The “Halo” franchise has been a staple on Microsoft’s gaming platforms since 2001 and the series’ inaugural title, “Halo: Combat Evolved.” Initially developed by Bungie, the main series features first-person shooter gameplay backed by a memorably epic science fiction premise and aesthetics. The game’s real appeal lies in its multiplayer modes, from cooperative versions of its story campaigns to its competitive deathmatches and online matchmaking. Simply put, “Halo” is one of those sci-fi video games everyone needs to play, at least for the standout entries in the series.
For fans who have beaten every “Halo” campaign multiple times, mastered the multiplayer modes, and even played the spin-offs like “Halo Wars,” there are plenty of similar games out there. Today we’re recommending other first-person shooters that bring the explosive action, both in single-player and multiplayer. These games also have a prominent science fiction aesthetic, setting the scene for the fun-filled carnage to unfold. These are the five best video games like “Halo” that first-person sci-fi shooter fans should check out next.
Star Wars: Republic Commando
“Star Wars” has a robust history of first-person shooters, from its early days with “Dark Forces” to more modern fare like “Battlefront.” But the game in the iconic space opera franchise that aligns the closest to “Halo” is the 2005 tactical shooter “Star Wars: Republic Commando.” Set during the Clone Wars, the game follows a four-person squad as they battle Separatists for the fate of the galaxy. The original version of “Republic Commando” featured competitive online multiplayer modes, while modern re-releases keep the experience strictly single-player.
“Star Wars: Republic Commando” isn’t afraid to get down and dirty with its source material, as its main squad ventures into dark and claustrophobic areas to carry out their missions. The enemy types also feature a robust variety, something that similarly evokes the more tense sequences within “Halo.” While there were some who expected that a “Star Wars: Republic Commando” remake would never happen, the game did receive a remaster for modern platforms in 2021. That means “Republic Commando” is more readily available than ever, waiting for a new generation to experience it or old fans to revisit the title.
Crysis
One of the most visually stunning first-person shooters for its time was “Crysis,” which began in 2007. The game follows a group of elite American soldiers as they are dispatched on a recovery and rescue mission on remote islands in the Pacific seized by the North Koreans. This unit stumbles across an extraterrestrial conspiracy that puts a seemingly routine mission in otherworldly territory. The American soldiers, including the protagonist, benefit from wearing advanced exosuits, not unlike the Spartans in “Halo.”
“Crysis” features an objective-oriented campaign with wide linear levels, but also the usual multiplayer modes so others can get in on the fun. It spawned an entire franchise for its developer Crytek, forming an extensive “Crysis” timeline as the sci-fi action escalated considerably. Crytek would completely remaster the game for modern platforms in 2020, making it look and feel even better. A series worth checking out from its beginning, “Crysis” is certainly one of the best-looking first-person shooters around and backs up its visuals with entertaining action.
Titanfall 2
While the original “Titanfall” lacked an offline campaign mode, its 2016 sequel added this fan-favorite component while significantly refining the multiplayer gameplay. Developed by Respawn Entertainment, “Titanfall 2” continues the sci-fi story of militia on the cosmic frontier battling a powerful megacorporation. The conflict is marked by pilots leaping in and out of mechs, with their upgraded arsenals capable of turning the tide of battle. In addition to its solo story campaign, “Titanfall 2” also adds to the multiplayer modes available to gamers as they square off online.
Upon its initial release, “Titanfall 2” was a complete flop despite being a great game and superior to its predecessor. Since then, the game has become something of a cult classic, boasting a vocally loyal fanbase in the decade since its launch. The inclusion of a story mode campaign really goes a long way in connecting “Titanfall 2” to “Halo,” along with its frenetic combat system. Definitely worth another look, “Titanfall 2” deserves far more attention and a deeper appreciation than it originally received.
Destiny 2
After it parted ways with Microsoft following the release of “Halo: Reach,” Bungie went on to create a new sci-fi first-person shooter franchise with “Destiny” in 2014. This was followed up by the sequel “Destiny 2” in 2017, doubling down on the live-service online experience of the game. Set in a distant future as humanity battles extraterrestrial enemies trying to eradicate them, the game has players team up with small squads on missions around the cosmos. Players can also go head-to-head against each other in 3v3 and 6v6 team-based competitive modes using a variety of sci-fi weapons and abilities.
The future of Bungie beyond “Destiny 2” still a bit murky, but the 2017 sequel does feel like a major improvement compared to its predecessor. Moreover, the sequel proves that Bungie can still provide fans with vibrant sci-fi worlds and, of course, loads of tight first-person shooter action. As live-service games have begun to struggle in recent years, “Destiny 2” lost 91% of its playerbase compared to its peak, signaling the end of its era. But regardless of its online presence and the lack of plans for new content, the game is still worth playing nearly a decade later.
Splitgate: Arena Reloaded
Also known as “Splitgate 2,” “Splitgate: Arena Reloaded” ups the ante on its first-person shooter multiplayer mayhem. The game mixes the usual online multiplayer action with its core mechanic of letting players open portals around the map. These portals both offer passages for players but also avenues that players can shoot through as another vantage point. The game offers a variety of multiplayer modes, from the usual deathmatch to a 60-person battle royale mode that gives “Fortnite” a run for its money.
“Splitgate: Arena Reloaded” feels like a cross between the multiplayer modes in “Halo” and the space-bending mechanics of “Portal.” The 2025 game refines the gameplay that its 2019 predecessor provided, especially its signature portal mechanics. Initially venturing into hero shooter territory, the game returned to a more conventional arena shooter presentation following a relaunch six months after its debut. While the game’s primary online servers have since been shut down, the game is still playable via peer-to-peer interfaces and worth a look if you’re a “Halo” fan.
