as satisfying.
Ghostrunner 2
Speed Is Everything
Ghostrunner 2
- Released
- October 26, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Strong Language, Intense Violence
- Developer(s)
- One More Level
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Ghostrunner 2 is a lightning-fast blend of parkour and melee combat set in a neon-drenched cyberpunk world. Players embody a cybernetic assassin armed only with a katana, slicing through enemies in one-hit kills while dodging bullets with acrobatic speed.
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Rather than relying on firepower, the game rewards mastery of momentum, precision, and timing. Every encounter becomes a puzzle of movement and reaction, where agility replaces ammunition, and the combination of first-person platforming and razor-sharp combat makes the game feel like a non-stop adrenaline ride that players will never want to end.
Ghostwire: Tokyo
Blending Horror With Intense Action
Ghostwire: Tokyo
- Released
- March 25, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Tango Gameworks
- Platform(s)
- PS5, PC, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
In Ghostwire: Tokyo, firearms are replaced by the mystical art of Ethereal Weaving, allowing players to wield elemental forces through intricate hand gestures. Set in a haunted version of Tokyo where spirits roam the empty streets, combat feels like a choreographed dance of magic and movement, with every frame looking like a scene from a blockbuster movie.
Each elemental attack, whether wind, fire, or water, serves a distinct purpose, encouraging fluid, tactical play from start to finish. Combined with its atmospheric storytelling and eerie world design, Ghostwire proves that FPS combat can be just as thrilling when powered by the supernatural instead of gunpowder.
Immortals of Aveum
Stylish Spells And Abilities Galore
Immortals of Aveum
- Released
- August 22, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ due to Blood, Strong Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Ascendant Studios
- Genre(s)
- FPS
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- OpenCritic Rating
- Fair
Immortals of Aveum replaces bullets with magic, turning the first-person shooter idea into a spellcasting spectacle. Players take on the role of Jak, a battlemage fighting in a sprawling magical war where glowing sigils and elemental projectiles become the player's main weapon against the dark forces that threaten the world.
The combat system is built on fast-paced, color-coded magic types, each acting like a different kind of gun, yet maintaining the identity of traditional sorcery. The result is a dazzling blend of action and visual flair that delivers the excitement of an FPS through the power of arcane energy.
Wizordum
Trading Rifles For Staffs
Wizordum
- Released
- November 29, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
Wizordum is a love letter to classic ‘90s shooters like Doom and Heretic, but instead of guns, it arms players with wands, staves, and elemental spells. Every level is a maze of secrets, monsters, and fast-paced combat, wrapped in nostalgic pixel art and thundering sound design.
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It captures the essence of old-school FPS gameplay while replacing military grit with magical chaos. Whether blasting skeletons with fireballs or summoning protective shields, the game manages to prove that classic shooter design can thrive without a single firearm in sight.
Heretic + Hexen
The Original Fantasy Boomer Shooters
Heretic + Hexen
- Released
- August 7, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen // Blood and Gore, Violence
- Developer(s)
- id Software, NightDive Studios
- Platform(s)
- PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
Long before modern graphics, Heretic and Hexen pioneered the concept of a magic-based first-person shooter. Now with a long-awaited revival, these games trade guns for wands, tomes, and otherworldly relics, immersing players in gothic realms filled with monsters and mystery that truly transport players to a different time.
The spell-based combat and dark fantasy atmosphere feel distinctive in such a saturated genre, capturing players with their satisfying mechanics and unique visuals. And despite appearing dated compared to other modern titles, the gameplay still feels crisp and punchy, giving players just as much enjoyment as any other shooter out there.
Mage Arena
Hilarious Magical Warfare
Mage Arena
- Released
- July 24, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
Mage Arena distills the chaos of classic arena shooters into a battle of arcane mastery. Players duel across magical battlegrounds using elemental projectiles, teleportation, and defensive wards, all using nothing but their voices, which creates a hilarious blend of laughter and panic for players on all sides.
Half the battle is getting the hang of throwing the spells, as one slight mispronunciation could lead to the player losing their lives. The simplistic design and warm community feel make the game so inviting yet deeply compelling for both hardcore FPS fans and multiplayer lovers alike.
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