6 Best FPS Single Player Campaigns, Ranked

First-person shooters have a long history, dating back to the 1970s. Over time, the genre has grown massively, and many fantastic game series have emerged. While early FPS games often focused on single-player stories, many modern titles prioritize multiplayer because it’s more profitable and popular with players. This has led to single-player campaigns becoming less common. However, some FPS games still offer excellent, immersive single-player experiences. We’ve compiled a list of the top six best single-player campaigns, focusing solely on traditional first-person shooters – we didn’t include action-RPG series like Fallout. We selected what we consider the very best campaign from each franchise to create this list.

6) Titanfall 2 (2016)

The original Titanfall focused solely on multiplayer, but Titanfall 2 included a single-player campaign that was highly praised. While not a lengthy game, the campaign was engaging and featured excellent gameplay. It went beyond simply controlling a giant mech by creating memorable characters and relationships. The story took inspiration from games like Half-Life and the buddy-cop movie genre. Both the game and its campaign were widely acclaimed for their quality and design, earning Titanfall 2 several nominations for Game of the Year awards.

5) Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus (2017)

In Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus, players return to an alternate history where the Nazis won World War II, continuing the story from The New Order. Set in a 1961 America under Nazi control, you play as William “B.J.” Blazkowicz, battling against the oppressive regime. This sequel improves on the original in every way, offering a strong single-player experience. Unusually, the developers chose not to include any multiplayer modes, believing it would detract from the game’s narrative and ensure a focused, immersive adventure for all players.

4) Half-Life 2 (2004)

The Half-Life series began in 1998 and was followed by Half-Life 2, a game often hailed as one of the best first-person shooters ever created. It took five years to develop because Valve was also building its new Source game engine, and the effort paid off, resulting in a strong contender for the greatest game of all time. Released in 2004, Half-Life 2 won almost 40 “Game of the Year” awards, cementing Valve’s status as a leader in the FPS genre. The game focuses solely on its story, though the Half-Life 2: Deathmatch expansion adds multiplayer gameplay using elements from the original game.

3) Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007)

The Call of Duty series is known for its strong single-player campaigns, and Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare is a standout title. This fourth installment marked a shift for the franchise, moving away from World War II to focus on contemporary conflicts. The campaign expertly weaves together multiple characters’ perspectives, showing interconnected stories unfolding at the same time. It’s a thrilling and well-crafted experience that set the stage for many of the series’ future features.

2) Halo: Combat Evolved (2001)

The release of Halo: Combat Evolved with the original Xbox started a huge and ongoing gaming franchise. Each Halo game features a unique story of battling aliens and the Flood across the galaxy, but the first one is often considered the best. It expertly establishes the world and its mysteries with a compelling story, and it’s a game you can play again and again. While the multiplayer is great, the single-player campaign of Halo: Combat Evolved is what truly makes it one of the most memorable campaigns ever created.

1) BioShock (2007)

Fans of the BioShock series all have their preferences, with multiple games to choose from. However, many consider the original BioShock to be the strongest, as it laid the foundation for everything that followed with its compelling story and distinctive setting. It’s a truly remarkable game, combining horror and survival elements into a captivating first-person shooter with a consistently suspenseful atmosphere. The narrative is so cinematic it’s currently being adapted into a movie. Even years after its 2007 release, BioShock remains enjoyable thanks to its incredibly well-crafted and engaging story.

What’s the best single-player first-person shooter campaign you’ve ever played? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-01-08 17:12